This article about life in the villages so full of false information

[Deckboat234]

This article What Retiring to The Villages in Florida Is Really Like | Work + Money (https://www.workandmoney.com/s/the-villages-florida-retiring-a3434d54b1af43eb?utm_source=msn)

No wonder people think the villages is just one wild party with articles like this. The author needs to come visit to see what the villages is like. Her sources were Reddit comments.

[Gpsma]

But some truth in there too.

[Keefelane66]

Sometimes you must walk around listen and observe its not All “La La Land”

[frayedends]

Getting so sick of reporters saying there are so many swingers. Heck this reporter didn't even get the rumor right, mentioning upside down pineapples instead of loofas. But it is tiring trying to explain to my friends that I'm not moving to a swinger community. Reporters like this are just looking for clicks.

[dano121]

Apparently this guy is local and has an axe to grind. We have been here for two years and honestly have not run into "Rude" people. Almost everyone we have met have been really, really nice

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Cruisin' Cajuns have 75-100 RVs that drive around at any given time drinking barrels of draft beer? I have not ever heard of this phenomena but apparently it's a national thing. I've definitely never seen it here.

On the other hand, if you read the article, it's not really an article. It's an op-ed of an aggregate of reddit posts. So you have reddit, which is not a news source at all, ever, it's a trash heap of ignorance and social misfits who vent their frustrations with the world. And you have some blogger pulling a few posts from the trash heap, and expounding on the salient points, without doing any fact checking. Why no fact checking? Why WOULD you fact-check anything on reddit? The result of all reddit fact checking will be "stop wasting your time reading reddit."

[LeRoySmith]

Getting so sick of reporters saying there are so many swingers. Heck this reporter didn't even get the rumor right, mentioning upside down pineapples instead of loofas. But it is tiring trying to explain to my friends that I'm not moving to a swinger community. Reporters like this are just looking for clicks.

Why try to explain it away? Just grin and say its amazing. :pepper2:

[Number 10 GI]

Apparently this guy is local and has an axe to grind. We have been here for two years and honestly have not run into "Rude" people. Almost everyone we have met have been really, really nice

Try working in a service industry job in TV. My granddaughter worked at a bank here and couldn't believe how arrogant and entitled some of their customers were. Not just a few but many. My cleaning lady has told me stories of how difficult it was to please some of her entitled clients. Treated them with no respect or courtesy.

[Happydaz]

I don’t think this is an accurate picture of The Villages at all. It is another hit piece written by a young person who mocks older folks for enjoying their retirement. The Villages is the best place I have ever lived in. The people are great. There are many clubs and activities to be involved in and this active style of retirement suits me perfectly. I moved here eleven years ago and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am in bed by 10PM and up at 6AM and I have no idea where these immature writers get these nonsense stories of wild parties from. When I look out the window at 9 PM and everything is “lights out!”

[bopat]

Looks like she specializes in those "top - x" lists of content without content, I think most of them are AI generated.

Michelle Nati | Work + Money (https://www.workandmoney.com/c/michelle-nati-6593a1fb20ca467d)

[PugMom]

it's Reddit, you guys, that speaks for itself :shrug:

[JoMar]

Try working in a service industry job in TV. My granddaughter worked at a bank here and couldn't believe how arrogant and entitled some of their customers were. Not just a few but many. My cleaning lady has told me stories of how difficult it was to please some of her entitled clients. Treated them with no respect or courtesy.

One sided views.....unless you fact check only an opinion.

[Stu from NYC]

Wow we are here 4 plus years and never knew about all this sex and drinking going on.

Another hit piece on the villages

[Laker14]

But some truth in there too.

Hard to argue with the Mustang Sally comment.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Hard to argue with the Mustang Sally comment.

There should be a law making it a jailable offense to line-dance to Led Zeppelin in public. I've witnessed this abomination of movement myself. It happens, people.

[Djean1981]

Just cheap clickbait. Reporters now get paid based on click counts.

[dhdallas]

This article What Retiring to The Villages in Florida Is Really Like | Work + Money (https://www.workandmoney.com/s/the-villages-florida-retiring-a3434d54b1af43eb?utm_source=msn)

No wonder people think the villages is just one wild party with articles like this. The author needs to come visit to see what the villages is like. Her sources were Reddit comments.

I am a TV resident and I found the article to be right on the money! Here are some of the highlights from the article that are definitely true.

"Imagine truckloads of 60-plus-year-olds drunkenly line dancing and singing Foreigner"
TRUE
You need never go off the property or mix with the 'common folk.' My friend was a 'flyer' there at the hospital and said she'd never met a group of folks who thought themselves more entitled."
TRUE
"It is overpopulated, overbuilt and has a severe shortage of infrastructure, as it relates to fire and medical."
TRUE
"Whether it was the drunken [swingers parties], wrecked golf carts, multiple occasions of public indecency, [that] all of this coming from a retirement community just made it more comical."
TRUE
"There's a big party in every town square every night — little booze huts everywhere. Happy Hour lasts like four hours."
TRUE
"Of course, you can do or not do whatever you want, but there's a stigma attached to those who don't socialize as much as the rest."
TRUE
"This isn't a place to live if you like your privacy."
TRUE
"The Villages is the Wal-Mart of communities, providing a cheap, superficial sense of community with a made up history while simultaneously choking out the actual communities nearby."
TRUE
"There are train tracks going through the center of town that are completely fake."
TRUE
"They've taken over most of the surrounding area and think they are God's gift to the locals."
TRUE
"Small communities that were founded in the 19th century are losing their identity and charm to become de facto labor camps"
TRUE
"Villagers are kind of an entitled bunch"
TRUE
"They get permission to build 20 houses, then keep at it. By the time the whole thing is done, there are 50-plus houses."
TRUE

[Randall55]

I am a TV resident and I found the article to be right on the money! Here are some of the highlights from the article that are definitely true.

