An Interesting Tale

[SHIBUMI]

My wife and I were riding in a golf car to go to Southern Oaks. We passed the crosswalk on the southern most entrance to Osceola Hills. Lying in the road was a golf club. We looked around and saw no one. It was a brand new driver with a headcover.

When we got to Southern Oaks we asked several employees what to do about it. No one knew. We put a lost and found ad in the Talk and got 1 response. The response, thank you, said that if it was worth 50$ or less to take it to one of 4 rec centers mentioned. If it was worth over 50$ take it to the police station. Now, I know the driver was worth around 250$ but if the owner could not hit it, it may have been worth less than 50$. lol.

I then asked employees at Belgrade and no one knew what to do with a golf club that wasn't lost at a golf course. So I decided to take it to the police station in Sumpter county off 466.

I walked in an explained my situation and they all gave me the I don't know look. Then they said they would write up a police report. 30 minutes later, and after filling out a report I began to wonder.........The club would be locked up in the evidence locker in Bushnell.

Just before leaving, a man in a motorized wheelchair came in to file a complaint. He said that he signed up for free solar and once they were done they gave him a bill for $50,000 and his bank told him he had to pay it.

After hearing that I left hoping I didn't waste their time with my found driver and it seemed more serious matters were afoot.

I did not want to keep the club and was just amazed at how few people knew what to do. I thank the police for their time and if you lost your driver, it is now located along with all the crime scene evidence at Bushnell. Fore!

[retiredguy123]

Just two comments:

It sounds like someone just lost the driver. No crime or evidence involved.

Why would the bank have anything to do with whether or not someone owes money for a solar system?

[Keefelane66]

It’s a good story made me tired. Next time bring it to nearest Rec Center

[Bogie Shooter]

My wife and I were riding in a golf car to go to Southern Oaks. We passed the crosswalk on the southern most entrance to Osceola Hills. Lying in the road was a golf club. We looked around and saw no one. It was a brand new driver with a headcover.

When we got to Southern Oaks we asked several employees what to do about it. No one knew. We put a lost and found ad in the Talk and got 1 response. The response, thank you, said that if it was worth 50$ or less to take it to one of 4 rec centers mentioned. If it was worth over 50$ take it to the police station. Now, I know the driver was worth around 250$ but if the owner could not hit it, it may have been worth less than 50$. lol.

I then asked employees at Belgrade and no one knew what to do with a golf club that wasn't lost at a golf course. So I decided to take it to the police station in Sumpter county off 466.

I walked in an explained my situation and they all gave me the I don't know look. Then they said they would write up a police report. 30 minutes later, and after filling out a report I began to wonder.........The club would be locked up in the evidence locker in Bushnell.

Just before leaving, a man in a motorized wheelchair came in to file a complaint. He said that he signed up for free solar and once they were done they gave him a bill for $50,000 and his bank told him he had to pay it.

After hearing that I left hoping I didn't waste their time with my found driver and it seemed more serious matters were afoot.

I did not want to keep the club and was just amazed at how few people knew what to do. I thank the police for their time and if you lost your driver, it is now located along with all the crime scene evidence at Bushnell. Fore!

Myself and others have posted this info numerous times on TOTV.

Lost and Found

Depending on where items are found, inexpensive items will be held for one month at La Hacienda, Laurel Manor, Eisenhower or Everglades Regional Recreation Centers. Valuables will be turned over to the Lady Lake Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office or Marion County Sheriff’s Office within 72 hours. At the end of each month, unclaimed items will be donated to local charities. The Recreation Department is not responsible for lost items.

Full details at this link. From District Government, Recreation Department.

https://www.districtgov.org/PdfUpload/REC503_Lost%20and%20Found%20Guidelines.pdf

[retiredguy123]

Myself and others have posted this info numerous times on TOTV.

Lost and Found

Depending on where items are found, inexpensive items will be held for one month at La Hacienda, Laurel Manor, Eisenhower or Everglades Regional Recreation Centers. Valuables will be turned over to the Lady Lake Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office or Marion County Sheriff’s Office within 72 hours. At the end of each month, unclaimed items will be donated to local charities. The Recreation Department is not responsible for lost items.

