138,000 dollar Fireworks Displays

[Normal]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

[JSR22]

I think it is great they are offering entertainment on the holidays.

[photo1902]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

Excellent! Can’t wait

[Normal]

Excellent! Can’t wait

The City of Wildwood will host its first-ever New Year’s fireworks show and outdoor party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 at Millennium Park.

https://www.**************.com/2023/12/25/wildwood-to-hold-first-new-years-fireworks-event-friday-night/#google_vignette

[JSR22]

The City of Wildwood will host its first-ever New Year’s fireworks show and outdoor party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 at Millennium Park.

https://www.**************.com/2023/12/25/wildwood-to-hold-first-new-years-fireworks-event-friday-night/#google_vignette

Great news!

[Altavia]

///

[Mrfriendly]

We loved the Fireworks display last summer and looking forward to watching again next year! Thank you

[Eg_cruz]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!
Where the best place to watch

[Pairadocs]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

WOW ! Enjoy fireworks shows but that's some tab ! Oh, well, as long as it's "other people's money"....LOL...not "ours"....LOL ! Careful who you vote for locally perhaps ?

[Bogie Shooter]

Most normal little towns and cities have these displays.


Didn’t see the cost explained in the news article?

[Normal]

Most normal little towns and cities have these displays.


Didn’t see the cost explained in the news article?

Previous article…macro support not included

https://www.**************.com/2023/03/21/wildwood-expands-fireworks-contract-to-include-new-years-display/

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Most normal little towns and cities have these displays.


Didn’t see the cost explained in the news article?

Professional fireworks require professional pyrotechnicians, mortars, the fire department, the police department, ambulances and rescue vehicles in the immediate vicinity on stand-by, security officials and public works department officials and employees to provide safety and crowd control, traffic control, and parking enforcement.

Under $200k is pretty good for a July 4 fireworks display. Up north it's much more expensive.

[BobnBev]

You rock, wildwood!!!!!!!!

[dhdallas]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

Zambelli's always give a good show. I can't wait.

[kansasr]

WOW ! Enjoy fireworks shows but that's some tab ! Oh, well, as long as it's "other people's money"....LOL...not "ours"....LOL ! Careful who you vote for locally perhaps ?

Sounds as important as the hundreds of thousands of dollars we spend on pretty flowers

[Two Bills]

Love a good firework display.
Petty cash, compared to the other amounts councils send up in smoke each year.

[La lamy]

Sounds as important as the hundreds of thousands of dollars we spend on pretty flowers

Flowers last waaaaaay longer than fireworks. Flowers and plants are a necessity to my spirit, while I can definitely do without fireworks. To each their own!

[It's Hot There]

Most normal little towns and cities have these displays.


Didn’t see the cost explained in the news article?

It's part of "Small Town America".

[Thomas Schreiber]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

It is less than $1 for the Villagers to watch

[It's Hot There]

It is less than $1 for the Villagers to watch

Most Villagers are not in Wildwood.

[airstreamingypsy]

How nice for all you people who enjoy the sound of war, me... I'll be thinking of the misery it's causing most of the terrified animals and veterans.... who will spend 20 minutes suffering. I'll ache for the pets, who won't survive. Have fun!

[matandch]

Fireworks make people happy!

[coconutmama]

Love a good firework display.
Petty cash, compared to the other amounts councils send up in smoke each year.

Totally agree.

Also it is better to have the display at one location, as opposed to the thoughtless airheads that light off fireworks in their villages, where retired combat veterans & frightened animals live. Hopefully it lessens that.

[dougjb]

Happy New Year! Fireworks are always celebratory!

[matandch]

Try putting your pet in a room with the radio or TV turned up to drown out the sound of the fireworks. Also there’s a comforting type of jacket that you can buy for your pet to help soothe your pet and keep him calm during the fireworks. Finally you can call your vet to prescribe a tranquilizer to calm and sedate your pet. If you think about it it’s only about an hour a year between the 4th of July and NYE.

[lawgolfer]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

The Grinch stole Christmas, not New Year's.

What are the best locations from which to view the fireworks?

[Remembergoldenrule]

Can’t wait makes me happy to have fireworks to celebrate America’s birthday and keep traditions alive! Thank you Wildwood!

[Rodneysblue]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!
Thanks for reminding us, we’ll be there. Should be a great time!!!

