All the gates being knocked down........

[kcrazorbackfan]

What the heck is going on? Has the fear of Covid-19 numbed some brains to the point of no common sense?

With work, I've been out on the roads as always; it just seems like an above average amount of gates being pillaged.

[anothersteve]

Silver Lake gate, twice in two days
Steve

[davem4616]

the gates were pretty safe for awhile when everyone was staying home.....now it's open season on them again

it just baffles my mind how anyone could knock a gate down

I understand that there's about 6 or 7 cameras at each gate...so they know who you are, and the fine is something like
$250

so do they try to sneak in by tailgating the car in front of them, do they just not wait for the bar to rise high enough, do they forget that the bar doesn't automatically go up when you're coming in like it does upon exiting? or are they just drunks?

[Stu from NYC]

the gates were pretty safe for awhile when everyone was staying home.....now it's open season on them again

it just baffles my mind how anyone could knock a gate down

I understand that there's about 6 or 7 cameras at each gate...so they know who you are, and the fine is something like
$250

so do they try to sneak in by tailgating the car in front of them, do they just not wait for the bar to rise high enough, do they forget that the bar doesn't automatically go up when you're coming in like it does upon exiting? or are they just drunks?

Can stupidity be the answer?

[Two Bills]

It's the 'Sunbirds!' :icon_wink:

[SacDQ]

There is no known cure for stupid.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

They sometimes take the gates down when we're expecting high winds. It's to prevent them from breaking off and landing in someone's windshield.

[Strongel]

Vandalism or just taken down? I know people caught the virus at gas pumps, perhaps it spreads on the button?

[davem4616]

Can stupidity be the answer?



wouldn't be surprised....

[Joe C.]

Sometimes the problem is the gate mechanism (motor/sensor), and it can't be repaired immediately. So the gate is removed until the mechanism is repaired or replaced.

[Stu from NYC]

wouldn't be surprised....

or women drivers?:bigbow:

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

You know I just woke up this morning and the knocked down gates were the first thing I thought of and I’m very upset , I think I’ll call the family I’m sure it’s there fault

[DonH57]

Judging by the way some of these homemade masks are fitting you can barely see their eyes. I've almost been hit in parking lots lately but that's a given. You need the agility of a great running back to avoid these people.:shocked:

[wisbad1]

the gates were pretty safe for awhile when everyone was staying home.....now it's open season on them again

it just baffles my mind how anyone could knock a gate down

I understand that there's about 6 or 7 cameras at each gate...so they know who you are, and the fine is something like
$250

so do they try to sneak in by tailgating the car in front of them, do they just not wait for the bar to rise high enough, do they forget that the bar doesn't automatically go up when you're coming in like it does upon exiting? or are they just drunks?
Do the powers (TV) actually bill people? I’ve never heard of people paying. Maybe they should have pictures of them on Villages News, with half the story?

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

How about a scarlet letter on there forehead ?? That should fit there despicable crime

[Bogie Shooter]

Do the powers (TV) actually bill people? I’ve never heard of people paying. Maybe they should have pictures of them on Villages News, with half the story?

Here are some bad guys....
VCDD Risk Management (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Risk-Management/golf-cars-vs-gates.aspx)

[kcrazorbackfan]

Here are some bad guys....
VCDD Risk Management (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Risk-Management/golf-cars-vs-gates.aspx)

A bunch of Village Idiots.

[fishon]

When the snowbirds leave the average age of the villagers rises dramatically.
More driving mistakes occur.
Thanks snowbirds.

[Marvic 1]

Time to put up some non-breakable gates, you know the ones that destroys the car or cart....

[Two Bills]

Two or three speed ramps/humps at exits in place of gates would be better and cheaper.
.....and if you say they hurt your back, you are travelling too fast!

[wisbad1]

Here are some bad guys....
VCDD Risk Management (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Risk-Management/golf-cars-vs-gates.aspx)
So if you’re in a cart you free, think we need some kind of number on carts. You showed 5, $1000. Plus we’re paying. Not right.