Full details at this link. From District Government, Recreation Department.

https://www.districtgov.org/PdfUpload/REC503_Lost%20and%20Found%20Guidelines.pdf
Not exactly. The link you provided only applies to items found at the rec centers. This item was found on a road, not at a rec center. Under Florida law, the finder is required to take the item to law enforcement, but the finder can make a claim for the property in the event that the lawful owner is not found within a specific time period. Then, the item becomes the property of the finder, not donated to charity.

OP, I would suggest that you return to the police station and make a claim for the golf club. You could become the legal owner.

Florida Statute Chapter 705, Lost or Abandoned Property

[MrChip72]

I think the international "finders keepers" statute applies in this case. :1rotfl:

Seriously though, I've seen surprisingly many items found and posted on local Villages FB groups where the rightful owner was found.

[Stu from NYC]

Why would the bank have anything to do with whether or not someone owes money for a solar system?

Unless the guy signed a contract saying he owed that do not understand why he would owe it.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Why would you take it in the first place? Numerous times me, or my husband, have left/lost something and I just went back to that spot and found it. The owner may done that.

If there is something that isn’t yours let it lay.

[fdpaq0580]

Why would you take it in the first place? Numerous times me, or my husband, have left/lost something and I just went back to that spot and found it. The owner may done that.

If there is something that isn’t yours let it lay.

Agree 100%, unless its cash. If its cash and you don't take it, the next person who sees it will.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Why would you take it in the first place? Numerous times me, or my husband, have left/lost something and I just went back to that spot and found it. The owner may done that.

If there is something that isn’t yours let it lay.
I see items propped up and placed on fence posts or the pilons at gates ect. all the time. I think most people drive on by. More valuable items, well that would be a fine social/moral kind of study to do. How many people in a huge golf course community would let a $250 club just lay there or if nothing else prop it up.

I think the OP went above and beyond and did the right thing as it seemed to be a valuable item in their eyes. The owner of the club probably thinks it is long gone by now. Hope they are on totv.

Solar panels for free with no fine print... seems like that would be a stretch.

[msilagy]

I have the perfect solution - KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF EVERYONE ELSE'S STUFF! Now because you took it the owner will most likely never get it back. My bet is the person came looking for it and guess what because you decided to touch it and take it he is at a loss as to where to go to retrieve it. My biggest pet peeve - is do NOT TOUCH other people's belongings. Let them return to find it. You did not do the owner a favor you sabotaged his efforts to find it in the street. That goes for everyone - not just you!

[DannoMac]

Why are there so many people that just have to find fault with anything and everything someone posts.
I want to applaud the OP for going out of his way to find the rightful owner of the club. I appreciate you!

[rsmurano]

Leave it? The owner might not know it fell out for days or longer, do you really think it will still be there after X number of days? The next person driving by might have taken it and put it in his bag.

[Bill14564]

I have the perfect solution - KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF EVERYONE ELSE'S STUFF! Now because you took it the owner will most likely never get it back. My bet is the person came looking for it and guess what because you decided to touch it and take it he is at a loss as to where to go to retrieve it. My biggest pet peeve - is do NOT TOUCH other people's belongings. Let them return to find it. You did not do the owner a favor you sabotaged his efforts to find it in the street. That goes for everyone - not just you!

I lost a key fob once. If you've ever had to replace one you know it costs more than a couple of those clubs. I called the place where I lost it hoping that someone had turned it in. Nope. My best guess is no one touched it, they just left it where it was, and eventually it was swept up into the trash. It would have saved me a lot of money if someone had put their hands on my stuff.

Kudos to the OP for making an attempt.

[jimkerr]

My wife and I were riding in a golf car to go to Southern Oaks. We passed the crosswalk on the southern most entrance to Osceola Hills. Lying in the road was a golf club. We looked around and saw no one. It was a brand new driver with a headcover.

When we got to Southern Oaks we asked several employees what to do about it. No one knew. We put a lost and found ad in the Talk and got 1 response. The response, thank you, said that if it was worth 50$ or less to take it to one of 4 rec centers mentioned. If it was worth over 50$ take it to the police station. Now, I know the driver was worth around 250$ but if the owner could not hit it, it may have been worth less than 50$. lol.

I then asked employees at Belgrade and no one knew what to do with a golf club that wasn't lost at a golf course. So I decided to take it to the police station in Sumpter county off 466.

I walked in an explained my situation and they all gave me the I don't know look. Then they said they would write up a police report. 30 minutes later, and after filling out a report I began to wonder.........The club would be locked up in the evidence locker in Bushnell.