"Imagine truckloads of 60-plus-year-olds drunkenly line dancing and singing Foreigner"
TRUE
You need never go off the property or mix with the 'common folk.' My friend was a 'flyer' there at the hospital and said she'd never met a group of folks who thought themselves more entitled."
TRUE
"It is overpopulated, overbuilt and has a severe shortage of infrastructure, as it relates to fire and medical."
TRUE
"Whether it was the drunken [swingers parties], wrecked golf carts, multiple occasions of public indecency, [that] all of this coming from a retirement community just made it more comical."
TRUE
"There's a big party in every town square every night — little booze huts everywhere. Happy Hour lasts like four hours."
TRUE
"Of course, you can do or not do whatever you want, but there's a stigma attached to those who don't socialize as much as the rest."
TRUE
"This isn't a place to live if you like your privacy."
TRUE
"The Villages is the Wal-Mart of communities, providing a cheap, superficial sense of community with a made up history while simultaneously choking out the actual communities nearby."
TRUE
"There are train tracks going through the center of town that are completely fake."
TRUE
"They've taken over most of the surrounding area and think they are God's gift to the locals."
TRUE
"Small communities that were founded in the 19th century are losing their identity and charm to become de facto labor camps"
TRUE
"Villagers are kind of an entitled bunch"
TRUE
"They get permission to build 20 houses, then keep at it. By the time the whole thing is done, there are 50-plus houses."
TRUEI have been here for almost 20 years. When I read the article, I thought most was spot on. I have never seen upside-down pineapples, an Italian woman who scrutinizes and watches everyone, or mob leaders throwing dead bodies into Lake Sumter. That's a bit of an unnecessary stretch.

For those of you who stated there are no wild parties with lots of drinking, have you been to the squares? Late-night restaurants? Have you seen the MANY unflattering mugshots of Villagers arrested for DUI? Indecent exposure? Fights? Reckless driving? Relieving themselves in public? Possession of child porn? Drugs? Retail theft? Domestic Violence? If not, you must be living under a rock.

Please do not respond that most of this is done by non-Villagers. Wrong! Reports of the incidents provide their age, village they live in, address, and for whatever reason the amount they paid for their home. C'mon! I know you have seen these reports. Why try to deny it? When company comes, I insist they stay alert. Anything can happen in this town!

[frayedends]

I have been here for almost 20 years. When I read the article, I thought most was spot on. I have never seen upside-down pineapples, an Italian woman who scrutinizes and watches everyone, or mob leaders throwing dead bodies into Lake Sumter. That's a bit of an unnecessary stretch.

For those of you who stated there are no wild parties with lots of drinking, have you been to the squares? Late-night restaurants? Have you seen the MANY unflattering mugshots of Villagers arrested for DUI? Indecent exposure? Fights? Reckless driving? Relieving themselves in public? Possession of child porn? Drugs? Retail theft? Domestic Violence? If not, you must be living under a rock.

Please do not respond that most of this is done by non-Villagers. Wrong! Reports of the incidents provide their age, village they live in, address, and for whatever reason the amount they paid for their home. C'mon! I know you have seen these reports. Why try to deny it? When company comes, I insist they stay alert. Anything can happen in this town!

To be fair, the amound paid for their home is important information. After all, they are about to get a divorce or jail time. The house will be on the market soon and we need a starting point. :D

[GizmoWhiskers]

I have been here for almost 20 years. When I read the article, I thought most was spot on. I have never seen upside-down pineapples, an Italian woman who scrutinizes and watches everyone, or mob leaders throwing dead bodies into Lake Sumter. That's a bit of an unnecessary stretch.

For those of you who stated there are no wild parties with lots of drinking, have you been to the squares? Late-night restaurants? Have you seen the MANY unflattering mugshots of Villagers arrested for DUI? Indecent exposure? Fights? Reckless driving? Relieving themselves in public? Possession of child porn? Drugs? Retail theft? Domestic Violence? If not, you must be living under a rock.

Please do not respond that most of this is done by non-Villagers. Wrong! Reports of the incidents provide their age, village they live in, address, and for whatever reason the amount they paid for their home. C'mon! I know you have seen these reports. Why try to deny it? When company comes, I insist they stay alert. Anything can happen in this town!
ANYTHING can happen in ANY town. Exactly who benefits from the article? Who benefits from trashing T V? Tampa, Orlando, Miami... the list goes on and on of cities going to s$>t in FL BUT look up north. People still want out. T V isn't immune. It takes community strength to keep an area nice. T V so far has just that... for now at least.

[JStyles]

Try working in a service industry job in TV. My granddaughter worked at a bank here and couldn't believe how arrogant and entitled some of their customers were. Not just a few but many. My cleaning lady has told me stories of how difficult it was to please some of her entitled clients. Treated them with no respect or courtesy.

Try working in the service industry anywhere. You’ll always run across “entitled” customers no matter where you live if you are in the service industry. In some cases people do feel above others (shame on them) but in some cases they just want and deserve good customer service which is often hard to find.

[Braddock]

I lived there for eight years before moving onto Lakewood Ranch. While there is some truth to the article, there is obviously some false.
Still have a number of friends there and still visit.
At the hospital in Leesburg, I was told not to tell anyone I was from the villages as some of the nurses hated the people there as they felt they were entitled so I kept my mouth shut lol.
I never saw swingers, but people do start drinking early there. Never found it to be rowdy, but found most people friendly.
It’s not for everyone, but I enjoyed my time there.
It’s unfortunate the villages gets such a bad rap as they do so much good for the charities which never gets mentioned anywhere other than the local newspaper.

[JanRoberts]

This article What Retiring to The Villages in Florida Is Really Like | Work + Money (https://www.workandmoney.com/s/the-villages-florida-retiring-a3434d54b1af43eb?utm_source=msn)

No wonder people think the villages is just one wild party with articles like this. The author needs to come visit to see what the villages is like. Her sources were Reddit comments.

Irrespective of the content, the article is laughable!! Whoever believes anything written like this should absolutely keep going to Reddit for the truth and hold firmly to your knowledge!

[sdm1222]

Agree that the majority of the article is true.

[Bilyclub]

A lot of exaggerations and half truths.


There's a big party in every town square every night — little booze huts everywhere. Happy Hour lasts like four hours. Two-for-one Rumritas, and the strongest margaritas I've ever had."


Happy Hour was never 4 hours and booze has not been 2 for 1 since the covid.


There are train tracks going through the center of town that are completely fake. The railroad never ran through there, it's there to seem folksy.

The one block stretch of rails in LSL doesn't look anything like a real train track. There was a real spur from Wildwood to Leesburg running next to 44A.


