Security at sport pools

[PromisesKept]

I am trying to post information about security at our sport pools.
Is this the correct way?

[K9-Lovers]

So far, so good. Congrats on your :eclipsee_gold_cup:post!

[PromisesKept]

Was told this afternoon that a women was attacked while showering in the Lake Miona sport pool showers, sometime last week. The lights were turned off and a man grab her and tried to remove her. Her screams brought in 2 swimmers from the pool area...Man ran away...I have made several calls to try and confirm this...but cannot confirm....Can anyone out there confirm this?

[graciegirl]

Hi There PromisesKept.

How upsetting to hear this. From whom did you hear it? Was it from someone who knew someone who was there? I am curious about who you called to find out about this. There are so many people present at the pools that I wouldn't think there is a security problem, generally. Please tell us more about this. What time of day etc.

AND more importantly, Welcome to you. I hope you enjoy TOTV and I hope you find answers to your questions. I am sorry that your first post had to be about something troubling.

Kind wishes,

Gracie

[PromisesKept]

hi

I found out from one of the swimmers at the pool today..I swim at colony,seabreeze and laurel manor.....There is no security inside the bathrooms , shower room or locker room....Once you enter one of these rooms there is no way out but the door you entered through! ........I was always a little leary about showering ....and when I do I am usually the only one using the showers....people are using the pool however.............
Its just unbelievable but anyone can enter the bathroom,shower,or locker room and then just wait... A women in my water class, her clothes were taken from the locker room last week...she reported it to the Rec center and was told in the future not to leave anything in the locker room...she wanted the police contacted but was told they dont do that!

The woman at Lake Miona; I was told it happened during the day.....
Pass on to any women's swim group/club/blog/activity to be aware... hopefully we can have security at these sport pools...

[islandgal]

I'm suspicious - this post has a familiar ring like several weeks ago considering it is a first post.

[PromisesKept]

whats that mean?

[graciegirl]

I think that she means that it is unusual for someone to have a first post with a rumor about something going wrong here.

Sometimes there are those posters that like to color this place with a dark pencil. I am certainly not saying that it true of you at all.

The Villages is a very successful development and I am sure that the competition, some of the developments close by find it hard to keep up with all of the things that The Villages has to offer. I sometimes suspect that some posters come on here and make things up to make people who are considering this beautiful and safe place, have second thoughts.

I am quite sure that you are genuinely concerned about this rumor that you heard and wanted everyone to be warned. The person who had this happen should have contacted the authorities herself. Once called the police would come and take a report from the victim. The manager of our Odell center is usually quite responsive to anything told her.

I think I would go home to shower if I were you.

I have never used the sports pools but many do who read this forum and I am sure they will be grateful for the warning.

[The Great Fumar]

It means were not buying it . If an incident of that magnitude happened in this place the rumors would be all over the place in a matter of hours.....I called a friend of mine who is in a position to know and he said this is the first he had heard of it .........In my opinion your getting bad information.........

[snowbird1898]

Good Point Gracie. I shoulda noticed that!!



I think that she means that it is unusual for someone to have a first post with a rumor about something going wrong here.

Sometimes there are those posters that like to color this place with a dark pencil. I am certainly not saying that it true of you at all.

The Villages is a very successful development and I am sure that the competition, some of the developments close by find it hard to keep up with all of the things that The Villages has to offer. I sometimes suspect that some posters come on here and make things up to make people who are considering this beautiful and safe place, have second thoughts.

I am quite sure that you are genuinely concerned about this rumor that you heard and wanted everyone to be warned. The person who had this happen should have contacted the authorities herself. Once called the police would come and take a report from the victim. The manager of our Odell center is usually quite responsive to anything told her.

I think I would go home to shower if I were you.

I have never used the sports pools but many do who read this forum and I am sure they will be grateful for the warning.

[784caroline]

GRACIE

I agree..there would have been a police report or something other than a rumor to support this claim. Even the Villages would not have contained an attack as described here. I use the sports pool alot and just exactly what kind of security does one expect at this pool or any pool or any facility for that matter. It is a public facility for Villagers...but anyone can walk in. Rather than spreading rumnors I would have hoped the OP contacted the REC center where the "Alleged" incident occured to confirm.

The locker issue ...simple bring a lock with you.....if it was a real issue why didnt this person call the police.

I hate to say it but if something of sorts did happen maybe a guy was distracted or simply did not know the facility and simply walked through the wrong entrance door, was not paying attention, started to change or just walked upon this lady taking a shower and scared the hell out of everyone. "trying to remove her" is a bit tooo much.

[K9-Lovers]

Thank you, PromisesKept, for sharing your information/rumor with us. If any of the members of TOTV hear anything similar, we will certainly be talking about it. If it is true that a woman was attacked, she most likely would have reported it by now. You can call the Villages Recreation Dept. if you have any questions about the operations of the sports pools.

Welcome to Talk of the Villages!

[Jane52]

Whether or not the above report is true, it is possible that such a dreadful thing could happen in the sport pool locker rooms.

Perhaps the doors could be kept locked and opened with a card key reader (swipe our resident ID card to open the door)? That would also monitor usage by people not allowed to use these pools.

[billethkid]

All public rest rooms any where in the world have no more security than commented in the original post. One way in and only one way out.

Without checking with the involved authorities it is nothing more than a rumor.

And an interesting subject of choice to debut on TOTV.

btk

[Bogie Shooter]

It means were not buying it . If an incident of that magnitude happened in this place the rumors would be all over the place in a matter of hours.....I called a friend of mine who is in a position to know and he said this is the first he had heard of it .........In my opinion your getting bad information.........

I agree.

[PromisesKept]

Thanks all...But in fact Lake Miona staff confirmed that a women was in fact attacked while showering at the sport pool there...What saved her were her screams...
My point was and is to notify as many women as possible about this. Not to judge the women attacked or for me to be judged by fellow villagers..
I use the sport pools and I am FOREVER grateful to the swimmer who told me yesterday about the attack. Thank You again. And I will tell all ....swimmers, water aerobics, volleyballers, dancers, and walkers I meet at the pools..If anyone knows of of sites for those that use the sport pools please pass on to them..

[PromisesKept]

It means were not buying it . If an incident of that magnitude happened in this place the rumors would be all over the place in a matter of hours.....I called a friend of mine who is in a position to know and he said this is the first he had heard of it .........In my opinion your getting bad information.........

Stop in at Lake Miona and ask..

[PromisesKept]

Unless you are simply trying to discredit the " messenger" , why not just thank the messenger and inquire at Lake Miona Rec Center? Why would anyone make up a story like this?
Also, there are no enclosed Lockers, what good are Personal padlocks?
Also, women, not men pretending to be women, would know that most rapes go unreported...this could have been the case here.
Again, why question the messenger's integrity? What is your agenda?

[784caroline]

I still cannot believe if Someone was "ATTACKED" using your words, and that the local police department was not involved.called either by the TV Rec staff or the person herself.

[784caroline]

Here is the Official story,,...I contacted the TV Director of Security and copied Janet Tutt...I heard back from the TV Director of Recreation within 2 hours with this response. The Local police were in fact contacted, a man was in the womans lockeroom, but to use the term "ATTACKED" appears to be a exaggeration....at least based on this report. Here goes!!

************************************************** ****

I would like to respond to the email regarding this incident. Lake Miona staff was approached by two females that there was an alleged male in the women�s restroom shower. When staff was notified they went to the parking lot to see if there was anyone that met the description. Staff then went to get additional details from the two females who reported the incident. As soon as staff went to get more details from the two females, they had left the facility without providing any additional details or their names or contact info to staff. Staff notified the manager of the incident who called 911. Sumter County Sheriff�s Department responded and filed a police report. As of today�s date there are no other details or confirmation regarding the two residents or the alleged male. If any new details are provided, we will communicate this information to the proper authorities. Recreation Staff, Community Watch and Sumter County Sheriff�s Department have all been made aware of alleged incident and concern by our residents. We will continue to monitor our facilities. We encourage residents to notify recreation staff, community watch or 911 if they need assistance. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.


John B. Rohan

Director of Recreation

[Russ_Boston]

Thanks for the good info 784!

[K9-Lovers]

Thanks for the good info PromisesKept and 784. If you felt in any way other than welcomed and credible, then let me apologize to you, PromisesKept. It is very obvious from your very first post and those that followed, that your intent was to inform others and to find answers. For goodness sake, you did say it was a rumor. To me, your posts did not appear to be anything other than well-meaning. So, I'll say it again: :welcome: and thanks for the heads up.

[redwitch]

Guess the women weren't too upset if they left the scene. Maybe the guy was confused and went into the wrong area? Even so, I would like to thank Promises for trying to warn us. Like many stories, it sounds like it became exaggerated but that doesn't make the incident any less worrisome and it is always good to get reminders that we need to be careful, even here.

As to thefts occurring when items left in the locker rooms, I have heard of this happening a few times. I was talking to one of the rec assistants and he recommended that all clothing, etc. be taken with you and left at poolside.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Good deal 784caroline! Thanks for the detail and taking the time to do the research.

Bill

[vj1213]

Thanks PromisesKept for the info & 784 for further looking into it. I am happy that there was no "attack" but it is just a reminder that we should always be aware of our surroundings. Please don't take this wrong and think that I am bashing TV's, I have been here a short time and I truly love it here and I feel very safe here. But regardless, bad things can and do happen in the best places and I am just happy that we have a place to post or simply ask if anyone has heard of situations that could in anyway affect our safety. Thanks again!

[graciegirl]

Here is the Official story,,...I contacted the TV Director of Security and copied Janet Tutt...I heard back from the TV Director of Recreation within 2 hours with this response. The Local police were in fact contacted, a man was in the womans lockeroom, but to use the term "ATTACKED" appears to be a exaggeration....at least based on this report. Here goes!!

************************************************** ****

I would like to respond to the email regarding this incident. Lake Miona staff was approached by two females that there was an alleged male in the women�s restroom shower. When staff was notified they went to the parking lot to see if there was anyone that met the description. Staff then went to get additional details from the two females who reported the incident. As soon as staff went to get more details from the two females, they had left the facility without providing any additional details or their names or contact info to staff. Staff notified the manager of the incident who called 911. Sumter County Sheriff�s Department responded and filed a police report. As of today�s date there are no other details or confirmation regarding the two residents or the alleged male. If any new details are provided, we will communicate this information to the proper authorities. Recreation Staff, Community Watch and Sumter County Sheriff�s Department have all been made aware of alleged incident and concern by our residents. We will continue to monitor our facilities. We encourage residents to notify recreation staff, community watch or 911 if they need assistance. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.


John B. Rohan

Director of Recreation

Excellent investigative work. It shows you how rumors spread.

I doubt we will ever here any more about it.

Thank goodness.

Now, let's get to know you PromiseKept. Are you coming to the next Crispers meeting??

[K9-Lovers]

:clap2: CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, GG!

The title "perspicacious pundit" is appropriate!

5,000 -- WOW:bowdown:

[Bogie Shooter]

Perhaps a lesson to be learned.....do not embellish a rumor.

[Annabelle]

Perhaps a lesson to be learned.....do not embellish a rumor.

And just who "embellished" the rumor?

Annabelle

[Annabelle]

"If any new details are provided, we will communicate this information to the proper authorities. Recreation Staff, Community Watch and Sumter County Sheriff�s Department have all been made aware of alleged incident and concern by our residents."


John B. Rohan

Director of Recreation[/QUOTE]


After reading this thread it would appear that the information was "communicated" to everyone but the residents of TV.

Annabelle

[Annabelle]

[QUOTE=PromisesKept;295598]

"Unless you are simply trying to discredit the " messenger" , why not just thank the messenger and inquire at Lake Miona Rec Center? Why would anyone make up a story like this? "

Exactly! Apparently, it's less messy to shoot the messenger than deal with the problem. (Annabelle)

"Also, there are no enclosed Lockers, what good are Personal padlocks?"

Obviously, the person who suggested the lock, has never set foot in this locker room. (Annabelle)

"Also, women, not men pretending to be women, would know that most rapes go unreported...this could have been the case here."

Since it is still unclear what happened to this woman, hopefully the attack did not reach that point. Nevertheless, your post was well intentioned and it is troublesome to read all the negative comments directed towards you. Alas, this is not the first time this has happened on TOTV. If someone posts anything deemed "unflattering" about TV that person is immediately excoriated as an "enemy" of TV by the "safety patrol" on TOTV. (Annabelle)

"Again, why question the messenger's integrity? What is your agenda?"

In my opinion, the "agenda" by some (not all) on this site is to protect their "investment" and/or their "fantasy." (Annabelle)

PK, thank you for taking your valuable time to alert the residents of this incident at Lake Minoa. Nice to know that their are residents in TV who are concerned more for the "welfare" of their neighbors than the "image" of TV.

Annabelle

[PR1234]

A few months ago we were visiting our son and went to a new restaurant. I excused myself to use the restroom, went in used the stall, came out and started washing my hands, looked over and saw a urinal!!!!! You guessed it, I was in the men'sroom!!!!:shocked::shocked::shocked:
Soooo it does happen that we wander into the wrong room sometimes. Not to make light of anything that has been posted here as I am a very cautious person myself.....well most of the time:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[784caroline]

And just who "embellished" the rumor?

Annabelle

************************************************** ****

According to the Dept of REC , "Lake Miona staff was approached by two females that there was an alleged male in the women’s restroom shower". NO WHERE is the term ATTACK used or even implied as it was used in the original post. I think that qualifies as "Embellishment" since attack truly implies a significant and serious event.

Do you think the REC staff should make the all TV residents aware of every incident where a male unknowlingly walked into a female restroom or locker area or a female into a male area??? Lets get real ..its happens...not condoning it but it happens! Most likely there were screams from shock or surprise...not fear. The fact that the ladies involved in the incident did not follow through by providing their names to the Rec staff and/or a "first hand" police report should speak for itself.

[memason]

:popcorn: This just keeps getting better and better...

[cabo35]

After reading this thread it would appear that the information was "communicated" to everyone but the residents of TV. Annabelle

Perhaps you would suggest just how you would "communicate to everyone" the pertinent information. The fact pattern seems to be that two unidentified, unknown, anonymous women may have seen a man in the women's locker room shower at the Lake Miona pool. Staff apparently immediately checked the area in question but could not locate any suspect or victim in the facility. When staff returned to further question the women who reported the alleged incident, they were gone. All appropriate notifications were made to management and police. To date, apparently no victim has been located by staff and no victim has emerged to validate the report. Given the facts as reported and the inferred rapid response by staff, you would have thought an "attack" victim would have been evident at the scene.

Should local TV have broadcast a warning based on this info?

Should the Daily Sun report the incident and warning based on this info and absent an identifiable victim and/or witness?

Should alert posters, based on this somewhat vague, unverified report, be posted at all mail stations?

I'm not being facetious, but I do not understand exactly what you mean when you seem to suggest fault for communicating the info to "everyone but residents".

While I support your right to express your opinion, I believe I am entitled to take exception to your characterization of my friends, neighbors and TOTV posters in your somewhat bombastic "wisecracks", to wit: "Alas, this is not the first time this has happened on TOTV. If someone posts anything deemed "unflattering" about TV that person is immediately excoriated as an "enemy" of TV by the "safety patrol" on TOTV". (Annabelle)"In my opinion, the "agenda" by some (not all) on this site is to protect their "investment" and/or their "fantasy." (Annabelle)

The issue here has nothing to do with "unflattering", "enemies", "agendas" or TOTV "safety patrols". It has everything to do with the search and need for credible public information to dismantle rumors that may cause undue alarm and/or anxiety. The case in question does highlight the positive impact TOTV has as a conduit and median for Villages related information. The selfless, stellar efforts of 784caroline, as well as many other contributors who take the initiative, the time to research and the concurrent effort to post important. accurate information, demonstrates that TOTV is a limited but effective tool for exposing damaging rumors and conveying accurate information to subscribers. From recent reports regarding subscription increases, that limited aspect is shrinking as more Villagers participate in the dialogue.

[K9-Lovers]

This just keeps getting better and better...

Yup. :popcorn:

[Challenger]

Let me get this straight- Can't locate a victum, can't identify or locate a perp.
Lacking more relyable info, I and skeptical.

[billethkid]

"It has everything to do with the search and need for credible public information to dismantle rumors that may cause undue alarm and/or anxiety."

btk

[Taj44]

[QUOTE=PromisesKept;295598]... Nevertheless, your post was well intentioned and it is troublesome to read all the negative comments directed towards you.

Alas, this is not the first time this has happened on TOTV. If someone posts anything deemed "unflattering" about TV that person is immediately excoriated as an "enemy" of TV by the "safety patrol" on TOTV. (Annabelle)

"Again, why question the messenger's integrity? What is your agenda?"

In my opinion, the "agenda" by some (not all) on this site is to protect their "investment" and/or their "fantasy." (Annabelle)

PK, thank you for taking your valuable time to alert the residents of this incident at Lake Minoa. Nice to know that their are residents in TV who are concerned more for the "welfare" of their neighbors than the "image" of TV.

Annabelle

I agree that there does seem to be an agenda from some people on this forum regarding their fantasy land. I live here in TV and think it is wonderful, but it is not perfect. Some posters have said they think competition of the Developer has come on and made things up to make people who are considering this beautiful and safe place, have second thoughts.
Vice versa, I suspect representatives of the Developer have come on to sing the praises of the Villages, to help entice people to buy. Why wouldn't they - its a perfect marketing tool. I take everything I read on TOTV with a grain of salt is all I'm saying.

[Taltarzac]

Competitors of the Villages have posted before and made various attacks on the Villages. I believe when discovered the Administrators have banned these people who usually have very few posts when they start making these attacks.

On the other hand, the developers probably also have posted on TOTV but they would be a lot harder to spot because so many TOTVers love the Villages.

I do though see that victims of crime should have an avenue to speak up about incidents that have occurred in their community without having their motives questioned. Many crimes especially those involving attacks on women go unreported just because the victim is put on the defensive just for broaching the subject. http://womensissues.about.com/od/violenceagainstwomen/Violence_Against_Women.htm


Crimes do occur in and near the Villages. It is best for people in the Villages to look out for one another because a sexual assault could occur near the sports pools.

I doubt if the Villages media would take any kind of proactive steps to prevent these kind of crimes from happening given how much the Villages official media seems to be committed to the selling of homes.

[graciegirl]

[quote=Annabelle;295718]

I agree that there does seem to be an agenda from some people on this forum regarding their fantasy land. I live here in TV and think it is wonderful, but it is not perfect. Some posters have said they think competition of the Developer has come on and made things up to make people who are considering this beautiful and safe place, have second thoughts.
Vice versa, I suspect representatives of the Developer have come on to sing the praises of the Villages, to help entice people to buy. Why wouldn't they - its a perfect marketing tool. I take everything I read on TOTV with a grain of salt is all I'm saying.

The first would be me.

But I don't see why anyone would trust those that rant more than those that shmooze. (that would be me)

And I am guilty of wishing everyone our age could live here. Yes I am.

[Bogie Shooter]

Competitors of the Villages have posted before and made various attacks on the Villages. I believe when discovered the Administrators have banned these people who usually have very few posts when they start making these attacks.

On the other hand, the developers probably also have posted on TOTV but they would be a lot harder to spot because so many TOTVers love the Villages.

I do though see that victims of crime should have an avenue(Wouldn't the police be the right ones to report a crime?) to speak up about incidents that have occurred in their community without having their motives questioned.(What victim did this happen to?) Many crimes especially those involving attacks on women go unreported just because the victim is put on the defensive just for broaching the subject. http://womensissues.about.com/od/violenceagainstwomen/Violence_Against_Women.htm


Crimes do occur in and near the Villages. It is best for people in the Villages to look out for one another because a sexual assault could occur near the sports pools.(Why specifically the sports pool and why sexual assault?)

I doubt if the Villages media would take any kind of proactive steps to prevent these kind of crimes from happening given how much the Villages official media seems to be committed to the selling of homes.( What is it you want them to do?)(There have not been any of "these kind of crimes".)[/COLOR]
My comments in red.
I agee with an earlier post...ther is no need to start putting up posters and 20second spots on WVLG based on an incident that the "victims" did not feel was serious enough to tell their story to the police.


.

[Bogie Shooter]

************************************************** ****

According to the Dept of REC , "Lake Miona staff was approached by two females that there was an alleged male in the women�s restroom shower". NO WHERE is the term ATTACK used or even implied as it was used in the original post. I think that qualifies as "Embellishment" since attack truly implies a significant and serious event.

Do you think the REC staff should make the all TV residents aware of every incident where a male unknowlingly walked into a female restroom or locker area or a female into a male area??? Lets get real ..its happens...not condoning it but it happens! Most likely there were screams from shock or surprise...not fear. The fact that the ladies involved in the incident did not follow through by providing their names to the Rec staff and/or a "first hand" police report should speak for itself.

Thanks for your embellishment response....you saved me a lot of keystrokes.

[Taltarzac]

My comments in red.
I agee with an earlier post...ther is no need to start putting up posters and 20second spots on WVLG based on an incident that the "victims" did not feel was serious enough to tell their story to the police.


.

A long while ago on TOTV there were some rumors about sexual assaults at a local supermarket parking lot near one of the Villages' town squares.

It sounded like there was something to this but there were various verbal attacks made by TOTV members by the poster(s) trying to bring these to light.

What is unclear about the fact that women often do not report crimes against them for fear of having their characters put into question? This is especially true when involving domestic violence.

Even on this thread, the victim is not given the benefit of the doubt that there was an actual "attack". It seemed like the concern was more with the image of the sports pools rather than the well being of the woman using the pool.

The security at the sports pools does seem a genuine concern if a man can just walk into the area where women are naked. This goes the other way too with a woman walking in where there are naked men except that men are usually a lot more physically imposing than women. Even though I have met a lot of women who I would not want to meet in a dark alley at night if they were in a mugging mood.

[cabo35]

I do though see that victims of crime should have an avenue to speak up about incidents that have occurred in their community without having their motives questioned.

I do not understand your point. What victim of crime regarding the Lake Miona incident in this thread had their motives questioned?

In fact, can you cite any proven, factual example of a real victim who has had their motives questions in any TOTV post?

Let me state up front, I believe that no legitimate victim of a crime should ever have their motives questioned for reporting it on this board. The problem here remains whether there actually was a victim or a crime. Did a man accidentally enter the shower? We don't know. If so, could it have been a janitor? We don't know. Did the alleged intruder have a bathing suit on? Was he fully dressed? We don't know. Who is the victim? We don't know. Did the incident really happen? We don't know. We really need to predicate any judgmental conclusions on facts not speculation.

The point is that there is no apparent evidence of a verifiable victim. If you meant that a rumor was posted and credible TOTV subscribers expressed skepticism about the alarming incident as represented and, in fact, took the initiative to debunk an exaggerated rumor, count me with the "trust but verify" skeptics. They did good work in putting the record in perspective and minimizing the many stressful, anxiety producing concerns of those who concluded the worst before the facts were entered into the equation while at the same time raising awareness about the potential for a real incident.

Perhaps you misread the thread.

I have always enjoyed your articulate and enlightening posts, but have a divergence of opinion on the above point. Professionally, I have had occasion to work with Victim/Witness agencies and I agree with your points on crimes against women but do not understand their correlation to the Lake Miona incident. Perhaps an independent thread on the topic would be beneficial.

I do appreciate most of your posting efforts and have learned from them. Thanks for the cerebral exercise.

My wife and I are going to watch my favorite all time movie tonight (for about the 20th time).......Mamma Mia. Have a good evening in the Villages.

[graciegirl]

A long while ago on TOTV there were some rumors about sexual assaults at a local supermarket parking lot near one of the Villages' town squares.

It sounded like there was something to this but there were various verbal attacks made by TOTV members by the poster(s) trying to bring these to light.

What is unclear about the fact that women often do not report crimes against them for fear of having their characters put into question? This is especially true when involving domestic violence.

Even on this thread, the victim is not given the benefit of the doubt that there was an actual "attack". It seemed like the concern was more with the image of the sports pools rather than the well being of the woman using the pool.

The security at the sports pools does seem a genuine concern if a man can just walk into the area where women are naked. This goes the other way too with a woman walking in where there are naked men except that men are usually a lot more physically imposing than women. Even though I have met a lot of women who I would not want to meet in a dark alley at night if they were in a mugging mood.

That would me be me and PTurner. I am also frightening naked.

[Bogie Shooter]

A long while ago on TOTV there were some rumors about sexual assaults at a local supermarket parking lot near one of the Villages' town squares.

It sounded like there was something to this but there were various verbal attacks made by TOTV members by the poster(s) trying to bring these to light.

What is unclear about the fact that women often do not report crimes against them for fear of having their characters put into question? This is especially true when involving domestic violence.

Another one.

[Annabelle]

It means were not buying it . If an incident of that magnitude happened in this place the rumors would be all over the place in a matter of hours.....I called a friend of mine who is in a position to know and he said this is the first he had heard of it .........In my opinion your getting bad information.........

Perhaps you should have called another friend "who is in a position to know" before you called PromisesKept a "liar."

Annnabelle

[Annabelle]

[QUOTE=784caroline;295774]************************************************** ****

"According to the Dept of REC , "Lake Miona staff was approached by two females that there was an alleged male in the women�s restroom shower". NO WHERE is the term ATTACK used or even implied as it was used in the original post. I think that qualifies as "Embellishment" since attack truly implies a significant and serious event."

As it turns out, Pk's post was correct. According to John Rohan (director of recreation) a report was made to the staff of Lake Miona by two women.

Since Mr. Rohan did not discuss the specifics of this case, it is ridiculous to declare that the word �attack� is an �exaggeration� of what actually happened.

Even if the woman in this case had not been �physically attack,� she was certainly �psychologically attack.�

Furthermore, since Mr. Rohan failed to provide the time and date on which the incident occurred, should one jump to the conclusion that this incident never happened?

Annabelle

[redwitch]

I understand Annabelle's point. We do have a tendency to quickly dismiss a first-time poster who says something negative about TV, especially if it is about a crime of any type. We quickly become defensive if someone says something negative (think bond, IRS issues), even when there is some validity in the post.

The reality is crimes do occur here. Fortunately, most are of the minor category -- not minor to the victim, but minor in the overall scheme of things (no injuries, minor property damage ...). Yes, some people will do a post to simply try to ruin the reputation of TV and make it out to be something less desirable. Even so, their "reports" usually are something that easily could have occurred, if not based on some fact. Just because it is the first post by an individual doesn't mean it didn't happen or couldn't happen.

In this case, Promises started by saying it was a rumor, but wanted to give us a head's up anyway. (As to why extra care should be taken at sports pools, it is quite simple -- neighborhood pools don't have showers.) She wanted to know what we knew about this incident and to let us know there was a danger. Yes, her information was exaggerated. She never claimed to know the facts, just what she had heard and, like anything repeated, things get exaggerated.

Maybe we TVers should try changing tactics a little. Rather than automatically be suspicious, perhaps we should try to get to the truth of the post like caroline did. Let's not be so quick to dismiss a negative report. They do happen here.

[graciegirl]

I understand Annabelle's point. We do have a tendency to quickly dismiss a first-time poster who says something negative about TV, especially if it is about a crime of any type. We quickly become defensive if someone says something negative (think bond, IRS issues), even when there is some validity in the post.

The reality is crimes do occur here. Fortunately, most are of the minor category -- not minor to the victim, but minor in the overall scheme of things (no injuries, minor property damage ...). Yes, some people will do a post to simply try to ruin the reputation of TV and make it out to be something less desirable. Even so, their "reports" usually are something that easily could have occurred, if not based on some fact. Just because it is the first post by an individual doesn't mean it didn't happen or couldn't happen.

In this case, Promises started by saying it was a rumor, but wanted to give us a head's up anyway. (As to why extra care should be taken at sports pools, it is quite simple -- neighborhood pools don't have showers.) She wanted to know what we knew about this incident and to let us know there was a danger. Yes, her information was exaggerated. She never claimed to know the facts, just what she had heard and, like anything repeated, things get exaggerated.

Maybe we TVers should try changing tactics a little. Rather than automatically be suspicious, perhaps we should try to get to the truth of the post like caroline did. Let's not be so quick to dismiss a negative report. They do happen here.

Well said Red. Fair and balanced. I have taken it to heart.

[Taltarzac]

Well said Red. Fair and balanced. I have taken it to heart.

One more thing. Always take into account what lawyers might do with an incident involving a victim in a shopping center parking lot, supermarket parking lot, sports pool shower, etc. Many of these situations would involve liability on the part of the property owner if the proper precuations had not been taken.

So, I am not sure how unbiased a report from a property manager would be as to the actual facts of what had happened.

When lawsuits get involved the actual facts of what happened are harder to get at.

[graciegirl]

When I return I want to go to the sports pool locker room and see what it looks like. Most showers in womens locker rooms are enclosed. I am also curious to see how far they are from other pool users and how many people are in them usually and whether there could be confusion about entering the wrong one. As someone stated, the usual washroom, locker room situation is one door into the facility. Is this a door that closes or one that is an open hallway?

In order to correct the situation and have absolute safety in them, what would be expected? A guard in the locker room? That of course would cost money. Is the situation unsafe enough to warrant that? Do people think that this happens a lot and is covered up?

I am a neighborhood pool goer. There are just folks about my age sitting around and reading books and chatting with each other. We get wet and full of clorine and go home and take a shower. I need to understand better so I can be more compassionate.

I also will ask my next door neighbor, a retired policeman who has held jobs here in security at the squares and now works at Seabreeze in the fitness area. Maybe he knows some inside information.

[redwitch]

Gracie, I've showered in a couple of times after working and needing to be someplace and too far from home. The showers are usually on one side of the hallway, the dressing room/locker area on the other. The shower area has a curtain, 3-4 showers (no privacy between showers). The dressing room area has a door in a wide, open area (think Loehmann's dressing rooms). I think a man walking in accidently is a rare occurrence but could happen -- more because of poor signage than anything else. Probably the best thing they could do is mark the areas better. I found it very confusing the first time I went in -- didn't even know there was a shower, was just going to wash up the best I could in the sink. Also, a door to the shower area would be nice, as well as some privacy while showering.

Also, it has two entrances -- the pool side and the parking lot side. I haven't gone in from the pool side, so have no clue how that portion is marked. The parking lot side can be confusing.

[Taltarzac]

When I return I want to go to the sports pool locker room and see what it looks like. Most showers in womens locker rooms are enclosed. I am also curious to see how far they are from other pool users and how many people are in them usually and whether there could be confusion about entering the wrong one. As someone stated, the usual washroom, locker room situation is one door into the facility. Is this a door that closes or one that is an open hallway?

In order to correct the situation and have absolute safety in them, what would be expected? A guard in the locker room? That of course would cost money. Is the situation unsafe enough to warrant that? Do people think that this happens a lot and is covered up?

I am a neighborhood pool goer. There are just folks about my age sitting around and reading books and chatting with each other. We get wet and full of clorine and go home and take a shower. I need to understand better so I can be more compassionate.

I also will ask my next door neighbor, a retired policeman who has held jobs here in security at the squares and now works at Seabreeze in the fitness area. Maybe he knows some inside information.

When relatives were visiting we took them to one of the sports pools just so that an avid swimmer could look around. We just walked around so I do not know what happens on a daily basis at the sports pools.

I too am more of a neighborhood pool user rather than a sports pool frequenter.

You would expect though someone would be at least checking to see if the sports pool users had their proper Villages' IDs. No one checked our IDs when we did a look around at the Laurel Manor pool but that was three or four years ago.

[Annabelle]

[QUOTE=cabo35;295787]Perhaps you would suggest just how you would "communicate to everyone" the pertinent information."


Ever heard of a newspaper, radio, tv?

Granted, there are few details surrounding this case, and that is probably due to the manner in which this incident was handled by the staff of the Lake Miona center.

In defense of the rec center's staff, most likely they were unprepared in how to deal with this situation since a sexual assault in TV is (hopefully) a rare occurrence.

Before anyone reaches the conclusion that no crime was committed simply because the police don�t have the �name� of the woman nor a �description� of the man.....consider a few of the following facts in this case:

1) It was posted on this thread, that the attacker entered the room, turned off the lights and proceeded to grope the woman.

2) If the woman was in the shower, with water running and in total darkness..... how would she be able to identify her attacker?

3) What if the woman wore glasses, but was not wearing them when she was attacked. How could she possibly be able to give an accurate description of her assailant to the police?

4) Whenever a woman is sexually assaulted, the perpetrator is going to look for the most opportune time to attack....that is when the victim is most vulnerable and unable to defend herself. Why do you think so many rapes occur during the middle of night or when a woman is home alone.

5) The woman screamed, her screams brought one or two other women to her rescue.
During the time that these women were consoling the victim, helping her dress and seeking the aide of staff members, there was ample opportunity for the attacker to flee.

Although we do not know the age of this woman, we do know that she is a senior citizen. Perhaps being in such a distraught state of mind, she left without realizing the importance of filing a police report. But this does not mean that a crime did not occur.

If the woman is a frequent user of the sport pool it should be quite easy to identify her. If her "story" smelled the least bit fishy, it would have gone no further than her and the staff.

However, since Promiseskept heard of this incident several days after it's occurrence and because PK revealed in her post that she doesn't know the woman, then perhaps this so called "rumor" has more credence than is being given here on this site.

If a man did indeed �accidently� entered the woman�s locker room, he should come forth and put an end to this �rumor.� This would put a lot of women in TV more at ease knowing that there was not an assault at the center.

For all you �skeptics� on this thread, I am curious as to why you were so quick to dismiss this woman's complaint? Until more information is provided she certainly deserves the benefit of doubt.

I am appalled so little sympathy has been expressed (on this thread) for this woman and her ordeal...... especially from the women on TOTV.

Annabelle

[vj1213]

I agree with Annabelle. In reality none of us actually know what happened. Whether there was a grope, a sneaked peek, or simply someone accidentally walking in...only those directly involved know. I can't believe that the police were involved if in fact someone just strolled in by accident. I use the sports pool at Seabreeze and I know just from walking in and out there is just a curtain separating the hall from the showers, it would be hard not to see anyone in the shower as you passed thru. Who wouldn't feel violated if you looked up and there was a man in the hallway? And men, how would you feel about the issue if your wife or daughter came home and said they were showering at the rec center and looked up to see a man in the hallway? It is very easy for anyone to walk into the hallways unnoticed from the parking area...not saying that we live in a community of perverts, but how many hundreds of workers are also in the area on a daily basis. I'm not saying we need constant security in these areas, but I do think we need to admit that no matter how perfect our little world seems, crimes do happen and I also believe that issues will be downplayed because of legal ramifications.

[graciegirl]

[QUOTE=cabo35;295787]Perhaps you would suggest just how you would "communicate to everyone" the pertinent information."


Ever heard of a newspaper, radio, tv?

Granted, there are few details surrounding this case, and that is probably due to the manner in which this incident was handled by the staff of the Lake Miona center.

In defense of the rec center's staff, most likely they were unprepared in how to deal with this situation since a sexual assault in TV is (hopefully) a rare occurrence.

Before anyone reaches the conclusion that no crime was committed simply because the police don�t have the �name� of the woman nor a �description� of the man.....consider a few of the following facts in this case:

1) It was posted on this thread, that the attacker entered the room, turned off the lights and proceeded to grope the woman.

2) If the woman was in the shower, with water running and in total darkness..... how would she be able to identify her attacker?

3) What if the woman wore glasses, but was not wearing them when she was attacked. How could she possibly be able to give an accurate description of her assailant to the police?

4) Whenever a woman is sexually assaulted, the perpetrator is going to look for the most opportune time to attack....that is when the victim is most vulnerable and unable to defend herself. Why do you think so many rapes occur during the middle of night or when a woman is home alone.

5) The woman screamed, her screams brought one or two other women to her rescue.
During the time that these women were consoling the victim, helping her dress and seeking the aide of staff members, there was ample opportunity for the attacker to flee.

Although we do not know the age of this woman, we do know that she is a senior citizen. Perhaps being in such a distraught state of mind, she left without realizing the importance of filing a police report. But this does not mean that a crime did not occur.

If the woman is a frequent user of the sport pool it should be quite easy to identify her. If her "story" smelled the least bit fishy, it would have gone no further than her and the staff.

However, since Promiseskept heard of this incident several days after it's occurrence and because PK revealed in her post that she doesn't know the woman, then perhaps this so called "rumor" has more credence than is being given here on this site.

If a man did indeed �accidently� entered the woman�s locker room, he should come forth and put an end to this �rumor.� This would put a lot of women in TV more at ease knowing that there was not an assault at the center.

For all you �skeptics� on this thread, I am curious as to why you were so quick to dismiss this woman's complaint? Until more information is provided she certainly deserves the benefit of doubt.

I am appalled so little sympathy has been expressed (on this thread) for this woman and her ordeal...... especially from the women on TOTV.

Annabelle

Annabelle.

My granddaughter, a college student in journalism interned at our local NBC affiliate this summer and she had a lot to say about the verification of facts in the news. Many stories were not aired because of inability to get information.

It is hard to give sympathy and the benefit of the doubt when you aren't sure about whether there was an incident or whether it was a rumor or whether something happened and it was worse than reported or something happened and it was not a real issue.ie someone went into the locker room by mistake. My daughter reminds me all the time not to jump to fearful conclusions. She says "when you hear footsteps in the park, it is usually not an elephant."

It isn't fair to assume that some of us aren't supportive when we really don't know WHAT happened.

[Bogie Shooter]

[QUOTE=cabo35;295787]Perhaps you would suggest just how you would "communicate to everyone" the pertinent information."


Ever heard of a newspaper, radio, tv?

Granted, there are few details surrounding this case, and that is probably due to the manner in which this incident was handled by the staff of the Lake Miona center. Why blame the staff, shouldn't the "victims"share some of the blame...for leaving?
In defense of the rec center's staff, most likely they were unprepared in how to deal with this situation since a sexual assault in TV is (hopefully) a rare occurrence. What sexual assault?

Before anyone reaches the conclusion that no crime was committed simply because the police don�t have the �name� of the woman nor a �description� of the man.....consider a few of the following facts in this case:

1) It was posted on this thread, that the attacker entered the room, turned off the lights and proceeded to grope the woman. Which post confirmed there was groping?
2) If the woman was in the shower, with water running and in total darkness..... how would she be able to identify her attacker?

3) What if the woman wore glasses, but was not wearing them when she was attacked. How could she possibly be able to give an accurate description of her assailant to the police? Shouldn't the women have waited and at least given their story?
4) Whenever a woman is sexually assaulted, the perpetrator is going to look for the most opportune time to attack....that is when the victim is most vulnerable and unable to defend herself. Why do you think so many rapes occur during the middle of night or when a woman is home alone.

5) The woman screamed, her screams brought one or two other women to her rescue.
During the time that these women were consoling the victim, helping her dress and seeking the aide of staff members, there was ample opportunity for the attacker to flee. How do you know this occured?

Although we do not know the age of this woman, we do know that she is a senior citizen. Perhaps being in such a distraught state of mind, she left without realizing the importance of filing a police report. But this does not mean that a crime did not occur. Or did occur.

If the woman is a frequent user of the sport pool it should be quite easy to identify her. If her "story" smelled the least bit fishy, it would have gone no further than her and the staff. ?
However, since Promiseskept heard of this incident several days after it's occurrence and because PK revealed in her post that she doesn't know the woman, then perhaps this so called "rumor" has more credence than is being given here on this site.

If a man did indeed �accidently� entered the woman�s locker room, he should come forth and put an end to this �rumor.� This would put a lot of women in TV more at ease knowing that there was not an assault at the center. Was there an assault?
For all you �skeptics� on this thread, I am curious as to why you were so quick to dismiss this woman's complaint? Until more information is provided she certainly deserves the benefit of doubt.

I am appalled so little sympathy has been expressed (on this thread) for this woman and her ordeal...... especially from the women on TOTV. Which woman are you referring to?
Annabelle

Sorry, for asking all the questions. However, the "facts" are becoming more numerous.

[Bogie Shooter]

Be careful what you are asking for.

[Taltarzac]

She said that the women in her class this morning were talking about an instructor at another pool who had told her class to be on the lookout for strangers and that people should pair up. It seems that the rumor mill is turning very fast from what she heard about an alleged rape as well as gropings at sports pools. These alleged incidents were at different sports pools with the gropings at Laurel Manor and the "rape" and Lake Miona.

[Bogie Shooter]

As time passes this gets more and more out of hand.
Still would like to know where that groping comment oringinated on this thread.

[champion6]

Click < Will now ignore this thread forever >

Sigh!

[Taltarzac]

As time passes this gets more and more out of hand.
Still would like to know where that groping comment oringinated on this thread.

It is near the beginning of this thread and the poster is just trying to get at the facts and not spread rumors.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showpost.php?p=295497&postcount=3

"Was told this afternoon that a women was attacked while showering in the Lake Miona sport pool showers, sometime last week. The lights were turned off and a man grab her and tried to remove her. Her screams brought in 2 swimmers from the pool area...Man ran away...I have made several calls to try and confirm this...but cannot confirm....Can anyone out there confirm this? "

I had not even mentioned this TOTV thread nor its rumors to the family member who went to the Laurel Manor sports pool this morning for an exercise class and had heard rumors about this incident at Lake Miona. My family member does not even read TOTV so this is coming from some other source.

It is good that an instructor at a sports pool is taking proactive steps to prevent crime from happening.

[Bogie Shooter]

It is near the beginning of this thread and the poster is just trying to get at the facts and not spread rumors.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showpost.php?p=295497&postcount=3

"Was told this afternoon that a women was attacked while showering in the Lake Miona sport pool showers, sometime last week. The lights were turned off and a man grab her and tried to remove her. Her screams brought in 2 swimmers from the pool area...Man ran away...I have made several calls to try and confirm this...but cannot confirm....Can anyone out there confirm this? "

I had not even mentioned this TOTV thread nor its rumors to the family member who went to the Laurel Manor sports pool this morning for an exercise class and had heard rumors about this incident at Lake Miona. My family member does not even read TOTV so this is coming from some other source.

It is good that an instructor at a sports pool is taking proactive steps to prevent crime from happening.

Says nothing about groping.

[bestmickey]

I have a confession. In 2006 I walked into the men's room at Walt Disney World's Splash Mountain. Having gotten wet on the ride, I walked off and rushed into the nearest rest room to dry off. I mistakenly thought it was the women's room. While I smiled and apologized to the men at the time, if I offended any man who may be reading this, let me again apologize. (Unfortunately, my three friends were following me closely and this made them walk in there with me. I can't speak for them whether or not they were sorry, but I do know we enjoyed the many laughs we had when retelling the story thereafter. :a040:)

The only thing I walk away with from the stories and/or rumors reported in this thread is, anything can happen anywhere ... yes, even in The Villages. Everyone should always be aware of, and cautious in, their surroundings.

End of story (for me).

[Chi-Town]

Some time ago after getting off a plane at Orly Airport in France I headed into the rest room and noticed that a woman was cleaning the urinal next to me. The fact that she was an airport employee did lessen my angst (a little). I like the food but won't use the facilities at France in Epcot.

[The Great Fumar]

THANKS MICKEY....
You have a good message while giving me quite a chuckle !!!

Fumar ...:D

[billethkid]

A one paragraph event/story printed, is handed to the first person, the contents are unknown to any in line or the audience.

Then starting with the first person who read it, they whisper what they read to the second, then the second to the third and so on.

The last person in the line to hear the story then gets to tell everybody what they just heard. And then the printed paragraph is read aloud for all to hear.

The results are really astonishing, humorous and entertaining.
Usually there is only a vague resemblance to the correlation.

We all say what we think we heard. Doesn't mean we are wrong intentionally. We are just sometimes.....not correct.

Then consider the event of this thread. Hearsay....interpretation...hearsay of the interpretation and the snow ball rolls merrily along....eh?

btk

[K9-Lovers]

:popcorn:Yup.

[Taltarzac]

A one paragraph event/story printed, is handed to the first person, the contents are unknown to any in line or the audience.

Then starting with the first person who read it, they whisper what they read to the second, then the second to the third and so on.

The last person in the line to hear the story then gets to tell everybody what they just heard. And then the printed paragraph is read aloud for all to hear.

The results are really astonishing, humorous and entertaining.
Usually there is only a vague resemblance to the correlation.

We all say what we think we heard. Doesn't mean we are wrong intentionally. We are just sometimes.....not correct.

Then consider the event of this thread. Hearsay....interpretation...hearsay of the interpretation and the snow ball rolls merrily along....eh?

btk

Some facts though have come to light. The sports pools do need quite a beef up in security. My family member has been the only person at the Laurel Manor sports pools on some Sunday afternoons. She never had her Villages I.D. checked as no one was around to do it.

It sounds like at least the instructors in exercise class, or at least one of them, are trying to do something positive to improve the security at the sports pools.

[KathieI]

Click < Will now ignore this thread forever >

Sigh!

Meeee tooooo!!!! :boxing2::blahblahblah:


I have a confession. In 2006 I walked into the men's room at Walt Disney World's Splash Mountain. Having gotten wet on the ride, I walked off and rushed into the nearest rest room to dry off. I mistakenly thought it was the women's room. While I smiled and apologized to the men at the time, if I offended any man who may be reading this, let me again apologize. (Unfortunately, my three friends were following me closely and this made them walk in there with me. I can't speak for them whether or not they were sorry, but I do know we enjoyed the many laughs we had when retelling the story thereafter. :a040:)

The only thing I walk away with from the stories and/or rumors reported in this thread is, anything can happen anywhere ... yes, even in The Villages. Everyone should always be aware of, and cautious in, their surroundings.

End of story (for me).

However, I would have missed this GREAT story from Mick... unfortunately its not worth hanging around tho, I've got much better things to do!! :MOJE_whot::beer3::pepper2:

[Russ_Boston]

I vow to not so easily dismiss a new poster in the future. But I'll still keep one eye open:)

[BETHPAGE BLACK]

As time passes this gets more and more out of hand.
Still would like to know where that groping comment oringinated on this thread.
With all the drama going on we may get the Bravo channel to create a TV show for us called "the Housewives of The Village"..we would give The housewives of Orange County a run for their money!!!:a040:

[graciegirl]

A one paragraph event/story printed, is handed to the first person, the contents are unknown to any in line or the audience.

Then starting with the first person who read it, they whisper what they read to the second, then the second to the third and so on.

The last person in the line to hear the story then gets to tell everybody what they just heard. And then the printed paragraph is read aloud for all to hear.

The results are really astonishing, humorous and entertaining.
Usually there is only a vague resemblance to the correlation.

We all say what we think we heard. Doesn't mean we are wrong intentionally. We are just sometimes.....not correct.

Then consider the event of this thread. Hearsay....interpretation...hearsay of the interpretation and the snow ball rolls merrily along....eh?

btk

Right again BTK:024:

[Ohiogirl]

About a year ago, I was headed to the ladies' room at the Walmart on 466 - a man about 15 feet in front of me, on a cell phone. He went straight to a stall (happened to be the handicapped one) and I heard him tell whomever was on the other end of the cell that apparently he walked into the wrong one because he didn't see any urinals. Then I heard the flush. There were 2 or 3 women coming in and out but I guess he was concentrating on the phone call. Easy to do.

[redwitch]

I talked to one of the guys who works at Laurel Manor and that I know relativey well. He knew of the incident and here's the facts as he knows them (he took the report from a party who was IN the pool, not on the ladies in the shower or locker room.

There was a loud scream and a man came bolting out of the women's area. He was obviously very embarassed and left the scene in his golf cart immediately. He was told by a swimmer that the man had inadvertently entered the wrong area and immediately left. Both the woman in the shower and the one in the locker area were fine, just startled. There was NO groping, no sexual assault; just an unfortunate mistake so far as anyone can tell.

However, the story did get around the pool and, of course, like the old game of telephone got quite embellished. Since someone did in fact scream and there was in fact a male in the wrong area, it made it very easy to turn a mistake into a heinous act.

Not every act by a male is a sexual assault. Not every rumor (heck, make it MOST), is true even though there may be a grain of truth in them. Hope this helps clear up the mess.

[graciegirl]

I talked to one of the guys who works at Laurel Manor and that I know relativey well. He knew of the incident and here's the facts as he knows them (he took the report from a party who was IN the pool, not on the ladies in the shower or locker room.

There was a loud scream and a man came bolting out of the women's area. He was obviously very embarassed and left the scene in his golf cart immediately. He was told by a swimmer that the man had inadvertently entered the wrong area and immediately left. Both the woman in the shower and the one in the locker area were fine, just startled. There was NO groping, no sexual assault; just an unfortunate mistake so far as anyone can tell.

However, the story did get around the pool and, of course, like the old game of telephone got quite embellished. Since someone did in fact scream and there was in fact a male in the wrong area, it made it very easy to turn a mistake into a heinous act.

Not every act by a male is a sexual assault. Not every rumor (heck, make it MOST), is true even though there may be a grain of truth in them. Hope this helps clear up the mess.

Thank you DEE....whew. WHAT A RELIEF!!! You get the Detective prize of the week.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

:popcorn:

Bill

[Annabelle]

With all the drama going on we may get the Bravo channel to create a TV show for us called "the Housewives of The Village"..we would give The housewives of Orange County a run for their money!!!:a040:
Black,
Great idea! And I have a suggestion for the show�s premier:

We install cameras in the ladies shower room at Lake Miona recreation center and let them roll for 24 to 48 hours as the �Housewives of TV� take their showers!

Oh, forgot to mention a few stipulations.... just to heighten the �drama�

1) Each lady must be all alone in the shower/dressing area
2) No other person is allowed to be any closer than the outside pool area and there
must be loud music playing as each lady takes her shower
3) Each lady must spend 15 minutes in the shower/dressing room......which is typically how long it should take to enter the room, disrobe, shower, dress and re-apply make-up.

I suggest we title the show something �catchy�....how about....�Waiting for Groper�
Any volunteers?

Annabelle

[chuckster]

This is now absurd.............

[K9-Lovers]

:popcorn:

[mr and mrs bike]

I am new to this and just have a few post. We own a home but have it rented until next year. I do have a comment after reading about this topic and hope some will fine it revelant to the topic.
Last Aug. we were staying in my sister/brother-in-law's home. We were at one of the pools and I was leaning against the fence next to the mail area ( I was being nosey and looking at an awesome golf cart). I over hear loud voices coming from the back of the mail room. At first I thought it was just two employees talking but soon could hear the fear in the woman's voice. To make this story short it was a man shouting at the woman postal worker over and over about his mail. She kept saying it wasn't her fault and it wasn't her route. He just wouldn't let up on her so I walked over to the back room and ask if she needed help. She was crying and said he wouldn't leave her alone. I told him he needed to leave and I steped in front of him and shut the door between them. ( Smart me--I had closed the door and left him outside with me!!) At that point he never looked at me but left on his golf cart.
I went back a few minutes later to see if she was O.K and gave her my name and number if she needed it. It wasn't an hour later that I got a call from the police department. They wanted a phone statement from me and wanted to have a personal statement from me the next day. They were going to come to where I was staying but the next morning they called to tell me they had spoken with the man and his wife and he has a brain tumor which they said explained his behavior. They were going to keep an eye on him and would keep my number if they needed it.
After posting all of this which was to be short-- I guess I just want to say I was happy with the quick follow up from Sumter County about this and to say that "things happen". Senior moments (yeal, I've gone into the men's room as well as my husband ending up in the ladies once or twice)not to mention other things that happen to us as we age. I'm not saying yes or no on the locker room issue but if you have an issue take the time to leave your name and number with someone .
By the way, I'm a really bad speller and all that but I'm fun and can't wait to be at TV. Be gentle on me------------------------

[graciegirl]

I am new to this and just have a few post. We own a home but have it rented until next year. I do have a comment after reading about this topic and hope some will fine it revelant to the topic.
Last Aug. we were staying in my sister/brother-in-law's home. We were at one of the pools and I was leaning against the fence next to the mail area ( I was being nosey and looking at an awesome golf cart). I over hear loud voices coming from the back of the mail room. At first I thought it was just two employees talking but soon could hear the fear in the woman's voice. To make this story short it was a man shouting at the woman postal worker over and over about his mail. She kept saying it wasn't her fault and it wasn't her route. He just wouldn't let up on her so I walked over to the back room and ask if she needed help. She was crying and said he wouldn't leave her alone. I told him he needed to leave and I steped in front of him and shut the door between them. ( Smart me--I had closed the door and left him outside with me!!) At that point he never looked at me but left on his golf cart.
I went back a few minutes later to see if she was O.K and gave her my name and number if she needed it. It wasn't an hour later that I got a call from the police department. They wanted a phone statement from me and wanted to have a personal statement from me the next day. They were going to come to where I was staying but the next morning they called to tell me they had spoken with the man and his wife and he has a brain tumor which they said explained his behavior. They were going to keep an eye on him and would keep my number if they needed it.
After posting all of this which was to be short-- I guess I just want to say I was happy with the quick follow up from Sumter County about this and to say that "things happen". Senior moments (yeal, I've gone into the men's room as well as my husband ending up in the ladies once or twice)not to mention other things that happen to us as we age. I'm not saying yes or no on the locker room issue but if you have an issue take the time to leave your name and number with someone .
By the way, I'm a really bad speller and all that but I'm fun and can't wait to be at TV. Be gentle on me------------------------

Welcome to you Mrs. Bike.

I love that you have taken the time to tell us about this. It was very brave and kind that you closed that door. Will you be in Hadley again this season? The three of us G's live there. Please stop by!

I believe that we residents will be looking out for each other, just the way you did. We are not working, most of us anyway, and are old enough to know that bad things happen.

I hope that you will enjoy your time in The Villages.

Kindest wishes,
Gracie

P.S. I don't think anyone cares how anyone spells. That silly Russ Boston has a thing about Sumter and Sumpter, but he is just kidding around.

[Taj44]

This whole thread really reminds me that we have virtually no security in The Villages. Anybody can come through those gates and go anywhere anytime. It pays to be vigilent. I use the sport pools 3 times per week and have never once been asked for ID. To me, as nice as The Villages is, security is something that we need to work on.

[Taltarzac]

This whole thread really reminds me that we have virtually no security in The Villages. Anybody can come through those gates and go anywhere anytime. It pays to be vigilent. I use the sport pools 3 times per week and have never once been asked for ID. To me, as nice as The Villages is, security is something that we need to work on.

The exercise class people at the sports pools have their IDs checked according to a family member who also uses these pools a few times a week. Security is an issue for the sports pools and unlike the roads in the Villages they are private property.

[nitehawk]

I am new to this and just have a few post. We own a home but have it rented until next year. I do have a comment after reading about this topic and hope some will fine it revelant to the topic.
Last Aug. we were staying in my sister/brother-in-law's home. We were at one of the pools and I was leaning against the fence next to the mail area ( I was being nosey and looking at an awesome golf cart). I over hear loud voices coming from the back of the mail room. At first I thought it was just two employees talking but soon could hear the fear in the woman's voice. To make this story short it was a man shouting at the woman postal worker over and over about his mail. She kept saying it wasn't her fault and it wasn't her route. He just wouldn't let up on her so I walked over to the back room and ask if she needed help. She was crying and said he wouldn't leave her alone. I told him he needed to leave and I steped in front of him and shut the door between them. ( Smart me--I had closed the door and left him outside with me!!) At that point he never looked at me but left on his golf cart.
I went back a few minutes later to see if she was O.K and gave her my name and number if she needed it. It wasn't an hour later that I got a call from the police department. They wanted a phone statement from me and wanted to have a personal statement from me the next day. They were going to come to where I was staying but the next morning they called to tell me they had spoken with the man and his wife and he has a brain tumor which they said explained his behavior. They were going to keep an eye on him and would keep my number if they needed it.
After posting all of this which was to be short-- I guess I just want to say I was happy with the quick follow up from Sumter County about this and to say that "things happen". Senior moments (yeal, I've gone into the men's room as well as my husband ending up in the ladies once or twice)not to mention other things that happen to us as we age. I'm not saying yes or no on the locker room issue but if you have an issue take the time to leave your name and number with someone .
By the way, I'm a really bad speller and all that but I'm fun and can't wait to be at TV. Be gentle on me------------------------

I am very happy to see someone step up and take it upon himself to try and resolve a bad situation. Many people would have said you should call the local police (who get paid) or a retired policeman (who does not get paid) but do not involved yourself. There is a lot of advice -- who you should call and what you should do--everything except get involved yourself. I am very happy to see a breath of fresh air. You are a great addition to TV

[billethkid]

comparable community without the "traffic" gates?

How did we all survive coming from communities without gates?

If one has ever lived in a true gated community it is so obvious that TV is no more gated than downtown Orlando!

And for those who never lived in a gated community it is oh so obvious this is not a gated, secured facility.

The checking of cards is to protect our investment in TV amenities program from those who are not residents.

We are just very lucky to live in a place, like many others in the USA, that have low to no crime. As easy a target as seniors might be, we are trully blessed there is no more than there is today.

btk

[K9-Lovers]

Even if we had working security gates, with 75,000 residents, there is bound to be some trouble with that large population.

[Taltarzac]

Even if we had working security gates, with 75,000 residents, there is bound to be some trouble with that large population.

One of the Dell Webb's near the Villages has security gates, the other one probably too, and I have heard from a resident there that they still have problems with burglaries and the like.

Their population is no where near the Villages.

[Jane52]

"The checking of cards is to protect our investment in TV amenities program from those who are not residents."

This, AND safety of women showering and dressing in the sport pool locker rooms when nobody else is around is why there ought to be Key Card Readers on the front doors to the locker rooms (like the ones that unlock a hotel room door). . . swipe our resident ID card to enter the locker room.

Of the 50 or so times I've used the sport pools to work out between 5 p.m. and dusk/closing, I have been asked for my ID card only once. This is neither safe in the locker rooms nor protective of our investment in TV amenities program.

[vj1213]

I also thought the key card readers would be a good idea. I take a water aerobics class 2 nights a week at Seabreeze and have only been asked twice for my card. As a matter of fact last night someone even asked the question of the man who was checking last night, why on some days cards are checked and on others they aren't.

[Snowbirdtobe]

My experience with the sport pools and exercise classes is limited. In June we were down for a week and there was no one to check ID at the class my wife went to.
In September I went to 2 classes and my ID was checked once. So 33% ID checking.
No doubt that one of the �It�s always sunnier in the villages� posters will say that this is not typical.

Before one of the "developer is the devil" posters gets the wrong idea we voted with our checkbook bought a house with a pool in August and love it.

[graciegirl]

My experience with the sport pools and exercise classes is limited. In June we were down for a week and there was no one to check ID at the class my wife went to.
In September I went to 2 classes and my ID was checked once. So 33% ID checking.
No doubt that one of the �It�s always sunnier in the villages� posters will say that this is not typical.

Before one of the "developer is the devil" posters gets the wrong idea we voted with our checkbook bought a house with a pool in August and love it.

I love your post Snowbirdtobe. AND in my own defense, when we arrived here they were choosing teams and I got called by the sunny team. I can do devil just as well, but I am a team player.

AND....Since I am generally here during the winter season, being a snowbird (who wants to be a frog.) I am guessing that when the droves of people return they may check more often. They always come in with their bird call thingy at my art classes. But artists really need to be checked on.

[Kirk]

Here is the Official story,,...I contacted the TV Director of Security and copied Janet Tutt...I heard back from the TV Director of Recreation within 2 hours with this response. The Local police were in fact contacted, a man was in the womans lockeroom, but to use the term "ATTACKED" appears to be a exaggeration....at least based on this report. Here goes!!

************************************************** ****

I would like to respond to the email regarding this incident. Lake Miona staff was approached by two females that there was an alleged male in the women’s restroom shower. When staff was notified they went to the parking lot to see if there was anyone that met the description. Staff then went to get additional details from the two females who reported the incident. As soon as staff went to get more details from the two females, they had left the facility without providing any additional details or their names or contact info to staff. Staff notified the manager of the incident who called 911. Sumter County Sheriff’s Department responded and filed a police report. As of today’s date there are no other details or confirmation regarding the two residents or the alleged male. If any new details are provided, we will communicate this information to the proper authorities. Recreation Staff, Community Watch and Sumter County Sheriff’s Department have all been made aware of alleged incident and concern by our residents. We will continue to monitor our facilities. We encourage residents to notify recreation staff, community watch or 911 if they need assistance. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.


John B. Rohan

Director of Recreation

I am the Village Resident who was showering alone at Lake Miona after pickleball. This is what happened. I draped my towel and clothing over the top of the shower rod. Someone flicked the shower lights on and off. I said, "Hello" to let the individual know I was in the shower. When there was no response, I turned to view the shower curtain. On the side of the shower entrance, opposite where the light switch is located, I saw a hand slowly moving the shower curtain, I assumed to look into the shower area. I was naked and vulnerable but I quickly grabbed the shower curtain and stuck my head out to see a man who appeared to be in his 20s, with olive skin, about 5'9", medium build, wearing what appeared to be a uniform. I believe the slacks were gray with an open-collar, short-sleeved, button shirt. He was heading toward the exit when I said, "Don't look in here." He said, "I thought it was the men's room." He did not exit but turned left into the women's restroom.

I reported the incident to the monitor who was entering the pool.

I told my pickleball buddies of my experience. Yesterday, 9/30/10, one of my pball buddies told me to check-out Talk of The Villages to see that someone else had a similar experience. I wondered if it were my experiece, somewhat embellished.

Today, 10/1/10, I returned to Lake Miona Recreation Center to learn what, if anything, had been done regarding the incident. The gal at the front desk took me to the manager's office. The manager said that a police report was made. I gave the manager my name and phone number. She said she would give it to the police.

I am waiting for the police to contact me.

[Russ_Boston]

I'm very sorry that this happened to you.

In your heart do you feel that is was a mistake or something more?

No such thing as a minor incident, no mater it's intent, when it happens to you.

Welcome to TOTV and stay with us.

[mr and mrs bike]

Thank you Gracie and Nighthawk for making me feel welcome. I don't think I will be as intimated next time I want to make a post. I want to learn the "ins and outs" of this site.

We will be coming down in August of 2011 to furnish our home. It's hard to contain our excitement.

[duffysmom]

thank you for clarifying the details of your very frightening experience. It is a good reminded to always be vigilant and proactive in vulnerable situations. In that regard, it is not a good idea for you (or anyone else) to use your full name and put your address and telephone number on a public forum. I have been a member for a couple of years and never indicate where I live or what my full name is. Sad isn't it, but in today's world we need to protect ourselves. Unfortunately I had to learn this lesson the hard way. Thank you again for the very important reminder that there are sick people everywhere. Kudos to Mr. or Mrs. Bike for their bravery in getting involved.

[Taltarzac]

Good that you removed your phone and address,. I too learned the hard way not to do this and still have problems because of something I e-mailed to a different site almost a decade ago.

Hopefully, the Villages' sports pool management will improve things for shower users with respect to safety and security.

[graciegirl]

Thank you. It is so appreciated that you told us what happened. I am sure it was very frightening.

I too hope that you will continue to post here.

[784caroline]

Wow...TOTV found you or vice versa. Im sure we are all glad to hear your story.

I am certain this experience was freightening at first and it is very unfortunate it even happened. Your story appears to agree with the response we received from the Director of Recreation...it is a very level headed account and description of what happened....and certainly glad it was not more serious than what you described.

What raised the ire/concern of some of us on the board was the Original poster, used terms like "grabbing, grouping, screamimg, and the best one was attacked"...yet if all this happened as then described, there was no first hand account. Everyone who lives in TV is concerned about the safety and welfare of others and we all expect a safe environment. What we dont want are exaggerated half truths or "rumors" that can scare the TV population for no reason. Your post cleared the air on that acount.

It is good that you met with management at the rec center pool and will talk to the police. Not certain there is anything they can do about your particular incident but it will create an offical record of what can happen. TV then needs to decide based on cumulative facts, if more security is in fact needed and what type. At this point we really dont know (and probably never know) if it was a person simply lost, or was that an excuse and he just moved on.

Thanks again for sharing your story.!

[mr and mrs bike]

duffysmom--I am the Mrs Bike.( Mr Bike was floating in the pool when all that happened and didn't hear a thing) Thank you for your response. Isn't it to bad we have say thanks for doing what we think is the "right thing" to do.

[Mudder]

Card reader sounds good, but remember the perpertrator could also be a Villager who has access too. I use the sports pools at least three times a week and have never been asked for card, but then again how do you ask someone who is in the pool. To check everyone someone would have to be stationed outside the doors. I have often thought what I would do if no one else was around when I wanted to swim. Firstly I would never swim alone anyway and secondly you can not tell a perpertrator from anyone else. In a population such as ours don't you think we have all types of people here?
I live no where near Miona or Seabreeze but like those pools and so go there often. I have always taken a shower after swimming and am usually the only one in locker room or shower, I'll be a little more aware now.

[villages07]

....thanks for coming on here and providing a factual account of what happened. It is much appreciated. I agree with all the points 784Caroline made in his most recent post. It was no doubt a disturbing incident with who knows what being the guy's intent. Was he lost, was he a voyeur, was he casing the locker room for valuables? Who knows. It sounds like you handled it all very responsibly.

I was surprised at the design of the sports pool locker room/showers. I would have expected and certainly preferred individual showers with stalls for privacy. That type of design could have prevented an incident like this.

[cabo35]

....thank you so much for taking the time to share the elusive facts surrounding your encounter at Miona. It set the record straight and stopped the effervescent rumor mill cold while giving us the incentive to be aware of our surroundings wherever we go. Hopefully, the management will review your account and include it in considering enhancements to safety considerations at the pools. I hope you continue to post on TOTV and perhaps offer some security perspectives at the pools based on your own experience and observations.

Thanks.

[Taj44]

The exercise class people at the sports pools have their IDs checked according to a family member who also uses these pools a few times a week. Security is an issue for the sports pools and unlike the roads in the Villages they are private property.

Yes, security should be an issue, but as others have just posted, the checking of ID's is not happening on a regular basis. I think the Rec folks do a pretty good job checking ID's at specific classes, but there are many open times when there are no classes scheduled that people do pool walking and swim laps, etc., that the ID's are not being checked.

[ssmith]

I too am glad that the facts were flushed out. It goes to show how things happen. Each of us will have learned something from all of this ...like...it's good to be careful even in TV...rumors and facts can be confused etc. I just wonder...you all know that I still am just a wannabe....if the newspaper was more honest about incidents there... if it would help people to feel more informed and put to rest some of the rumors...all tho, I think this one has now been put to bed...hopefully. Welcome to all you new posters.

[Taltarzac]

Yes, security should be an issue, but as others have just posted, the checking of ID's is not happening on a regular basis. I think the Rec folks do a pretty good job checking ID's at specific classes, but there are many open times when there are no classes scheduled that people do pool walking and swim laps, etc., that the ID's are not being checked.

I made this point about there not being IDs checked in various other posts on this thread. They do as you say though do a good job at checking when exercise classes are going on as far as I know but seem to do a terrible one when classes are not in session.

I keep checking the Villages Daily Sun for this story about lax security at the sports pools to show up but think that this is as about as likely as a foot of snow showing up around Seabreeze Rec Center.

[784caroline]

Is the security at the sports pool any different that the family or neighborhood pools??? I dont think so!! Even if they are checking IDs at the sports pool, its normally done inside the pool area not before you get into the shower or lockerooms. IDs are checked routinely when i attend water volleyball at Colony Cottage...but I know it is hit or miss at all the pools. As someone earlier stated, an ID check is a start but a false sense of security for we may have bad "people" among us.

Not certain what story you are expecting in the Village Sun especially based upon this latest incident. We know something happened but whats the story line?

[graciegirl]

Is the security at the sports pool any different that the family or neighborhood pools??? I dont think so!! Even if they are checking IDs at the sports pool, its normally done inside the pool area not before you get into the shower or lockerooms. IDs are checked routinely when i attend water volleyball at Colony Cottage...but I know it is hit or miss at all the pools. As someone earlier stated, an ID check is a start but a false sense of security for we may have bad "people" among us.

Not certain what story you are expecting in the Village Sun especially based upon this latest incident. We know something happened but whats the story line?

How about......

You should worry because we are not telling you the whole story because if we do you will tell your friends and they won't come down here and buy a house? We are too cheap to pay for armed guards and too afraid to employ the villagers who carry, but we care for you, especially when you give us your money, you old fa..ts. And further, we try to employ people who don't give a ......care...as well. Go away. you are bothering us.:wave:

(I am testing my new persona.):angel:

[memason]

How about......

You should worry because we are not telling you the whole story because if we do you will tell your friends and they won't come down here and buy a house? We are too cheap to pay for armed guards and too afraid to employ the villagers who carry, but we care for you, especially when you give us your money, you old fa..ts. And further, we try to employ people who don't give a ......care...as well. Go away. you are bothering us.:wave:

(I am testing my new persona.):angel:

DAMN! That's hot, Gracie! :clap2:

[Taltarzac]

How about......

You should worry because we are not telling you the whole story because if we do you will tell your friends and they won't come down here and buy a house? We are too cheap to pay for armed guards and too afraid to employ the villagers who carry, but we care for you, especially when you give us your money, you old fa..ts. And further, we try to employ people who don't give a ......care...as well. Go away. you are bothering us.:wave:

(I am testing my new persona.):angel:

I know gladfly is not a word. It is something that buzzes around with the joy of being around and welcoming people.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The new "I'll-kick-your-butt"/rough-and-tumble graciegirl. You go, gurlfrieeeeeend!!! :boxing2:

Bill

[LuvItHere]

Those who mocked, saying in essence, "Tough luck if you want to actually USE the shower and dressing facilities we pay for" should be ASHAMED.

I've been reading here for awhile. There are some Mr. Know-It-Alls who ought to back off and allow others to report something that should be of concern to everyone.

[K9-Lovers]

How about......

You should worry because we are not telling you the whole story because if we do you will tell your friends and they won't come down here and buy a house? We are too cheap to pay for armed guards and too afraid to employ the villagers who carry, but we care for you, especially when you give us your money, you old fa..ts. And further, we try to employ people who don't give a ......care...as well. Go away. you are bothering us.:wave:

(I am testing my new persona.):angel:

Boy, Howdy!:shocked:

[Kirk]

I don't believe it was a mistake for the following reason:

The light switch to the shower is on the R side as you face the entrance to the shower area. There was a flick (on & off) of the light. I resonded in my female voice. About 15 seconds later, his hand appeared on the L side of the shower curtain, very slowly moving the shower curtain to the right.

That is when I immediately grabbed the shower curtain and responded.

Regarding posting here. I find it interesting to read what others are saying about my incident. I hope I don't get addicted to this site.

[K9-Lovers]

Regarding posting here. I find it interesting to read what others are saying about my incident. I hope I don't get addicted to this site.

Yup, sounds like a TOTV addiction is taking root. :welcome:

[RichieLion]

How about......

You should worry because we are not telling you the whole story because if we do you will tell your friends and they won't come down here and buy a house? We are too cheap to pay for armed guards and too afraid to employ the villagers who carry, but we care for you, especially when you give us your money, you old fa..ts. And further, we try to employ people who don't give a ......care...as well. Go away. you are bothering us.:wave:

(I am testing my new persona.):angel:

You are the best. Nobody could cut through the b******t quicker and in such a great way. When I grow up I want to be just like you:a040:

[redwitch]

Interesting -- guess the story I was told from the guy at Lake Miona either was talking about a different incident and cleaning up a very unsavory incident. Ya know, I really don't expect security at the pools -- don't get them at public pools/showers/locker rooms in any place that I know of, so why should we here? IDs are checked to keep people who aren't authorized from using the amenities, not to prevent crimes or incidents. I do believe there is a limit as to what TV can or should do for its residents. We're adults and need to be responsible for ourselves.

Kirk, I'm so glad nothing else happened to you. Although you handled it well, it must have been frightening and uncomfortable for you. Wish they would find the guy so that we could at least discover the motive for his actions.

And, Gracie, I think we'd all miss the gladfly if you became this new persona. TV's not perfect, but it is the best version of paradise most of us have found. It's okay to have our eyes open and see the flaws, as long as we love the good stuff. So, keep things in your perspective and keep on enjoying this little piece of paradise.

[Kirk]

The incident took place MON, 9/27. I returned FRI, 10/1, to speak to the Lk Miona Rec Ctr manager about the status of the incident.

I'm a little surprised that I haven't received a phone call from the police officer who made the report.

[Kirk]

I am new to this type of media. I figured since my name, address & phone number are in the phone book, it was ok to print it. An administrator removed it and I selected an alias. Plz tell me what can happen by sharing the info above? Thx

[vj1213]

Kirk, I am glad you are okay. You were the only one there, but I tend to agree this doesn't seem like some innocent "oops, I went into the wrong room" especially not with the flickering of the lights and grabbing the curtain after hearing your voice when you called out.
Have I ever gone into the wrong restroom, yes both unintentionally and intentionally with another lady standing guard at the door (when the ladies room was either out of order or had a never ending line) Sure it happens! But never would I attempt to open the curtain to a man showering in a locker room and claim it was by mistake.
I feel there are ways to make these areas more secure. I disagree with the comment that there is a limit as to what TV can or should do for its residents. I think they can and should do whatever it takes to keep its residents safe especially in areas which we pay fees to keep up and use.

[redwitch]

Kirk, the dangers of putting your name, address and phone number here rather than in a local phone book is that this is public to the entire world, not just residents of TV. To find someone in a phone book, someone would either have to know you or do a page-by-page search for something or someone specific. Here, giving your real name makes you very public and very vulnerable. The internet is a wonderful thing but it can be a very dangerous thing. Please be careful to not give enough personal information to let others know how to find you.

[graciegirl]

I have thought too that it might have been a man looking to meet a man, a date, in the mens shower. It happens at rest stops on the interstate. Men make dates to meet men there at the mens rest room.

[Coconuts]

I have thought too that it might have been a man looking to meet a man, a date, in the mens shower. It happens at rest stops on the interstate. Men make dates to meet men there at the mens rest room.
Alright, who are you and what have you done with our Gracie?

[graciegirl]

Alright, who are you and what have you done with our Gracie?

Hey Coconuts!

We are missing the neighborhood block party tomorrow, aren't we? I guess I am just gonna have to knock on doors to hug people when we get there next Saturday. Or...Put the coffee flag up?

But as to the post about men meeting men, it does happen you know. Remember that politician that got busted having sex in the mens room?

I read things like that all of the time.:read:

Well, it could have been a villager who hired a younger man to have a date with him at the sports pool shower. He could have said, just flip the lights on and off...

It could have happened like that, Coconuts.:shrug:

[Taltarzac]

The pools I used as a kid and then a student seemed to have much better safety and security than what I have heard of the Villages' sports pools. These were either pools for University students with valid IDs or paid admission pools which were the county and/or city run. They had admission attendants as well as lifeguards.

The Villages family pools actually sound like they have much better security than the sports pools as I would see frequently ID checkers there and the rest rooms there had doors that lock. I did not always see ID checkers at the family pools but at the hottest parts of the day they were usually there.

Volunteers from the Villages' residents might be a fiscally reasonable solution for the Villages' management. They would probably be a deterrent to almost any wrongdoers. Especially if they have phones with picture taking ability if they see a male heading into the female showers or vice versa.

[784caroline]

One issue with the Sports pools is that the shower area (covered by only a shower curtin..that may or may not be closed entirely) is directly off the main hall way (oposite the enterance to the locker area) leading to the pool enterance. NOw if the facility was designed so that the shower area were in the locker room area not, off the main hallway, would that be more secure...or More isolated.

Hard to comment on this point unless you are familair with the sports pool locker room layout.

[K9-Lovers]

Instead of having employees at the security gates, have employees at pools. Employees at the gates must be a big expense . . .

[784caroline]

I read earlier this year that having the gates "manned" cost upwards of $1.3 million a year...a good cover for the developer..but does little value for the residents at that expense. .

[golf2140]

After using the sports pools, I go home to shower!!!!!:boom:

[Annabelle]

Kirk,
I would like to add my voice to the chorus and say how happy I was to find that no physical harm came to you during the "shower incident" in the recreation center. As I don't frequent this forum very often, I see this is somewhat "old" but still very "good" news.

When reading your post, I found it quite unsettling and can only imagine the fear you felt during the time you discovered a male was in the ladie�s shower room until you saw him flee. Regardless how brief the time, I don�t think any man can truly grasp the extreme vulnerability and sheer terror any woman would feel in your situation. Thank you for sharing your ordeal.

I applaud you for maintaining your composure during this incident because your calm allowed you to provide us with some excellent details regarding the physical appearance of this man.

Kirk and PK thanks again for alerting all the members on this forum about this very troublesome incident. Knowledge is power and I�m sure many women and men in TV are going to get together to discuss and assess practical ways of dealing with serious issues such as the one on this thread. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound in cure.....not only for the residents of TV, but the developer as well.

Annabelle

[Annabelle]

I'm very sorry that this happened to you.

In your heart do you feel that is was a mistake or something more?

No such thing as a minor incident, no mater it's intent, when it happens to you.

Welcome to TOTV and stay with us.

Well Russ, that�s where �Kirk� made her �mistake�.... she failed to invite him in to join her, so she could report back to all the skeptics on this thread as to whether the man actually made a �mistake!�

I have no doubt (based upon Kirk�s testimony), that the male she saw had every intention of assaulting her. Exactly what type of �attack� is unknown, since he fled, but regardless of whether his intention was a �direct assault� such as �rape� or an �indirect assault� such as �voyeurism� both are considered an �attack� on a woman�s mind, body and soul in spite of what some wish to think and argue.

Annabelle

[Annabelle]

Wow...TOTV found you or vice versa. Im sure we are all glad to hear your story.

It is good that you met with management at the rec center pool and will talk to the police. Not certain there is anything they can do about your particular incident but it will create an offical record of what can happen. TV then needs to decide based on cumulative facts, if more security is in fact needed and what type. At this point we really dont know (and probably never know) if it was a person simply lost, or was that an excuse and he just moved on.

Thanks again for sharing your story.!

In regards to the �accidental entry� or �little boy lost� scenario:
One would be required to suspend all measure of logical thinking in order to accept those �excuses� as a plausible explanation for why this healthy young male:
1) entered a woman�s shower room......
2) played with the lights.....
3) heard water running and a woman�s voice alerting him to where he was .......
4) yet he still reached inside the shower curtain.....
5) and only fled after she screamed for help.

While I can understand how someone not paying attention to a sign (drawing) on a restroom door could �accidently� enter the wrong restroom.... and quickly exit upon learning of his "mistake"......

But any man who has entered a woman�s bathroom/dressing room area and doesn�t see any urinals.....yet still proceeds to the showers .... IS UP TO NO GOOD.

****Attention all perverts in TV: the next time you get �lost� on your way home and suddenly find yourself wandering around in a ladies shower room/bathroom ......you now have your �alibi�...... unbelievable as it may sound......there are those who will buy it!

Annabelle

[LuvItHere]

I'd like to know how many people here get into the shower at home with the front and back doors of the house unlocked!

Probably NONE. So why do you expect users of the sport pools to use the showers there with the doors completely unlocked, with any kind of pervert or released sex offender able to walk right in and grab and assault a woman????

Just WHAT is so "demanding" or "unnecessary" about putting locks on these sport pool shower/dressing room doors from the parking lot and pool deck, that could be opened with a resident's key card or ID card reader?

I'm tired of seeing the mockery in this, and this breach of safety is an embarrassment to our beautiful community.

[Annabelle]

The Villages is a very successful development and I am sure that the competition, some of the developments close by find it hard to keep up with all of the things that The Villages has to offer. I sometimes suspect that some posters come on here and make things up to make people who are considering this beautiful and safe place, have second thoughts.


Gracie,
Since I don�t have the time to visit this forum frequently, I apologize for the lateness of my reply to you and do hope you will overlook the time that has elapsed between your post and this reply.

For the purpose of separating �fact� from �fiction� with respect to the � shower incident� would it not have been more prudent (on your part) to simply pick up the phone and contact someone in TV who might be in a position to either corroborate or refute the details that were provided in the post rather than (for you) to interrogate the poster (Promiseskept) when in fact she clearly stated she was hoping to find answers on here (TOTV).

Would it not have been more judicious (on your part) to simply wait for the veracity of the incident to be either confirmed or dispelled instead of immediately countering this rumor with an equally serious rumor.......whereby you impugn the character of PK by
insinuating that she is a �stooge� for a �less successful, jealous developer� who is intent on destroying TV?

Gracie, this is not the first time you have introduced this rumor and in my opinion I think this tactic is hurtful, unwarranted and unproductive in the pursuit of truth.

I dare question your loyalty to TV and you are certainly a prolific poster on TOTV. In fact , sometimes I wonder if the pretty lady next to your name is actually Gary Morse in disguise! Seriously though, I do implore you to stop attacking anyone on TOTV who dares to address anything unpleasant (such as a lack of security) in TV.

In one of your posts you implied that those who want to discuss problems in TV are �ranting.� I do hope that was a poor choice of words and does not reflect how you really feel because if you don�t first admit there is a problem (such as a lack of security in the ladies locker rooms) then how can a viable solution be offered and implemented?

In conclusion, I do hope in the future whenever someone introduces a serious subject on this forum that you refrain from the �jealous developer� theory and other innuendos. Regardless of whether one lives in TV (as do you) or is contemplating moving to TV (as am I) let�s do try to keep in mind that we all want a safe place in which to reside.

I certainly mean no disrespect and offer the following advice as constructive criticism when I say, Gracie you can only cry wolf so many times before people stop taking you seriously.

Annabelle

[Annabelle]

Be careful what you are asking for.


Since this post was directed to me I have this to say:

Your honor,
I object to Boogie�s statement on the grounds that it is incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial to the discussion of this thread .

Furthermore, it is tasteless, devoid of any semblance of propriety, not to mention just plain dumb!

Annabelle
(Sorry Boogie, but you asked for it!!!)

[graciegirl]

Since this post was directed to me I have this to say:

Your honor,
I object to Boogie’s statement on the grounds that it is incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial to the discussion of this thread .

Furthermore, it is tasteless, devoid of any semblance of propriety, not to mention just plain dumb!

Annabelle
(Sorry Boogie, but you asked for it!!!)



Annabelle, we need to get to know each other. Life is way too short to ..........well you know.

[memason]

Gracie,
Since I don�t have the time to visit this forum frequently, I apologize for the lateness of my reply to you and do hope you will overlook the time that has elapsed between your post and this reply.

For the purpose of separating �fact� from �fiction� with respect to the � shower incident� would it not have been more prudent (on your part) to simply pick up the phone and contact someone in TV who might be in a position to either corroborate or refute the details that were provided in the post rather than (for you) to interrogate the poster (Promiseskept) when in fact she clearly stated she was hoping to find answers on here (TOTV).

Would it not have been more judicious (on your part) to simply wait for the veracity of the incident to be either confirmed or dispelled instead of immediately countering this rumor with an equally serious rumor.......whereby you impugn the character of PK by
insinuating that she is a �stooge� for a �less successful, jealous developer� who is intent on destroying TV?

Gracie, this is not the first time you have introduced this rumor and in my opinion I think this tactic is hurtful, unwarranted and unproductive in the pursuit of truth.

I dare question your loyalty to TV and you are certainly a prolific poster on TOTV. In fact , sometimes I wonder if the pretty lady next to your name is actually Gary Morse in disguise! Seriously though, I do implore you to stop attacking anyone on TOTV who dares to address anything unpleasant (such as a lack of security) in TV.

In one of your posts you implied that those who want to discuss problems in TV are �ranting.� I do hope that was a poor choice of words and does not reflect how you really feel because if you don�t first admit there is a problem (such as a lack of security in the ladies locker rooms) then how can a viable solution be offered and implemented?

In conclusion, I do hope in the future whenever someone introduces a serious subject on this forum that you refrain from the �jealous developer� theory and other innuendos. Regardless of whether one lives in TV (as do you) or is contemplating moving to TV (as am I) let�s do try to keep in mind that we all want a safe place in which to reside.

I certainly mean no disrespect and offer the following advice as constructive criticism when I say, Gracie you can only cry wolf so many times before people stop taking you seriously.

Annabelle


Annabelle, You really are a piece of work! There are lots of folks on TOTV I'd like to meet some day. ... You are NOT one of them! Not sure what your agenda is, but your posts have gotten very personal.


OK.... Now you can hammer me too. I would consider it an honor to be in the same company as Russ, Bogie and Gracie.

[billethkid]

of subject matter...no other thoughts, opinions, possibilities, interpretations or conclusions allowed.
The first amendment contains no gaging for being right or wrong...last time I checked.

btk

[Taj44]

of subject matter...no other thoughts, opinions, possibilities, interpretations or conclusions allowed.
The first amendment contains no gaging for being right or wrong...last time I checked.

btk
I agree! Surely we can act like grownups and allow people to post their opinions even though we may not agree with them. There is a difference between criticizing someone's post and criticizing the person who wrote it.

[Russ_Boston]

Well Russ, that�s where �Kirk� made her �mistake�.... she failed to invite him in to join her, so she could report back to all the skeptics on this thread as to whether the man actually made a �mistake!�

Duh! That's why I asked her what her heart (read: gut) was telling her. I agree with MEMason on this one.