Just before leaving, a man in a motorized wheelchair came in to file a complaint. He said that he signed up for free solar and once they were done they gave him a bill for $50,000 and his bank told him he had to pay it.

After hearing that I left hoping I didn't waste their time with my found driver and it seemed more serious matters were afoot.

I did not want to keep the club and was just amazed at how few people knew what to do. I thank the police for their time and if you lost your driver, it is now located along with all the crime scene evidence at Bushnell. Fore!

You take it to the nearest rec center. Very simple.

[retiredguy123]

The OP followed the Florida law by turning the golf club over to law enforcement. It is exactly what the law requires. Leaving the club on the road would have put it at risk for being damaged or stolen. The OP should be commended for doing the correct thing.

[mntlblok]

Why would you take it in the first place? Numerous times me, or my husband, have left/lost something and I just went back to that spot and found it. The owner may done that.

If there is something that isn’t yours let it lay.
Remember reading a very interesting article about this. It compared how this situation was typically dealt with in various countries. The Japanese use this very strategy. Makes sense. You do not want to misplace something in Mexico - and a number of other spots in the world. . .

[mntlblok]

I lost a key fob once. If you've ever had to replace one you know it costs more than a couple of those clubs. I called the place where I lost it hoping that someone had turned it in. Nope. My best guess is no one touched it, they just left it where it was, and eventually it was swept up into the trash. It would have saved me a lot of money if someone had put their hands on my stuff.

Kudos to the OP for making an attempt.

Good point. Time seems to be of the essence in some such circumstances, and maybe how "isolated" the area is. Shortly after having read that article about how the Japanese tend to "let it lie", I found a range finder near where I was practicing bunker shots. Thinking of that article, I left it lying there for a good while, waiting to see if the "loser" might return soon. Finally gave up and walked it over to the pro shop. Returned to my practice area and was approached by a fellow who inquired about a lost range finder. He had dropped it on the way to hit a bucket of balls and he had finally finished and was retracing his steps. Interesting.

[Eclas]

Why are there so many people that just have to find fault with anything and everything someone posts.
I want to applaud the OP for going out of his way to find the rightful owner of the club. I appreciate you!

Totally agree with your statement

[ThirdOfFive]

My wife and I were riding in a golf car to go to Southern Oaks. We passed the crosswalk on the southern most entrance to Osceola Hills. Lying in the road was a golf club. We looked around and saw no one. It was a brand new driver with a headcover.

When we got to Southern Oaks we asked several employees what to do about it. No one knew. We put a lost and found ad in the Talk and got 1 response. The response, thank you, said that if it was worth 50$ or less to take it to one of 4 rec centers mentioned. If it was worth over 50$ take it to the police station. Now, I know the driver was worth around 250$ but if the owner could not hit it, it may have been worth less than 50$. lol.

I then asked employees at Belgrade and no one knew what to do with a golf club that wasn't lost at a golf course. So I decided to take it to the police station in Sumpter county off 466.

I walked in an explained my situation and they all gave me the I don't know look. Then they said they would write up a police report. 30 minutes later, and after filling out a report I began to wonder.........The club would be locked up in the evidence locker in Bushnell.

Just before leaving, a man in a motorized wheelchair came in to file a complaint. He said that he signed up for free solar and once they were done they gave him a bill for $50,000 and his bank told him he had to pay it.

After hearing that I left hoping I didn't waste their time with my found driver and it seemed more serious matters were afoot.

I did not want to keep the club and was just amazed at how few people knew what to do. I thank the police for their time and if you lost your driver, it is now located along with all the crime scene evidence at Bushnell. Fore!
Pass the buck.

It is a game played often in The Villages.

[ldj1938]

The first thing I do when I buy new clubs is put a return address label on the handle covered with tape. When I spend near $1K on a club I protect it as much as possible. It's easy to forget an iron when you chip up to the green and then use your putter. If you find a club when playing give it to the ambassador or the starter.

[airstreamingypsy]

To the OP, I think you did the right thing.... now what to do? I would turn it into the nearest golf course, or bring it home and post on FB Villages lost and found, also Nextdoor. Don't post the brand, the person who lost it needs to tell you the brand.

[bowlingal]

It's SUMTER....not Sumpter. Why do people not know how to spell the name correctly? Jeez.....proof read your comments please

[Bill14564]

It's SUMTER....not Sumpter

Well THAT explains it. I'm sure the OP would have made it easier for the owner to find the club if he had taken it to police station in SUMTER county off 466 instead.

Though I have to point out, I'm pretty sure it's Sumter...not SUMTER. You only capitalize the first letter of a place name.

[RRGuyNJ]

I can't help myself. Most people here should have been born after the mid 60's. Since when does the $ go after the number? 50$ vs $50 This drives me nuts!! OK, carry on. I feel better now.

[stevecmo]

It would seem to me that because of the location, there would be a good probability that the owner was either going to or from Southern Oaks. Why not turn it in to lost and found there?

[Steve]

My wife and I were riding in a golf car to go to Southern Oaks. We passed the crosswalk on the southern most entrance to Osceola Hills. Lying in the road was a golf club. We looked around and saw no one. It was a brand new driver with a headcover.

When we got to Southern Oaks we asked several employees what to do about it. No one knew. We put a lost and found ad in the Talk and got 1 response. The response, thank you, said that if it was worth 50$ or less to take it to one of 4 rec centers mentioned. If it was worth over 50$ take it to the police station. Now, I know the driver was worth around 250$ but if the owner could not hit it, it may have been worth less than 50$. lol.

I then asked employees at Belgrade and no one knew what to do with a golf club that wasn't lost at a golf course. So I decided to take it to the police station in Sumpter county off 466.

I walked in an explained my situation and they all gave me the I don't know look. Then they said they would write up a police report. 30 minutes later, and after filling out a report I began to wonder.........The club would be locked up in the evidence locker in Bushnell.

Just before leaving, a man in a motorized wheelchair came in to file a complaint. He said that he signed up for free solar and once they were done they gave him a bill for $50,000 and his bank told him he had to pay it.

After hearing that I left hoping I didn't waste their time with my found driver and it seemed more serious matters were afoot.

I did not want to keep the club and was just amazed at how few people knew what to do. I thank the police for their time and if you lost your driver, it is now located along with all the crime scene evidence at Bushnell. Fore!

There ain't no "P" in "Sumter".

[Taltarzac725]

Golf The Villages (https://www.golfthevillages.com/championship-golf/champDetail.asp?course=SOUTHERN%20OAKS)

Kudos for all the work helping a stranger.

[Dusty_Star]

I can't help myself. Most people here should have been born after the mid 60's. Since when does the $ go after the number? 50$ vs $50 This drives me nuts!! OK, carry on. I feel better now.

Mid 1860s?

[Sandy and Ed]

Unless the guy signed a contract saying he owed that do not understand why he would owe it.
Seniors vs crime located at Sumter police on 466 and Morse Blvd May help

[Joe C.]

If I find anything, I try my best to locate the owner (cellphones, for example). The only thing that I would ever consider turning into the police would be a firearm.

[SHIBUMI]

I guess this begs the question, what would you do if you lost something away from any facilities? Pass the buck.

It is a game played often in The Villages.

[Wondering]

You wasted a lot of time. Either put a notice on Talk of the Villages or Next Door without mentioning the name of the driver or take it to one of the Rec Centers, like Rohan.

[scooterstang]

I recently found a SW 357 revolver in the middle of the road with the holster laying close by. I did not want a child to pick it up so I stopped my scooter and picked it up and put it in the trunk of my Morphous. I then proceeded to the police station to turn it in. i met with a cop in the parking lot of the station and pop the trunk on my scooter and pointed to gun and holster. He picked it up same as me bare handed and checked it out,then he put it in his squad car. i only learned a couple of days later that I can put a claim in on it and might be able to own it. The police clerk said I would have to put an add in the paper and wait 30 days before I could claim gun. I told her that no one gets the paper any more and left. I went back a couple of weeks later and they told me that the owner came and got his gun. He had placed it on the roof of his car and forgot about it and it slid off into the street. I was never thanked for turning it in.

[Taltarzac725]

I recently found a SW 357 revolver in the middle of the road with the holster laying close by. I did not want a child to pick it up so I stopped my scooter and picked it up and put it in the trunk of my Morphous. I then proceeded to the police station to turn it in. i met with a cop in the parking lot of the station and pop the trunk on my scooter and pointed to gun and holster. He picked it up same as me bare handed and checked it out,then he put it in his squad car. i only learned a couple of days later that I can put a claim in on it and might be able to own it. The police clerk said I would have to put an add in the paper and wait 30 days before I could claim gun. I told her that no one gets the paper any more and left. I went back a couple of weeks later and they told me that the owner came and got his gun. He had placed it on the roof of his car and forgot about it and it slid off into the street. I was never thanked for turning it in.