They also wield an insane amount of state political power. The developer built his own airport in the town just so he didn't have to bother going through customs at the Orlando Airport,"

The developer did not build an airport and if they did we would have paid for it. They did manage to get customs to staff Leesburg International.

[Nana2Teddy]

There should be a law making it a jailable offense to line-dance to Led Zeppelin in public. I've witnessed this abomination of movement myself. It happens, people.
This comment made me LOL! Couldn’t agree more. 👍🏻😂

[Randall55]

A lot of exaggerations and half truths.


There's a big party in every town square every night — little booze huts everywhere. Happy Hour lasts like four hours. Two-for-one Rumritas, and the strongest margaritas I've ever had."


Happy Hour was never 4 hours and booze has not been 2 for 1 since the covid.


There are train tracks going through the center of town that are completely fake. The railroad never ran through there, it's there to seem folksy.

The one block stretch of rails in LSL doesn't look anything like a real train track. There was a real spur from Wildwood to Leesburg running next to 44A.


They also wield an insane amount of state political power. The developer built his own airport in the town just so he didn't have to bother going through customs at the Orlando Airport,"

The developer did not build an airport and if they did we would have paid for it. They did manage to get customs to staff Leesburg International.
Not correct. Drinking at the squares is from 5-9 which is 4 hours. If you do not buy from the huts there are several restaurants that serve happy hour 2 for 1.

The fake train tracks are in Spanish Springs along with a parked railroad car.

The developer does indeed have a private area for planes and helicopters. Not certain if he uses it to escape customs.

I would argue they do have state power. They are HUGE contributors to the campaign funds. In doing so, they receive kickbacks for what they want.

[Randall55]

To be fair, the amound paid for their home is important information. After all, they are about to get a divorce or jail time. The house will be on the market soon and we need a starting point. :DThanks for making me laugh.

[Mrfriendly]

This article What Retiring to The Villages in Florida Is Really Like | Work + Money (https://www.workandmoney.com/s/the-villages-florida-retiring-a3434d54b1af43eb?utm_source=msn)

No wonder people think the villages is just one wild party with articles like this. The author needs to come visit to see what the villages is like. Her sources were Reddit comments.

The article is a collection of mistaken thoughts of people’s posts on Reddit.

My home’s deed restriction doesn’t allow me to hang pineapples upside down in my yard.

[Girlcopper]

But some truth in there too.
Lots of truth and I found it very entertaining. Lol

[CybrSage]

Wow we are here 4 plus years and never knew about all this sex and drinking going on.

Another hit piece on the villages

The street orgies start around midnight, when the kegs are all but empty.

It is tough to drive around the kegs and naked bodies littering the street in the morning.

How have you missed it?

[TheWarriors]

I am a TV resident and I found the article to be right on the money! Here are some of the highlights from the article that are definitely true.

"Imagine truckloads of 60-plus-year-olds drunkenly line dancing and singing Foreigner"
TRUE
You need never go off the property or mix with the 'common folk.' My friend was a 'flyer' there at the hospital and said she'd never met a group of folks who thought themselves more entitled."
TRUE
"It is overpopulated, overbuilt and has a severe shortage of infrastructure, as it relates to fire and medical."
TRUE
"Whether it was the drunken [swingers parties], wrecked golf carts, multiple occasions of public indecency, [that] all of this coming from a retirement community just made it more comical."
TRUE
"There's a big party in every town square every night — little booze huts everywhere. Happy Hour lasts like four hours."
TRUE
"Of course, you can do or not do whatever you want, but there's a stigma attached to those who don't socialize as much as the rest."
TRUE
"This isn't a place to live if you like your privacy."
TRUE
"The Villages is the Wal-Mart of communities, providing a cheap, superficial sense of community with a made up history while simultaneously choking out the actual communities nearby."
TRUE
"There are train tracks going through the center of town that are completely fake."
TRUE
"They've taken over most of the surrounding area and think they are God's gift to the locals."
TRUE
"Small communities that were founded in the 19th century are losing their identity and charm to become de facto labor camps"
TRUE
"Villagers are kind of an entitled bunch"
TRUE
"They get permission to build 20 houses, then keep at it. By the time the whole thing is done, there are 50-plus houses."
TRUE

I guess our perceptions are quite different than yours.

[CybrSage]

Reddit is good for overclocking help and other truly geek stuff.

But if you really want to read truths, go visit 4chan...

[Robojo]

Apparently this guy is local and has an axe to grind. We have been here for two years and honestly have not run into "Rude" people. Almost everyone we have met have been really, really nice

I've been here since September. There are rude people. But there are nice people too. 150k people. Pick someone lol.

[Robojo]

Try working in a service industry job in TV. My granddaughter worked at a bank here and couldn't believe how arrogant and entitled some of their customers were. Not just a few but many. My cleaning lady has told me stories of how difficult it was to please some of her entitled clients. Treated them with no respect or courtesy.

Yesterday I went outside when my landscape became a nicely asked him to blow extra at the end because I just had the house pressure washed. Him and his friend look at each other and he was like you are so nice. They said there's this other lady we just came from and all she does is yell and scream at us.

Did it ever occur to you young people that some of the people here have dementia and cannot communicate in any other way. It had ever occurred to you that that person might be so old and so tired and in so much pain that yelling and screaming and barking is the only way they can communicate. I have been yelled at at the public's parking lot when helping an older guy try to find his car and he Yelled at me the whole time.

Ya'll say that people here treat you like garbage but how do you treat them.

[Robojo]

I guess our perceptions are quite different than yours.

So because we're old and wealthy you're jealous.

What 25-year-old do this stuff you'll have no problem with it.

When 25-year-olds do this stuff and it ends up violent you still have no problem with it.

An old rich people do it and nobody hurts each other now you have a problem with it.

[Randall55]

The street orgies start around midnight, when the kegs are all but empty.

It is tough to drive around the kegs and naked bodies littering the street in the morning.

How have you missed it?There was a time when having sex in the squares was amusing for some. Kinda like the mile high club or sex on a beach.

This all came to a sceeching halt when police arrested a couple. The judge sentenced them to six months in jail. And yes! They served every day of that sentence.

Don't believe it? Do an internet search on couple gets arrested for having sex in the square. Judge gave them time in jail.

