View Full Version : Balloon bust !!
refeik
06-02-2019, 08:49 PM
Two articles recently have been published regarding how bad the hot air balloon event was conducted. The first lady talked of the total chaos she encountered. She arrived at 6:30 AM Friday, to watch the balloons arrive. Olly one showed up. She couldn't but a simple cup of coffee because the vendors did not open until 11:30.mShesaid, never again will she attend this event in the Villages.
Now for the second issue that concerns me greatly. A Villages resident said he was driving his golf cart on the Buena Vista cart path and decided to pull off onto the grass to join other who had done the same, to watch some of the activities at the polo fields. In just moments a Sumter Deputy drove his patrol car onto the grass shoulder and ordered him to leave. The deputy then drove his car onto the cart path and drove along the path ordering everyone to leave. MY QUESTION IS, Sheriff Farmer, does your Deputies have authorization to control golf carts that are along the cart paths which are not a part of the street ??? Was this possibly an act of bulling by one of your people ??
luperona9
06-02-2019, 08:51 PM
Two articles recently have been published regarding how bad the hot air balloon event was conducted. The first lady talked of the total chaos she encountered. She arrived at 6:30 AM Friday, to watch the balloons arrive. Olly one showed up. She couldn't but a simple cup of coffee because the vendors did not open until 11:30.mShesaid, never again will she attend this event in the Villages.
Now for the second issue that concerns me greatly. A Villages resident said he was driving his golf cart on the Buena Vista cart path and decided to pull off onto the grass to join other who had done the same, to watch some of the activities at the polo fields. In just moments a Sumter Deputy drove his patrol car onto the grass shoulder and ordered him to leave. The deputy then drove his car onto the cart path and drove along the path ordering everyone to leave. MY QUESTION IS, Sheriff Farmer, does your Deputies have authorization to control golf carts that are along the cart paths which are not a part of the street ??? Was this possibly an act of bulling by one of your people ??Absolutely. People should have asked exactly what code is being violated and how they have jurisdiction.
ColdNoMore
06-02-2019, 09:23 PM
Being told that you aren't allowed to pull off of the MMP and park (out of the way of carts using the path, of course)?
Seriously?
The same MMP's that have permanent benches...to do exactly that? :oops:
I'm guessing that like a lot of other events where the police work off hours and are allowed to use their cop cars, this cop was told by the balloon organizers to try and stop anyone who might glimpse anything that looks like a flame, without paying...even from across the street. :ohdear:
Unless there's a LOT more to this story that isn't being told...it's a huge abuse of power.
twoplanekid
06-02-2019, 10:11 PM
The weather, which can’t be controlled, created the greatest problem for this event. It was too hot and too windy. That’s not to say the event could not be improved.
No public events were to take place before 1pm Friday!
When I departed the Balloon festival on Saturday night while the glow was going on, I saw many golf carts lined up in the dark along the golf cart path on Buena Vista.
On Sunday, the balloon glow took place on the other polo field east of the pavilion. The sprinkler system was watering the other field. We vendors preferred this east field location as it was closer to our displays/tents to keep people near us.
mixsonci
06-03-2019, 01:16 AM
I stayed away this year because I went to it last year, and I"M NOT KIDDING, it took us 1 hour to get from 466 to the Polo Fields on Buena Vista. I guess they weren't expecting such a big crowd, rude drivers were pulling into the left hand lane on BV and trying to cut people off at the entrance going in to the Polo Field that were correctly waiting in the right hand lane, it was a mess. Finally, someone came out to direct traffic and stop people from entering from the left hand lane but by then we had waiting about an hour.
Bay Kid
06-03-2019, 05:59 AM
I stayed away this year because I went to it last year, and I"M NOT KIDDING, it took us 1 hour to get from 466 to the Polo Fields on Buena Vista. I guess they weren't expecting such a big crowd, rude drivers were pulling into the left hand lane on BV and trying to cut people off at the entrance going in to the Polo Field that were correctly waiting in the right hand lane, it was a mess. Finally, someone came out to direct traffic and stop people from entering from the left hand lane but by then we had waiting about an hour.
Those darn snowbirds.
Rango
06-03-2019, 06:50 AM
Those darn snowbirds.