[d1nod1no]

That could help fund care for lost pets!

[Rodneysblue]

Well I guess the OP’s backfired. Pardon the pun.

[Whitley]

Wonderful Idea to provide entertainment on Holidays. I wish TV would follow suit. It is sad that they do not have a countdown to the new year in one of the squares.

[Pachine58]

People need some relief from the stress of life. I think it wonderful to find something to celebrate..

[Whitley]

How nice for all you people who enjoy the sound of war, me... I'll be thinking of the misery it's causing most of the terrified animals and veterans.... who will spend 20 minutes suffering. I'll ache for the pets, who won't survive. Have fun!

I bet those watching have a better time than someone thinking about misery..

[Heytubes]

Lady Lake puts on a display too.

[TeresaE]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

We Villagers need to remember that the town of Wildwood existed long before we arrived. The people who have called Wildwood their home are as entitled to their celebrations and traditions as we are entitled to ours. These people have seen a big change in their way of life because of us. I suggest that instead of complaining we celebrate with them as we are so fortunate to live here. Happy New Year!

[Chi-Town]

Did we forget? Light 'em if you've got 'em

Florida firework laws: Here's what you should know (https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/is-it-legal-to-launch-fireworks-in-florida/)

[GoneFishing]

Sounds like a great way to bring in the New Year!!

[Wondering]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!
Unless you are a Florida/Wildwood native, wherever you migrated from must have had fireworks. Did you question/complain then? I think not. Cost per minute is irrelevant. What is the cost per resident? Stop nit picking and go enjoy the bringing in of the New Year!

[kansasr]

Most Villagers are not in Wildwood.

Not for long...currently about 25% of the homes in The Villages are in Wildwood, about half of the number of homes in unincorporated Sumter County. With all the new villages announced in the south that are in Wildwood, that gap is going to close quickly!

[Nana2Teddy]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!
If y’all try to go for this fireworks display on NYE you’ll have missed it by 2 nights since it’s happening on 12/29. ;)

“The City of Wildwood will host its first-ever New Year's fireworks show and outdoor party at Millennium Park, the site of the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m.”

[Whitley]

Sounds like a great way to bring in the New Year!!

Much better than shooting a gun in the air.

[DavidK]

Are you sure the City of Wildwood is footing the entire bill for the fireworks? Many cities have sponsors that pay for the advertising. In Cincinnati, along the Ohio riverbank, the radio station WEBN and Toyota sponsor the fireworks. The city coveres traffic control and crowd cleanup.

[kkingston57]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

Per latest census about 17K people in Wildwood = =/- $8.00 a person. Bet that all of the money is not from taxpayers.

[paulajr]

Not getting the responses you hoped for, are you?
😂😂


Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

[cjrjck]

We Villagers need to remember that the town of Wildwood existed long before we arrived. The people who have called Wildwood their home are as entitled to their celebrations and traditions as we are entitled to ours. These people have seen a big change in their way of life because of us. I suggest that instead of complaining we celebrate with them as we are so fortunate to live here. Happy New Year!

I agree with your sentiments. But, I will remind you that TV did not encroach upon Wildwood unexpectedly. In fact, Wildwood intentionally annexed 5000 acres south of 44 around 2005 in hopes that one day TV would expand there, which they eventually did. It is a mutual relationship. Any Wildwood resident, even those living in TV, should have the right to voice their opinion on how their tax dollars are being spent.

[Boston1945]

So great that Wildwood is doing this for New Year's. That is what small-town America is all about.
Check out the link to see how Hawaii brings in the New Year. The best part is that all fireworks are illegal in the state
https://youtu.be/x34YIlD9gFQ

[NJRICHARD]

A FIREWORK WORKS GROUCH lives amongst us! Let's eliminate ALL the flowers, trees and while we are at it the grass!! These growing things require tax money to maintain! While we are at it close the art museums, stop all concerts, parades and CLOSE anything that makes us civil as humans. 'Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain and most fools do' (Ben franklin)

[Indydealmaker]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

Why the negativity?

[NavyVet]

Just saying ...

[LianneMigiano]

I think it is great they are offering entertainment on the holidays.I've seen wonderful drone displays on the computer that would not disturb so many of our beloved animals as fireworks do on New Years and the 4th of JUL. It's a better alternative...

[Villagesgal]

People have complained for over 20 years that no towns near the Villages have fireworks on the 4th, now you are complaining that Wildwood is having a fireworks show. Can't win for losing. I for one am thrilled that they are doing this for their citizens. Very patriotic. I'll be there watching and cheering.

[Normal]

because thats who he is ,mr negative

Your interpretation isn’t on mark, but thank you. The broader picture is the informative mode for next year’s elections. Most incorporated Villagers of Wildwood need to stay informed of how there 100 dollar plus a month additional tax paid to Wildwood is spent.

I like fireworks, although I confess the 4th was really most applicable for my upbringing. Have you seen Wildwood? The money should be spent on the people, not placed up in smoke. I get though how some want fireworks more than once a year. I guess I care more about those less fortunate at a fault.

Love the Villages and never plan on moving. I hope you do to!

[Normal]

A FIREWORK WORKS GROUCH lives amongst us! Let's eliminate ALL the flowers, trees and while we are at it the grass!! These growing things require tax money to maintain! While we are at it close the art museums, stop all concerts, parades and CLOSE anything that makes us civil as humans. 'Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain and most fools do' (Ben franklin)

Love the flower change outs and tree, it’s part of why I like paying the amenities. We live in such a beautiful place. Paying 1500 a year to Wildwood so money can be misspent is another issue. One I hope will soon be resolved when all Villagers run Wildwood.

[Ignatz]

Try putting your pet in a room with the radio or TV turned up to drown out the sound of the fireworks. Also there’s a comforting type of jacket that you can buy for your pet to help soothe your pet and keep him calm during the fireworks. Finally you can call your vet to prescribe a tranquilizer to calm and sedate your pet. If you think about it it’s only about an hour a year between the 4th of July and NYE.

Nice to think that it's that minimal of a problem.

However, the people that put on their own private shows with professional grade fireworks are random, so there are loud booms going off at various times of the evening and night on the holiday as well as the days before and after.

I have no problem dealing with my dogs during the time of the advertised show. It's the random detonations by these private folks that really screw things up for us.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Your interpretation isn’t on mark, but thank you. The broader picture is the informative mode for next year’s elections. Most incorporated Villagers of Wildwood need to stay informed of how there 100 dollar plus a month additional tax paid to Wildwood is spent.

I like fireworks, although I confess the 4th was really most applicable for my upbringing. Have you seen Wildwood? The money should be spent on the people, not placed up in smoke. I get though how some want fireworks more than once a year. I guess I care more about those less fortunate at a fault.

Love the Villages and never plan on moving. I hope you do to!yes can’t wait for a bunch of old people controlling schools ,parks ,recreation and entertainment of young families , single people , minorities and lower income groups , I mean you have people here that don’t want flowers and complain about paying taxes for schools and I doubt reading your post you care at all about those less fortunate , more like the norm for many here where the mantra is I’ve got mine and I don’t care about anyone else

[Bogie Shooter]

Your interpretation isn’t on mark, but thank you. The broader picture is the informative mode for next year’s elections. Most incorporated Villagers of Wildwood need to stay informed of how there 100 dollar plus a month additional tax paid to Wildwood is spent.

I like fireworks, although I confess the 4th was really most applicable for my upbringing. Have you seen Wildwood? The money should be spent on the people, not placed up in smoke. I get though how some want fireworks more than once a year. I guess I care more about those less fortunate at a fault.

Love the Villages and never plan on moving. I hope you do to!

What are you implying ? Yes, I’ve seen Wildwood, there are many well kept residential areas. Some, other’s not as well maintained. But that is everywhere……in every city.

Please share what your platform will be when you run for council.

[Normal]

What are you implying ? Yes, I’ve seen Wildwood, there are many well kept residential areas. Some, other’s not as well maintained. But that is everywhere……in every city.

Please share what your platform will be when you run for council.

I would never run. I guess I would like to vote for someone who was pro dissolution of Wildwood citizenship, or at least cut city taxes in half? Honestly, we get so little for the so much that we contribute. I do realize so much of the county doesn’t pay the additional 1500 a year for fireworks and parking garages. Obviously Villages candidates would be a shoe in in most cases to run the town.

[JRcorvette]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

So what…. Wildwood is making tons of money and they want to give back to the people. :coolsmiley:

[MrChip72]

Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!

It's happening this Friday Dec 29th between 6-9pm.

It's also much more than just shooting off fireworks, it's an event:

"In addition to a professional fireworks display, the New Year’s party will feature music by Groove Slayers, a high-energy band from Orlando featuring horns, multiple vocalists and harmonies, and a repertoire ranging from soul to pop.

The event also will include a variety of food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly games. For those of legal age with proper identification, adult beverages will be available for purchase."

I'm sure between what the vendors, and food trucks are paying to be there and the profits on the adult beverages that Wildwood will make out just fine in covering most of the costs.

[It's Hot There]

Not for long...currently about 25% of the homes in The Villages are in Wildwood, about half of the number of homes in unincorporated Sumter County. With all the new villages announced in the south that are in Wildwood, that gap is going to close quickly!

Nothing to do with the topic, but nice opinion.

[Bilyclub]

Not for long...currently about 25% of the homes in The Villages are in Wildwood, about half of the number of homes in unincorporated Sumter County. With all the new villages announced in the south that are in Wildwood, that gap is going to close quickly!

They are cramming a lot of Villas down there, but seriously you need some documentation to be throwing the 25% out there.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Maybe the cost of the fireworks were subsidized by local businesses?

[MrChip72]

I would never run. I guess I would like to vote for someone who was pro dissolution of Wildwood citizenship, or at least cut city taxes in half? Honestly, we get so little for the so much that we contribute. I do realize so much of the county doesn’t pay the additional 1500 a year for fireworks and parking garages. Obviously Villages candidates would be a shoe in in most cases to run the town.

To be honest, most of Wildwood looks like a place that would benefit from the extra money from the Villagers that are part of Wildwood. It's certainly not going to improve if they have less money. The city has lots of potential. I don't really care that part of my taxes goes to Wildwood. It's like a rounding error compared to my overall expenses.

My part of the Villages is in Wildwood and I would be very unlikely to vote for a Villages candidate over a non-Villages one. I don't think Wildwood needs retiree's whose main agenda is to not spend money telling them how to run things. They would absolutely NOT be a shoe in for Villages candidates to run the city.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I used to enjoy fireworks displays, until one year a friend invited me to her friend's neighborhood, and they were shooting a huge multi-hundred-dollar kit in the middle of the residential street. The smoke, the sound of M-80's, the sparks flying into the trees - it was just all WAY too much for me and I ran away, horrified. I've hated them ever since.

My next door neighbor used to set them off in his back yard from June 1 til the end of July, almost every night. Sometimes the rockets would explode right above my maple tree and the sparks falling onto the branches had me panicking. They thought it was rather entertaining that they were creating explosions in a wooded neighborhood. I thought it was horrible, insensitive, nasty, and uncivilized. It was also illegal in my state, but half the cops in the town were shooting their own kits off in their own yards so there was really no one to report it to.

If that maple tree didn't merely have sparks on the branches, but any of those sparks had turned into an actual fire, it could've been a catastrophe.

The sound still sets me on edge, the closer it is to the house the more nervewracking it is. I am not fond of the sound of guns, or bombs, or explosions. Humbug, sure. I'll own that. I don't apologize for it.

[justjim]

Most normal little towns and cities have these displays.


Didn’t see the cost explained in the news article?

The little town I came from
still puts on a very nice professional fireworks show for 30,000.

[xcaligirl]

How nice for all you people who enjoy the sound of war, me... I'll be thinking of the misery it's causing most of the terrified animals and veterans.... who will spend 20 minutes suffering. I'll ache for the pets, who won't survive. Have fun!
At this end of the Villages (far north), we get people shooting off guns and what definitely sounds like illegal fireworks for HOURS 2 days prior to NYE and a couple days after. Our dog is terrified all night for multiple nights. 1 night for 20 min would be welcomed (almost). Just waiting for a major fire during this time of the year and 4th of July holiday.

[It's Hot There]

At this end of the Villages (far north), we get people shooting off guns and what definitely sounds like illegal fireworks for HOURS 2 days prior to NYE and a couple days after. Our dog is terrified all night for multiple nights. 1 night for 20 min would be welcomed (almost). Just waiting for a major fire during this time of the year and 4th of July holiday.

& Brownwood and South......it's duck hunting season.
Can hear gun fire every morning.

Welcome to America.

[Bay Kid]

I used to enjoy fireworks displays, until one year a friend invited me to her friend's neighborhood, and they were shooting a huge multi-hundred-dollar kit in the middle of the residential street. The smoke, the sound of M-80's, the sparks flying into the trees - it was just all WAY too much for me and I ran away, horrified. I've hated them ever since.

My next door neighbor used to set them off in his back yard from June 1 til the end of July, almost every night. Sometimes the rockets would explode right above my maple tree and the sparks falling onto the branches had me panicking. They thought it was rather entertaining that they were creating explosions in a wooded neighborhood. I thought it was horrible, insensitive, nasty, and uncivilized. It was also illegal in my state, but half the cops in the town were shooting their own kits off in their own yards so there was really no one to report it to.

If that maple tree didn't merely have sparks on the branches, but any of those sparks had turned into an actual fire, it could've been a catastrophe.

The sound still sets me on edge, the closer it is to the house the more nervewracking it is. I am not fond of the sound of guns, or bombs, or explosions. Humbug, sure. I'll own that. I don't apologize for it.

As a young person fireworks were only on the 4th of July. Now they go off for most any excuse. For this reason I have lost interest, except on the 4th of July.

[Whitley]

yes can’t wait for a bunch of old people controlling schools ,parks ,recreation and entertainment of young families , single people , minorities and lower income groups , I mean you have people here that don’t want flowers and complain about paying taxes for schools and I doubt reading your post you care at all about those less fortunate , more like the norm for many here where the mantra is I’ve got mine and I don’t care about anyone else

Flowers, talk about blowing money (not literally). We pay for them to pull out perfectly healthy, beautiful flowers that have just started to mature and fill in, to be replaced with new flowers. And the pollen that is released doing this. One persons enjoyment is another persons sinus headache. I guess the point should be that if you have an issue, it is up to you to deal with it. I'm a person "at risk" regarding health. I will avoid crowded spaces, I will wash my hands repeatedly and I have my home cleaned multiple times a week. I wouldn't ask others to change their lives because of me. I had a dog who didn't like fireworks, or thunder, or loud motorcycles. I did what I could to comfort him. He is my responsibility. It gets so bad that at a local July fourth parade a resident tried to get bass drums removed from the band.

[Whitley]

Making noise at midnight (ie fireworks)is said to ward off evil spirits and intentions as you enter a new year. The noise scares off ill will and welcomes in happy celebration. Ancient Romans believed that if they spent the first day of the new year in a happy and pleasant manner, the rest of the year would follow along in the same way. Modern Romans continue this superstition by throwing massive parties with elaborate fireworks displays every New Year's Eve.

[Topspinmo]

As a young person fireworks were only on the 4th of July. Now they go off for most any excuse. For this reason I have lost interest, except on the 4th of July.

Any holiday all about making money. Making money means taxes and that makes it OK.:MOJE_whot:

[kansasr]

They are cramming a lot of Villas down there, but seriously you need some documentation to be throwing the 25% out there.

If you go to DISTRICTGOV.ORG and look at each districts adopted budget you can find the number of units in each district. Pretty easy to separate the districts that are within the city of Wildwood.

[Normal]

I don't really care that part of my taxes goes to Wildwood. It's like a rounding error compared to my overall expenses.

My part of the Villages is in Wildwood and I would be very unlikely to vote for a Villages candidate over a non-Villages one.

Tax and spend mentality is for you, but not most retirees. To you a 100 dollars plus per month is nothing. To many retirees it is more. A lawn service, a couple nights out, a church donation, the electric bill, money for a grandchild?

Don’t kid yourself by thinking people don’t care if they are paying for nothing while their neighbors who live in other unincorporated area don’t pay a dime.


Over 10 years, without raises in the rate, taxes are 15,000 dollars on a home. Nothing to you.

Let’s ask the rest of the villagers who are unincorporated if they would like the same privilege.

[It's Hot There]

Tax and spend mentality is for you, but not most retirees. To you a 100 dollars plus per month is nothing. To many retirees it is more. A lawn service, a couple nights out, a church donation, the electric bill, money for a grandchild?

Don’t kid yourself by thinking people don’t care if they are paying for nothing while their neighbors who live in other unincorporated area don’t pay a dime.


Over 10 years, without raises in the rate, taxes are 15,000 dollars on a home. Nothing to you.

Let’s ask the rest of the villagers who are unincorporated if they would like the same privilege.

Not seeing any point here.

[offiprood]

[that is a great plan to bring the community together. And spend money to help local businesses. QUOTE=Normal;2285640]Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute![/QUOTE]

[Normal]

Not seeing any point here.

The point is much of the Villages south of 44 are taxed by a city that doesn’t even support them. Not just a small amount, but by more than a hundred dollars per month. Then they spend it on fireworks (This isn’t just the 4th which we all expect).

I so appreciate the rhetorical question. Thanks! I’ll try and spell it out for you:

Tax and spend mentality is for you, but not most retirees. To you a 100 dollars plus per month is nothing. To many retirees it is more. A lawn service, a couple nights out, a church donation, the electric bill, money for a grandchild?

Don’t kid yourself by thinking people don’t care if they are paying for nothing while their neighbors who live in other unincorporated area don’t pay a dime.


Over 10 years, without raises in the rate, taxes are 15,000 dollars on a home. Nothing to you.

Let’s ask the rest of the villagers who are unincorporated if they would like the same privilege.

We are taxed for the sole benefit of Wildwood,

Money raked in is used for things like 50,000 dollar parking spaces next to city hall and fireworks for additional holidays like New Years.

I hope this helps?

[It's Hot There]

The point is much of the Villages south of 44 are taxed by a city that doesn’t even support them. I hope this helps?

If you live South of 44, this should be of no surprise to you.......Wildwood Taxes, Most Cities have fireworks, Sometimes it's difficult to see the benefit of taxation, etc.

If you don't live South of 44, why post??

[Bill Dozer]

Those pretty Flowers compliment our surroundings!

[Normal]

Those pretty Flowers compliment our surroundings!

Great point!

Absolutely, one of the things I like about where we live. Those amenities are well worth it and have a lot more permanency than a quick fireworks show. We live in a beautiful place

[Villagesgal]

Tax and spend mentality is for you, but not most retirees. To you a 100 dollars plus per month is nothing. To many retirees it is more. A lawn service, a couple nights out, a church donation, the electric bill, money for a grandchild?

Don’t kid yourself by thinking people don’t care if they are paying for nothing while their neighbors who live in other unincorporated area don’t pay a dime.


Over 10 years, without raises in the rate, taxes are 15,000 dollars on a home. Nothing to you.

Let’s ask the rest of the villagers who are unincorporated if they would like the same privilege.

Don't see your point. You bought in the City of Wildwood with your eyes wide open. We bought in the unincorporated area for a reason, lower taxes. If that additional tax money matters, then don't buy there. Simple as that.

[Challenger]

If you really want to know how much such a display is worth, get a sponsor.

It's worth only what a sponsor would pay.

Why spend everyone's tax money for a display that will be seen only by a small fraction of Wildwood's citizens.

Guess the money is burning a hole in city leader's pockets!

[It's Hot There]

Simple as that.

Unless if the purpose is to try to stir-the-pot.

[ccawalleye]

We are looking forward to this event as a long time resident
of Wildwood at Brownwood. Cudos To Wildwood Parks & Recreation.
:smiley:

[MrChip72]

Tax and spend mentality is for you, but not most retirees. To you a 100 dollars plus per month is nothing.

That's a very selfish mindset. I want Wildwood to succeed during and after I'm gone.

Labelling everything as "tax and spend" shows a lack of knowledge in municipal finances.


Over 10 years, without raises in the rate, taxes are 15,000 dollars on a home. Nothing to you.


Do you expect Villagers within the boundaries of Wildwood to pay nothing? The Wildwood police patrol our streets, Wildwood maintains our roads.

If you can't afford $15000 over a span of 10 years, then you probably can't afford to live in the Villages in the first place as you're at the mercy of the the CDD for amenity fee rates and county taxes that will inevitably go up.

[Normal]

Do you expect Villagers within the boundaries of Wildwood to pay nothing? The Wildwood police patrol our streets, Wildwood maintains our roads.

Mr. Chip,, that’s your vision and good for you. We all have a responsibility to our community for sure. We enjoy volunteering and giving back to our community. Those tax revenue boundaries were drawn up and can change. Many sections of The Villages that were swallowed up for tax revenues, don’t need to be part of Wildwood. As you can tell from my posts AND others in the past, not everyone is on board to just write a check to Wildwood every year.