At the time, many villagers thought six months was excessive. But, I guess that was the plan. Like I said, those shenanigans came to a screeching halt.

Every wave of retirees is different. Back then, the newly retired were teenagers during the make love, not war movement. Woodstock....You guys do not need a history lesson.
Point is, they were a very AMUSING crowd, to say the least.
There was only a small Lady Lake police department. You could get away with so much more back then. And, boy! Did they take advantage!

Outsiders remember these times or are told about them. They will never let the past die. Current daily mugshots solidfy their beliefs.

[Stu from NYC]

The street orgies start around midnight, when the kegs are all but empty.

It is tough to drive around the kegs and naked bodies littering the street in the morning.

How have you missed it?

Easily fast asleep by 11.

Will have to ask my wife if she wants to drive around after midnight to see the orgies

[CybrSage]

Easily fast asleep by 11.

Will have to ask my wife if she wants to drive around after midnight to see the orgies


I heard, from a reliable source (Reddit of course) that the grocery store parking lots are jumping swinger hangouts after the stores close at 9pm

;)

[TOMCAT]

This article What Retiring to The Villages in Florida Is Really Like | Work + Money (https://www.workandmoney.com/s/the-villages-florida-retiring-a3434d54b1af43eb?utm_source=msn)

No wonder people think the villages is just one wild party with articles like this. The author needs to come visit to see what the villages is like. Her sources were Reddit comments.

Why does The Villages have to get a lousy write-up? I would be living there already if it were not for my grandkids, who live five minutes away from me. They would have to take about a two-hour airplane flight to visit if I moved there.

The Villages is a great place to live. I have been there, roaming around the neighborhoods numerous times! Lol!!!

[MX rider]

I guess our perceptions are quite different than yours.

Same for us! I would say "false" to most, if not all those comments.

[Ptmcbriz]

Except for a few exceptions, the article seems fairly accurate. Yes there is an entitled attitude with many (I see it frequently), crowded (up north), a lot of drinking, some swingers (although no more than anywhere else), lots of fun activities to keep retired busy, impeccable grounds, rapid expansion that so far has no reason to slow down etc. The article seemed pretty accurate and not that negative to me.

[tikigal]

There should be a law making it a jailable offense to line-dance to Led Zeppelin in public. I've witnessed this abomination of movement myself. It happens, people.
That’s hilarious! You just made my day! I’m sitting waiting for my appointment and browsing in this site. I can’t even picture line dancing to Led Zeppelin that is so funny! But if you do good for you too! Have a great day!

[MidWestIA]

Getting random comments - people willing to do it probably have some emotional trigger to do it - most people wouldn't bother

[defrey12]

I am a TV resident and I found the article to be right on the money! Here are some of the highlights from the article that are definitely true.

"Imagine truckloads of 60-plus-year-olds drunkenly line dancing and singing Foreigner"
TRUE
You need never go off the property or mix with the 'common folk.' My friend was a 'flyer' there at the hospital and said she'd never met a group of folks who thought themselves more entitled."
TRUE
"It is overpopulated, overbuilt and has a severe shortage of infrastructure, as it relates to fire and medical."
TRUE
"Whether it was the drunken [swingers parties], wrecked golf carts, multiple occasions of public indecency, [that] all of this coming from a retirement community just made it more comical."
TRUE
"There's a big party in every town square every night — little booze huts everywhere. Happy Hour lasts like four hours."
TRUE
"Of course, you can do or not do whatever you want, but there's a stigma attached to those who don't socialize as much as the rest."
TRUE
"This isn't a place to live if you like your privacy."
TRUE
"The Villages is the Wal-Mart of communities, providing a cheap, superficial sense of community with a made up history while simultaneously choking out the actual communities nearby."
TRUE
"There are train tracks going through the center of town that are completely fake."
TRUE
"They've taken over most of the surrounding area and think they are God's gift to the locals."
TRUE
"Small communities that were founded in the 19th century are losing their identity and charm to become de facto labor camps"
TRUE
"Villagers are kind of an entitled bunch"
TRUE
"They get permission to build 20 houses, then keep at it. By the time the whole thing is done, there are 50-plus houses."
TRUE

Agreed

[golfing eagles]

I heard, from a reliable source (Reddit of course) that the grocery store parking lots are jumping swinger hangouts after the stores close at 9pm

;)

I heard it from my barber's girlfriend's mother's dog sitter's cousin's plumber, so it MUST be true :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Karmanng]

Sometimes you must walk around listen and observe its not All “La La Land”

I AGREE its totally not what people say it is very over rated here too

[Karmanng]

I am a TV resident and I found the article to be right on the money! Here are some of the highlights from the article that are definitely true.

"Imagine truckloads of 60-plus-year-olds drunkenly line dancing and singing Foreigner"
TRUE
You need never go off the property or mix with the 'common folk.' My friend was a 'flyer' there at the hospital and said she'd never met a group of folks who thought themselves more entitled."
TRUE
"It is overpopulated, overbuilt and has a severe shortage of infrastructure, as it relates to fire and medical."
TRUE
"Whether it was the drunken [swingers parties], wrecked golf carts, multiple occasions of public indecency, [that] all of this coming from a retirement community just made it more comical."
TRUE
"There's a big party in every town square every night — little booze huts everywhere. Happy Hour lasts like four hours."
TRUE
"Of course, you can do or not do whatever you want, but there's a stigma attached to those who don't socialize as much as the rest."
TRUE
"This isn't a place to live if you like your privacy."
TRUE
"The Villages is the Wal-Mart of communities, providing a cheap, superficial sense of community with a made up history while simultaneously choking out the actual communities nearby."
TRUE
"There are train tracks going through the center of town that are completely fake."
TRUE
"They've taken over most of the surrounding area and think they are God's gift to the locals."
TRUE
"Small communities that were founded in the 19th century are losing their identity and charm to become de facto labor camps"
TRUE
"Villagers are kind of an entitled bunch"
TRUE
"They get permission to build 20 houses, then keep at it. By the time the whole thing is done, there are 50-plus houses."
TRUE

YUP but dont understand why they feel entitled

[GATORBILL66]

I don't care what anyone writes or states, The Villages is the best place to live. We are so happy here with so much to do and see. I even hate it when I have to leave the villages to go to another state. We could do without a few of the old grumps though. LOL

[Topspinmo]

Well, where do think they all came from, The 5%er’s? Then, there the more recent fleas beat woman and attach themselves like the house that got destroyed trying to get moocher out, or the guy that beat the old fellow that didn’t even hit his car. Few bad apples go long way stinky up the root cellar. Now let’s add the offspring that can’t leave the nest. And finely the ones that come with problems thinking the yellow brick road solve all there problems when in fact in most cases makes them worse. So this leaves the 95% or so that lead normal boring lives. But the normal boring people don’t make headlines or outlandish articles do they.