:bigbow:
charmed59
06-03-2019, 07:36 AM
We went on Friday evening. Though the weather meant there was no competition, they did do the glow, and it was beautiful. The organizers couldn’t control the weather, but did a great job with the food and drink choices. I think it was smart Sunday to move the glow to the fields with the vendors. That also meant watching the activities didn’t require staring into the sun. I’d go again next year.
Villageswimmer
06-03-2019, 07:46 AM
Two articles recently have been published regarding how bad the hot air balloon event was conducted. The first lady talked of the total chaos she encountered. She arrived at 6:30 AM Friday, to watch the balloons arrive. Olly one showed up. She couldn't but a simple cup of coffee because the vendors did not open until 11:30.mShesaid, never again will she attend this event in the Villages.
Now for the second issue that concerns me greatly. A Villages resident said he was driving his golf cart on the Buena Vista cart path and decided to pull off onto the grass to join other who had done the same, to watch some of the activities at the polo fields. In just moments a Sumter Deputy drove his patrol car onto the grass shoulder and ordered him to leave. The deputy then drove his car onto the cart path and drove along the path ordering everyone to leave. MY QUESTION IS, Sheriff Farmer, does your Deputies have authorization to control golf carts that are along the cart paths which are not a part of the street ??? Was this possibly an act of bulling by one of your people ??
Do you plan to contact Sheriff Farmer directly to ask this question?
luperona9
06-03-2019, 07:47 AM
Do you plan to contact Sheriff Farmer directly to ask this question?True I am lazy.
Does anyone have a link so we can email the sheriff?
We should all.
gatorbill1
06-03-2019, 08:04 AM
True I am lazy.
Does anyone have a link so we can email the sheriff?
We should all.
The best way to stop this harassment is in the next ballot box that has Sherrif Farmer on it. If he can't control his own officers, who can he control?
Villageswimmer
06-03-2019, 08:12 AM
With all due respect, that’s a cop out. A person with firsthand knowledge of what happened (not hearsay) needs to contact Sheriff and explain what they saw. Maybe he’s unaware. Who knows? If he authorized this, he needs to explain and know that his deputies are being watched and questioned. Taxpayers deserve an answer if Sheriff’s office is overstepping boundaries. Nothing positive will come from griping on an Internet board.
luperona9
06-03-2019, 08:26 AM
With all due respect, that’s a cop out. A person with firsthand knowledge of what happened (not hearsay) needs to contact Sheriff and explain what they saw. Maybe he’s unaware. Who knows? If he authorized this, he needs to explain and know that his deputies are being watched and questioned. Taxpayers deserve an answer if Sheriff’s office is overstepping boundaries. Nothing positive will come from griping on an Internet board.One person contacting the sheriff's office can be brushed off.
Serveral or many will result in the sherrif telling his officers not to let it happen again.
EdFNJ
06-03-2019, 09:01 AM
Right or wrong it's quite possible (probable?) this action was requested by TPTB possibly after someone complained about too many "free peeks".
mkolbe
06-03-2019, 09:19 AM
We bought VIP tickets for the Balloon Festival - $250 each. We were sent tickets & info in the mail. But we did not get a VIP car pass so we had to fight with the parking person each time we entered the VIP area. We were assured that there would be shuttle service from our car to the VIP tent. Not true. My husband has difficulty walking distances and that is why we bought VIP tickets. I had to flag down a garbage cart for a ride for my husband. One volunteer used her own golf cart to help my husband. Every volunteer was friendly & helpful but they were clueless about where things were and what was going on. The VIP tent & food -- excellent! However we never knew when lunch or dinner was being served. I didn't know until Sunday evening that the VIP had a special bathroom as there was no sign on the trailer. The bathrooms were BEAUTIFUL and clean. The VIP tickets did not include drinks. I should think for $250 PER PERSON we'd get a voucher for 2 or 3 drinks. We even had to pay for soft drinks and water. The bands played too loud constantly and there was no variety of music. How about some 50's songs?
Bogie Shooter
06-03-2019, 11:51 AM
I stayed away this year because I went to it last year, and I"M NOT KIDDING, it took us 1 hour to get from 466 to the Polo Fields on Buena Vista. I guess they weren't expecting such a big crowd, rude drivers were pulling into the left hand lane on BV and trying to cut people off at the entrance going in to the Polo Field that were correctly waiting in the right hand lane, it was a mess. Finally, someone came out to direct traffic and stop people from entering from the left hand lane but by then we had waiting about an hour.
Key point....last year.
Bogie Shooter
06-03-2019, 12:01 PM
Two articles recently have been published regarding how bad the hot air balloon event was conducted. The first lady talked of the total chaos she encountered. She arrived at 6:30 AM Friday, to watch the balloons arrive. Olly one showed up. She couldn't but a simple cup of coffee because the vendors did not open until 11:30.mShesaid, never again will she attend this event in the Villages.
Now for the second issue that concerns me greatly. A Villages resident said he was driving his golf cart on the Buena Vista cart path and decided to pull off onto the grass to join other who had done the same, to watch some of the activities at the polo fields. In just moments a Sumter Deputy drove his patrol car onto the grass shoulder and ordered him to leave. The deputy then drove his car onto the cart path and drove along the path ordering everyone to leave. MY QUESTION IS, Sheriff Farmer, does your Deputies have authorization to control golf carts that are along the cart paths which are not a part of the street ??? Was this possibly an act of bulling by one of your people ??
Do you plan to contact Sheriff Farmer directly to ask this question?
True I am lazy.
Does anyone have a link so we can email the sheriff?
We should all.
Welcome to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office Website (http://sumtercountysheriff.org/index.php)
Fredman
06-03-2019, 02:54 PM
Two articles recently have been published regarding how bad the hot air balloon event was conducted. The first lady talked of the total chaos she encountered. She arrived at 6:30 AM Friday, to watch the balloons arrive. Olly one showed up. She couldn't but a simple cup of coffee because the vendors did not open until 11:30.mShesaid, never again will she attend this event in the Villages.
Now for the second issue that concerns me greatly. A Villages resident said he was driving his golf cart on the Buena Vista cart path and decided to pull off onto the grass to join other who had done the same, to watch some of the activities at the polo fields. In just moments a Sumter Deputy drove his patrol car onto the grass shoulder and ordered him to leave. The deputy then drove his car onto the cart path and drove along the path ordering everyone to leave. MY QUESTION IS, Sheriff Farmer, does your Deputies have authorization to control golf carts that are along the cart paths which are not a part of the street ??? Was this possibly an act of bulling by one of your people ??.
Yes they do have authorization. If there is a golf cart accident on the mmp who do you think investigates and press charges.
New Englander
06-03-2019, 03:59 PM
.
Yes they do have authorization. If there is a golf cart accident on the mmp who do you think investigates and press charges.
Da Police, that's who!
justjim
06-03-2019, 04:38 PM
Those darn snowbirds.
:ohdear: Yep, have to blame the snowbirds for anything that is a mess. :1rotfl:
EdFNJ
06-03-2019, 05:25 PM
Being told that you aren't allowed to pull off of the MMP and park (out of the way of carts using the path, of course)?
Seriously?
The same MMP's that have permanent benches...to do exactly that? :oops:
-<clip>-
Are you saying the permanent benches were put there for golf cart drivers to park and rest? I thought they were for people walking/running/biking/walking dogs or cats who want to sit down and relax and look at the view.
If that's the case they should put charging stations at each bench for us electric cart drivers. :D
Marathon Man
06-03-2019, 07:15 PM
One person contacting the sheriff's office can be brushed off.
Serveral or many will result in the sherrif telling his officers not to let it happen again.
A group of carts parked along the MMP in the grass. Why should we believe that this should not be adressed again in the future.
ColdNoMore
06-03-2019, 07:39 PM
Are you saying the permanent benches were put there for golf cart drivers to park and rest? I thought they were for people walking/running/biking/walking dogs or cats who want to sit down and relax and look at the view.They are there for all the above.
Have yet to see any signs saying; "Reserved for...."
If that's the case they should put charging stations at each bench for us electric cart drivers. :D
And gas pumps/air compressors/windshield squeegees/Etc./Etc. :D
refeik
06-03-2019, 09:27 PM
With all due respect, that’s a cop out. A person with firsthand knowledge of what happened (not hearsay) needs to contact Sheriff and explain what they saw. Maybe he’s unaware. Who knows? If he authorized this, he needs to explain and know that his deputies are being watched and questioned. Taxpayers deserve an answer if Sheriff’s office is overstepping boundaries. Nothing positive will come from griping on an Internet board.
I posted the original comments. I was not a party to the issue but I did post the experience of two persons who actually shared their experience. Both letters were signed by name. The person who shared the deputy making everyone move from the grass along the cart path stated he is a Villages resident and was one of those directed to move along.
refeik
06-03-2019, 09:34 PM
.
Yes they do have authorization. If there is a golf cart accident on the mmp who do you think investigates and press charges.
Wait a minute. There was no accident so that isn't a question.. So why is it that Cops cannot give you a speeding ticket for driver on the non street cart paths. We residents own these golf cart paths, it is private property. There are benches in these grassy areas for people who would like to take a break and sit awhile.
EdFNJ
06-03-2019, 09:38 PM
They are there for all the above. While I do not think any law was broken WRT golf carts specifically I honestly don't think the grass along the MMP was ever intended as a parking lot for golf carts. For a quick stop for an "emergency" like to check a map or answer a call or maybe even make a U-turn possibly but not for parking dozens of carts. As for whether local PD had or has authority to chase people away if it was given to them by TPTB in that specific circumstance they likely would. I honestly don't believe it was ever "officially" intended for golf cart PARKING. For one thing, eventually a lot of use would destroy the grass near those rest stops, I mean benches. ;)
Zeldaq
06-04-2019, 06:28 AM
Was balloon fest ok on Saturday?
refeik
06-04-2019, 06:42 AM
They are there for all the above.
Have yet to see any signs saying; "Reserved for...." [/SIZE]
And gas pumps/air compressors/windshield squeegees/Etc./Etc. :D
Do you see humor in this problem ???
refeik
06-04-2019, 06:44 AM
While I do not think any law was broken WRT golf carts specifically I honestly don't think the grass along the MMP was ever intended as a parking lot for golf carts. For a quick stop for an "emergency" like to check a map or answer a call or maybe even make a U-turn possibly but not for parking dozens of carts. As for whether local PD had or has authority to chase people away if it was given to them by TPTB in that specific circumstance they likely would. I honestly don't believe it was ever "officially" intended for golf cart PARKING. For one thing, eventually a lot of use would destroy the grass near those rest stops, I mean benches. ;)
Get real, this was not being used as a parking lot. It was a one time happening that probably would have occurred for just minutes.
ColdNoMore
06-04-2019, 07:35 AM
Do you see humor in this problem ???
Excuse me?
Please take the time to read ALL of my posts (particularly post #3)...in this thread. :oops:
The "humor" was simply in response to providing plug-ins for electric carts (ridiculous of course)...at the benches on the MMP's. :oops:
EnglishJW
06-04-2019, 09:30 AM
:bigbow:Those darn snowbirds.
EdFNJ
06-04-2019, 11:34 AM
Get real, this was not being used as a parking lot. It was a one time happening that probably would have occurred for just minutes. Since you were not there and read it on the internet you really have no idea how long (or how many) were parked there. Just because someone said it on the internet does not make it accurate. If it was "just minutes" the carts would have been gone before the gendarme actually arrived. The intent was obviously to watch the show from outside. OBVIOUSLY someone called in the swat team with a complaint and if they were given permission by TPTB then they did nothing (legally) wrong. If they just did it on their own volition then they should answer for it. Personally I think it was a dumb move but the question was not whether it was dumb or smart but how they decided to do it. If they were given "official" permission they did nothing wrong whether anyone liked it or not.
refeik
06-04-2019, 12:12 PM
Since you were not there and read it on the internet you really have no idea how long (or how many) were parked there. Just because someone said it on the internet does not make it accurate. If it was "just minutes" the carts would have been gone before the gendarme actually arrived. The intent was obviously to watch the show from outside. OBVIOUSLY someone called in the swat team with a complaint and if they were given permission by TPTB then they did nothing (legally) wrong. If they just did it on their own volition then they should answer for it. Personally I think it was a dumb move but the question was not whether it was dumb or smart but how they decided to do it. If they were given "official" permission they did nothing wrong whether anyone liked it or not.
You continue to miss the point a bit. The gentleman who was made to move along wrote his experience in a local letter. I wish I remember where it was published. My point of forwarding his issue was to point out something obvious, The sheriff's department in my research has no authority over golf cart paths that are on private property. For example, let's suppose some of the residents came out into their backyards, sat down in a lawn chair and proceeded to look toward the polo fields. Do the deputies have the authority to bully these folk and make them go inside their homes. It is all about private property.
OrangeBlossomBaby
06-04-2019, 01:58 PM
You continue to miss the point a bit. The gentleman who was made to move along wrote his experience in a local letter. I wish I remember where it was published. My point of forwarding his issue was to point out something obvious, The sheriff's department in my research has no authority over golf cart paths that are on private property. For example, let's suppose some of the residents came out into their backyards, sat down in a lawn chair and proceeded to look toward the polo fields. Do the deputies have the authority to bully these folk and make them go inside their homes. It is all about private property.
Not "all about" private property. It's more a matter of local ordinances. I don't know what those ordinances are, haven't looked them up.
But you can be sure that if someone commits an actual crime on one of those golf cart paths, it absolutely positively falls under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's office. Murders, robbery, assault, battery, theft, shooting up illegal substances, are all fair game for the police to handle if it's brought to their attention.
No idea what, if any, authority they'd have over golf carts lining up on the side of the golf cart path to watch an event for free, that others paid for the privilege of watching. But to say "it's all about private property" is inaccurate.
Marathon Man
06-04-2019, 02:16 PM
You continue to miss the point a bit. The gentleman who was made to move along wrote his experience in a local letter. I wish I remember where it was published. My point of forwarding his issue was to point out something obvious, The sheriff's department in my research has no authority over golf cart paths that are on private property. For example, let's suppose some of the residents came out into their backyards, sat down in a lawn chair and proceeded to look toward the polo fields. Do the deputies have the authority to bully these folk and make them go inside their homes. It is all about private property.
No way that you should compare sitting in your back yard with sitting next to the MMP on district property.
refeik
06-04-2019, 04:01 PM
No way that you should compare sitting in your back yard with sitting next to the MMP on district property.
Why not, the owners of those multi modal pathways are you and I … Sumter County doesn't own this property, the Sheriff doesn't own these properties , you and I are the owners.
Villageswimmer
06-04-2019, 04:08 PM
Why not, the owners of those multi modal pathways are you and I … Sumter County doesn't own this property, the Sheriff doesn't own these properties , you and I are the owners.
Agree. Unless this was an unruly mob involved in illegal activities, what was the big deal? Sounds like deputies may have too much time on their hands.
ColdNoMore
06-04-2019, 05:38 PM
Agree. Unless this was an unruly mob involved in illegal activities, what was the big deal? Sounds like deputies may have too much time on their hands.
:agree:
I also would bet that the deputies were 'moonlighting' and being paid by the balloon show folks...not officially on-duty.
Sparty6971
06-04-2019, 07:04 PM
Just to throw some fly**** into the pepper, if they have this thing next year, why not just form up a line of carts and drive along the MMP - you can keep a bit of eye on what is happening over there. Get to the end of the MMP, turn around and drive back - again keeping a bit of eye on what is happening. When you get to the other end (actually not the end but as far as you want to go), turn around again (using a street off the MMP) and again head the other direction. Kind of silly? Yep, sure is. But you can't stop people from driving on the MMP. Just don't pull off and turn the grass into a parking lot and upsetting someone. Of course then we would have lots of people running into or over other people because they're paying too much attention to the balloon area rather than what might be in front of them on the MMP. Can't win. . . Oh well, guess people will just have to blow the balloon thing off and go somewhere else to have a nice day.
EdFNJ
06-04-2019, 08:03 PM
So everyone is up in arms over one person's post about a "letter" that cannot be found about something that allegedly happened of which we are hearing one person's (the alleged letter writer's) OPINION of how s/he perceived it. No one on the internet ever blows things out of proportion. :D Yea, ain't the internet wonderful.
EdFNJ
06-04-2019, 08:10 PM
Why not, the owners of those multi modal pathways are you and I … Sumter County doesn't own this property, the Sheriff doesn't own these properties , you and I are the owners.
We also "own" The White House but I can''t get a room there when we are in town and I know there are vacancies when I'll be there. My travel agent says the Lincoln Bedroom should be available but they won't let me stay. The "we own" theory sounds sweet but really has been beaten to death over the centuries and holds very little H2O. ;)
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