Disillusionment is likely the best answer. Through suit, petition or government or all the above it will happen. You can be a part of it or not, join the POA if you wish. Fortunately voting numbers are on the side of The Villages now and will only increase. Here’s an excellent link on the subject http://floridaleagueofcities.com/docs/default-source/CMRI/municipal-incorporations-dissolutions.pdf?sfvrsn=4

We are a CDD and I’m a proud member of ours. We do our part and love the POA group. As for county roads and maintenance, they will always be taken care of. The sherif’s department has done a magnificent job with law enforcement in non incorporated sections and another tax bill we pay ensures that. Let Wildwood take care of Wildwood.and let the CDD take care of itself.

There isn’t any selfish greed here, what I and many others see is a greed from the City of Wildwood wanting more residents and tax dollars for “their” great ideas and dreams. Just spending our money on loony projects isn’t what everyone wants. Fireworks isn’t the point at all. No one wishes and harm or has ill will towards Wildwood. Let Wildwood support Wildwood and let The Villages support The Villages. After all, the US mailing address for most of us is The Villages, not Wildwood.

[It's Hot There]

Fireworks isn’t the point at all.

Your first post:
"138,000 dollar Fireworks Displays
Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!"

Without support of your first post, is it changing now??

[Normal]

Your first post:
"138,000 dollar Fireworks Displays
Come on out and see your Wildwood tax money blown up on New Years!

A $138,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks to provide a 20-minute display on July 3 this year and a seven-minute display for New Year’s, possibly at midnight.
That’s about 5 thousand dollars a minute!"

Without support of your first post, is it changing now??

Satire

[Bilyclub]

The parking garage for the thrift store downtown is just the beginning of the millions being spent to save a downtown that doesn't really exist.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

As a young person fireworks were only on the 4th of July. Now they go off for most any excuse. For this reason I have lost interest, except on the 4th of July.

I was living in Boston in 1980. They were celebrating their 350th year as a city that July 4th. The Boston Pops played at the Hatch Shell, I was roller skating at the park through the crowds. Stopped near a fishing boat anchored near my college's sail/crew club building (mostly 3-passenger sail boats) to catch my breath after an hour. They invited me on board, so of course I went on. I spent that July 4th watching the fireworks off the barge in the same water I was in, while the Pops played the 1812 Overture. They had a lobster bake on the boat so I ate very well. The explosions were synced to the music, and people all over the city were watching it on TV at bars and at home. It was amazing, I'll never forget it.

It was one of the last times I actually enjoyed fireworks.

[DrMack]

The parking garage for the thrift store downtown is just the beginning of the millions being spent to save a downtown that doesn't really exist.

We are not even apart of the scheme in Lake County but have heard of the parking debacle. I once lived in a town that thought it was all that with grand ideas, and it all fizzled as I think this will.

I don’t think fireworks are a waste of money though. Then again, I’m sure many don’t agree with me on this too. I really don’t care.

[Warren]

Excellent! Can’t wait

divide the expense by number of citizens and see if the expense is worth it.

[Warren]

divide the expense by number of tax payors and see if the expanse seems easier to accept.

[Bill14564]

Looked like a pretty good display from my house.

[MrChip72]

divide the expense by number of citizens and see if the expense is worth it.

You would need subtract the revenue from the expense first since the fireworks was one of the only free parts of tonight's event. I happened to drive by there twice tonight on the way to dinner and back. There were several hundreds of cars there. Maybe over 1000. I'm sure they pulled in some extra revenue plus whatever they charged the vendors there.

[Chi-Town]

A good display and well attended. Sounds like a successful event. Good to hear.

[dadspet]

Thank you Wildwood for a really nice fireworks display that had a great ending. Many of the fireworks were low and for the most part, you had to be at the Wildwood site to really appreciate them. Considering the cool weather the crowd was good and well behaved.

But that's not all, the event Wildwood put on was nice and included a lot more than fireworks. They had food Vendors (Could have used more), and a great 8 piece band that actually played music you could dance to. The Groove Slayers band was better than most, if not all the bands, we recently heard at The Villages Squares which seem to think Hip Hip is 80s and 90s music seniors like. It would have been nice if they had a dance floor in front of the band but you could easily dance on the hard surface on the side or just enjoy and listen. The event was well organized with lots of free convenient parking and event staff to direct cars. We are glad to see a town outside the Villages step up and provide something for the people. I think more of these outside events are beneficial, needed, and well worth the $.

BTW > If you travel to an event in Tampa be prepared to pay at least $25 for parking, pay a lot for the food, wait, wait to be seated at a restaurant, and do a fair amount of walking. But the port area is very nice and vibrant.

[Gpsma]

Guess wildwood forgot about all the poor people west of 301. Just catering now to rich villagers.

[Normal]

Guess wildwood forgot about all the poor people west of 301. Just catering now to rich villagers.

Not really, they gave them 50,000 dollar per space parking spots for City Hall and the thrift store.

[Davonu]

We went last night and had a great time. Wasn't worth a penny more than $125k though! :)

[Bill14564]

Guess wildwood forgot about all the poor people west of 301. Just catering now to rich villagers.

In what way? Did you have to live east of 301 to be allowed in? Did they put a big screen up to block the view from the west?

[CoachKandSportsguy]

divide the expense by number of tax payors and see if the expanse seems easier to accept.

I am late to the firework's lynch mob. . The cost is less than $10 per capita. . . at max the cost of two beers per capita, less any contributions and donations.

talk about lack of perspective . . there will always be grumpy pants old people in the crowd, and yes, I have been one at times as well, and there will always be people who will disagree for personal reasons. .

however, for the local govt to sponsor a good time for its citizens and a portion of its entertainment and food vendors, for less than $10 per capita. . .

:eclipsee_gold_cup::beer3::agree::highfive:

[LuvtheVillages]

I am late to the firework's lynch mob. . The cost is less than $10 per capita. . . at max the cost of two beers per capita, less any contributions and donations.

talk about lack of perspective . . there will always be grumpy pants old people in the crowd, and yes, I have been one at times as well, and there will always be people who will disagree for personal reasons. .

however, for the local govt to sponsor a good time for its citizens and a portion of its entertainment and food vendors, for less than $10 per capita. . .

:eclipsee_gold_cup::beer3::agree::highfive:

And remember, that cost is for BOTH the Fourth of July and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Well worth it.

[Normal]

And remember, that cost is for BOTH the Fourth of July and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Well worth it.

If a thousand showed up, then it was only 30 dollars worth of fireworks per person from the New Years fireworks budget.

[tophcfa]

Why spend $130K to traumatize veterans with PTSD and dogs? It happens all the time for no $$$ during thunderstorms.

[Gpsma]

Why spend $130K to traumatize veterans with PTSD and dogs? It happens all the time for no $$$ during thunderstorms.

To hell with the pampered mutts. And if a veteran with ptsd is still crazed by a firework going off…they should check in at the VA.

Cancel everything now because a few get upset.

[DrMack]

To hell with the pampered mutts. And if a veteran with ptsd is still crazed by a firework going off…they should check in at the VA.

Cancel everything now because a few get upset.

Careful, I’ve treated war vets with PTSD, it’s very real. Why be so unpatriotic? Most of us enjoy fireworks, but Veterans should be both respected and honored. They gave a lot for so little. Just because you don’t deal with the misery doesn’t mean you can trample on those who do.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Careful, I’ve treated war vets with PTSD, it’s very real. Why be so unpatriotic? Most of us enjoy fireworks, but Veterans should be both respected and honored. They gave a lot for so little. Just because you don’t deal with the misery doesn’t mean you can trample on those who do.

The post to which you are responding is not about PTSD not being real. The prior post is about the tyranny of the minority. The conundrum is that there is a tradition of fireworks for many occasions, some of which celebrate our militarily won independence from tyranny. The fact that many veterans have PSTD and fireworks may trigger them is unfortunate, but should the majority give up their celebratory tradition for the few? The celebration is pre announced, known, and anyone with PSTD can take measures to reduced the impact while the majority can celebrate their successes with tradition.

The tyranny of the minority is being played out in many ways and has the potential to undermine democracy, the rule of the majority.

So yes, lets help veterans with PSTD cope better, without taking away the traditional enjoyment of celebrating them or by celebrating any occasion with fireworks, which happens around the world. . .