[dewilson58]

So this leaves the 95% or so that lead normal boring lives. But the normal boring people don’t make headlines or outlandish articles do they.

But they are not fun to post about.

:ho:

[Topspinmo]

Not correct. Drinking at the squares is from 5-9 which is 4 hours. If you do not buy from the huts there are several restaurants that serve happy hour 2 for 1.

The fake train tracks are in Spanish Springs along with a parked railroad car.

The developer does indeed have a private area for planes and helicopters. Not certain if he uses it to escape customs.

I would argue they do have state power. They are HUGE contributors to the campaign funds. In doing so, they receive kickbacks for what they want.

Any multimillionaire or billionaire backs the candidate that will enrich them, been that way since Rome.

[Topspinmo]

The street orgies start around midnight, when the kegs are all but empty.

It is tough to drive around the kegs and naked bodies littering the street in the morning.

How have you missed it?

Wow, had flashback of New Orleans or Rio.

[Indydealmaker]

This article What Retiring to The Villages in Florida Is Really Like | Work + Money (https://www.workandmoney.com/s/the-villages-florida-retiring-a3434d54b1af43eb?utm_source=msn)

No wonder people think the villages is just one wild party with articles like this. The author needs to come visit to see what the villages is like. Her sources were Reddit comments.

I saw no indications that the author visited The Villages at all. Her information was all scraped from internet comments. She is simply a hired gun who sits at her computer writing about anything and everything. She has no particular background in any of her chosen subjects.

[LeRoySmith]

We could do without a few of the old grumps though. LOL

I think you just won the understatement of the day prize.

[margaretmattson]

I think you just won the understatement of the day prize.I've seen many of those mugshots. Most offenders are in their early sixties. I will take an old grump over them any day.

I agree with the poster who said you must walk around, listen, and OBSERVE while in the squares. You'll be surprised what some are doing, be able to spot their hang outs, and witness many treating workers and outsiders with entitlement and contempt. In my opinion, most of the article is true.

I have not seen upside pineapples or mob members. Next time I take a boat ride on Lake Sumter, I'll look carefully for the dead bodies.

[Packer Fan]

Getting so sick of reporters saying there are so many swingers. Heck this reporter didn't even get the rumor right, mentioning upside down pineapples instead of loofas. But it is tiring trying to explain to my friends that I'm not moving to a swinger community. Reporters like this are just looking for clicks.

I tell people I am moving to a swinger community and I am in high demand. Shuts them up quick. :icon_twisted:

Seriously, I don't know if people really believe it anyway, but if you lean into it, they are actually just jealous

[Stu from NYC]

I've seen many of those mugshots. Most offenders are in their early sixties. I will take an old grump over them any day.

I agree with the poster who said you must walk around, listen, and OBSERVE while in the squares. You'll be surprised what some are doing, be able to spot their hang outs, and witness many treating workers and outsiders with entitlement and contempt. In my opinion, most of the article is true.

I have not seen upside pineapples or mob members. Next time I take a boat ride on Lake Sumter, I'll look carefully for the dead bodies.

We have very rarely see any villagers treating others with entitlement or contempt. Great majority of the people here have class

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Not correct. Drinking at the squares is from 5-9 which is 4 hours. If you do not buy from the huts there are several restaurants that serve happy hour 2 for 1.

The fake train tracks are in Spanish Springs along with a parked railroad car.

The developer does indeed have a private area for planes and helicopters. Not certain if he uses it to escape customs.

I would argue they do have state power. They are HUGE contributors to the campaign funds. In doing so, they receive kickbacks for what they want.

There's also fake trolley tracks and a whole entire fake trolley station/stop in Sumter Landing, near Hagen Daas. There's a table and some seats under the awning there but it's designed to look like a bus/trolley stop.

[LeRoySmith]

We have very rarely see any villagers treating others with entitlement or contempt. Great majority of the people here have class
:agree:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There was a time when having sex in the squares was amusing for some. Kinda like the mile high club or sex on a beach.

This all came to a sceeching halt when police arrested a couple. The judge sentenced them to six months in jail. And yes! They served every day of that sentence.

Don't believe it? Do an internet search on couple gets arrested for having sex in the square. Judge gave them time in jail.

At the time, many villagers thought six months was excessive. But, I guess that was the plan. Like I said, those shenanigans came to a screeching halt.

Every wave of retirees is different. Back then, the newly retired were teenagers during the make love, not war movement. Woodstock....You guys do not need a history lesson.
Point is, they were a very AMUSING crowd, to say the least.
There was only a small Lady Lake police department. You could get away with so much more back then. And, boy! Did they take advantage!

Outsiders remember these times or are told about them. They will never let the past die. Current daily mugshots solidfy their beliefs.

Once upon a time, I guess this really did used to be the "free state of Florida." Nudge nudge wink wink pass the dutchie on the left hand side.

[Topspinmo]

There's also fake trolley tracks and a whole entire fake trolley station/stop in Sumter Landing, near Hagen Daas. There's a table and some seats under the awning there but it's designed to look like a bus/trolley stop.

It’s where the buses stop?

[Topspinmo]

Once upon a time, I guess this really did used to be the "free state of Florida." Nudge nudge wink wink pass the dutchie on the left hand side.

Fake news!!!! :0000000000luvmyhors

[Fredster]

There's also fake trolley tracks and a whole entire fake trolley station/stop in Sumter Landing, near Hagen Daas. There's a table and some seats under the awning there but it's designed to look like a bus/trolley stop.

Yes, and that’s such a nice spot to sit and enjoy your morning coffee!

[RUCdaze]

There is so much false information in this article that it could not possibly be put in there by accident. I think this Michelle Natti is leaving herself open to a well-deserved law suite

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It’s where the buses stop?

