My Mercedes vandalized behind Johnny Rocket

[taruffi57]

Went to movie 9:20 PM 8/18/10 & parked behind businesses across street from Theatre at Lake Sumter Landing. Left movie about 11:20 PM. Discovered next morning that our Mercedes coupe had the front grille center large round/3 pointed star emblem pried off of it. Also, smaller same emblem on trunk lid appears to have been pried on with pocket knife. The scumbag lowlife broke that one - as part of it is still on the car. Also scratched the paint. I'm sure he is wearing it around his neck on a cheap chain or glued to his lime green jacked up '68 Impala 4 door with 24" chrome rims. Community Watch says NO security cameras in that parking lot. WHAT? As much money as Villagers pay in fees!!!!!!! IS YOUR CAR NEXT????? We'll have to eat this one.

Signed,
Extremely agitated resident

[barb1191]

So very annoying and I feel your rage. I too owned a Mercedes sports coupe that turned heads and got rid of it for that very reason. My daughter owned a fancy schmancy vette which was damaged a number of times until she gave up and next car was an SUV.

Hope that you have insurance on your cedes' (that's what my daughter called my Mercedes (pronounced: Sadie).

[GatorFan]

So sorry that this happen to you. It is covered under your comprehensive.

[kentucky blue]

Went to movie 9:20 PM 8/18/10 & parked behind businesses across street from Theatre at Lake Sumter Landing. Left movie about 11:20 PM. Discovered next morning that our Mercedes coupe had the front grille center large round/3 pointed star emblem pried off of it. Also, smaller same emblem on trunk lid appears to have been pried on with pocket knife. The scumbag lowlife broke that one - as part of it is still on the car. Also scratched the paint. I'm sure he is wearing it around his neck on a cheap chain or glued to his lime green jacked up '68 Impala 4 door with 24" chrome rims. Community Watch says NO security cameras in that parking lot. WHAT? As much money as Villagers pay in fees!!!!!!! IS YOUR CAR NEXT????? We'll have to eat this one.

Signed,
Extremely agitated resident
Drove Mercedes all my life, until last year when i finally got tired of paying the outrageous service fees.Having the star emblem removed was just part of owning one.Especially when the musical group Beastie Boys was popular and they wore the emblem around their necks. I would just go to the dealership , pay $125.00 and get a new one.Never thought TV would be a place to worry about Mercedes emblems.....................the times they are a changing.

[Larryandlinda]

Went to movie 9:20 PM 8/18/10 & parked behind businesses across street from Theatre at Lake Sumter Landing. Left movie about 11:20 PM. Discovered next morning that our Mercedes coupe had the front grille center large round/3 pointed star emblem pried off of it. Also, smaller same emblem on trunk lid appears to have been pried on with pocket knife. The scumbag lowlife broke that one - as part of it is still on the car. Also scratched the paint. I'm sure he is wearing it around his neck on a cheap chain or glued to his lime green jacked up '68 Impala 4 door with 24" chrome rims. Community Watch says NO security cameras in that parking lot. WHAT? As much money as Villagers pay in fees!!!!!!! IS YOUR CAR NEXT????? We'll have to eat this one.

Signed,
Extremely agitated resident

ouch
too bad your 'entry'posting to TOTV had to be such a terrible report

if we can make a little light, get a '68 Impale emblem and stick it on

you might be passed over!

we've seen some unfitting characters in those lots ourselves that are cause for locking the car, something we haven't done since the big city 'burbs.

in TV and rural Md. there's not much car locking going on
we usually go windows down unless we're on the freeways and leave 'em down in hot parking lots unless we find some decent shade.

We will be careful now and watch for suspicious folk even ore

L and L

[K9-Lovers]

Your movie was on Saturday night . . . we've noticed a bunch of teens all over the squares on Friday and Saturday nights -- mostly in the bushes and hanging out in the parking lots. Who da thunk a retirement community would be a cool place for teens?

[l2ridehd]

I was at the square Saturday night as well and commented to my wife that there were an awful lot of non villagers around. Groups of teens and young adults with no seniors with them. On another thread I saw a home was broken into and robbed. The outside crowd may be starting to recognize this place as an easy mark for robbery and vandalism. Sumter county better recognize this quickly and take the appropriate action to step up patrols in the area. I would have to guess we cover 95% of the cost of the support they provide.

[jebartle]

Think the criminals will find out that at least half of residents are
"packing" and have lots of time to observe suspicious characters!
:BigApplause:

[graciegirl]

I am suspicious.

[BlueHeronFan]

Folks might notice that most of the movies are "younger audience" flicks and drawing same from outside is a given.

The squares are the new Malls for them to hang out, and the lake boardwalk appears as the new "lovers lane".

Just wait until Brownwood is created.

[Talk Host]

Do I remember reading or hearing somewhere that Lake Sumter Landing is private property rather than public property? I may be wrong but seems like I heard that.

If that is the case then police can't patrol there.

If it's public then there should always be police where there is a crowd of people.

[bkcunningham1]

I am suspicious.

If you mean what I think you mean, I am too.

[ajbrown]

If you mean what I think you mean, I am too.

If what you mean is also what Gracie means and what I think you both mean, I thought the same thing, but am giving the benefit of the doubt :D.

[getdul981]

If what you mean is also what Gracie means and what I think you both mean, I thought the same thing, but am giving the benefit of the doubt :D.

Huh??

[mak44070]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by bkcunningham1
If you mean what I think you mean, I am too.

If what you mean is also what Gracie means and what I think you both mean, I thought the same thing, but am giving the benefit of the doubt .
*****

I'm confused - I don't know what I think you mean, or what Gracie means, or anything! Please explain.:shrug:

[nitehawk]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by bkcunningham1
If you mean what I think you mean, I am too.

If what you mean is also what Gracie means and what I think you both mean, I thought the same thing, but am giving the benefit of the doubt .
*****

I'm confused - I don't know what I think you mean, or what Gracie means, or anything! Please explain.:shrug:

Yes Gracie please explain, I too am confused, and could you please pass the Kool-Aid

[K9-Lovers]

The walking path behind the Creekside Cabanas is also a lovers lane, literally! I've unintentionally interrupted quite a few teen couples. Although, a few just pretend I'm not there and carry on . . .

TV security seems to keep a good handle on the teen situation in the parking lots, though.

[Mudder]

I also saw a group of teens hanging around the square. We came out the back door of movie house and the bunch of teens who were hanging around then went in the back door the theater. Seems there were only two young men working in the place that night(it was a Thursday) and we assumed that the door was left so they could get in. I have seen more teens at Lake Sumter than Spanish Springs. Maybe security needs to ask some questions.

[dillywho]

Do I remember reading or hearing somewhere that Lake Sumter Landing is private property rather than public property? I may be wrong but seems like I heard that.

If that is the case then police can't patrol there.

If it's public then there should always be police where there is a crowd of people.

It can't be both public and private and I think it must be pubic. The reason I say that is that we have always been told that anyone can come to the downtowns and the squares because they are public. I have seen a Lady Lake police officer patrolling in a cart around Spanish Springs. How can LSL have shops, theater, restaurants, etc. and it not be public but SS is?

[Sherman931]

I agree with all the posters who think they know what it means :laugh:

[golf2140]

Gracie,

There are a lot of us!!!!!

[duffysmom]

I'm getting mean, since I don't know what you all mean.:cus:

[redwitch]

Most of the teens in the Squares are pretty well-behaved. They can dance, hang out, see a movie .... Sadly, they can also drink -- it is not that hard for a teen to buy at the square kiosks (depends who's working, etc.).

Mercedes emblems have always been a great "souvenier." I can remember having to buy a new one about every 3 months in the Bay Area. I always wondered if the thiefs had any idea of how expensive their little toy was to the owners and if it would have made a difference. Never found anyone who would admit to taking them to find out.

In the meantime, vandalism does happen, even in TV. Fortunately, not often, but enough so that we should be aware and take at least some precautions (locking car doors at the squares; not leaving valuables in plain sight -- even your wallet on the kitchen counter in plain view when you open your door; etc.). You can't protect or worry about everything. Some things you have to take with a grain of salt, doo-doo happens (like the taking of a Mercedes hood ornament).

And I have seen police presence in the squares themselves but not in the parking lots. Community Watch does drive around them occasionally but I'm not convinced they really "see" anything other than cars parked illegally. We all need to be vigilant and aware. We're really the best deterrent to vandalism and theft.

As to the suspicions here, it's irrelevant. First-timers can post as they please and not all news is good news. If it didn't happen, it could have and a reminder isn't a bad idea.

[Chi-Town]

It's amazing. I used to get my Cougar hood ornament ripped off over 30 years ago even before people wore them. My son just had all four of his rim caps stolen off his Escalade. They are now jewelry. The funny thing is I can't rip my antenna off to beat the perps because it's gone. And nobody stole it.

[zcaveman]

I agree with all the posters who think they know what it means :laugh:

Now that makes me suspicious!! :1rotfl:

[Pturner]

What the heck, I'll 'splain it to you.

The suspicion is that this first-time poster does not really live in TV, means TV harm for whatever reason and well, made it up.

I dunno. Before this post there were several in another thread where posters mentioned seeing a large number of teens hanging out in the square this past weekend.

[Taltarzac]

Teens acting badly probably show up in the nicest of places including the Villages.

The Mercedes emblem also sounds like something some teen or other miscreant might want.

[duffysmom]

Thanks Pt, you came to my rescue.:kiss: As for Redwitch, she is a pistol packing mama so she has no worries about crime. :1rotfl:

[Pturner]

Whether the incident happened or not, there needs to be two community watches in TV: the Community Watch with official cars and radios and limited authority... and us.

I'm not saying this because I think crime is on the rise. I have no evidence of that. I'm saying it because real communities-- ok, maybe not modern suburbs where nobody knows their neighbors-- but real Communities look out for each other. They care and have a sense of Community Responsibility.

So, what should we do? Sure teens have a right to hang out in the parking lot. We can keep an eye on them though-- rather obviously I might add.

But in the bushes!? If I saw a group of teenagers hiding in the bushes, I would be suspicious of their intentions and would call Community Watch. My call might be ignored. But if every Villager who saw those same teenagers hiding in the bushes called Community Watch, I suspect they'd send some trucks over.

What if we did something else? What if we pointed out the teens in the bushes to fellow Villagers on the square. What if they called too-- or even collectively walked over to the bushes to snap some pictures and ask the teens what they were doing in the bushes?

If I saw something that made me think a theater employee was leaving a side door open for vandals and thieves, I'd at the very least tell the theater manager of my concern.

Why is it that we sometimes see suspicious activity and do nothing other than gripe about it? Who is responsible for the welfare of our community if not us. Community Watch can't be everywhere. We can be. We are.

To the poster who started this thread: I am sorry this happened to you. I'm curious. Did you call the sheriff's office when you noticed the damage? Did they come out and take pictures and make an incident report? What did the officer say about it?

[swrinfla]

Pt:

:agree: with your outlook. But, I think you have to remember that there's a strong "don't get involved" culture in this country. Plus some of us are older than others [:wave:] and less inclined to cause negative responses. 50 years ago, I might have been willing and capable of physical confrontation; today, frankly, no way! And, I have limited faith that local teens wouldn't resort to 'violence!'

Sad, but, I'm afraid, TRUE!

SWR
:beer3:

[graciegirl]

To the poster who started this thread. Where are my manners?? I want to welcome you to this forum. I feel sure that you have been a "lurker" for awhile because you know how to post and what to say. I hate that your very first post had to be about something so negative that happened here. Not that those things don't happen, but I hope you will come back and tell us something wonderful too.

I hope that you continue to post and I am sorry that you had damage to your car.

I very much agree with PTurner, (I always do) about calling the police when this sort of thing occurs. I also concur with taking a picture, walking up to kids and asking them WHY they are hiding in bushes (For PETE'S SAKE) or asking the person on duty at the front door of the movies what is going on with the kids going in the back door, and get his/her name so you can pass it on to powers that be.

We can change this place. My kids don't call me the "warden" for nothing.

And...I do owe you an apology, Taruffi57 for not saying Hello and come on in.

I may have been a little jealous because no one ever wants to tear anything off of our Chrysler van or the Taurus.

[laryb]

It can't be both public and private and I think it must be pubic. The reason I say that is that we have always been told that anyone can come to the downtowns and the squares because they are public. I guess if it's the third choice, we know what's going on behind the theaters. Now I'M confused!:popcorn:

[Boudicca]

We too were at Sumter square last weekend and had to walk past a crowd of sneering teens in order to get to our cart parked behind the theater. Tight crop topped gals were lounging in a truck bed, while youths went through the usual routine of jabbing at each other and dashing madly off using foul language. Glad hubby left the Jag at home. Agree with others, that the parking lots are the new gathering place for unsavory youth "groups"?....

[graciegirl]

We too were at Sumter square last weekend and had to walk past a crowd of sneering teens in order to get to our cart parked behind the theater. Tight crop topped gals were lounging in a truck bed, while youths went through the usual routine of jabbing at each other and dashing madly off using foul language. Glad hubby left the Jag at home. Agree with others, that the parking lots are the new gathering place for unsavory youth "groups"?....

Shrandell. That is awful. I hope that the people who can do something are reading this forum.

Now I really am ashamed. I haven't been there all summer. I shouldn't have been suspicious.

[SALYBOW]

Went to movie 9:20 PM 8/18/10 & parked behind businesses across street from Theatre at Lake Sumter Landing. Left movie about 11:20 PM. Discovered next morning that our Mercedes coupe had the front grille center large round/3 pointed star emblem pried off of it. Also, smaller same emblem on trunk lid appears to have been pried on with pocket knife. The scumbag lowlife broke that one - as part of it is still on the car. Also scratched the paint. I'm sure he is wearing it around his neck on a cheap chain or glued to his lime green jacked up '68 Impala 4 door with 24" chrome rims. Community Watch says NO security cameras in that parking lot. WHAT? As much money as Villagers pay in fees!!!!!!! IS YOUR CAR NEXT????? We'll have to eat this one.

Signed,
Extremely agitated resident

I am so sorry to hear that you received damage of any kind. The best help I can be is to offer to trade you for my 2007 Honda Accord. People never bother it. LET ME KNOW :a20: :pepper2:

[golf2140]

To end this problem, we all should be proactive. If you see this behavior, call 911 and let the deputies take care of the issue. If they receive a lot of calls, they will better patrol the area. As we all know the squeaky wheel gets action.

[redwitch]

Quite frankly, while I do carry at all times, there is no way I would confront a group of teens. 1. It is too easy overwhelm one individual with or without a weapon when there is a group. 2. It can make a non-volatile situation become downright dangerous for all involved.

I do like the idea of calling Community Watch if I saw kids hiding in bushes or hanging around the parking lot -- they don't belong there. However, I would not call in front of them. I'd wait til I got around the corner. No reason to inflame them. Just not worth the risk. Also, if you're going to call, be sure the kids are doing something wrong. Hanging around the squares is acceptable. Even turning certain areas into a lovers' lane of sorts is more or less okay (we may not like it, but the chances of it causing harm are pretty slim). Hiding, posing and cursing, hanging around in inappropriate areas should be reported. I know I reported some kids hanging around the 441 bridge. Community Watch did talk to the kids and sent them on their way.

Sneaking into movie theaters is, of course, illegal. However, it is a time-honored tradition. I was a pretty honorable kid and pretty much followed most rules but, if given a chance, I would happily sneak in the back door of the theater or hide in the trunk to get into the drive-in.

So, hopefully, we won't call every time we see a teen, but won't hesitate to call if we see a teen behaving inappropriately.

[Shimpy]

:agree:Think the criminals will find out that at least half of residents are
"packing" and have lots of time to observe suspicious characters!
:BigApplause:

:agree:

[graciegirl]

:agree:

:agree:

I read the quote above three or four times and I thought....You mean UNpacking....and then it dawned on me.


I think I have something left from my Dale Evans days.

[Larryandlinda]

I am so sorry to hear that you received damage of any kind. The best help I can be is to offer to trade you for my 2007 Honda Accord. People never bother it. LET ME KNOW :a20: :pepper2:

ahhh
Maybe things have changed?
The Accord for over a decade was the most stolen car.
Does yours have something going on with it?

L and L

[Pturner]

I read the quote above three or four times and I thought....You mean UNpacking....and then it dawned on me.


I think I have something left from my Dale Evans days.

Goodnight Gracie

[snowbird1898]

I too have a carrying license but as you mentioned it seems the criminals have more rights than the honest people. But in todays times it seems that things will never be the same with the bad people having no fear of prosecution. And yes again as using your head in different "situtations" will save your life more than once.

I guess we have all noticed all the "groups" of kids hanging around the theaters, especially late at night and also commented to my wife that "The Villages" is not and should not be a public "gathering" place for kids that have no place to go. Granted 99% may be ok but there is always the ones that will try to "show off" to their friends by creating trouble.

Have noticed that "Surveillance Cameras" very much do deter most (not all) people as they have now placed them in Tampa's downtown Ybor City and has cut the crime by half. I think (just my opinion) that if the "Surveillance Cameras" were made "aware" of that the young people would probably move to a less "obvious" area. After all you see more and more of them used..."effectively"

PS Thats another reason ...and a shame.... that I don't take my (new) car out of the garage unless I'm next to it. Some people can't stand for anyone to have anything nice :shrug:


Quite frankly, while I do carry at all times, there is no way I would confront a group of teens. 1. It is too easy overwhelm one individual with or without a weapon when there is a group. 2. It can make a non-volatile situation become downright dangerous for all involved.

I do like the idea of calling Community Watch if I saw kids hiding in bushes or hanging around the parking lot -- they don't belong there. However, I would not call in front of them. I'd wait til I got around the corner. No reason to inflame them. Just not worth the risk. Also, if you're going to call, be sure the kids are doing something wrong. Hanging around the squares is acceptable. Even turning certain areas into a lovers' lane of sorts is more or less okay (we may not like it, but the chances of it causing harm are pretty slim). Hiding, posing and cursing, hanging around in inappropriate areas should be reported. I know I reported some kids hanging around the 441 bridge. Community Watch did talk to the kids and sent them on their way.

Sneaking into movie theaters is, of course, illegal. However, it is a time-honored tradition. I was a pretty honorable kid and pretty much followed most rules but, if given a chance, I would happily sneak in the back door of the theater or hide in the trunk to get into the drive-in.

So, hopefully, we won't call every time we see a teen, but won't hesitate to call if we see a teen behaving inappropriately.

[batman911]

Best way to get teenagers to move on is to simply stand and observe them. They do not like to be where adults can watch them. That's probably why they are in the parking lots instead of the squares. If the community watch or anyone else simply stands near and observes, they will move on. Don't need to say a word.

[The Shadow]

Best way to get teenagers to move on is to simply stand and observe them. They do not like to be where adults can watch them. That's probably why they are in the parking lots instead of the squares. If the community watch or anyone else simply stands near and observes, they will move on. Don't need to say a word.
That�s not �The Shadow�s� job, you take care of it �batman�. Stalking minors is not my dish of fish.

[graciegirl]

That�s not �The Shadow�s� job, you take care of it �batman�. Stalking minors is not my dish of fish.

Boy Howdy.

[downeaster]

Best way to get teenagers to move on is to simply stand and observe them. They do not like to be where adults can watch them. That's probably why they are in the parking lots instead of the squares. If the community watch or anyone else simply stands near and observes, they will move on. Don't need to say a word.

That sort of thing would put a big dent in our rep as "Florida's Friendliest Hometown".

[2BNTV]

I was down for a visit when I realized I needed to use the ATM in Spanish Springs at 9PM on Friday night as I was leaving extremely early the next day.

I am from the Tri-State area where a person should always be aware of people being too close to them when using a ATM. Initially I didn't give it a thought being in TV and I was not concerned about using the ATM but there where several teenagers in the area that passed by and I became somewhat concerned. The ATM was in the back of the bank and I may be wrong but it may have be facing the parking lot. Thankfully, nothing happened as I was not bothered.

I am not saying that all young people are up to no good as there are many who are extremely helpful. I remember a time when one could walk around their neighborhhod without being concerned or bothered. I know that times have changed but this is one area, I wish it didn't.

As a wannabe, going forward, I hope this issue will be resolved as I like to think one is safe when visiting the town squares.

[JimJoe]

Best way to get teenagers to move on is to simply stand and observe them. They do not like to be where adults can watch them. That's probably why they are in the parking lots instead of the squares. If the community watch or anyone else simply stands near and observes, they will move on. Don't need to say a word.

If they are misbehaving, if you use your cell phone or digi cam and video record them, you will have proof of their behavior, but get ready for an attack, verbal and possibly otherwise.
JJ

[batman911]

Mr. Shadow,

Somehow you believe that observing people in a publiic place that you believe may intend to commit a crime against your fellow citizens is stalking?
That is just the attitude that alllows this type of behavior to exist in our communities. Maybe you should consider standing up for what is right instead of lurking in the shadows.

[The Shadow]

Mr. Shadow,

Somehow you believe that observing people in a publiic place that you believe may intend to commit a crime against your fellow citizens is stalking?
That is just the attitude that alllows this type of behavior to exist in our communities. Maybe you should consider standing up for what is right instead of lurking in the shadows.

Suppose those 3,4,5,6 boys don�t like me staring at them, suppose they see a chance to impress the girls, suppose they been doing crack. I will not stand out in that parking lot and provoke those underage dopers into using me as a pi�ata. Police/security gets paid to deal with security situations not I.

[Talk Host]

Suppose those 3,4,5,6 boys don�t like me staring at them, suppose they see a chance to impress the girls, suppose they been doing crack. I will not stand out in that parking lot and provoke those underage dopers into using me as a pi�ata. Police/security gets paid to deal with security situations not I.


I think it's "......not me."

[golf2140]

Did I miss something here. This thread started with a report that a car was damaged. It was posted a month or so after it had occurred. We are now concerned about being mugged by teenagers. Has anything other than the damage to vehicle occur. Sometimes we older folks over react. Lets not give TV a bad name by starting a witch hunt.

These are just my thoughts. Don't worry, be happy! :crap2:

[Irish Rover]

Wow, what a post! I will be there in Jan/Feb for my tenth year. I am however a renter and a snowbird and whatever else we part timers are labeled. My group, which now numbers in the 30's enjoys the amenities of TV but we try not to mess up your tee tomes, restaurant reservations, or even get in your line dances. However, we love the place. All this being said, I have been there when TV was about 23,000 people and to this stage of development.
It was a lot more fun then and really unique when there was only one Town Square ( not counting the original across the hwy) with a micro brewery, bakery, great Italian restaurant (Augustines), and alas, no Starbucks and Bread Company. The Buffalo still roamed, the locals ( non residents) in the area didn't pay much attention to the Square and it was still a kick to drive your golf cart where ever. Please don't get jacked up at me because I still love the place and will continue to rent and spend money. We eat late, so we don't take the early reservations, and if I can't get a tee time on campus I go to Baseline ( my wife loves it).
Keep in mind, you are very soon going to be a city of 100,000 people and you will get all the things that will come with it - crime, vandalism, traffic and attitude from people over 55 who will be the majority. It will still be a great place but tolerance had better be in your bag to survive. (Sorry Red, Gracie, and Russ) Hope to see some of you at the February get together at Crispers.
Irish

[K9-Lovers]

Sorry, I have to agree with Shadow. Some of those boys I've seen are very rowdy, use profane language and are aggressive with EACH OTHER. No way I would recommend that one of us older folks make it obvious that we are observing them, or watching them, etc. If you see something that needs attention, call security.

[The Shadow]

I think it's "......not me."

See dog, you can feel me. (You get my point)

[graciegirl]

Evaluate each situation as it presents itself. Be peaceful in your own mind and heart. Be moderate in your thinking and forgiving in your heart. Don't start trouble.

Things my grandmother told me.
They just seemed appropriate to say.

I try to do them, but sometimes we all get side tracked. Not all of those parking lot kids are bad. Because I can't run as fast as I used to and move quite as fast and do physical things quite as well, sometimes I feel afraid. I doubt if I am alone in that.

[K9-Lovers]

I walk my dogs almost every night past the parking lots for LSL and know what goes on with teens in the parking lots and on the walking paths behind Creekside Landing. So far, there has been nothing I've seen that would require security to be notified. Mostly, just a bunch of kids congregating, and some sexual activity. Probably, they have nowhere else to go and nothing else to do. Once in a while, a group of boys gets rowdy, loud and obscene. But not so rowdy that we felt the need to call security.

My point is, that we still feel very safe walking by/with/next to the teens and have never felt threatened. Often, we see Nighborhood Watch vehicles in the parking lots, and they break up groups of teens and have them move. I don't think the complexion or ambiance of LSL or TV will be altered in the future. It seems to us that management is spot on with controlling any problems so far. (Except for the rare and random acts that have been discussed here).

Golf 2140 has the right attitude: Don't worry; be happy.:thumbup:

[Regor]

Wow, what a post! I will be there in Jan/Feb for my tenth year. I am however a renter and a snowbird and whatever else we part timers are labeled. My group, which now numbers in the 30's enjoys the amenities of TV but we try not to mess up your tee tomes, restaurant reservations, or even get in your line dances. However, we love the place. All this being said, I have been there when TV was about 23,000 people and to this stage of development.
It was a lot more fun then and really unique when there was only one Town Square ( not counting the original across the hwy) with a micro brewery, bakery, great Italian restaurant (Augustines), and alas, no Starbucks and Bread Company. The Buffalo still roamed, the locals ( non residents) in the area didn't pay much attention to the Square and it was still a kick to drive your golf cart where ever. Please don't get jacked up at me because I still love the place and will continue to rent and spend money. We eat late, so we don't take the early reservations, and if I can't get a tee time on campus I go to Baseline ( my wife loves it).
Keep in mind, you are very soon going to be a city of 100,000 people and you will get all the things that will come with it - crime, vandalism, traffic and attitude from people over 55 who will be the majority. It will still be a great place but tolerance had better be in your bag to survive. (Sorry Red, Gracie, and Russ) Hope to see some of you at the February get together at Crispers.
Irish

Well said Irish! We moved here when it was <10,000 people. Super place at that time. The developer, Harold Schwartz, even came and greeted you at the sales building. Just a real nice hometown kind of place.

[jbdlfan]

I know this won't be a very appreciated response, but I have to tell you, I've seen the same abhorant behavior from adults, some being residents. At least the kids have immaturity as an excuse!!!!!

[redwitch]

Personally, I like seeing the kids in the Squares. Hanging out in the parking lots is a little disconcerting, though. Sitting on the edge of the 441 golf cart bridge is dangerous for the kids and the drivers (some treat the bridge like their personal roller coaster and brakes are barely used) and there have been a few instances of graffiti on the bridge (and not good graffiti, just red drek). As has been said, judge each instance case-by-case. If you feel there really is a chance someone could be hurt, call security. If the only harm is you're uncomfortable because it is teens, I vote on letting it go.

And I totally agree that some of the worst behavior I've seen is from residents who think that because they're in a golf cart they don't have to worry about drinking and driving and behave accordingly -- some people really are mean drunks.

[graciegirl]

I just want you all to know that I was very wrong to suspect that this new poster wasn't telling us a valid experience. I have met this nice person and I am wrong and I am embarrassed and sorry that I didn't take her seriously.

Please Taj, don't beat up on me. I am trying to do better. I hope I have another 50 years.

The originator of this thread is a kind and delightful person who should not be as kind to me as she is. She came to our get together and the first thing she did when she walked in our front door is give me a hug.

Taj is right. Don't jump to conclusions.

[Ajack]

I just want you all to know that I was very wrong to suspect that this new poster wasn't telling us a valid experience. I have met this nice person and I am wrong and I am embarrassed and sorry that I didn't take her seriously.

Please Taj, don't beat up on me. I am trying to do better. I hope I have another 50 years.

The originator of this thread is a kind and delightful person who should not be as kind to me as she is.

Taj is right. Taj is right. Taj is right.

Gracie, you have me confused again. I looked back in this thread and did not see any post from "Taj"
Also, unrelated to the thread subject, many forums which I participate, the original poster usually does follow-up posting on his own thread. Is it true that the OP still only has one post? Maybe she is shy?
Maybe I'm having a bad forum day and do not know what I'm talking about. I think I'll go for a cart ride now. See ya!

[VT2TV]

I don't have any experience with problems in the Villages, YET, and hope not to at all. We will be moving there shortly. I will say that we were there a couple of weeks ago picking out our house specifics. My husband and I were sitting at Johnny Rockets at one of the outdoor tables. I have to admit that we were very surprised to see so many groups of teenagers, and preteens there with no adult in sight. The teens were very loud and yelling across the street to each other. One was on crutches and he was doing dangerous things on his cruthes, and proceeded to fall. I would have to guess they had been dringing by the way they were acting. They were taking up the entire sidewalk and people were having to walk in the street to get around them. Language was inappropriate. The group of preteens had about 20 in their group-but were fairly well behaved People were stopping to stare at the group of teens, so hopefully that means that this was not a regular problem-certainly hope not. I agree with another poster that I am surprised that teens would want to "hang" at a retirement Village.
We had a bad situation happen approximately 45 mins from our current home. It was in the same town where Liberty University is, if any one has heard of Jerry Falwell. There was an elderly man visiting the area from California for his granddaughter's wedding. A group of teens were hanging out on the street. At the wedding, the man decided to take a walk to cool off. Well, the group of guys and girls were nearby. On of the guys boasted that he was going to hit the next person who walked by to impress one of the girls. (REALLY, are girls today impressed by that kind of thing????) So this elderly gentleman was the next person by, and the teen procedes to do as promised--but didn't stop at just hitting. He and his friends actually beat the man to death. They were ages 15-18, and all are being tried as an adult, I think. So forgive me if I am very wary of groups of teens hanging around anywhere, even the Villages. And I certainly do NOT think that all teens or groups of teens are bad, or poorly behaved--just that I am very aware of them.

[Taltarzac]

I don't have any experience with problems in the Villages, YET, and hope not to at all. We will be moving there shortly. I will say that we were there a couple of weeks ago picking out our house specifics. My husband and I were sitting at Johnny Rockets at one of the outdoor tables. I have to admit that we were very surprised to see so many groups of teenagers, and preteens there with no adult in sight. The teens were very loud and yelling across the street to each other. One was on crutches and he was doing dangerous things on his cruthes, and proceeded to fall. I would have to guess they had been dringing by the way they were acting. They were taking up the entire sidewalk and people were having to walk in the street to get around them. Language was inappropriate. The group of preteens had about 20 in their group-but were fairly well behaved People were stopping to stare at the group of teens, so hopefully that means that this was not a regular problem-certainly hope not. I agree with another poster that I am surprised that teens would want to "hang" at a retirement Village.
We had a bad situation happen approximately 45 mins from our current home. It was in the same town where Liberty University is, if any one has heard of Jerry Falwell. There was an elderly man visiting the area from California for his granddaughter's wedding. A group of teens were hanging out on the street. At the wedding, the man decided to take a walk to cool off. Well, the group of guys and girls were nearby. On of the guys boasted that he was going to hit the next person who walked by to impress one of the girls. (REALLY, are girls today impressed by that kind of thing????) So this elderly gentleman was the next person by, and the teen procedes to do as promised--but didn't stop at just hitting. He and his friends actually beat the man to death. They were ages 15-18, and all are being tried as an adult, I think. So forgive me if I am very wary of groups of teens hanging around anywhere, even the Villages. And I certainly do NOT think that all teens or groups of teens are bad, or poorly behaved--just that I am very aware of them.

That is a global story about the Lynchburg murder. It is global because something like that happens very rarely.

http://www.wset.com/Global/story.asp?S=13107910