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Northwoods
08-13-2020, 09:55 PM
It appears that we could lose our entertainment on the squares.
I just read a post from someone running for commissioner (not an incumbent) that he would not agree to use to use the hotel tax (this is the money that is currently used to fund entertainment at the Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares).
So, essentially, entertainment could be gone on Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares.

kathyspear
08-13-2020, 10:49 PM
I thought the business owners paid for the nightly entertainment. No?

kathy

Nucky
08-14-2020, 03:31 AM
10 out of 10 Pinocchios!

File with Duke Golf Cart Path and Historical Bridge being ripped down thread. Another no go.

Two Bills
08-14-2020, 04:29 AM
Squares entertainment sell houses.
They will continue!

CanTho
08-14-2020, 06:05 AM
It appears that we could lose our entertainment on the squares.
I just read a post from someone running for commissioner (not an incumbent) that he would not agree to use to use the hotel tax (this is the money that is currently used to fund entertainment at the Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares).
So, essentially, entertainment could be gone on Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares.

I disagree. One of the huge selling points is 365 days live entertainment.

Think about it the concession stands, restaurants, various businesses, all rely on " Live Entertainment ".

Rocky, Studio 77, Valerie G, Scooter, etc. etc. will all be back once the Vaccine is out which will be pretty soon.

Goldwingnut
08-14-2020, 06:08 AM
The funding for the town squares entertainment comes from both the Sumter County Tourism Development Council and The Villages (the company not the CDDs, amenity fees, or any other resident funded source). Both have agreed to contribute $120,000 this year for the entertainment. The SCTDC collects about $600K annually with the 2% short term (<6 month) occupancy tax. It is estimated that 20,000+ room nights annually are contributed to hotel occupancy in Sumter County as a result of the town square entertainment investment. Sumter County benefits significantly from additional tax revenues collect from visitors' patronage of local businesses, including restaurants, gas stations, and shopping. The town square merchants, who contribute significantly to The Villages portion of the contribution, benefit by the increased business before and during the time the entertainment is provided.

Does it, the entertainment, help sell houses, absolutely. Selling houses keeps a significant segment of the workforce in Sumter and a dozen surrounding counties employed and is the primary economic engine of Sumter County. Thousands of jobs rely directly on the construction of homes in The Villages, and many thousands more off-site 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tier jobs supporting the construction industry also rely on this work. The construction of homes also drives a substantial secondary construction industry in the tri-county area - the companies you hire to do work on your home after you buy it - hundreds of small businesses employing a few thousand people. I'm not saying that the entertainment is responsible for all these jobs, but it does contribute positively to the overall economy of the area.

And, we as the residents, get to enjoy free entertainment every night (excluding the COVID period) at a safe and convenient location. Don't shoot the goose that lays the golden egg.

I would like to see the original poster site their reference for their post. If in fact some candidate is espousing such a position, then they are demonstrating a lack of understanding of the basic economics of Sumter County and calls into question what other areas of how the county works do they lack understanding. Their suitability for this leadership position would then be questionable. While I don't totally agree or like some of the positions of the current County Commissioner, the lack of understanding already demonstrated by some of the candidates running to replace them is even more scary and could lead us (Sumter County) down a self-destructive path. Perhaps the old adage "better the devil you know than the devil you don't" has some play here. Think long and hard before you vote.

Jayhawk
08-14-2020, 06:15 AM
It appears that we could lose our entertainment on the squares.
I just read a post from someone running for commissioner (not an incumbent) that he would not agree to use to use the hotel tax (this is the money that is currently used to fund entertainment at the Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares).
So, essentially, entertainment could be gone on Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares.

I have no idea if you are factual or not.

Provide a link to the alleged post or retract the claim.

Marathon Man
08-14-2020, 06:27 AM
Those trying to get onto the county commision have basically vowed to do everything anti-developer. How is this any different than doing everything pro-developer?

Neils
08-14-2020, 06:36 AM
Wondering why the County Commission candidates would desire to damage the County that they want to represent?
The developer built a nice place here hence it grows exponentially. Yes he makes a nice profit from willing buyers of his product. Is that Bad?

Northwoods
08-14-2020, 07:19 AM
Hopefully I've uploaded the file correctly. He's said it on multiple threads. He would not use the $120,000 for square entertainment. He would expect the developer to pay for it.
Here is a link...
Sumter County Politics Public Group | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1549568688505868)

Northwoods
08-14-2020, 07:38 AM
The funding for the town squares entertainment comes from both the Sumter County Tourism Development Council and The Villages (the company not the CDDs, amenity fees, or any other resident funded source). Both have agreed to contribute $120,000 this year for the entertainment.

I would like to see the original poster site their reference for their post. If in fact some candidate is espousing such a position, then they are demonstrating a lack of understanding of the basic economics of Sumter County and calls into question what other areas of how the county works do they lack understanding. Their suitability for this leadership position would then be questionable. While I don't totally agree or like some of the positions of the current County Commissioner, the lack of understanding already demonstrated by some of the candidates running to replace them is even more scary and could lead us (Sumter County) down a self-destructive path. Perhaps the old adage "better the devil you know than the devil you don't" has some play here. Think long and hard before you vote.

Wise words Goldwingnut. Below is another thread (from a different Facebook group) where Oren Miller says again he would stop funding square entertainment.

Goldwingnut
08-14-2020, 07:40 AM
Hopefully I've uploaded the file correctly. He's said it on multiple threads. He would not use the $120,000 for square entertainment. He would expect the developer to pay for it.
Here is a link...
Sumter County Politics Public Group | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1549568688505868)

Thanks, Mr. Miller's comments just proved my point from above, he doesn't realize what the developer is actually already paying half, if not more, and demonstrating his lack of knowledge and understanding of even simple things in Sumter County.

Being anti-developer is not the same as being pro-resident. There are many win-win issues for the residents, the county, and the developer. Killing the cow today may put steak on the table tonight but you'll yearn for the milk and the cheese come tomorrow and all the days after.

billethkid
08-14-2020, 08:09 AM
Quite an extrapolation from "... heard from SOMEONE running for commissioner..."

Hence the extrapolation is the someone heard is elected.
The someone heard single handedly opposes spending of certain monies.

And everybody else would just fold and go along witht the newbie commissioner.