No, the buses don't go around the inner square. The fake trolley tracks are to the RIGHT of Hagen Daas, if you're facing the building from the square. Between Hagen Daas and the sales office building on the corner.

Here:

sumter landing town square - Google Search (https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x88e7c40ce717ffc7%3A0xc51df430139f7e1d!3 m1!7e115!4s%2Fmaps%2Fplace%2Fsumter%2Blanding%2Bto wn%2Bsquare%2F%4028.9091294%2C-81.9749545%2C3a%2C75y%2C127.79h%2C90t%2Fdata%3D*21 3m4*211e1*213m2*211szGjWIuzqlTPRt6HIq_RtLw*212e0*2 14m2*213m1*211s0x88e7c40ce717ffc7%3A0xc51df430139f 7e1d%3Fsa%3DX%26ved%3D2ahUKEwjRsJ3I_LOGAxXbfDABHTm pC3oQpx96BAgUEAA!5ssumter%20landing%20town%20squar e%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e2!2szGjWIuzqlTPRt6HIq_RtLw&hl=en&ved=1t%3A206134&ictx=111)

(yes it's an ugly URL but it'll take you to exactly the spot I'm talking about)

[dewilson58]

people

why do you care???

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

It’s clear that most of these folks are jealous that we get to live here and they don’t because they’re not old enough. (Imagine someone being jealous for that?) Or they’re credit isn’t good enough to get a loan.

And as far as swinging goes, people who drink a lot do stupid things, end of story.

This is an absolutely beautiful place and those that live here can have a good retirement if they want it.

[margaretmattson]

Fake news!!!! :0000000000luvmyhorsHow do you explain the daily mug shots of those arrested? Are they fake too? It happens! Laugh instead of denying. People do STUPID things! Some are smart enough not to get caught. Others? Not so much!

[margaretmattson]

We have very rarely see any villagers treating others with entitlement or contempt. Great majority of the people here have class We were talking about this at the pool. One neighbor had us chuckling. "If you can't spot an entitled person in the Villages, it is probably you." They are everywhere! Acknowledge, smile, and when approached by one, run the other way.

[Topspinmo]

Sound like for some the koolaid has turned sour.:cryin2:

[Topspinmo]

How do you explain the daily mug shots of those arrested? Are they fake too? It happens! Laugh instead of denying. People do STUPID things! Some are smart enough not to get caught. Others? Not so much!

Did you see the quote I was responding to?

[margaretmattson]

Once upon a time, I guess this really did used to be the "free state of Florida." Nudge nudge wink wink pass the dutchie on the left hand side.I remember when the couple got arrested. Red Sauce created the drink Sex on the Square and it was selling out every night. If my memory serves me correctly, I believe there was a song titled Sex on the Square. It may be on youtube. It was quite popular. Yep! Things were quite different back then. Free state of Florida-just as you jest.

[Villager1234]

Easily fast asleep by 11.

Will have to ask my wife if she wants to drive around after midnight to see the orgies

If there are really that much swinging going on I hope it’s after dark. Do you know what most us senior citizens look like naked ?

[petsetc]

Best quote in the article;
""Everyone dislikes the Villages except the people who actually live there. Residents love it."

[MorTech]

'If I hear 'Mustang Sally' one more time, I'm gonna puke.'"

Word!

[LeRoySmith]

people

why do you care???

No kidding, I've never seen a group of people so obsessed with what other people choose to do.

If you don't like the North or the South or golf carts or electric cars or old people or angry people or obnoxious people or people that tip or people that don't or people that bought in one neighborhood or another or what to developer decided to do yesterday or what they didn't, just ignore it and do your thing. Don't worry be Happy.

[JMintzer]

If there are really that much swinging going on I hope it’s after dark. Do you know what most us senior citizens look like naked ?

Neither my wife nor I have every heard od, nor been approached by "swingers"...

I don't know if we should be happy about that or offended that no one has asked...:o

[Stu from NYC]

Neither my wife nor I have every heard od, nor been approached by "swingers"...

I don't know if we should be happy about that or offended that no one has asked...:o

You need the right pineapple or loofah or perhaps you need to wave a chicken over your head.

[Randall55]

I remember when the couple got arrested. Red Sauce created the drink Sex on the Square and it was selling out every night. If my memory serves me correctly, I believe there was a song titled Sex on the Square. It may be on youtube. It was quite popular. Yep! Things were quite different back then. Free state of Florida-just as you jest.Wow! I forgot about Red Sauce. That drink was flying faster than they could make them. I watched the video. Laughed when I saw the beer strapped to the golf cart. There were so many! How did they get away with that?

Strange how newcomers want to rewrite Villages history to suit their needs. Then wonder why they are called entitled. Longtimers know it happened. Outsiders and locals know it happened. Can't make this stuff up, folks!

[MX rider]

'If I hear 'Mustang Sally' one more time, I'm gonna puke.'"

Word!

Lol. Agree 100%. Has to be one of the most overplayed songs in TV.

[BubblesandPat]

Lots of truth and I found it very entertaining. Lol

Same here. Do people really take this kind of stuff seriously? The Villages is what you make of it. I come from a small town with nothing to do. I don't drink or play golf but I play cards swim and love talking to people. Every place in the world has entitled rude people.

[BubblesandPat]

You need the right pineapple or loofah or perhaps you need to wave a chicken over your head.

Hahaha! That's a good point...should we be offended that nobody has approached us?

[LeRoySmith]

Lol. Agree 100%. Has to be one of the most overplayed sonngs in TV.

Maybe overplayed but Wilson Picket's version is never a disappointment, the only version that's better is Andrew Strong's in the movie the Commitments. I wonder if Joe Cocker ever sang it?

[MorTech]

Lol. Agree 100%. Has to be one of the most overplayed songs in TV.

Fewer songs are so simultaneously vapid and grating :)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Fewer songs are so simultaneously vapid and grating :)

That and the "God Bless the USA" song that people actually rise from their seats and put their hands over their hearts. Their treatment of that song puts it equal to the National Anthem, which is pretty unpatriotic and insulting, in my humble opinion. As much as I don't like our National Anthem (it's really a horrible song and sounds more like a dirge than a song of pride), I won't stand or put my hand over my heart for a song written in 1984, that no one gave a crap about until a particular person decided to run for president in the 2000s. Now, if they replace the current National Anthem with God Bless the USA, then sure I'll stand for it, just as I stand for the American flag.