[JoMar]

Do the powers (TV) actually bill people? I’ve never heard of people paying. Maybe they should have pictures of them on Villages News, with half the story?

They do.....if they can identify the driver. Harder to do when it's a golf cart.

[UpNorth]

Tough to time those gates when you're wearing a stupid mask:a040:

[Rwirish]

One car at a time. So many tailgate the car in front.

[TooColdNJ]

or women drivers?:bigbow:

Really? Women drivers? Here there’s no distinction between men and women bad drivers. As for the gates- never hit one, but I’ve noticed that some of them are blended with the landscape behind them or the blinding sun.
Or men drivers. No excuses. At 90 yo my father once told me that he closes his eyes for a few seconds at red lights!

[coconutmama]

One car at a time. So many tailgate the car in front.

Tailgating a car in front certainly happens, but is it because they are trying to sneak in without a pass? Trying to save a few seconds? Or is it because it is confusing to new folks & visitors which gate will close after each vehicle, versus gates that stay open for multiple cars? An example are the gates on Morse heading out of the Spanish Springs area across 466. Those gates going south stay up for more than one car to alleviate the traffic there

[Northerner52]

My guess they aren't seen. They are very thin and we seniors may think there is no gate there

[TOMMY D]

It's called seniors with poor driving skills be it cars or golf carts. I've seen some people getting out of their car that can just about walk and wonder how they can be driving . There are many things that can be connected with gates being taken down. Some say bigger signs are needed. How big is BIG and how bad is there ability to see. Yes the S has many meanings here. There is a fear of driving here. I know. First week here I was T BONED and rear ended while in the break down lane with my flashers on because a woman stopped dead in the middle of the highway for paper .

[bonrich]

No excuse for hitting a gate, but when they are replaced, change the profile of the gate from a round tube to a flat wider gate. Easier to see.

[Chloe Girl]

Most stupid accidents I've seen around here are caused by men, ha!ha!

[Rodneysblue]

Vandalism or just taken down? I know people caught the virus at gas pumps, perhaps it spreads on the button?
Don’t use your finger.

[RandyS]

F u n n y

[Pamelah]

Tailgating a car in front certainly happens, but is it because they are trying to sneak in without a pass? Trying to save a few seconds? Or is it because it is confusing to new folks & visitors which gate will close after each vehicle, versus gates that stay open for multiple cars? An example are the gates on Morse heading out of the Spanish Springs area across 466. Those gates going south stay up for more than one car to alleviate the traffic there
You don’t need a pass to get in. Hit the button.

[17362]

There is always alternatives with a problem in the solution departments, I always say a minimum of three. IMO, the gate problems need:
Man at every single gate that actually have security for the residents as number one-
For example a central server that is rigged to every gate for actual emergencies that allows an operator to rise and hold all gates in a FEMA emergency
2) the persons at the gates, takes down and enters all non residents purpose and house they are going to and length of stay Or work order or list of approved vendors for lawn care
3) add resident stickers On carts, a barcode, and barcode reader at gate that is registered into the system at every check point for when the need arises. And of course a person is there if they don’t have one whom is ready to take your information if you are not a resident.
The residents security should be number one concern.
These “people” will eventually get a clue and stop the non sense that has been occurring at the gates. Yes it will slow traffic but so be it. Cost and security can be leveled out.

[toeser]

What the heck is going on? Has the fear of Covid-19 numbed some brains to the point of no common sense?

With work, I've been out on the roads as always; it just seems like an above average amount of gates being pillaged.

I have a suggestion for whomever is responsible for maintaining and replacing gates. PUT ON SOME DECENT REFLECTORS. I am a multi-year resident so I know where the gates are, but at night, I frequently cannot see them until I am right on top of them. There is far better reflective material out there than that being used on the gates.

[Dlbonivich]

I just thought the really bad driving was because people stayed home do long they forgot how to drive. Do we know what a turn signal is, then use it please. A stop sign? It has been really bad this week.

[bmit16]

With all the people in The Villages that grew up in the 60's. There is a concern that the current protest would cause flashbacks. So, the gates were taken down as a precaution.

[oemsp1]

What the heck is going on? Has the fear of Covid-19 numbed some brains to the point of no common sense?

With work, I've been out on the roads as always; it just seems like an above average amount of gates being pillaged.

How bout dem Hogs! Class of 77. I was noticing the same thing with the gates.

[Denvercane]

There is no known cure for stupid.

I'm a Vietnam vet, I can fix stupid, it's just going to hurt

[rmd2]

Two or three speed ramps/humps at exits in place of gates would be better and cheaper.
.....and if you say they hurt your back, you are travelling too fast!

I lived in Montgomery County, Maryland and the speed bumps were EVERYWHERE. Yes, they hurt your back and they also ruin your car. You have to stop and barely roll over them and it's still a jolt. You don't want them here.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

There is always alternatives with a problem in the solution departments, I always say a minimum of three. IMO, the gate problems need:
Man at every single gate that actually have security for the residents as number one-
For example a central server that is rigged to every gate for actual emergencies that allows an operator to rise and hold all gates in a FEMA emergency
2) the persons at the gates, takes down and enters all non residents purpose and house they are going to and length of stay Or work order or list of approved vendors for lawn care
3) add resident stickers On carts, a barcode, and barcode reader at gate that is registered into the system at every check point for when the need arises. And of course a person is there if they don’t have one whom is ready to take your information if you are not a resident.
The residents security should be number one concern.
These “people” will eventually get a clue and stop the non sense that has been occurring at the gates. Yes it will slow traffic but so be it. Cost and security can be leveled out. you want traffic lines stretching at some gates only god knows how long , instead of an aluminum gate that goes down occasionally, I also drive a lot around here and I don’t see why you think we need drastic measures, most times the neighborhood watch guys are able to put it back up . Another case of seeing a small problem and solving it with even a bigger one

[Indydealmaker]

All of the above! Golf carts need to be identifiable.

[Bogie Shooter]

There is always alternatives with a problem in the solution departments, I always say a minimum of three. IMO, the gate problems need:
Man at every single gate that actually have security for the residents as number one-
For example a central server that is rigged to every gate for actual emergencies that allows an operator to rise and hold all gates in a FEMA emergency
2) the persons at the gates, takes down and enters all non residents purpose and house they are going to and length of stay Or work order or list of approved vendors for lawn care
3) add resident stickers On carts, a barcode, and barcode reader at gate that is registered into the system at every check point for when the need arises. And of course a person is there if they don’t have one whom is ready to take your information if you are not a resident.
The residents security should be number one concern.
These “people” will eventually get a clue and stop the non sense that has been occurring at the gates. Yes it will slow traffic but so be it. Cost and security can be leveled out.

The gates are not for security but for traffic control.

Adding manpower....are you willing to pay?
Writing down everybody would create a nightmare, don't ya think?
Adding bar code & readers.....are you willing to pay"?
What is the non sense you refer to, broken gates or something else?

[Curtisbwp]

the gates were pretty safe for awhile when everyone was staying home.....now it's open season on them again

it just baffles my mind how anyone could knock a gate down

I understand that there's about 6 or 7 cameras at each gate...so they know who you are, and the fine is something like
$250

so do they try to sneak in by tailgating the car in front of them, do they just not wait for the bar to rise high enough, do they forget that the bar doesn't automatically go up when you're coming in like it does upon exiting? or are they just drunks?

I just call them ,'snow birds'

[JoMar]

There is always alternatives with a problem in the solution departments, I always say a minimum of three. IMO, the gate problems need:
Man at every single gate that actually have security for the residents as number one-
For example a central server that is rigged to every gate for actual emergencies that allows an operator to rise and hold all gates in a FEMA emergency
2) the persons at the gates, takes down and enters all non residents purpose and house they are going to and length of stay Or work order or list of approved vendors for lawn care
3) add resident stickers On carts, a barcode, and barcode reader at gate that is registered into the system at every check point for when the need arises. And of course a person is there if they don’t have one whom is ready to take your information if you are not a resident.
The residents security should be number one concern.
These “people” will eventually get a clue and stop the non sense that has been occurring at the gates. Yes it will slow traffic but so be it. Cost and security can be leveled out.

Since all the roads belong to the County and the County isn't interested in making this a gated community your suggestions should be taken to them. The gates are provided for our safety, but not our security. I would be in favor of a golf cart registration for identifiction.

[Andyb]

Not much common sense in America anymore

[BobnBev]

the gates were pretty safe for awhile when everyone was staying home.....now it's open season on them again

it just baffles my mind how anyone could knock a gate down

I understand that there's about 6 or 7 cameras at each gate...so they know who you are, and the fine is something like
$250

so do they try to sneak in by tailgating the car in front of them, do they just not wait for the bar to rise high enough, do they forget that the bar doesn't automatically go up when you're coming in like it does upon exiting? or are they just drunks?

Yes, yes and yes.:popcorn:

[600th Photo Sq]

the gates were pretty safe for awhile when everyone was staying home.....now it's open season on them again

it just baffles my mind how anyone could knock a gate down

I understand that there's about 6 or 7 cameras at each gate...so they know who you are, and the fine is something like
$250

so do they try to sneak in by tailgating the car in front of them, do they just not wait for the bar to rise high enough, do they forget that the bar doesn't automatically go up when you're coming in like it does upon exiting? or are they just drunks?

Wrong 2 cameras each gate they get the plate number. There is a central location that monitors the gates.

The local police do get involved when requested.

I believe The Villages has a very high % rate on nailing the individuals.

Bottom line Slow Down, or else. Learn the Easy Way...….. or The Hard Way. :shocked:

[wisbad1]

No excuse for hitting a gate, but when they are replaced, change the profile of the gate from a round tube to a flat wider gate. Easier to see.
Put nails in them

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I don’t understand statement from Vietnam vet what has Vietnam got to do with gate or fixing stupid of course when you use the word Vietnam so many times in a day as many do you can’t help yourself and before anyone gets all riled up . I’m a multi toured Vietnam combat vet that if I ever talk about it at all
I tell some funny story . . I have no hat, no vest and I didn’t need a parade

[TooColdNJ]

Stupid is stupid. Watched a lady at an entrance with no gate hold out her card for the gate to open. I think she might still be there:oops:

[mydavid]

How about a scarlet letter on there forehead ?? That should fit there despicable crime
How about just replacing them with a speed bump, the gates do nothing to keep people out.:ho:

[sajoe]

Twice this week I was "honked at" and almost hit by cars in my golf cart at gates where I was stopped between lanes, waited for a car to pass and then went to cross. In both cases the following car flashed their pass before the gate closed and the gate stopped and opened. Is this the way they all are and I'm having a "senior moment"? I agree the the car has the right of way, right or wrong but if there is no pause between cars the chances of getting hit by a car goes up greatly. Is this a response to the gates getting knocked down?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There is always alternatives with a problem in the solution departments, I always say a minimum of three. IMO, the gate problems need:
Man at every single gate that actually have security for the residents as number one-
For example a central server that is rigged to every gate for actual emergencies that allows an operator to rise and hold all gates in a FEMA emergency
2) the persons at the gates, takes down and enters all non residents purpose and house they are going to and length of stay Or work order or list of approved vendors for lawn care
3) add resident stickers On carts, a barcode, and barcode reader at gate that is registered into the system at every check point for when the need arises. And of course a person is there if they don’t have one whom is ready to take your information if you are not a resident.
The residents security should be number one concern.
These “people” will eventually get a clue and stop the non sense that has been occurring at the gates. Yes it will slow traffic but so be it. Cost and security can be leveled out.

The gates are NOT for security. I don't know how many times this can be emphasized before people get it. It was clear to us the very first time we came to visit years ago, before we even decided to move here.

The gates are to slow down traffic and offer a margin of safety for golf carts to cross the road at those intersections.

They don't need security guards. The gate people are customer service reps, not security guards.

[Stu from NYC]

How about a scarlet letter on there forehead ?? That should fit there despicable crime

Or better yet a tattoo of a gate on their far head

[asianthree]

or women drivers?:bigbow:

The men who have their knee outside the cart knocks them down. Their stomach gets in the way To break effectively

[JoMar]

The gates are NOT for security. I don't know how many times this can be emphasized before people get it. It was clear to us the very first time we came to visit years ago, before we even decided to move here.

The gates are to slow down traffic and offer a margin of safety for golf carts to cross the road at those intersections.

They don't need security guards. The gate people are customer service reps, not security guards.

Also for bikers, joggers and walkers.....all that use the MMP.

[John41]

What the heck is going on? Has the fear of Covid-19 numbed some brains to the point of no common sense?

With work, I've been out on the roads as always; it just seems like an above average amount of gates being pillaged.

the gates need to be made more visible, preferably blinking red lights.

[Topspinmo]

What the heck is going on? Has the fear of Covid-19 numbed some brains to the point of no common sense?

With work, I've been out on the roads as always; it just seems like an above average amount of gates being pillaged.

Drunks and drug addicts. One can’t see the gates and the other in too big of hurry. :shocked:

[Topspinmo]

the gates need to be made more visible, preferably blinking red lights.

So the long line of bright reflective tape that shines line diamond in a —— —-? Not enough? :1rotfl:

[Topspinmo]

The gates are NOT for security. I don't know how many times this can be emphasized before people get it. It was clear to us the very first time we came to visit years ago, before we even decided to move here.

The gates are to slow down traffic and offer a margin of safety for golf carts to cross the road at those intersections.

They don't need security guards. The gate people are customer service reps, not security guards.

gate people are customer service reps And complete waste of money.

[mtdjed]

There is always alternatives with a problem in the solution departments, I always say a minimum of three. IMO, the gate problems need:
Man at every single gate that actually have security for the residents as number one-
For example a central server that is rigged to every gate for actual emergencies that allows an operator to rise and hold all gates in a FEMA emergency
2) the persons at the gates, takes down and enters all non residents purpose and house they are going to and length of stay Or work order or list of approved vendors for lawn care
3) add resident stickers On carts, a barcode, and barcode reader at gate that is registered into the system at every check point for when the need arises. And of course a person is there if they don’t have one whom is ready to take your information if you are not a resident.
The residents security should be number one concern.
These “people” will eventually get a clue and stop the non sense that has been occurring at the gates. Yes it will slow traffic but so be it. Cost and security can be leveled out.

Seems like your solution assumes that only residents are allowed in. That assumption does not recognize that anyone is entitled to enter gated areas that are on streets maintained by Sumter County.

[gadaboutgal]

The gates are simply a sham. Put there by The Villages to sell the idea that this is like all the other over 55 restricted, private communities. The roads in The Villages are public everywhere (except the Marion county portion and the villa sections.)
The Villages needs to take down the gates. They do not have the right to control the traffic or the speed on the public streets. And that would solve the problem with broken gates=a waste of money.

[Bogie Shooter]

The gates are simply a sham. Put there by The Villages to sell the idea that this is like all the other over 55 restricted, private communities. The roads in The Villages are public everywhere (except the Marion county portion and the villa sections.)
The Villages needs to take down the gates. They do not have the right to control the traffic or the speed on the public streets. And that would solve the problem with broken gates=a waste of money.

Safety?

[graciegirl]

The gates are simply a sham. Put there by The Villages to sell the idea that this is like all the other over 55 restricted, private communities. The roads in The Villages are public everywhere (except the Marion county portion and the villa sections.)
The Villages needs to take down the gates. They do not have the right to control the traffic or the speed on the public streets. And that would solve the problem with broken gates=a waste of money.

The gates slow down car traffic so golf cart traffic can cross. The Villages doesn't have to do anything to get people to buy here. When our area opened up, the view lots sold out within seven hours. People, even now during this pandemic, are vigorously looking for homes here. We have looky loos driving around our very small village of 53 homes all of the time. How do we know they aren't residents? Because we know all of the residents. It is just as friendly as people say it is. No. I don't work for the developer but I am a huge fan.

[Polar Bear]

The gates are simply a sham. Put there by The Villages to sell the idea that this is like all the other over 55 restricted, private communities. The roads in The Villages are public everywhere (except the Marion county portion and the villa sections.)
The Villages needs to take down the gates. They do not have the right to control the traffic or the speed on the public streets. And that would solve the problem with broken gates=a waste of money.
Wow. Such obliviousness to reality.

[Bay Kid]

All gates get knocked down from time to time.

[PennBF]

Somebody is making a lot of money by replacing/repairing gates that are hit. I continue to suggest they be put on "springs" so if they are hit they spring back and do not break. Second, there should be something more to highlight they are there. We
have lived in the villages for a number of years and I still have to look twice at times to see the gates. A simple hanging chain like material to better indicate they are there would stop some of the damages being done. In addition to this I also believe that all Golf Carts in the villages should be required to have ID stickers on them. Given the swarm of new people in the area now and coming from Apts, Condo's etc. there should be away of identifying if the carts are residents or not. :ohdear:

[Bogie Shooter]

Somebody is making a lot of money by replacing/repairing gates that are hit. I continue to suggest they be put on "springs" so if they are hit they spring back and do not break. Second, there should be something more to highlight they are there. We
have lived in the villages for a number of years and I still have to look twice at times to see the gates. A simple hanging chain like material to better indicate they are there would stop some of the damages being done. In addition to this I also believe that all Golf Carts in the villages should be required to have ID stickers on them. Given the swarm of new people in the area now and coming from Apts, Condo's etc. there should be away of identifying if the carts are residents or not. :ohdear:

Where are non residents coming into TV from?

[tophcfa]

As Gracie correctly said, the gates slow down and help manage car traffic so golf carts can also navigate around. Also, the gates slow down cars so cameras can get pictures of license plates just in case the Identy of a vehicle is required. As someone who almost exclusively travels the Villages via golf cart, I greatly appreciate the way gates help golf carts and cars co-exist.

[Number 10 GI]

Somebody is making a lot of money by replacing/repairing gates that are hit. I continue to suggest they be put on "springs" so if they are hit they spring back and do not break. Second, there should be something more to highlight they are there. We
have lived in the villages for a number of years and I still have to look twice at times to see the gates. A simple hanging chain like material to better indicate they are there would stop some of the damages being done. In addition to this I also believe that all Golf Carts in the villages should be required to have ID stickers on them. Given the swarm of new people in the area now and coming from Apts, Condo's etc. there should be away of identifying if the carts are residents or not. :ohdear:

I don't understand the problem with seeing the gate arm. If it is an entrance to a village there will be a gate arm so come to a stop and look for the arm.

[Number 10 GI]

the gates need to be made more visible, preferably blinking red lights.

Yeah, and a swinging red light like used at railroad crossings and loud bell also. Maybe a 20' by 20' billboard with the warning STOP AHEAD. A guard with a bright red light waving it at the approaching drivers. No, no the bill board idea is too much, the guard will get runover and the gate arm hit by a driver trying to read the writing. I think the state needs to require elderly drivers to have an eye exam yearly in order to keep their license.

[Shbullet]

It's the 'Sunbirds!' :icon_wink:

Yep the same answer given by full timers from Oct thru April...BUT wait a minute, this is July 1st so do you think it might be the full timers after all ? (oh thats right its the landscapers or the NON residence people) ha

[GoodLife]

Finally, a thread where all the gateologists can have their say. :icon_wink:

[Flatlander]

Yes, the gates are difficult to see at certain times of the day. The dark red and white bands do not stand out well during the daylight hours. Changing them to fluorescent green and orange would make them much more visible. That’s why those colors are used for the vests that workers and emergency personnel wear.