This definitely goes in the bridge be gone and build out files!!

Stu from NYC
08-14-2020, 08:14 AM
Interesting information.

Now it has us thinking about whom to vote for.

I think that free entertainment will continue but if the county stops paying its share where will the funds needed to fund this come from?

The Caretaker
08-14-2020, 08:16 AM
Everyone needs to consider what and who affects your lifestyle and VALUE of your home!!
Trust me 20+ yrs as a Realtor.

coffeebean
08-14-2020, 10:40 AM
I disagree. One of the huge selling points is 365 days live entertainment.

Think about it the concession stands, restaurants, various businesses, all rely on " Live Entertainment ".

Rocky, Studio 77, Valerie G, Scooter, etc. etc. will all be back once the Vaccine is out which will be pretty soon.

Let's not forget Johnny Wild and the Delights!

Velvet
08-14-2020, 10:52 AM
So... what about property taxes this year? Who is for increases, who is not? More interested in that than entertainment right now.

snbrafford
08-14-2020, 11:35 AM
It appears that we could lose our entertainment on the squares.
I just read a post from someone running for commissioner (not an incumbent) that he would not agree to use to use the hotel tax (this is the money that is currently used to fund entertainment at the Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares).
So, essentially, entertainment could be gone on Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares.
I think this would be a serious misrepresentation by TV. Many of us came here and saw one or more of the sales presentations and perhaps even took a trolley tour. The entertainment at the squares was one of the "big" amenities talked about and we had no way of knowing how these were funded.

Bilyclub
08-14-2020, 11:52 AM
I like how the incumbents say they reduced taxes 13 out of 14 years. They neglect to say how they raised taxes 25% last year. The developer and cronies are spending a decent buck to get them reelected.

Polar Bear
08-14-2020, 01:09 PM
So... what about property taxes this year? Who is for increases, who is not? More interested in that than entertainment right now.
Not me! :)

Stu from NYC
08-14-2020, 01:34 PM
I like how the incumbents say they reduced taxes 13 out of 14 years. They neglect to say how they raised taxes 25% last year. The developer and cronies are spending a decent buck to get them reelected.

And in the local paper they actually said the 25% increase was fake news. And if you believe that have a bridge for you.

Velvet
08-14-2020, 01:35 PM
And in the local paper they actually said the 25% increase was fake news. And if you believe that have a bridge for you.

Yes, it was fake news for me at least. My tax went up 28%.

Ladygolfer93
08-14-2020, 02:49 PM
I have no idea if you are factual or not.

Provide a link to the alleged post or retract the claim.

I too wish people would show/post the exact source when these things are posted so others could check it out for themselves; however, I suppose it is possible that some candidates could hold this opinion. The point is, ONE person, if elected, does not mean this is the majority view. If it is the view all hold, then (although sad for us "villagers") that's called Democracy ! ? It's the way things work (or SHOULD work), in our republic ! Don't jump on ME ! I am NOT saying I do NOT want the money flow to The V's entertainment budget any longer. Only that the desire of the majority of the people in the county but outside The V's, may be quite different. The best argument to continue the flow of the money was made by a poster on here; that Villagers enjoy the entertainment, but the entire area benefits from the job opportunities (FAR FAR cry from when my children were very young and the only employment available here was in the citrus industry). When we would come down to Florida to visit family from our home "up north", we called passing through Sumter "no man's land", as we knew we had to fill the tank in Ocala as there was nothing for many miles !

tophcfa
08-14-2020, 02:53 PM
Well, if they stop the entertainment in the squares they might as well put up big apartment complexes in the center of each square. At least that would be in an area zoned commercial and wouldn't be plopped right in the middle of an area of single family residential homes like Hacienda Hills.

Stu from NYC
08-14-2020, 04:06 PM
Well, if they stop the entertainment in the squares they might as well put up big apartment complexes in the center of each square. At least that would be in an area zoned commercial and wouldn't be plopped right in the middle of an area of single family residential homes like Hacienda Hills.

It would make life for the shops and restaurants in the square very difficult. I am sure a lot of their revenue is from people going to hear some music and than off for dinner.

That is what we have done until of course the virus decided to stop us.

CWGUY
08-14-2020, 04:17 PM
I like how the incumbents say they reduced taxes 13 out of 14 years. They neglect to say how they raised taxes 25% last year. The developer and cronies are spending a decent buck to get them reelected.

:blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah: Been here full time since 2004 and our county property taxes are lower now. I'll stick with the devil I know. :ho:

Velvet
08-14-2020, 04:23 PM
Knowing how popular and financially enticing the entertainment on the squares are, I bet that it’ll be back when it can be done safely.

JoMar
08-14-2020, 05:27 PM
I'm ok with the tax increase, compared to where I lived before I'm still ahead of the game. They could have raised them every year, probably should have, but then the posts here would be around what are they doing with the money. I happen to like living here and the services the County provides. I like the convenience and openness of the services. I like that they work closely with the Developer to provide forward and coordinated thinking and actions don't really care what that arrangement really is or isn't. I know the rest of the County needs support and hope this tax program will help them also. I'm not convinced that changing the team won't take us backwards, but then we will have something else to complain about here right?

EdFNJ
08-14-2020, 06:06 PM
///

birdiebill
08-14-2020, 06:34 PM
I'm ok with the tax increase, compared to where I lived before I'm still ahead of the game. They could have raised them every year, probably should have, but then the posts here would be around what are they doing with the money. I happen to like living here and the services the County provides. I like the convenience and openness of the services. I like that they work closely with the Developer to provide forward and coordinated thinking and actions don't really care what that arrangement really is or isn't. I know the rest of the County needs support and hope this tax program will help them also. I'm not convinced that changing the team won't take us backwards, but then we will have something else to complain about here right?

I agree with everything you said. If the developer stopped at 466 or even 466a, my wife and I would not be living here since our village would have never been built. The developer has done a wonderful job giving us a great way to spend our retirement years. I hope his vision continues.

Velvet
08-14-2020, 06:39 PM
Hmmm, mine went DOWN just under 2bucks, barely enough for a large Reeses. Been wondering about that 25% increase since last year. It's supposedly going DOWN this year a couple points so mine will probably go up 25%! My YEARLY taxes here are about equal to 1 1/2 months up north so I don't fee too bad.

How’d you do that? What’s your secret? My house is an ordinary designer at Mallory, average size house, average size lot.

Northwoods
08-14-2020, 07:01 PM
Thanks, Mr. Miller's comments just proved my point from above, he doesn't realize what the developer is actually already paying half, if not more, and demonstrating his lack of knowledge and understanding of even simple things in Sumter County.


So is there really a need for a 4th square if the entertainment will be gone? Why not just have a few areas (strip malls) with restaurants and shops?

So when everyone complains that "we were promised entertainment" etc., you can't blame the Developer for this one. You can blame yourself for voting in the EMS team.

Altavia
08-14-2020, 09:41 PM
So it's ok to send children back to school with teachers that have risk factors in high risk closed interior space but not ok to open the squares in fresh air outdoor space with significantly lower risk of virus transmission?

We now have over six months of evidence with outdoor activities in The Villages being low risk.

biker1
08-14-2020, 10:27 PM
Some possibilities:

1) He doesn't live in Sumter County.
2) For some reason, the assessed value of his house dropped significantly.
3) He applied for the homestead exemption.

How’d you do that? What’s your secret? My house is an ordinary designer at Mallory, average size house, average size lot.

Northwoods
08-14-2020, 10:36 PM
Some possibilities:

1) He doesn't live in Sumter County.
2) For some reason, the assessed value of his house dropped significantly.
3) He applied for the homestead exemption.

I thin this deflects from the conversation...

Topspinmo
08-14-2020, 11:17 PM
Well, if they stop the entertainment in the squares they might as well put up big apartment complexes in the center of each square. At least that would be in an area zoned commercial and wouldn't be plopped right in the middle of an area of single family residential homes like Hacienda Hills.


I sure they are scooping out spot by Sumter Landing for big apartment complex? Now that they can do what ever they want. Book store lot looks might pleasing? Or better yet waterfront lot?

Topspinmo
08-14-2020, 11:19 PM
So it's ok to send children back to school with teachers that have risk factors in high risk closed interior space but not ok to open the squares in fresh air outdoor space with significantly lower risk of virus transmission?

We now have over six months of evidence with outdoor activities in The Villages being low risk.


Not close contact areas Where can’t or won’t separate at safe distance.

biker1
08-15-2020, 12:51 AM
So does this.

I thin this deflects from the conversation...

Girlcopper
08-15-2020, 05:58 AM
Wise words Goldwingnut. Below is another thread (from a different Facebook group) where Oren Miller says again he would stop funding square entertainment.
Political platform. Thats all it is. So? Politicians tend to say what willget them vites. Nothing being said before an election should be given asecond thought

J1ceasar
08-15-2020, 06:03 AM
. It is estimated that 20,000+ room nights annually are contributed to hotel occupancy in Sumter County as a result of the town square entertainment investment. .

I find this HILARIOUS I could see some overnighters but we arent talking the beatles folks!
Another "EXAGGERATION "

williwan
08-15-2020, 06:04 AM
Entertainment should be paid for by the property owner or the frequent users.

Dana1963
08-15-2020, 06:39 AM
After the first year the novelty is over very rarely go to the square at all.

B-flat
08-15-2020, 06:44 AM
After the first year the novelty is over very rarely go to the square at all.

Plus one.

Dlbonivich
08-15-2020, 07:00 AM
This guy is not to smart. That money is given from entertainment tax and would just go to something else in the county. This is why you need well informed and educated people to run things. Only thing he cares about is his wife’s pet project.

richb9v
08-15-2020, 07:00 AM
My vote was prompted more by the videos I have seen of the commission meetings. I arrogance of the current commissioners is disgusting.

Dlbonivich
08-15-2020, 07:04 AM
The entertainment center s paid for by a bed tax or tourism tax, not really estate taxes. It must be used to attract tourism. If not the squares what? Maybe a huge Ferris wheel ������ n Fenney

Rsenholzi
08-15-2020, 07:13 AM
Please share which Pending commissioner this was . I would love to know if this is a post Meant to get the incumbents back In or whether one really said it. If you don’t post the name we know that my comment is true. I heard recently that the entertainment in the squares was being held off till Jan 1 but will be starting back then

Chi-Town
08-15-2020, 07:21 AM
Talked to a vendor who was notified that there would be vendor nights again when the squares reopen. But no date was given.

diamond2005
08-15-2020, 07:28 AM
It appears that we could lose our entertainment on the squares.
I just read a post from someone running for commissioner (not an incumbent) that he would not agree to use to use the hotel tax (this is the money that is currently used to fund entertainment at the Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares).
So, essentially, entertainment could be gone on Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares.

Ain’t that a shame!

Andyb
08-15-2020, 07:28 AM
Got a name?

toeser
08-15-2020, 07:30 AM
It appears that we could lose our entertainment on the squares.
I just read a post from someone running for commissioner (not an incumbent) that he would not agree to use to use the hotel tax (this is the money that is currently used to fund entertainment at the Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares).
So, essentially, entertainment could be gone on Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares.

Scare tactic to keep you voting for the developer's puppets. Do you work for them?

Northwoods
08-15-2020, 07:46 AM
Scare tactic to keep you voting for the developer's puppets. Do you work for them?

Here's a screen shot of the Facebook post. Scare tactic? I don't think so.

Marvic 1
08-15-2020, 08:03 AM
Yeah sure, one of the main features of the Villages is going to stop, these Miller's you see are in cahoots texting back and forth!.....:1rotfl:

Dust Bunny
08-15-2020, 08:24 AM
I suggest you go to the source the get credible information then post. Hearsay don't count

theruizs
08-15-2020, 08:25 AM
It appears that we could lose our entertainment on the squares.
I just read a post from someone running for commissioner (not an incumbent) that he would not agree to use to use the hotel tax (this is the money that is currently used to fund entertainment at the Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares).
So, essentially, entertainment could be gone on Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares.

I highly doubt this. The square merchants would have a fit, to say nothing of TV residents. And one commisioner can do nothing on his own. If he brings it up in an actual meeting it would go nowhere.

EviesGP
08-15-2020, 08:35 AM
Oren Miller has made statements and posts, that even the other 2 CC challengers don't agree with. That's just he/himself. As for the challengers themselves, I think they're well qualified to replace the incumbents. I, too, am very impressed with what The Villages has done, and love this place. But, I was quite appalled by how this tax increase was abruptly introduced, and publicized?! My home state is horrible with taxes, but even up there, if you introduced a 25% increase, you would be burned at the stake! And, add to that, you slip in a salary increase for yourselves??? WOW! That's cojones. And the way you treated those people in those meetings?! Vote them out! And take the Sheriff with them.

AnnieDotz
08-15-2020, 08:42 AM
I thought a big portion of the funding came from a grant.

CanTho
08-15-2020, 08:48 AM
Let's not forget Johnny Wild and the Delights!

I closed my comments with " etc. etc " :)

LuvtheVillages
08-15-2020, 08:51 AM
I thought a big portion of the funding came from a grant.

Yes, a grant funded by the hotel tax.

Mohawksin
08-15-2020, 08:51 AM
So... what about property taxes this year? Who is for increases, who is not? More interested in that than entertainment right now.

Increases? To which are you referring? Budget? Mill rate? Your personal property tax?

Bogie Shooter
08-15-2020, 08:56 AM
The funding for the town squares entertainment comes from both the Sumter County Tourism Development Council and The Villages (the company not the CDDs, amenity fees, or any other resident funded source). Both have agreed to contribute $120,000 this year for the entertainment. The SCTDC collects about $600K annually with the 2% short term (<6 month) occupancy tax. It is estimated that 20,000+ room nights annually are contributed to hotel occupancy in Sumter County as a result of the town square entertainment investment. Sumter County benefits significantly from additional tax revenues collect from visitors' patronage of local businesses, including restaurants, gas stations, and shopping. The town square merchants, who contribute significantly to The Villages portion of the contribution, benefit by the increased business before and during the time the entertainment is provided.

Does it, the entertainment, help sell houses, absolutely. Selling houses keeps a significant segment of the workforce in Sumter and a dozen surrounding counties employed and is the primary economic engine of Sumter County. Thousands of jobs rely directly on the construction of homes in The Villages, and many thousands more off-site 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tier jobs supporting the construction industry also rely on this work. The construction of homes also drives a substantial secondary construction industry in the tri-county area - the companies you hire to do work on your home after you buy it - hundreds of small businesses employing a few thousand people. I'm not saying that the entertainment is responsible for all these jobs, but it does contribute positively to the overall economy of the area.

And, we as the residents, get to enjoy free entertainment every night (excluding the COVID period) at a safe and convenient location. Don't shoot the goose that lays the golden egg.

I would like to see the original poster site their reference for their post. If in fact some candidate is espousing such a position, then they are demonstrating a lack of understanding of the basic economics of Sumter County and calls into question what other areas of how the county works do they lack understanding. Their suitability for this leadership position would then be questionable. While I don't totally agree or like some of the positions of the current County Commissioner, the lack of understanding already demonstrated by some of the candidates running to replace them is even more scary and could lead us (Sumter County) down a self-destructive path. Perhaps the old adage "better the devil you know than the devil you don't" has some play here. Think long and hard before you vote.

This post needs to be repeated so those who don't know how the funding works can quit speculating.

Topspinmo
08-15-2020, 09:12 AM
This guy is not to smart. That money is given from entertainment tax and would just go to something else in the county. This is why you need well informed and educated people to run things. Only thing he cares about is his wife’s pet project.

No we need someone who has NO in they’re vocabulary, so they can say NO on occasions.

airstreamingypsy
08-15-2020, 09:19 AM
Those trying to get onto the county commision have basically vowed to do everything anti-developer. How is this any different than doing everything pro-developer?

Has it occurred to you that this rumor could have been started by one of the incumbents?

Dgizzi
08-15-2020, 09:25 AM
The funding for the town squares entertainment comes from both the Sumter County Tourism Development Council and The Villages (the company not the CDDs, amenity fees, or any other resident funded source). Both have agreed to contribute $120,000 this year for the entertainment. The SCTDC collects about $600K annually with the 2% short term (<6 month) occupancy tax. It is estimated that 20,000+ room nights annually are contributed to hotel occupancy in Sumter County as a result of the town square entertainment investment. Sumter County benefits significantly from additional tax revenues collect from visitors' patronage of local businesses, including restaurants, gas stations, and shopping. The town square merchants, who contribute significantly to The Villages portion of the contribution, benefit by the increased business before and during the time the entertainment is provided.

Does it, the entertainment, help sell houses, absolutely. Selling houses keeps a significant segment of the workforce in Sumter and a dozen surrounding counties employed and is the primary economic engine of Sumter County. Thousands of jobs rely directly on the construction of homes in The Villages, and many thousands more off-site 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tier jobs supporting the construction industry also rely on this work. The construction of homes also drives a substantial secondary construction industry in the tri-county area - the companies you hire to do work on your home after you buy it - hundreds of small businesses employing a few thousand people. I'm not saying that the entertainment is responsible for all these jobs, but it does contribute positively to the overall economy of the area.

And, we as the residents, get to enjoy free entertainment every night (excluding the COVID period) at a safe and convenient location. Don't shoot the goose that lays the golden egg.

I would like to see the original poster site their reference for their post. If in fact some candidate is espousing such a position, then they are demonstrating a lack of understanding of the basic economics of Sumter County and calls into question what other areas of how the county works do they lack understanding. Their suitability for this leadership position would then be questionable. While I don't totally agree or like some of the positions of the current County Commissioner, the lack of understanding already demonstrated by some of the candidates running to replace them is even more scary and could lead us (Sumter County) down a self-destructive path. Perhaps the old adage "better the devil you know than the devil you don't" has some play here. Think long and hard before you vote.
THANK YOU for this very detailed info. Appreciate your info and time..I think ALOT of homes would go up for sale if that happened

EdFNJ
08-15-2020, 09:41 AM
How’d you do that? What’s your secret? My house is an ordinary designer at Mallory, average size house, average size lot. I apologize! I just looked again and I looked at the wrong thing. It actually went up 10% (~$100). It's an "ordinary" 2/2 Colony in Amelia. Still not close to 25%. Maybe the Florida SOH had something to do with it.

Doodle
08-15-2020, 09:49 AM
Quit spreading fake news. Come with facts or don’t come at all.

EdFNJ
08-15-2020, 09:55 AM
Some possibilities:

1) He doesn't live in Sumter County.
2) For some reason, the assessed value of his house dropped significantly.
3) He applied for the homestead exemption.


I was wrong. It actually went up 10% (~ $100). Was looking at non-ad valorem in error which should go down about $2.

Reedpanos@gmail.com
08-15-2020, 10:38 AM
The funding for the entertainment on the square is not going anywhere. The EMS team supports the entertainment on the square for at least Sumter county. Spanish Springs is in Lake County. More example of Sumter county residents subsidizing the counties next to us. Another example is school taxes. 75 % of the village charter school state reimbursement goes to Marion and lake county due to 75% of the students are from Marion and lake county. If there is issues of entertainment on the squares, it will be due to decisions made by the developer. Think hacienda rec center!

jimjamuser
08-15-2020, 11:17 AM
I disagree. One of the huge selling points is 365 days live entertainment.

Think about it the concession stands, restaurants, various businesses, all rely on " Live Entertainment ".

Rocky, Studio 77, Valerie G, Scooter, etc. etc. will all be back once the Vaccine is out which will be pretty soon.
Vaccine out pretty soon? Don't hold your breath. That is NOT what the medical experts are saying. You could go to Russia about the end of the year and they MIGHT have their UNPROVEN one available to tourists at a HUGE cost. Do that IF you dare! Even when the US vaccine is PROVEN effective - there will be a long, long time delay before it is available to ordinary peons like you and me. 1st the NBA, NFL, and MLB players get theirs and owners and staff and etc. Then University Presidents and staff - then hospital Soctors and staff. Then MAYBE me and you. AND the ANTI-VACCERS (up to 50% of the US population) will NOT get the vaccine - so, we are right back to where we were. Wearing masks or NOT wearing masks - pretending everything is normal or being cautious and caring about other people. The 1918 pandemic took 4 years to resolve and this one could affect people's hearts for their lifetimes, children also. So, dancing to live music at the square may be something that was only done in your past, pre-CV lifetimes.

biker1
08-15-2020, 11:32 AM
The "county tax" millage rate went up by about 25%. Your assessed value may have also gone up. The "school tax" millage rate was essentially unchanged. There are a couple of other components to the "total" tax bill. They were essentially unchanged. Since the "county tax" is about 1/2 of the "total" tax, for most people the "total tax" bill went up about 12%. This assumes your were homesteaded and you paid off your bond. If you still have your bond, the percentage increase will be lower. Your milage may vary.

I apologize! I just looked again and I looked at the wrong thing. It actually went up 10% (~$100). It's an "ordinary" 2/2 Colony in Amelia. Still not close to 25%. Maybe the Florida SOH had something to do with it.

jimjamuser
08-15-2020, 11:49 AM
So it's ok to send children back to school with teachers that have risk factors in high risk closed interior space but not ok to open the squares in fresh air outdoor space with significantly lower risk of virus transmission?

We now have over six months of evidence with outdoor activities in The Villages being low risk.
Good example of comparing and contrasting to show a dichotomy. Kudos.

MrGolf
08-15-2020, 12:27 PM
The funding for the town squares entertainment comes from both the Sumter County Tourism Development Council and The Villages (the company not the CDDs, amenity fees, or any other resident funded source). Both have agreed to contribute $120,000 this year for the entertainment. The SCTDC collects about $600K annually with the 2% short term (<6 month) occupancy tax. It is estimated that 20,000+ room nights annually are contributed to hotel occupancy in Sumter County as a result of the town square entertainment investment. Sumter County benefits significantly from additional tax revenues collect from visitors' patronage of local businesses, including restaurants, gas stations, and shopping. The town square merchants, who contribute significantly to The Villages portion of the contribution, benefit by the increased business before and during the time the entertainment is provided.

Does it, the entertainment, help sell houses, absolutely. Selling houses keeps a significant segment of the workforce in Sumter and a dozen surrounding counties employed and is the primary economic engine of Sumter County. Thousands of jobs rely directly on the construction of homes in The Villages, and many thousands more off-site 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tier jobs supporting the construction industry also rely on this work. The construction of homes also drives a substantial secondary construction industry in the tri-county area - the companies you hire to do work on your home after you buy it - hundreds of small businesses employing a few thousand people. I'm not saying that the entertainment is responsible for all these jobs, but it does contribute positively to the overall economy of the area.

And, we as the residents, get to enjoy free entertainment every night (excluding the COVID period) at a safe and convenient location. Don't shoot the goose that lays the golden egg.

I would like to see the original poster site their reference for their post. If in fact some candidate is espousing such a position, then they are demonstrating a lack of understanding of the basic economics of Sumter County and calls into question what other areas of how the county works do they lack understanding. Their suitability for this leadership position would then be questionable. While I don't totally agree or like some of the positions of the current County Commissioner, the lack of understanding already demonstrated by some of the candidates running to replace them is even more scary and could lead us (Sumter County) down a self-destructive path. Perhaps the old adage "better the devil you know than the devil you don't" has some play here. Think long and hard before you vote.

Thank you for clarification of the funding for the squares. The entertainment of course would continue irrespective of the current contribution from the County, as it is in the best interest of the surrounding business owners and the developers. The entertainment draws people who buy clothing, meals, golf equipment and near and dear to the developers, housing.

I am disappointed by your assessment that the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t . I have taken time to know the three challengers and what they stand for. I can assure you they are the furthest thing from being the devil. If responsible growth and representing the people of the County is bad then by all means support the incumbents.

I am surprised there is no mention of the fear tactics used by the incumbents showing the Portland OR riots inferring it could happen here is an embarrassment.

Incumbents are tightly in the pocket of the developers and if you are ok with that then continue to support. I for one am ready for a change. I for one am in favor of someone questioning the direction and not afraid to stand up for the people of Sumter County.

JoMar
08-15-2020, 12:50 PM
Has it occurred to you that this rumor could have been started by one of the incumbents?

Pro Developer we all benefit, anti Developer we all lose.

jimjamuser
08-15-2020, 12:52 PM
Thank you for clarification of the funding for the squares. The entertainment of course would continue irrespective of the current contribution from the County, as it is in the best interest of the surrounding business owners and the developers. The entertainment draws people who buy clothing, meals, golf equipment and near and dear to the developers, housing.

I am disappointed by your assessment that the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t . I have taken time to know the three challengers and what they stand for. I can assure you they are the furthest thing from being the devil. If responsible growth and representing the people of the County is bad then by all means support the incumbents.

I am surprised there is no mention of the fear tactics used by the incumbents showing the Portland OR riots inferring it could happen here is an embarrassment.

Incumbents are tightly in the pocket of the developers and if you are ok with that then continue to support. I for one am ready for a change. I for one am in favor of someone questioning the direction and not afraid to stand up for the people of Sumter County.
So is the newspaper. A large part of the controversy here about entertainment, is that the facts are gray, nebulous. A truly free press and other media COULD help greatly to allow more people to have more INFORMED opinions and to make better decisions.

Schuvwj
08-15-2020, 01:37 PM
I'm ok with the tax increase, compared to where I lived before I'm still ahead of the game. They could have raised them every year, probably should have, but then the posts here would be around what are they doing with the money. I happen to like living here and the services the County provides. I like the convenience and openness of the services. I like that they work closely with the Developer to provide forward and coordinated thinking and actions don't really care what that arrangement really is or isn't. I know the rest of the County needs support and hope this tax program will help them also. I'm not convinced that changing the team won't take us backwards, but then we will have something else to complain about here right?

That is exactly what they said in New York! We don’t need or want any of that crap!

JoMar
08-15-2020, 05:10 PM
That is exactly what they said in New York! We don’t need or want any of that crap!

What crap?

jojo
08-15-2020, 05:26 PM
Given the current tensions in the commissioner race, it is truly unfortunate that this thread is labeled "no more entertainment at the squares." I'm not familiar with Mr. Miller but I do know that this is not an agenda item of Gary Search and Claude Estep. What a disservice to the challengers to make presumptions that are not the case.

angiefox10
08-15-2020, 05:58 PM
Given the current tensions in the commissioner race, it is truly unfortunate that this thread is labeled "no more entertainment at the squares." I'm not familiar with Mr. Miller but I do know that this is not an agenda item of Gary Search and Claude Estep. What a disservice to the challengers to make presumptions that are not the case.

This is an over reaction to keep EMS from getting in. I assure you there will be entertainment at the squares. The Developers don't depend on that money for the entertainment. I can assure you of that.

One of the very first meetings I went to one of the commissioners made it clear that with them it was "one for all and all for one". That's exactly what we have seen over the years. No discussion.. 5 to 0 DONE!


What will be different with this election. If EMS gets voted in... It won't be one for all and all for one. Just because one feels that something will be a certain way, if the others don't agree, they will get to discuss and vote. We will start seeing 3 to 2 or 4 to 1 or maybe 5 to 0 but we will be seeing the different personalities come out and know what they are voting for and why.
__________________

angiefox10
08-15-2020, 06:00 PM
The people who have started this rumor don't want EMS to win so no matter what, they won't let go of the rope. I only hope people are smart enough to see through it for what it is... .an election ploy.

Northwoods
08-15-2020, 06:27 PM
The people who have started this rumor don't want EMS to win so no matter what, they won't let go of the rope. I only hope people are smart enough to see through it for what it is... .an election ploy.

You say it's a rumor. Did Oren say he would not vote to fund Square Entertainment?

You say The Developer will step in and fund square entertainment. Have you talked to The Developer? Have they given you assurances that they will step up to fund it?

You're assuming. That's a dangerous thing to do.

angiefox10
08-15-2020, 06:34 PM
You say it's a rumor. Did Oren say he would not vote to fund Square Entertainment?

You say The Developer will step in and fund square entertainment. Have you talked to The Developer? Have they given you assurances that they will step up to fund it?

You're assuming. That's a dangerous thing to do.


It's a rumor because people want everyone to believe that if they don't get this money the entertainment will stop. Did the developers say that? They didn't get the money for Lake Sumter or Spanish Springs last year and the entertainment continued.

There was entertainment at the squares before the EVER got this money.

Do you not believe the developers will pay for the entertainment? Have they said they will cut out entertainment if they don't get the money?

This isn't like the old commissioners. When EMS gets in, they will all vote. They won't all agree like the present commissioners do. At least three of them will have to agree to make it go.

So... you decide because Oren said he thinks the schools in the south can use this money more than the developers can (yes he did say that) that people should not vote for him and give up all the things EMS wants to do for the community.

The rumor... No entertainment at the squares. Unless the people saying that can show me that the developers won't fund it like they always have, I don't buy into it and neither should you.

It's an election ploy! Nothing more.

angiefox10
08-15-2020, 06:48 PM
You say it's a rumor. Did Oren say he would not vote to fund Square Entertainment?

You say The Developer will step in and fund square entertainment. Have you talked to The Developer? Have they given you assurances that they will step up to fund it?

You're assuming. That's a dangerous thing to do.

The developer advertises entertainment i the squares 365 days a year. NOT the county. Why would the developer not pay for it?

They were given a grant for a couple of years for Brownwood and now for Lake Sumter and suddenly they will hold us hostage? I don't believe it do you?

Do you feel the developers not paying for the entertainment is more important than the schools? If so, maybe that needs to be brought to the table and discussed. That's what the new commissioners will be all about... discussion. Maybe one or all are not thinking this through completely.. .So, you get to talk to them and explain why you feel the way you do and then the commissioners can take that into consideration.

That's an opportunity you will have that we don't have now. We can't talk to our commissioners and we can't discuss. And if they decide something... the vote is ALWAYS 5 to 0.

angiefox10
08-15-2020, 06:51 PM
This is what we have now. This is three different meetings, three different issues.

How the commissioners treat visitors - YouTube (https://youtu.be/O-EhsiPdbEQ)

CanTho
08-15-2020, 06:57 PM
Vaccine out pretty soon? Don't hold your breath. That is NOT what the medical experts are saying. You could go to Russia about the end of the year and they MIGHT have their UNPROVEN one available to tourists at a HUGE cost. Do that IF you dare! Even when the US vaccine is PROVEN effective - there will be a long, long time delay before it is available to ordinary peons like you and me. 1st the NBA, NFL, and MLB players get theirs and owners and staff and etc. Then University Presidents and staff - then hospital Soctors and staff. Then MAYBE me and you. AND the ANTI-VACCERS (up to 50% of the US population) will NOT get the vaccine - so, we are right back to where we were. Wearing masks or NOT wearing masks - pretending everything is normal or being cautious and caring about other people. The 1918 pandemic took 4 years to resolve and this one could affect people's hearts for their lifetimes, children also. So, dancing to live music at the square may be something that was only done in your past, pre-CV lifetimes.

For me I am optimistic and believe that a vaccine will be available by December, 2020 at the latest.

Hey better to optimistic then Doom and Gloom.

PS: 1918 vs 2020 Need I say more.:)

angiefox10
08-15-2020, 06:58 PM
I can tell by the responses that many of you have never been to a BOCC meeting.


Angie takes on Angeliadis - YouTube (https://youtu.be/iv8CDn6hNKU)

angiefox10
08-15-2020, 07:12 PM
This is the first time I was able to talk to a county commissioner at a question and answer.

This is what we have now.... This is why so many have said "vote them out" We just wanted them to put it on the ballot. Ask the people.

Gilpin answers questions in South Sumter - YouTube (https://youtu.be/apxksQi2VYo)

Buffalo Jim
08-15-2020, 11:38 PM
This is the first time I was able to talk to a county commissioner at a question and answer.

This is what we have now.... This is why so many have said "vote them out" We just wanted them to put it on the ballot. Ask the people.

Gilpin answers questions in South Sumter - YouTube (https://youtu.be/apxksQi2VYo)

Ms. Fox : Sure sounds as if you are running for office ! What will your role be when your EMS Team is at the helm ? Agenda ? Brand New Animal Shelter first and foremost ?

And since you seem to speaking for at least Mr. MIller , how about explaining how his campaign seeking changes to the County Charter will be beneficial to Villagers living in Sumter County ? You know the change which would deny us the right to vote for all 5 Commissioners and instead only one . How is that beneficial to us ?

angiefox10
08-16-2020, 07:02 AM
Ms. Fox : Sure sounds as if you are running for office ! What will your role be when your EMS Team is at the helm ? Agenda ? Brand New Animal Shelter first and foremost ?

And since you seem to speaking for at least Mr. MIller , how about explaining how his campaign seeking changes to the County Charter will be beneficial to Villagers living in Sumter County ? You know the change which would deny us the right to vote for all 5 Commissioners and instead only one . How is that beneficial to us ?


Oren isn't in this forum

I am speaking as a resident who has been to all the BOCC meetings until COVID for the past four years.

As to the shelter. We are the only County Shelter in Florida that doesn't allow volunteers. Why? If we had volunteers it would save the county a ton of money. People have offered to help in the meetings. We could save more animals and get them back home with volunteers. But then if we had volunteers we would have known about the dog that was recently left in the truck to die with the heat on. We asked for those records from the county three times before we got them all. The first time they said there were NO records. We let them know we KNEW and they started feeding us the records a little at a time. Oh... and a supervisor had to resign or be fired because she refused to sweep it under the rug. Yes! I have the documents to prove all of this.

Or the little dog that fell out of the truck and they denied picking up the dog until it came out there was a camera outside the house that recorded the whole event. They got lucky and the dog was found later.

Or the five dogs that were killed with their surgical collars on one even had an adopter on the way to pick her up. the person who had to kill them had just been promoted and quit because it affected her so much. (Yes, I have the text from her )

We need Shelter Reform at our county shelter. It would save us money and save our pets.

As to reversing One Sumter. Yes, One Sumter needs to go away. We need commissioners who work for us. I wouldn't want residents in Georgia voting for my Governor. If you have ever been to a meeting, you will know the Commissioners don't work for us. Yes, they work for the developers. Understand the villages are represented by the developers, Wildwood is represented by their government, Busnell is represented by their government. The Commissioners should be representing ALL the residents NOT special interest groups.

The Villages has been warned about all the building. About the lack of water for all of us and about the sinkholes. (Oh, and speaking of sinkholes, the employees of The Villages can't call them sinkholes, they have to call them "ground depressions" or "water main breaks"), Maybe there needs to be some checks and balances in our system before any more people lose their homes. I have friends dealing with the "ground depressions" now.. how many more?

As for my roll... I am a resident. And to your point. Who are you? Everyone knows who I am, but most of the people in here have fake names. What is your roll in this? I have to wonder about the lies I'm reading in here. Who are the people spreading them? What do they get out of this? Others need to ask the same. You know who I am. .. who are you?

The Science Behind Florida’s Sinkhole Epidemic
|
Science

| Smithsonian Magazine (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/science-behind-floridas-sinkhole-epidemic-180969158/)

angiefox10
08-16-2020, 07:14 AM
Ms. Fox : Sure sounds as if you are running for office ! What will your role be when your EMS Team is at the helm ? Agenda ? Brand New Animal Shelter first and foremost ?

And since you seem to speaking for at least Mr. MIller , how about explaining how his campaign seeking changes to the County Charter will be beneficial to Villagers living in Sumter County ? You know the change which would deny us the right to vote for all 5 Commissioners and instead only one . How is that beneficial to us ?

Oh... The plan is NOT to make changes... The plan is to find out what the residents want first. One Sumter needs to be put on the ballot. No one should make that decision without a vote. Don't you agree?

kaniess
08-16-2020, 07:32 AM
Since the challengers are running as a slate, I reasonably assume that they will vote as a block on the commission and their vote will not be in the interest of the Villagers' benefits. A priority will be a certain "pet project".

angiefox10
08-16-2020, 07:46 AM
Since the challengers are running as a slate, I reasonably assume that they will vote as a block on the commission and their vote will not be in the interest of the Villagers' benefits. A priority will be a certain "pet project".

You assume wrong. And that's the point of new commissioners! As it stands now, the vote is ALWAYS 5 to 0 and NEVER in the interest of The Villagers. I don't know if you noticed but the incumbents are now running as a block as well. So there is that.

As to the shelter. We are the only County Shelter in Florida that doesn't allow volunteers. Why? If we had volunteers it would save the county a ton of money. People have offered to help in the meetings. We could save more animals and get them back home with volunteers. But then if we had volunteers we would have known about the dog that was recently left in the truck to die with the heat on. We asked for those records from the county three times before we got them all. The first time they said there were NO records. We let them know we KNEW and they started feeding us the records a little at a time. Oh... and a supervisor had to resign or be fired because she refused to sweep it under the rug. Yes! I have the documents to prove all of this.

Or the little dog that fell out of the truck and they denied picking up the dog until it came out there was a camera outside the house that recorded the whole event. They got lucky and the dog was found later.

Or the five dogs that were killed with their surgical collars on one even had an adopter on the way to pick her up. the person who had to kill them had just been promoted and quit because it affected her so much. (Yes, I have the text from her )

We need Shelter Reform at our county shelter. It would save us money and save our pets.


Have you seen the videos I posted in here of how the commissioners treat the residents?

Again, you know who I am, who are you? A commissioner? A developer?

It's time we take our county back Roll back the 25% Tax increase and vote for commissioners who care about US!

kaniess
08-16-2020, 08:23 AM
I'm not a commissioner or developer. I am a resident who bought a home here to enjoy the available benefits and amenities during my retirement in TV. My goal in life is not to save all unwanted animals. I recognize that the current commissioners sometimes behave rudely to residents who oppose them at board meetings. However, I believe that working with the developer to make The Villages a better place for most of us is in our best interest and in the interest of thousands of employees who support our comfortable retirement lifestyle. Your insinuation that I am a commissioner or developer indicates that at least one of the challengers will also be disrespectful to opposing residents if he is elected to the commission.

angiefox10
08-16-2020, 08:43 AM
I'm not a commissioner or developer. I am a resident who bought a home here to enjoy the available benefits and amenities during my retirement in TV. My goal in life is not to save all unwanted animals. I recognize that the current commissioners sometimes behave rudely to residents who oppose them at board meetings. However, I believe that working with the developer to make The Villages a better place for most of us is in our best interest and in the interest of thousands of employees who support our comfortable retirement lifestyle. Your insinuation that I am a commissioner or developer indicates that at least one of the challengers will also be disrespectful to opposing residents if he is elected to the commission.




That I ask who you are is rude?

As I said, I am speaking as a resident I am not running for office.

Thank you for acknowledging that you understand the commissioners are not kind to the residents.

The commissioners are not in office to work for the developers. They are voted in to work for the residents.

While they could have done nothing about the Hacienda situation , it’s an example of the fact that the developers don’t have our back.

They should have fixed it... but then that wouldn’t have made as much income, would it?

They could have built those apartments anywhere... why there?

The choices were 600 more residents or a parking garage.

Nice

EdFNJ
08-16-2020, 08:50 AM
Oren isn't in this forum

I am speaking as a resident who has been to all the BOCC meetings .............


While I agree with most of what you (or he) is saying the quoted comment is VERY difficult to take seriously.

Schuvwj
08-16-2020, 02:10 PM
Another Tax increase crap!

Buffalo Jim
08-16-2020, 02:19 PM
Oh... The plan is NOT to make changes... The plan is to find out what the residents want first. One Sumter needs to be put on the ballot. No one should make that decision without a vote. Don't you agree?

Oh, Ms Fox : Things will be soooo much better when you are behind " The Curtin " pulling all of the levers !!!

I think many people are aware who we are really being encouraged to vote for .

Our new Republican Candidates have taken their strategies and tactics right out of the current DNC playbook . They even have an overly- influential media source working very hard to support them in their efforts to turn everything upside down and to your liking .

Your image of " what's fair " , frankly , will work against the most important concern of every Village Resident which is strong and increasing home values .

Should your Team win I will be waiting for all of their excuses as to why they will be unable to roll- back those tax increases that you have used as the basis to get control .

Oh and just curious about something else . Your Team has often pointed out the unwarranted salaries and benefits of the incumbents . Yet , I must have missed their pledge to work for the good of the people as they hand over their compensation to the County . Perhaps they could offer the first year to The Animal Shelter ?! There is nothing preventing them from doing so .

Folks , I see nothing but Chaos ahead if the EMS Team prevails .

Eventually the " New Boss " turns out to be the same as " The Old Boss " and sometimes worse .

angiefox10
08-16-2020, 02:57 PM
Oren Miller is a commissioner for the people. Hearing about the way people feel about this situation, he agrees that if not giving this money to the entertainment department would stop the the entertainment on the square... by all means, they should get the funds. He said his intention was NOT to "defund" the entertainment on the square, he just felt that there could have been better venues to spend the money.

Oren Miller is not in this forum and this is why I have to reply. He gives you his word, he will vote for what the PEOPLE want.

EdFNJ
08-16-2020, 09:25 PM
The "county tax" millage rate went up by about 25%. Your assessed value may have also gone up. The "school tax" millage rate was essentially unchanged. There are a couple of other components to the "total" tax bill. They were essentially unchanged. Since the "county tax" is about 1/2 of the "total" tax, for most people the "total tax" bill went up about 12%. This assumes your were homesteaded and you paid off your bond. If you still have your bond, the percentage increase will be lower. Your milage may vary.
Gotcha. Thanks for the clear explanation. :) Bottom line is you are of course correct my county taxes did increase by 25% (~$125) which is 1 mid-priced ticket at Sharon Center when it was opened. I can live with it and after NJ it's a bargain as we had a $3000 increase 1 year (2015). Of course no one likes taxes going up but for $125 I won't "make a federal case" out of it (but they better finish paving Morse at O'Dell Circle by Mallory CC for my $125!).

angiefox10
08-18-2020, 06:26 AM
How the current commissioners treat the residents

How the commissioners treat visitors - YouTube (https://youtu.be/O-EhsiPdbEQ)


Oren Miller will listen.

Marathon Man
08-18-2020, 07:18 AM
... Folks , I see nothing but Chaos ahead if the EMS Team prevails .

Eventually the " New Boss " turns out to be the same as " The Old Boss " and sometimes worse ....



I agree with this. Those attempting to unseat the incumbants have made it clear that they intend to oppose (dare I say stifle) the plans of the developer. All the "for the people" talk is election rhetoric.

Goldwingnut
08-18-2020, 11:36 AM
Why does George Orwell's Animal Farm seem to come to mind when I think of this election?

Aloha1
08-18-2020, 12:36 PM
Sumter County is not all of TV. Those of us in the other two counties are concerned about this whole "revolution" in Sumter that could decrease the value of our investment here. But the "revolutionaries" don't care about that, I'll bet.