[Stu from NYC]

That and the "God Bless the USA" song that people actually rise from their seats and put their hands over their hearts. Their treatment of that song puts it equal to the National Anthem, which is pretty unpatriotic and insulting, in my humble opinion. As much as I don't like our National Anthem (it's really a horrible song and sounds more like a dirge than a song of pride), I won't stand or put my hand over my heart for a song written in 1984, that no one gave a crap about until a particular person decided to run for president in the 2000s. Now, if they replace the current National Anthem with God Bless the USA, then sure I'll stand for it, just as I stand for the American flag.

We will stand for God Bless the USA but do think that performers play it in order to get a standing ovation at the end of their set

[margaretmattson]

That and the "God Bless the USA" song that people actually rise from their seats and put their hands over their hearts. Their treatment of that song puts it equal to the National Anthem, which is pretty unpatriotic and insulting, in my humble opinion. As much as I don't like our National Anthem (it's really a horrible song and sounds more like a dirge than a song of pride), I won't stand or put my hand over my heart for a song written in 1984, that no one gave a crap about until a particular person decided to run for president in the 2000s. Now, if they replace the current National Anthem with God Bless the USA, then sure I'll stand for it, just as I stand for the American flag.Actually, Americans have been standing ever since that song was written. Became more prevalent immediately after 9/11.

Villagers stand for EVERY PATRIOTIC song, veterans, memorials, waving or carrying of the flag, etc. Even those who are crippled and need walkers. Whoever runs or wins the presidency, Villagers always remain patriotic. Sometimes, I am amazed by their love of this country. Sorry, you feel differently. But, I understand your viewpoint.

[Shipping up to Boston]

So in my view....patriotism is similar to character. Character is what you do when no one is watching. That won’t make sense to most.

You stand for a Lee Greenwood track.....so does that mean you stand for

Neil Diamond.....America
Dolly Parton......Color me America
Miley Cyrus.......Party in the USA
Brooks and Dunn....Only in America
Toby Keith....Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue


Yeah....that’s what I thought. You can sit down now!

[margaretmattson]

So in my view....patriotism is similar to character. Character is what you do when no one is watching. That won’t make sense to most.

You stand for a Lee Greenwood track.....so does that mean you stand for

Neil Diamond.....America
Dolly Parton......Color me America
Miley Cyrus.......Party in the USA
Brooks and Dunn....Only in America
Toby Keith....Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue


Yeah....that’s what I thought. You can sit down now!The words to God Bless the USA are poignant to what happened on 9/11. It continues to rouse Americans to REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET. If the words do not hit your heart, that's fine. No one will make you stand.

If you are one of those who stand because you feel obliged, isn't that your problem? Remain seated, if you prefer. This is America! Everyone is free to do as they wish. You will not suffer any consequences because you did not stand.

I have heard God Bless the Usa hundreds of times. It still moves me and makes me extremely proud that I live in a country where I am free. Any foreigner who tries to take that away will be sorry they messed with me. I'll defend this country and my rights until the day I die! You can consider my standing a WARNING to all who may try to take down the red, white, and blue.

[Shipping up to Boston]

The words to God Bless the USA are poignant to what happened on 9/11. It continues to rouse Americans to REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET. If the words do not hit your heart, that's fine. No one will make you stand.

If you are one of those who stand because you feel obliged, isn't that your problem? Remain seated, if you prefer. This is America! Everyone is free to do as they wish. You will not suffer any consequences because you did not stand.

I have heard that song hundreds of times. It still moves me, makes me proud that I live in a country where I am free, and any foreigner who tries to take that away, will be sorry they messed with me. I'll defend this country and my rights until the day I die! You can consider my standing a WARNING to anyone who may try to take down the red, white, and blue.

You’re selective....and arbitrary in your choices of patriotic themes. And how you measure others patriotism.

I didn’t tell you....or anyone else...what I do. I don’t let anyone dictate patriotism to me. You can hang your hat on the....1984...Lee Greenwood track for an event that happened in 2001. Whitney Houston’s 1991 rendition of Star -Spangled Banner at the 1991 Super Bowl is what most consider the modern version of the anthem. We were at war (Iraq Persian Gulf). That moved the nation. Don’t question or arrive at a conclusion of another person that you clearly don’t know....or know anything about.

[margaretmattson]

You’re selective....and arbitrary in your choices of patriotic themes. And how you measure others patriotism.

I didn’t tell you....or anyone else...what I do. I don’t let anyone dictate patriotism to me. You can hang your hat on the....1984...Lee Greenwood track for an event that happened in 2001. Whitney Houston’s 1991 rendition of Star -Spangled Banner at the 1991 Super Bowl is what most consider the modern version of the anthem. We were at war (Iraq Persian Gulf). That moved the nation. Don’t question or arrive at a conclusion of another person that you clearly don’t know....or know anything about.I was using the pronoun YOU to acknowledge ANYONE who doesn't understand or feel a need to stand for God Bless The USA. I wasn't pointing my finger directly at Shipping up to Boston. To me, it's fine that some do not want to stand. I understand they have had different experiences in life. Sitting may be their way to demonstrate their views.

Talk about not knowing someone! I came face to face with the men who drove the planes into the Twin Towers. I owned a store in John's Pass, the area they were headquartered. They came to my store, often. I remember their faces, I remember their smell, I remember their clothes, most of all, I remember the hatred in their eyes. I can never forget! If my standing to a song that forces me to remember offends you, SORRY! I can just be me.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I was using the pronoun YOU to acknowledge ANYONE who doesn't understand or feel a need to stand for God Bless The USA. I wasn't pointing my finger directly at Shipping up to Boston. To me, it's fine that some do not want to stand. I understand they have had different experiences in life. Sitting may be their way to demonstrate their views.

Talk about not knowing someone! I came face to face with the men who drive the planes into the World Trade Center. I owned a store in John's Pass in the area they were headquartered. They came to my store often. I remember their faces, I remember their smell, I remember their clothes, most of all, I remember the hatred in their eyes. I can never forget! If my standing offense to a song that forces me to remember, SORRY! I can just be me.

Still doesn’t give you the right to question anybody else’s patriotism. My point!