That is one serious item to leave lying on his trunk.

[BumpaOompa]

I ordered silver address labels that match the shafts of my clubs and put one on every club. If lost or left at a hole I have a great chance of getting it back.

[MrFlorida]

Just drop it off at the Villages Lost and Found, simple.

[SHIBUMI]

Where is the Villages lost and found????????


Just drop it off at the Villages Lost and Found, simple.

[Chitown]

Most of the large regional Rec Centers are the official lost and found for The Villages. The key to that statement is large regional not neighborhood Rec Center. If it is identifiable the Rec Center will try to make Contact if not they hold it in hopes that someone will call or come in to claim the item

[Keefelane66]

Post # 4 covered this

[Bogie Shooter]

Myself and others have posted this info numerous times on TOTV.

Lost and Found

Depending on where items are found, inexpensive items will be held for one month at La Hacienda, Laurel Manor, Eisenhower or Everglades Regional Recreation Centers. Valuables will be turned over to the Lady Lake Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office or Marion County Sheriff’s Office within 72 hours. At the end of each month, unclaimed items will be donated to local charities. The Recreation Department is not responsible for lost items.

Full details at this link. From District Government, Recreation Department.

https://www.districtgov.org/PdfUpload/REC503_Lost%20and%20Found%20Guidelines.pdf

Not exactly. The link you provided only applies to items found at the rec centers. This item was found on a road, not at a rec center. Under Florida law, the finder is required to take the item to law enforcement, but the finder can make a claim for the property in the event that the lawful owner is not found within a specific time period. Then, the item becomes the property of the finder, not donated to charity.

OP, I would suggest that you return to the police station and make a claim for the golf club. You could become the legal owner.

Florida Statute Chapter 705, Lost or Abandoned Property

Most of the large regional Rec Centers are the official lost and found for The Villages. The key to that statement is large regional not neighborhood Rec Center. If it is identifiable the Rec Center will try to make Contact if not they hold it in hopes that someone will call or come in to claim the item

Retiredguy is correct. If you read the printed policy it indicates “if found at rec center”.

[jebartle]

I have the perfect solution - KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF EVERYONE ELSE'S STUFF! Now because you took it the owner will most likely never get it back. My bet is the person came looking for it and guess what because you decided to touch it and take it he is at a loss as to where to go to retrieve it. My biggest pet peeve - is do NOT TOUCH other people's belongings. Let them return to find it. You did not do the owner a favor you sabotaged his efforts to find it in the street. That goes for everyone - not just you!

Someone needs a hug!

[jimjamuser]

My wife and I were riding in a golf car to go to Southern Oaks. We passed the crosswalk on the southern most entrance to Osceola Hills. Lying in the road was a golf club. We looked around and saw no one. It was a brand new driver with a headcover.

When we got to Southern Oaks we asked several employees what to do about it. No one knew. We put a lost and found ad in the Talk and got 1 response. The response, thank you, said that if it was worth 50$ or less to take it to one of 4 rec centers mentioned. If it was worth over 50$ take it to the police station. Now, I know the driver was worth around 250$ but if the owner could not hit it, it may have been worth less than 50$. lol.

I then asked employees at Belgrade and no one knew what to do with a golf club that wasn't lost at a golf course. So I decided to take it to the police station in Sumpter county off 466.

I walked in an explained my situation and they all gave me the I don't know look. Then they said they would write up a police report. 30 minutes later, and after filling out a report I began to wonder.........The club would be locked up in the evidence locker in Bushnell.

Just before leaving, a man in a motorized wheelchair came in to file a complaint. He said that he signed up for free solar and once they were done they gave him a bill for $50,000 and his bank told him he had to pay it.

After hearing that I left hoping I didn't waste their time with my found driver and it seemed more serious matters were afoot.

I did not want to keep the club and was just amazed at how few people knew what to do. I thank the police for their time and if you lost your driver, it is now located along with all the crime scene evidence at Bushnell. Fore!
Trade the driver for a good tennis racket so that you can play a real game with REAL exercise that doesn't involve wasting acres of land and tons of fertilizer that ends up in the lake making them yuck green!

[SHIBUMI]

A real game is when your opponent is always perfect and unyielding (golf course)

In tennis your great if your opponent stinks. Other than cardio, tennis doesn't deliver more exercise. Tried tennis but didn't like wearing those little skirts.

Trade the drive for a good tennis racket so that you can play a real game with REAL exercise that doesn't involve wasting acres of land and tons of fertilizer that ends up in the lake making them yuck green!

[Indydealmaker]

Unless the guy signed a contract saying he owed that do not understand why he would owe it.

He got scammed by the solar company. They took the money from the bank and left him on the hook.

[jimjamuser]

A real game is when your opponent is always perfect and unyielding (golf course)

In tennis your great if your opponent stinks. Other than cardio, tennis doesn't deliver more exercise. Tried tennis but didn't like wearing those little skirts.
Right - everybody hates those tennie tiny shorts. Bright red pants on the golfers are so much better.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Where is the Villages lost and found????????
Lol.

As we are constantly told, never let a tragedy go to waste. Disney has a lost and found. Unclaimed items are in a store for employees to purchase.

Hey, that could be a perk for T V employees.

[Two Bills]

I can't help myself. Most people here should have been born after the mid 60's. Since when does the $ go after the number? 50$ vs $50 This drives me nuts!! OK, carry on. I feel better now.

I agree.
Same category of 'driving me nuts' as saying "I could care less."
Then users of the term fails to say how much they could care less.
Percentages Count!

[SHIBUMI]

That is a great idea!!!!!!!!!! A universal lost and found so everyone will know what the procedure is. Brilliant!!! And yes let employees benefit where possible.......just brilliant!!

The moral to the story, besides needing a universal lost and found, and knowing there is no such thing as free solar, is to get name labels for your golf clubs. They are available at any
pro-shop and cost all of 6$.

Cudo's to all those folks out there who would return a lost and found item. :BigApplause:

Lol.

As we are constantly told, never let a tragedy go to waste. Disney has a lost and found. Unclaimed items are in a store for employees to purchase.

Hey, that could be a perk for T V employees.

[bogmonster]

Am I the only one to foresee a TOTV post tomorrow - ‘Driver stolen out of my bag at local golf course’

[retiredguy123]

That is a great idea!!!!!!!!!! A universal lost and found so everyone will know what the procedure is. Brilliant!!! And yes let employees benefit where possible.......just brilliant!!

The moral to the story, besides needing a universal lost and found, and knowing there is no such thing as free solar, is to get name labels for your golf clubs. They are available at any
pro-shop and cost all of 6$.

Cudo's to all those folks out there who would return a lost and found item. :BigApplause:
As I understand it, Disney is private property, whereas most of The Villages is considered public property. One exception is the rec centers where you need a resident ID to enter the area. The Villages does have a lost and found process for the rec centers. But, a universal lost and found process for The entire Villages would be a violation of the Florida law. Here is the law:

705.102 Reporting lost or abandoned property.—
(1) Whenever any person finds any lost or abandoned property, such person shall report the description and location of the property to a law enforcement officer.
(2) The law enforcement officer taking the report shall ascertain whether the person reporting the property wishes to make a claim to it if the rightful owner cannot be identified or located. If the person does wish to make such claim, he or she shall deposit with the law enforcement agency a reasonable sum sufficient to cover the agency’s cost for transportation, storage, and publication of notice. This sum shall be reimbursed to the finder by the rightful owner should he or she identify and reclaim the property.
(3) It is unlawful for any person who finds any lost or abandoned property to appropriate the same to his or her own use or to refuse to deliver the same when required.
(4) Any person who unlawfully appropriates such lost or abandoned property to his or her own use or refuses to deliver such property when required commits theft as defined in s. 812.014, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

[LeRoySmith]

I have the perfect solution - KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF EVERYONE ELSE'S STUFF!

msilagy
I was going to ask if that nasty rash you had had cleared up yet but I can guess based on your comments here.

Hope it gets better soon!
Love LeRoy

[lmack]

My wife and I were riding in a golf car to go to Southern Oaks. We passed the crosswalk on the southern most entrance to Osceola Hills. Lying in the road was a golf club. We looked around and saw no one. It was a brand new driver with a headcover.

When we got to Southern Oaks we asked several employees what to do about it. No one knew. We put a lost and found ad in the Talk and got 1 response. The response, thank you, said that if it was worth 50$ or less to take it to one of 4 rec centers mentioned. If it was worth over 50$ take it to the police station. Now, I know the driver was worth around 250$ but if the owner could not hit it, it may have been worth less than 50$. lol.

I then asked employees at Belgrade and no one knew what to do with a golf club that wasn't lost at a golf course. So I decided to take it to the police station in Sumpter county off 466.

I walked in an explained my situation and they all gave me the I don't know look. Then they said they would write up a police report. 30 minutes later, and after filling out a report I began to wonder.........The club would be locked up in the evidence locker in Bushnell.

Just before leaving, a man in a motorized wheelchair came in to file a complaint. He said that he signed up for free solar and once they were done they gave him a bill for $50,000 and his bank told him he had to pay it.

After hearing that I left hoping I didn't waste their time with my found driver and it seemed more serious matters were afoot.

I did not want to keep the club and was just amazed at how few people knew what to do. I thank the police for their time and if you lost your driver, it is now located along with all the crime scene evidence at Bushnell. Fore!


Was the head cover tan/gold? My clubs were stolen about 3 years ago and the only positive was that I could never hit that @&$* driver anyway. Maybe the thief had the same issue and tossed it out in disgust?

Sorry you had such issues trying to do a good deed!

[MrFlorida]

Where is the Villages lost and found????????
Here :
https://www.districtgov.org/PdfUpload/REC503_Lost%20and%20Found%20Guidelines.pdf

[Bill14564]

As I understand it, Disney is private property, whereas most of The Villages is considered public property. One exception is the rec centers where you need a resident ID to enter the area. The Villages does have a lost and found process for the rec centers. But, a universal lost and found process for The entire Villages would be a violation of the Florida law. Here is the law:

705.102 Reporting lost or abandoned property.—
(1) Whenever any person finds any lost or abandoned property, such person shall report the description and location of the property to a law enforcement officer.
(2) The law enforcement officer taking the report shall ascertain whether the person reporting the property wishes to make a claim to it if the rightful owner cannot be identified or located. If the person does wish to make such claim, he or she shall deposit with the law enforcement agency a reasonable sum sufficient to cover the agency’s cost for transportation, storage, and publication of notice. This sum shall be reimbursed to the finder by the rightful owner should he or she identify and reclaim the property.
(3) It is unlawful for any person who finds any lost or abandoned property to appropriate the same to his or her own use or to refuse to deliver the same when required.
(4) Any person who unlawfully appropriates such lost or abandoned property to his or her own use or refuses to deliver such property when required commits theft as defined in s. 812.014, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Then the proper way to have dealt with this would have been not to move the golf club but to note its description and location and then file a report with a law enforcement officer, perhaps by requesting someone respond to the location of the golf club. The law enforcement officer would then (705.103) take the article into custody and make a reasonable attempt to ascertain the rightful owner.

Appears to be what Florida law requires but I can't imagine it would be very popular with local law enforcement - but maybe I'm wrong.

[retiredguy123]

Then the proper way to have dealt with this would have been not to move the golf club but to note its description and location and then file a report with a law enforcement officer, perhaps by requesting someone respond to the location of the golf club. The law enforcement officer would then (705.103) take the article into custody and make a reasonable attempt to ascertain the rightful owner.

Appears to be what Florida law requires but I can't imagine it would be very popular with local law enforcement - but maybe I'm wrong.
I think Paragraph 1 can be interpreted that the finder can remove the property and report on the location where it was found. Maybe take a photo? That would seem logical to me. It doesn't say that you cannot move the property.

[Bill14564]

I think Paragraph 1 can be interpreted that the finder can remove the property and report on the location where it was found. Maybe take a photo? That would seem logical to me. It doesn't say that you cannot move the property.

I was reading into 705.103:
(1) Whenever a law enforcement officer ascertains that an article of lost or abandoned property is present on public property and is of such nature that it can be easily removed, the officer shall take such article into custody and shall make a reasonable attempt to ascertain the rightful owner or lienholder pursuant to the provisions of this section.

This seems to put the responsibility on the officer to ascertain that item is present on public property and to remove it from the property.

You are right that it is more logical for the finder to take the item to the police rather than calling the police to the item. Though on the other hand, if it turns out the golf club was stolen then the location could turn out to be significant and moving it could affect any investigation. Still, the actions of the OP were reasonable if not above and beyond what would be expected.