[margaretmattson]

Still doesn’t give you the right to question anybody else’s patriotism. My point!Wasnt questioning anyone! I said if YOU, (meaning all) feel obliged to stand, Dont do it for their sake. Sit because you believe that is best for you. Nothing will happen to you (meaning all) if you remain seated. We live in America where people are free to do as they wish.

Explaining why I choose to stand doesn't mean I am in any way offended by those who remain seated.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Wasnt questioning anyone! I said if YOU, (meaning all) feel obliged to stand, Dont do it for their sake. Sit because you believe that is best for you. Nothing will happen to you (meaning all) if you remain seated. We live in America where people are free to do as they wish.

Explaining why I choose to stand doesn't mean I am in any way offended by those who remain seated.



Actually, Americans have been standing ever since that song was written. Became more prevalent immediately after 9/11.

Villagers stand for EVERY PATRIOTIC song, veterans, memorials, waving or carrying of the flag, etc. Even those who are crippled and need walkers. Whoever runs or wins the presidency, Villagers always remain patriotic. Sometimes, I am amazed by their love of this country. Sorry, you feel differently. But, I understand your viewpoint.
Last edited by margaretmattson; Yesterday at 07:29 PM.

The above is what you sent to another poster....and is what I was referring to....in addition to your posts since. If you know the patriotic patterns of 135K ‘Villagers’ as well as all ‘Americans ‘..I’m impressed.

[margaretmattson]

Actually, Americans have been standing ever since that song was written. Became more prevalent immediately after 9/11.

Villagers stand for EVERY PATRIOTIC song, veterans, memorials, waving or carrying of the flag, etc. Even those who are crippled and need walkers. Whoever runs or wins the presidency, Villagers always remain patriotic. Sometimes, I am amazed by their love of this country. Sorry, you feel differently. But, I understand your viewpoint.
Last edited by margaretmattson; Yesterday at 07:29 PM.

The above is what you sent to another poster....and is what I was referring to....in addition to your posts since. If you know the patriotic patterns of 135K ‘Villagers’ as well as all ‘Americans ‘..I’m impressed. I guess you chose to ignore my sentence...Sorry, you feel differently. BUT I UNDERSTAND YOUR VIEWPOINT. I was opposing that poster's belief that standing for God Bless the USA was attached to a particular person running for president. I do not believe that. I have lived here over 20 years. I've seen Villagers Stand! And yes! For God Bless the USA! Way before someone chose to run for president. Immediately after 9/11, God Bless the USA was played every night in the square. Flags and bumper stickers with the wording God Bless the USA were EVERYWHERE. Not just in the Villages, but in cities throughout America.

No, I don't know how ALL Villagers think and believe. Just like you do not know the person you are coming at. I am NOTHING like the person you describe. Just someone posting about things I have witnessed. If we accidentally met in the square, we would probably have a nice chat and enjoy the night. TOTV is like texting. If you (meaning all) read with the wrong emotion, you (meaning all) may have an argument over nothing.

BTW: If I saw OBB sitting while God Bless the USA was playing, I would give her a nod and a smile. "Good for you OBB! Remain seated and demonstrate. Love a woman who is not afraid to express her views."

[Shipping up to Boston]

I guess you chose to ignore my sentence...Sorry, you feel differently. BUT I UNDERSTAND YOUR VIEWPOINT. I was opposing that poster's believe standing for God Bless the USA was attached to a particular person running for president. I do not believe that. I have lived here over 20 years. I've seen Villagers Stand! Way before someone chose to run for president.

No, I don't know how all Villagers think and believe. Just like you do not know the person you are coming at. I am NOTHING like the person you describe. Just someone posting about things I have witnessed. If we accidentally met in the square, we would probably have a nice chat and enjoy the night. TOTV is like texting. If you (meaning all) read with the wrong emotion, you (meaning all) may have an argument over nothing.

It’s all good
I’m not ‘coming at you’ or ‘describing’ you. Was only referencing your posts and observations . I agree it gets ambiguous on here. Too many....general statement...describe behaviors, patterns and actions of Villagers as if they are at a general store in Appalachia ( no offense to them...beautiful area). We’re a ‘community’ of 135K spread out over 35 sq. mi......I will never relent or concede to anyone when it comes to blanket statements like the ones that get posted on the daily across this forums threads on those specific representations. Again, general statement. It’s become my pet peeve! ;)

[margaretmattson]

It’s all good
I’m not ‘coming at you’ or ‘describing’ you. Was only referencing your posts and observations . I agree it gets ambiguous on here. Too many....general statement...describe behaviors, patterns and actions of Villagers as if they are at a general store in Appalachia ( no offense to them...beautiful area). We’re a ‘community’ of 135K spread out over 35 sq. mi......I will never relent or concede to anyone when it comes to blanket statements like the ones that get posted on the daily across this forums threads on those specific representations. Again, general statement. It’s become my pet peeve! ;)Looks like we both learned something during our back and forth. People choose to stand, OR SIT, for patriotic songs because of memories or experiences that sting their hearts. If you appreciate those who stand, I promise to acknowledge those who remain seated. What the he!!! I may even stay seated to fight their cause. You only live once.

[Topspinmo]

I have been here for almost 20 years. When I read the article, I thought most was spot on. I have never seen upside-down pineapples, an Italian woman who scrutinizes and watches everyone, or mob leaders throwing dead bodies into Lake Sumter. That's a bit of an unnecessary stretch.

For those of you who stated there are no wild parties with lots of drinking, have you been to the squares? Late-night restaurants? Have you seen the MANY unflattering mugshots of Villagers arrested for DUI? Indecent exposure? Fights? Reckless driving? Relieving themselves in public? Possession of child porn? Drugs? Retail theft? Domestic Violence? If not, you must be living under a rock.

Please do not respond that most of this is done by non-Villagers. Wrong! Reports of the incidents provide their age, village they live in, address, and for whatever reason the amount they paid for their home. C'mon! I know you have seen these reports. Why try to deny it? When company comes, I insist they stay alert. Anything can happen in this town!

Got ask, where did all these villagers come from? If they was drunks, drug addicts, adulterers, woman beater’s, bad drivers, and rude. Villages is NOT magically gone to change them. IMO it will probably make them worse.:eclipsee_gold_cup: