Be Aware

[Normal]

It doesn’t hurt to have an alarm system and defensive weapon available in your home in The Villages.

“A husband and wife in The Villages were terrified when they were awakened in the wee hours and the husband found an intruder in their home.

The couple had been asleep in their home in the Village of Pine Ridge at about 4 a.m. Monday when they were awakened by the sound of the garage door opening, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department. The husband got of a bed to investigate the situation.

He entered the laundry room and found 37-year-old Barry Ray Wilbanks of Wildwood…”

https://www.**************.com/2024/08/15/couple-in-the-villages-terrified-when-intruder-found-in-their-home/

[Stu from NYC]

Have to think about this

[Kenswing]

Have to think about this

Be sure to let us know what you come up with.

[Gpsma]

That intruder is lucky he is alive today.

[retiredguy123]

I agree. I have a SimpliSafe wireless alarm system that would have sounded a loud alarm when the intruder either opened a door or triggered a motion detector. It cost about $150 on Amazon, it is entirely wireless, and it can be installed in about 30 minutes. Additional sensors can be added at any time. I don't have any central monitoring, which would cost extra.

[LeRoySmith]

This is a tough situation. I hate to see anyone die unnecessarily but when a crook breaks into an occupied house/car they just let me know they value their life less than what they are after. If this happens to me I hope I have the wherewithal and time to assess the situation to gage whether they are violent before I start shooting. It could be a fairly innocent act, someone lost or out of their mind.

[Arctic Fox]

This is a tough situation. I hate to see anyone die unnecessarily but when a crook breaks into an occupied house/car they just let me know they value their life less than what they are after. If this happens to me I hope I have the wherewithal and time to assess the situation to gage whether they are violent before I start shooting. It could be a fairly innocent act, someone lost or out of their mind.

I suspect that just making them aware that you know they are there would send most of them running for the door - just remember to always give such people, and wild animals, an easy exit route.

[Laker14]

I suspect that just making them aware that you know they are there would send most of them running for the door - just remember to always give such people, and wild animals, an easy exit route.

Now that is some sage advice.
If the fact that they know that you know they are there doesn't scare them away, that would indicate another level of bad intentions.

[Byte1]

Sounds to me like the guy was contemplating suicide. Either that or he was/is pretty ignorant and thought that no one was home. The Villages is probably one of the last places a savvy criminal would think of burglarizing, considering that probably half of it's residents have guns in their homes.

[thelegges]

Since 2007 I have lost count on how many garage doors can be opened by another neighbor, or in this case an intruder. Our first home watch, cautionary view was use the lock on your garage doors.

Our second house, press button and I could open 4 different garages and my own. Our locks are on when we travel, and at night. Plus outdoor cameras, around the house and pool.

[vintageogauge]

An alarm, a dog, or move out of Fruitland Park.

[New Englander]

I'm wondering how this looser opened the garage door? Also, the homeowners are lucky this guy wasn't violent.

[thelegges]

I'm wondering how this looser opened the garage door? Also, the homeowners are lucky this guy wasn't violent.

Read post #10

[Shipping up to Boston]

Put the hand cannons away. I don’t know many of these posters but the ones I do, wouldn’t make it through reception in a jail on a wrongful death charge!

Nothing says loving like a 34 oz autographed Ted Williams Louisville Slugger! :1rotfl:

[bmcgowan13]

I suspect that just making them aware that you know they are there would send most of them running for the door - just remember to always give such people, and wild animals, an easy exit route.

Amen.. Great idea. Not sure why some people seem entitled/obligated to execute an intruder for stealing their $500 TV.

I get the heightened sense of violation...I have had my car and my apartment broke into. The thief has certainly have earned the right to be prosecuted...but to kill somebody for stealing a TV,? an iPhone?.

Alarms are a great way to go. Most burglars run when the dog barks or the alarm goes off. Unless you have drugs, jewelry, guns or a WHOLE lot of money in the house (see drugs above) most thieves are satisfied stealing your AMAZON packages.

I despise/hate thieves--but the punishment for Petit Theft is NOT the death penalty.

[Dusty_Star]

It doesn’t hurt to have an alarm system and defensive weapon available in your home in The Villages.

“A husband and wife in The Villages were terrified when they were awakened in the wee hours and the husband found an intruder in their home.

The couple had been asleep in their home in the Village of Pine Ridge at about 4 a.m. Monday when they were awakened by the sound of the garage door opening, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department. The husband got of a bed to investigate the situation.

He entered the laundry room and found 37-year-old Barry Ray Wilbanks of Wildwood…”

https://www.**************.com/2024/08/15/couple-in-the-villages-terrified-when-intruder-found-in-their-home/

Today's journalism is so awful, reports like these raise far more questions than they inform. How did the burglar open the garage door? Was it locked? The sound of the garage door opening woke them? Does the wife keep her purse in the laundry room? If not then perhaps the burglar was searching for it throughout the house. Who knows? Also, links to their own articles list several arrests for various crimes from this individual over a number of years, do they report any follow ups? Not that I see.

[Normal]

Amen.. Great idea. Not sure why some people seem entitled/obligated to execute an intruder for stealing their $500 TV.

I get the heightened sense of violation...I have had my car and my apartment broke into. The thief has certainly have earned the right to be prosecuted...but to kill somebody for stealing a TV,? an iPhone?.

Alarms are a great way to go. Most burglars run when the dog barks or the alarm goes off. Unless you have drugs, jewelry, guns or a WHOLE lot of money in the house (see drugs above) most thieves are satisfied stealing your AMAZON packages.


I despise/hate thieves--but the punishment for Petit Theft is NOT the death penalty.

Sometimes, you just don’t know what an intruder is up to. Rape, robbery, murder, drug dazed trip? It isn’t about the death penalty. It may be about personal protection. Intruders have to know, it isn’t OK. Not every intruder falls under the more nefarious acts like Charlie Mansons tribe, but some do.

[CarlR33]

Since 2007 I have lost count on how many garage doors can be opened by another neighbor, or in this case an intruder. Our first home watch, cautionary view was use the lock on your garage doors.

Our second house, press button and I could open 4 different garages and my own. Our locks are on when we travel, and at night. Plus outdoor cameras, around the house and pool.Garage door open is an easy fix using today’s technology. I had smart WiFi garage doors that alerted based on settings, open, closed or door has been open for x time and alerts phone, it could also be set to auto close if you did not want to bother, etc. The link for the news article did not work for me. I am not sure why someone would waste time entering an occupied home when there are so many empty ones.

[Byte1]

Sometimes I wonder how some folks have lived as long as they have. Lucky, I guess. Even in the most liberal law states, you have the right to defend yourself and others in your home. I do not agree with those that think that someone breaking into their home while they are sleeping, will result in a mere TV theft. Unless you are telepathic, and can read someone's mind and intent, you do not know what the burglar's intent is when he violates your home security. Sure, maybe an alarm will scare the would-be thief away. But, why is it OUR responsibility to scare them away? As far as I am concerned, anyone that breaks into my home, can not expect a passive response. Kind of hard to tell the emergency responders "but I thought he only wanted my TV" after you stood back and allowed the criminal to enter your home, and harm your family. Wake up, these animals know that they are violating the law and can expect the ultimate penalty. I believe in security devices to protect you, but I also believe in personal protection. Someone that has to force their entry can not expect sympathy. Enough with the attempt to try to understand the reasoning behind a criminal's intent.

[Cobullymom]

Amen.. Great idea. Not sure why some people seem entitled/obligated to execute an intruder for stealing their $500 TV.

I get the heightened sense of violation...I have had my car and my apartment broke into. The thief has certainly have earned the right to be prosecuted...but to kill somebody for stealing a TV,? an iPhone?.

Alarms are a great way to go. Most burglars run when the dog barks or the alarm goes off. Unless you have drugs, jewelry, guns or a WHOLE lot of money in the house (see drugs above) most thieves are satisfied stealing your AMAZON packages.

I despise/hate thieves--but the punishment for Petit Theft is NOT the death penalty.
If you enter my house, I guess you expect that I'm supposed to know your intentions? Rob, harm or murder me? Do you ask, are you just here to steal my TV, if so go ahead...No sorry it doesn't work that way. I'm gonna just lay there while you invade my private home and hope for the best.. Wow I have heard it all...

[KGranacki]

The castle doctrine says we have the right to use deadly force to anyone breaking into our home if we feel threatened. Florida is one of the states that 100% supports this!

[Berwin]

We have an electronic alarm system but it is the backup. Our primary alarm is a 60 pound Walker Hound who sleeps on the foot of our bed. At the slightest sound, she is up standing in the bedroom door barking.

[Remembergoldenrule]

Put the hand cannons away. I don’t know many of these posters but the ones I do, wouldn’t make it through reception in a jail on a wrongful death charge!

Nothing says loving like a 34 oz autographed Ted Williams Louisville Slugger! :1rotfl:

You have to get too close to use your slugger and have to hit hard enough and in the right place. The picture of the intruder and his previous criminal convictions are against you. It only takes one good punch from a much stronger bigger person to knock you down and your head hit floor to be dead especially if they then start kicking and stomping on you. What if they have partner outside or in another room or they have a hand cannon? Have alarm system, Call police and be prepared to defend yourself from 10 ft away while waiting 5-10 min for police (which is enough time to be sexually assaulted to the lady who wanted to let them have whatever they wanted).

“Wilbanks was arrested in 2021 after allegedly punching his father. Wilbanks had been arrested in 2018 in another family dispute. He served time in prison after that arrest and was released Dec. 31, 2019.”

[bowlingal]

how about a motion sensor light instead?

[LoisR]

How many AK-47s will you need?

[golfing eagles]

How many AK-47s will you need?

One for me, one for my wife, one for my dog and 2 spare-----5

[GizmoWhiskers]

The Villages is not immune to societal decay and so all are on the same page and would be intruders understand, FL doesn't play...

776.013 Home protection; use or threatened use of deadly force; presumption of fear of death or great bodily harm.—
(1) A person who is in a dwelling or residence in which the person has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and use or threaten to use:
(a) Nondeadly force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force; or
(b) Deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that using or threatening to use such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.
(2) A person is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another when using or threatening to use defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another if:
(a) The person against whom the defensive force was used or threatened was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering, or had unlawfully and forcibly entered, a dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle, or if that person had removed or was attempting to remove another against that person’s will from the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle; and
(b) The person who uses or threatens to use defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring or had occurred.
(3) The presumption set forth in subsection (2) does not apply if:
(a) The person against whom the defensive force is used or threatened has the right to be in or is a lawful resident of the dwelling, residence, or vehicle, such as an owner, lessee, or titleholder, and there is not an injunction for protection from domestic violence or a written pretrial supervision order of no contact against that person; or
(b) The person or persons sought to be removed is a child or grandchild, or is otherwise in the lawful custody or under the lawful guardianship of, the person against whom the defensive force is used or threatened; or
(c) The person who uses or threatens to use defensive force is engaged in a criminal activity or is using the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle to further a criminal activity; or
(d) The person against whom the defensive force is used or threatened is a law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 943.10(14), who enters or attempts to enter a dwelling, residence, or vehicle in the performance of his or her official duties and the officer identified himself or herself in accordance with any applicable law or the person using or threatening to use force knew or reasonably should have known that the person entering or attempting to enter was a law enforcement officer.
(4) A person who unlawfully and by force enters or attempts to enter a person’s dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle is presumed to be doing so with the intent to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence.
(5) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of any kind, including any attached porch, whether the building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it, including a tent, and is designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at night.
(b) “Residence” means a dwelling in which a person resides either temporarily or permanently or is visiting as an invited guest.
(c) “Vehicle” means a conveyance of any kind, whether or not motorized, which is designed to transport people or property.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2005-27; s. 4, ch. 2014-195; s. 1, ch. 2017-77.
Copyright © 1995-2024 The Florida Legislature

[Windguy]

I once had a sheriff’s deputy come to my house for a security inspection. I mentioned that I had replaced the striker plates screws with 3.5” ones in the of both my front door and bedroom door, which I lock at night. If someone comes into my house, that will give me time to crawl out my window and call for help. He said “Don’t do that! Florida is a stand-your-ground state!” 😡

I don’t know about you gun owners, but I could never live it down if I killed someone who was just a thief who had never hurt anyone or a neighbor with dementia who wandered into the wrong house.

I find it amazing that so many people are terrified of things that are extremely rare, yet do little to improve their chances of survival for things that happen often. I’m 73 and have never been in a situation where my life was threatened and I needed a gun. I don’t even know anyone who has ever needed a gun. I expect that applies to almost all of you.

Want to increase the odds of having a long life? Put down the phone when you are driving. It’s simple to do and costs exactly nothing.

[Normal]

I once had a sheriff’s deputy come to my house for a security inspection. I mentioned that I had replaced the striker plates screws with 3.5” ones in the of both my front door and bedroom door, which I lock at night. If someone comes into my house, that will give me time to crawl out my window and call for help. He said “Don’t do that! Florida is a stand-your-ground state!” ������

I don’t know about you gun owners, but I could never live it down if I killed someone who was just a thief who had never hurt anyone or a neighbor with dementia who wandered into the wrong house.

I find it amazing that so many people are terrified of things that are extremely rare, yet do little to improve their chances of survival for things that happen often. I’m 73 and have never been in a situation where my life was threatened and I needed a gun. I don’t even know anyone who has ever needed a gun. I expect that applies to almost all of you.

Want to increase the odds of having a long life? Put down the phone when you are driving. It’s simple to do and costs exactly nothing.

I’m afraid of nothing. In fact, I become quite methodical when confronted by most anything. It’s in my DNA, face and confront the problem. Most of us were raised that no one else is going to step in when a snake a bat, an intruder are present. What are you going to do, call for help? It’s up to you to get it done. At least speaking for myself, I’m not gonna wait 10 or 15 minutes for the police to arrive.

It’s the criminal who should be afraid, and I’m here to make sure of that.

[Laker]

Amen.. Great idea. Not sure why some people seem entitled/obligated to execute an intruder for stealing their $500 TV.

I get the heightened sense of violation...I have had my car and my apartment broke into. The thief has certainly have earned the right to be prosecuted...but to kill somebody for stealing a TV,? an iPhone?.

Alarms are a great way to go. Most burglars run when the dog barks or the alarm goes off. Unless you have drugs, jewelry, guns or a WHOLE lot of money in the house (see drugs above) most thieves are satisfied stealing your AMAZON packages.

I despise/hate thieves--but the punishment for Petit Theft is NOT the death penalty.


If they are drugged up they are capable of extreme violence, not just stealing. So what would you do, sit him down for an interview? Maybe offer him a cup of coffee to discuss his intentions?
Like they say, "when seconds count, the police are just minutes away".
smh...

[Nana2Teddy]

Didn’t know we could lock our garage door openers. Will ask hubs about that. Thanks!

[ThirdOfFive]

Sometimes I wonder how some folks have lived as long as they have. Lucky, I guess. Even in the most liberal law states, you have the right to defend yourself and others in your home. I do not agree with those that think that someone breaking into their home while they are sleeping, will result in a mere TV theft. Unless you are telepathic, and can read someone's mind and intent, you do not know what the burglar's intent is when he violates your home security. Sure, maybe an alarm will scare the would-be thief away. But, why is it OUR responsibility to scare them away? As far as I am concerned, anyone that breaks into my home, can not expect a passive response. Kind of hard to tell the emergency responders "but I thought he only wanted my TV" after you stood back and allowed the criminal to enter your home, and harm your family. Wake up, these animals know that they are violating the law and can expect the ultimate penalty. I believe in security devices to protect you, but I also believe in personal protection. Someone that has to force their entry can not expect sympathy. Enough with the attempt to try to understand the reasoning behind a criminal's intent.
Very well stated!

Florida law is pretty definite on this, at least according to hussein and webber dot com: "If the defendant is in his or her home or vehicle, then, under Section 776.013, Florida Statutes, the law will presume that the defendant had a reasonable fear of imminent death or bodily harm if the alleged victim unlawfully entered or remained or attempted to remove another person against their will."

I read this to mean that in Florida, a violent act on the part of a home (or vehicle) invader does not have to actually be threatened or occur. The law assumes, if the invader makes it into the home or vehicle, that said invader INTENDS to perpetrate "imminent death or great bodily harm", and the homeowner can act accordingly.

Is it draconian? Maybe. But if you're faced with a home invader or invaders, the time for logic, reason, and waiting for the criminal to act is long past. Statistically, it is near 50-50 that if that happens, the invader is there because he is desperate for drug money. "Almost 40% of people locked up for property crimes...reported that they had committed their most serious offense for drug-related reasons. " (bjs dot com), and it is pretty much a given that someone resorting to stealing to feed an addiction is not going to act rationally. I might welcome a 60-40 edge if I was in (say) Vegas, but when my life or well-being, or that of my loved ones, is at risk, then I'm definitely NOT going to roll those dice. It needs to be 100%, or as close to that as possible, and I'm grateful that Florida law would back me up on that account.

[LeRoySmith]

Obviously there are two unique groups in this thread, one that thinks the bad guy is in deep trouble another that thinks the bad guy needs a hug.

To the huggers: No one wants to kill anybody, gun toters are not looking for an excuse to use them. Think about the mental toll it would have on any one of us to kill someone that didn't have malicious intent. Also consider the impact it would have on you to know that your hesitance to act cost your loved ones life or well being.

To the gun toters, my brethren, we have the responsibility to try to assess the situation and act appropriately. The possibility a lost neighbor with dementia wandered into our house is high, very high in a place with 150k old folks. The possibility it is a victim of domestic violence looking for shelter is high given the substance abuse we hear about every day. The possibility it is a desperate person caught in a hopeless situation due to the economic mess the world is in is high and getting worse by the day, we have communities on 2 or 3 sides that have lower income people in them.

At the end of the day I'm going to do my best to avoid unnecessary harm if possible. That said, if there's any question in my mind at all I'm going to err on the side of acting rather than take the chance. That might cost a life but it won't be mine or my family if I can help it.

[jrandall]

Sounds to me like the guy was contemplating suicide. Either that or he was/is pretty ignorant and thought that no one was home. The Villages is probably one of the last places a savvy criminal would think of burglarizing, considering that probably half of it's residents have guns in their homes.

Not going to commit suicide. He was rummaging through the wife’s purse in the laundry room. He was brazen to enter the home.

[CybrSage]

I find it amazing that so many people are terrified of things that are extremely rare, yet do little to improve their chances of survival for things that happen often. I’m 73 and have never been in a situation where my life was threatened and I needed a gun. I don’t even know anyone who has ever needed a gun. I expect that applies to almost all of you.


I have never needed to use my smoke detectors to save me from a burning home, but I think it is a great idea to have them. Having them does not mean I am living in fear that my house will burn down. It is the opposite, having them means I do not have to live in fear of it.

Why did you change out the plates? Are you loving in fear of a criminal murder you in your home, or did you install them so you feel safer? Did you ever need to use the plates to run away in fear? Why have them?

A gun means never having to run away in fear, hoping to escape, praying you do. Fearing what would happen if you do not escape.

[Windguy]

Didn’t know we could lock our garage door openers. Will ask hubs about that. Thanks!

There is a slider switch below the light button on the wall pad to lock/unlock the door.

The deputy who did my security assessment said to remove the rope on your garage door because people have used something inserted at the top of the door to grab the handle and disconnect the door from the opener. The door can then be lifted easily to open it.

[Susan1717]

My question is, if someone has the gull to break into another’s home, how do you know he’s not carrying a gun and would do harm to you and your family? Once the intruder realizes someone is home and awake, you’d think they’d immediately run out. But what if they don’t? At what point do you protect yourself?

[Justputt]

I bet most people that own guns for self-defense don't practice nearly enough (or at all!) to be effective at much more than scaring someone. Maybe that's enough, but you'll do a lot of property damage shooting through your own walls trying to save your stuff. If you haven't practiced, GO PRACTICE and get instruction (skill and law)! It's not uncommon for criminals to be looking for drug money, which means they can possibly be drugged, take more hits than normal and your misses won't stop anything; they may even end up with your gun!

[GATORBILL66]

It doesn’t hurt to have an alarm system and defensive weapon available in your home in The Villages.

“A husband and wife in The Villages were terrified when they were awakened in the wee hours and the husband found an intruder in their home.

The couple had been asleep in their home in the Village of Pine Ridge at about 4 a.m. Monday when they were awakened by the sound of the garage door opening, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department. The husband got of a bed to investigate the situation.

He entered the laundry room and found 37-year-old Barry Ray Wilbanks of Wildwood…”

https://www.**************.com/2024/08/15/couple-in-the-villages-terrified-when-intruder-found-in-their-home/


I am still curious how the guy got out of the house alive.

[Girlcopper]

Amen.. Great idea. Not sure why some people seem entitled/obligated to execute an intruder for stealing their $500 TV.

I get the heightened sense of violation...I have had my car and my apartment broke into. The thief has certainly have earned the right to be prosecuted...but to kill somebody for stealing a TV,? an iPhone?.

Alarms are a great way to go. Most burglars run when the dog barks or the alarm goes off. Unless you have drugs, jewelry, guns or a WHOLE lot of money in the house (see drugs above) most thieves are satisfied stealing your AMAZON packages.

I despise/hate thieves--but the punishment for Petit Theft is NOT the death penalty.
Breaking into an occuppied /unoccuppied home is NOT petit theft. And if they don’t value their life, why should we?

[oneclickplus]

Put the hand cannons away. I don’t know many of these posters but the ones I do, wouldn’t make it through reception in a jail on a wrongful death charge!

Nothing says loving like a 34 oz autographed Ted Williams Louisville Slugger! :1rotfl:

If an intruder enters my home, I'm not obligated (nor do I intend) to try to ascertain his / her motives or intents. Are they after my TV? Maybe they want to take a shower? NO NO NO - I will shoot first and (especially in FL), there will be no wrongful death situation. I have no qualms about injuring or killing said intruder. This is my home. This is my safe space. Unlawful entry is a deadly proposition.

[Rocksnap]

Amen.. Great idea. Not sure why some people seem entitled/obligated to execute an intruder for stealing their $500 TV.

I get the heightened sense of violation...I have had my car and my apartment broke into. The thief has certainly have earned the right to be prosecuted...but to kill somebody for stealing a TV,? an iPhone?.

Alarms are a great way to go. Most burglars run when the dog barks or the alarm goes off. Unless you have drugs, jewelry, guns or a WHOLE lot of money in the house (see drugs above) most thieves are satisfied stealing your AMAZON packages.

I despise/hate thieves--but the punishment for Petit Theft is NOT the death penalty.

To be clear. It’s not the stealing that will get the perp shot. It’s the breaking and entering.

[Rocksnap]

How many AK-47s will you need?

Just one. But ask about magazines!

[al]

You might want to add a deadbolt lock on your house door.

[Rocksnap]

There is a slider switch below the light button on the wall pad to lock/unlock the door.

The deputy who did my security assessment said to remove the rope on your garage door because people have used something inserted at the top of the door to grab the handle and disconnect the door from the opener. The door can then be lifted easily to open it.

Yes garage door openers usually have a lock switch on the wall switch. For electronic opening.
But I was thinking the other poster was referring to the MANUAL sliding lock on the garage door? No getting around that lock.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Reading these posts is akin to watching a Super Bowl with friends. Everybody is suddenly a pro athlete. My point...I don’t care where you live or what protections you think the law provides you. This country doesn’t even support LEO deadly force....what makes you think a jury of your peers is going to back yours! It’s a gamble. Make sure you’re proficient and that the situation warrants the use. And the ones that think they’ll be ok regardless....in a criminal/civil action....your posts will no doubt become part of discovery which for some here, could be problematic in a scenario as to judgement. Sometimes you just say something stupid without posting it. Save the Charles Bronson bravado for gaming

[Papa_lecki]

I’m 73 and have never been in a situation where my life was threatened and I needed a gun. I don’t even know anyone who has ever needed a gun. I expect that applies to almost all of you.


Be lucky you haven’t needed it, most of us don’t.

I bet Liken Riley’s parents wish she had a gun at the University of Georgia
Or Jocelyn NUNGARAY or Rachel Morin or Terry and Brenda Aultman

Just to name a few.

[LeRoySmith]

Just one. But ask about magazines!

I practice a lot, I also subscribe to the 'accuracy by volume' school of thought.

[New Englander]

Sometimes, you just don’t know what an intruder is up to. Rape, robbery, murder, drug dazed trip? It isn’t about the death penalty. It may be about personal protection. Intruders have to know, it isn’t OK. Not every intruder falls under the more nefarious acts like Charlie Mansons tribe, but some do.

I feel the same way. I have 0 sympathy for criminals. this loser ran away when confronted by the homeowner. But, some criminals don't run, they attack, murder and rape.

[LeRoySmith]

If an intruder enters my home, I'm not obligated (nor do I intend) to try to ascertain his / her motives or intents. Are they after my TV? Maybe they want to take a shower? NO NO NO - I will shoot first and (especially in FL), there will be no wrongful death situation. I have no qualms about injuring or killing said intruder. This is my home. This is my safe space. Unlawful entry is a deadly proposition.

My step dad's first wife suffered from horrible dementia especially after dark, she was very proficient at escaping his house and finding her way into one of the neighbor's houses. I think they found her in the wrong house four or five times in her last two years of life. At one point they had an electric fence type of device that could tell when she left the house and she even evaded that. She was certainly a pia but not deserving of killing.

[MikePgh]

A dog in excess of 30 lbs or so is a better deterrent than an alarm.

[JRcorvette]

If you are going to have a weapon in your home you Better get some Training and know what the Laws are! You don’t want to go to prison for manslaughter….

[Gpsma]

This is from the Villages Straight Shooters gun club monthly newsletter from Nov 2022. Around page 4 you will see an article entitled cautionary tale.
As far as I know this never made the news. Makes you wonder if it happens more than we know

[Windguy]

Obviously there are two unique groups in this thread, one that thinks the bad guy is in deep trouble another that thinks the bad guy needs a hug.
A sure sign of a weak argument is when someone resorts to insults to make a point.

[Professor]

It doesn’t hurt to have an alarm system and defensive weapon available in your home in The Villages.

“A husband and wife in The Villages were terrified when they were awakened in the wee hours and the husband found an intruder in their home.

The couple had been asleep in their home in the Village of Pine Ridge at about 4 a.m. Monday when they were awakened by the sound of the garage door opening, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department. The husband got of a bed to investigate the situation.

He entered the laundry room and found 37-year-old Barry Ray Wilbanks of Wildwood…”

https://www.**************.com/2024/08/15/couple-in-the-villages-terrified-when-intruder-found-in-their-home/

Anyone entering my house at 4 AM better be coming with their hands up...just sayin'

[LeRoySmith]

A sure sign of a weak argument is when someone resorts to insults to make a point.

I don't see an insult in there anywhere. I may not be the gifted orator that many here are but if you read all my posts in this string you will clearly see I'm not making fun of or insulting anyone.

It could be sensitivity levels are out of check?

[mtlee024]

Put the hand cannons away. I don’t know many of these posters but the ones I do, wouldn’t make it through reception in a jail on a wrongful death charge!

Nothing says loving like a 34 oz autographed Ted Williams Louisville Slugger! :1rotfl:

Florida has a home castle law, which means you can take deadly action against any intruder (Someone who breaks into your home). How do you know what their intentions are? Unless your a mind reader you don't. I agree give them an escape route and opportunity, but if they don't take it, protect yourself and family to the level of FL law.

[Joe C.]

I suspect that just making them aware that you know they are there would send most of them running for the door - just remember to always give such people, and wild animals, an easy exit route.

Yeah, just give them an easy exit route so they can go to another house and try again, maybe injuring or killing the homeowner so they can continue their lawbreaking.
NO! Stop them any way you can. If you have a firearm, use it, and use it effectively.

[bshuler]

I agree. I have a SimpliSafe wireless alarm system ..... I don't have any central monitoring, which would cost extra.
FWIW.. Central monitoring, especially smoke detectors can bring a small discount on your homeowners policy.

[Indydealmaker]

ALWAYS terminate the threat.

[Nana2Teddy]

There is a slider switch below the light button on the wall pad to lock/unlock the door.

The deputy who did my security assessment said to remove the rope on your garage door because people have used something inserted at the top of the door to grab the handle and disconnect the door from the opener. The door can then be lifted easily to open it.
Thank you! Hubby knew this, but I guess never worried about it. We also need to remove the ropes.

[Shipping up to Boston]

ALWAYS terminate the threat.

That’s fair. Just remember, the sun will always rise....just make sure your decision making let’s you enjoy it from Bonita and not from concrete enclosed ‘lanai’ in Bushnell! :1rotfl:

[Shipping up to Boston]

Florida has a home castle law, which means you can take deadly action against any intruder (Someone who breaks into your home). How do you know what their intentions are? Unless your a mind reader you don't. I agree give them an escape route and opportunity, but if they don't take it, protect yourself and family to the level of FL law.

It’s interesting....the header on your post is “Your crazy”?!

Feel free to read...or reread my posts on this topic. Everything I stated is in line with FL law. I gave my opinion on how I operate...nowhere will you find a post where I tell anyone to do anything other than meet that threshold. Know the law and be updated and proficient in use of a firearm. Period

The funny part of this whole thread is many of these posters are the same ones that complain about their ‘neighbors’ driving practices on MMP and roundabouts....which are wide open spaces, yet advocate and trust their abilities to use deadly force in a much more stressful and intimately closed spaces with a ‘shoot first ask questions later’ marching orders. Somehow I missed that line item in the legislation. Comical. Note to Developer, please reinstate the Octogenarian Comedy Open Mic Night at any of your squares! This stuff is gold!

[Windguy]

I don't see an insult in there anywhere.
Saying that people who don’t want to kill an intruder want to hug the invader is not only insulting, but complete BS.

[barbnick]

I also keep my car remote on the bedside table to use the car alarm if need be.

[gettingby]

I think Florida law is very clear on this. I’ve he’s inside your home uninvited you can ventilate him.

[TheWarriors]

Saying that people who don’t want to kill an intruder want to hug the invader is not only insulting, but complete BS.

No, actually it is what society has evolved into today. When there are no consequences for devious actions, crime increases. Unfortunately, criminals are also other people’s children and they still haven’t figured out what went wrong in their upbringing and next time they won’t break the law. Next time, next time, next time. But eventually it needs to be the last time.

[justjim]

A number of people may overreact to this incident in Pine Ridge. The Villages I believe is a very safe place to live. We have lived in TV 18 plus years without any issues or problems with crime. Having said that, I have no problem with being diligent with alarms,cameras and etc. - if that is your “thing”. Yes, a gun if you want one. To each their own. But again, IMHO The Villages is a safe place to live and I wouldn’t let such rare incidents change my lifestyle for one minute. Fore

[Pugchief]

A number of people may overreact to this incident in Pine Ridge. The Villages I believe is a very safe place to live. We have lived in TV 18 plus years without any issues or problems with crime. Having said that, I have no problem with being diligent with alarms,cameras and etc. - if that is your “thing”. Yes, a gun if you want one. To each their own. But again, IMHO The Villages is a safe place to live and I wouldn’t let such rare incidents change my lifestyle for one minute. Fore

TV is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Includes Wildwood, Fruitland Park, Leesburg and Middleton. With more people comes more crime. Yes, it's still relatively safe, but being prepared is always better than relying on luck. By that same logic, it also wouldn't hurt to have a couple of weeks of canned goods and dry beans and some drinking water in case there is an extended power outage.

[Shipping up to Boston]

TV is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Includes Wildwood, Fruitland Park, Leesburg and Middleton. With more people comes more crime. Yes, it's still relatively safe, but being prepared is always better than relying on luck. By that same logic, it also wouldn't hurt to have a couple of weeks of canned goods and dry beans and some drinking water in case there is an extended power outage.

You forgot Lady Lake...Middleton is not an incorporated city but it’s new, younger population may...or may not present newer issues/challenges. I personally am rolling out the red carpet for this newer demo hoping I/we don’t regret its addition

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Saying that people who don’t want to kill an intruder want to hug the invader is not only insulting, but complete BS.

literally yes
figuratively no
figuratively -> with a meaning that is metaphorical rather than literal

Some people read more literally than others. My wife is much more literal than I am, so when I talk about certain topics, the concept of metaphorically is not her first thought.

However, it's harder to read figuratively if your primary tendency is to read most everything as literal.

I read hugs as figuratively, and metaphorical, not insulting. .
and since the post was not directly directly at anyone, nor did it mention anyone in particular, i agree with leroy that there was nothing insulting as it was metaphorical and not directed at anyone in particular

[asianthree]

TV is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Includes Wildwood, Fruitland Park, Leesburg and Middleton. With more people comes more crime. Yes, it's still relatively safe, but being prepared is always better than relying on luck. By that same logic, it also wouldn't hurt to have a couple of weeks of canned goods and dry beans and some drinking water in case there is an extended power outage.

Were you here for the multiple years of gypsy theft sprees? That problem was long before the all areas you posted. In fact Brownwood may not have been a thriving square yet.

So the more or less people equals crime started long before the south was a glint in residents mind.

[Aces4]

literally yes
figuratively no
figuratively -> with a meaning that is metaphorical rather than literal

Some people read more literally than others. My wife is much more literal than I am, so when I talk about certain topics, the concept of metaphorically is not her first thought.

However, it's harder to read figuratively if your primary tendency is to read most everything as literal.

I read hugs as figuratively, and metaphorical, not insulting. .
and since the post was not directly directly at anyone, nor did it mention anyone in particular, i agree with leroy that there was nothing insulting as it was metaphorical and not directed at anyone in particular

I literally enjoyed your extensive elaboration of the definition for figuratively and literally. I relished the entire composition and thank you for the enlightened moment.

[New Englander]

I also keep my car remote on the bedside table to use the car alarm if need be.

Not a bad idea.

[roguesearcher]

This is a tough situation. I hate to see anyone die unnecessarily but when a crook breaks into an occupied house/car they just let me know they value their life less than what they are after. If this happens to me I hope I have the wherewithal and time to assess the situation to gage whether they are violent before I start shooting. It could be a fairly innocent act, someone lost or out of their mind.
People have been killed for less.

[Byte1]

If you are going to have a weapon in your home you Better get some Training and know what the Laws are! You don’t want to go to prison for manslaughter….

Like the saying goes "better to be tried by 12 than buried by 6. I agree that anyone that owns a gun should practice, but I don't know anyone that owns a gun that doesn't. As for those that want to hug the thief/burglar, if you live next to me, I will put a sign on my door saying "owner has gun and enjoys practice. The guy next door is anti-gun."
I once responded to a call of a burglary in progress that was a fast 15 min drive with lights and siren. Then the dispatcher called and said that the neighbors caught the guy and were beating the ***** out of him. I slowed down to a safe speed so that I wouldn't accidentally kill someone in my hurry. Obviously, the situation was under control.:clap2:

[Blueblaze]

Our alarm chimes whenever the garage (or any exterior) door opens, whether the alarm is on or not, and I sleep with a shotgun under the bed. Mr. Willbanks is very lucky he didn't pick my house.

[Stu from NYC]

Like the saying goes "better to be tried by 12 than buried by 6. I agree that anyone that owns a gun should practice, but I don't know anyone that owns a gun that doesn't. As for those that want to hug the thief/burglar, if you live next to me, I will put a sign on my door saying "owner has gun and enjoys practice. The guy next door is anti-gun."
I once responded to a call of a burglary in progress that was a fast 15 min drive with lights and siren. Then the dispatcher called and said that the neighbors caught the guy and were beating the ***** out of him. I slowed down to a safe speed so that I wouldn't accidentally kill someone in my hurry. Obviously, the situation was under control.:clap2:

My kind of police officer

[JMintzer]

Just one. But ask about magazines!

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b7/2a/49/b72a495778b7db6477c32e63f483fbad.jpg

[JMintzer]

It’s interesting....the header on your post is “Your crazy”?!

Feel free to read...or reread my posts on this topic. Everything I stated is in line with FL law. I gave my opinion on how I operate...nowhere will you find a post where I tell anyone to do anything other than meet that threshold. Know the law and be updated and proficient in use of a firearm. Period

The funny part of this whole thread is many of these posters are the same ones that complain about their ‘neighbors’ driving practices on MMP and roundabouts....which are wide open spaces, yet advocate and trust their abilities to use deadly force in a much more stressful and intimately closed spaces with a ‘shoot first ask questions later’ marching orders. Somehow I missed that line item in the legislation. Comical. Note to Developer, please reinstate the Octogenarian Comedy Open Mic Night at any of your squares! This stuff is gold!

I seem to remember someone posting about once you start tossing out insults, you're lost the argument...

[Shipping up to Boston]

I seem to remember someone posting about once you start tossing out insults, you're lost the argument...

I know I wasn’t the author of that statement....I believe that belongs to post #54.

That said, if by ‘insult’ you mean following FL law and more importantly, being proficient in firearm training and usage?......To quote the great philosopher Conor McGregor “I’d like to apologize....to absolutely no one”!!

[BobnBev]

You know the old saying---You don't need a gun, till you need a gun. Then it's too late.:crap2::bowdown:

[La lamy]

I've been robbed at night while in my home before. I started running after the young idiots to try to get them to take the money and leave the cards, but I didn't get through to them. I certainly would NEVER think it would warrant killing them.

[ThirdOfFive]

Like the saying goes "better to be tried by 12 than buried by 6. I agree that anyone that owns a gun should practice, but I don't know anyone that owns a gun that doesn't. As for those that want to hug the thief/burglar, if you live next to me, I will put a sign on my door saying "owner has gun and enjoys practice. The guy next door is anti-gun."
I once responded to a call of a burglary in progress that was a fast 15 min drive with lights and siren. Then the dispatcher called and said that the neighbors caught the guy and were beating the ***** out of him. I slowed down to a safe speed so that I wouldn't accidentally kill someone in my hurry. Obviously, the situation was under control.:clap2:
Great post!

It does (in an indirect way) point out a very definite problem regarding crime in The Villages and its increase--and let's not kid ourselves, it WILL increase. Villagers are by and large very law-abiding folks, but those apartment buildings we see springing up like mushrooms are not built to house Villagers but to house the people who work in and for The Villages: younger folks, from a variety of life backgrounds, and many with children of their own. Such a demographic will, by its very nature, have more crime than a bunch of a group of 150,000 older folks and retirees.

We're very lucky here in TV with the level and quality of law enforcement that we have: things that get routinely reported here as crimes, and followed up on by law enforcement, would probably be met with a loud guffaw if reported as crimes in the areas that many of us hail from. We see story after story after story in The Online Paper That Shall Not Be Named, of law enforcement chasing down and apprehending thieves who have taken what in many (most?) other states would be considered paltry sums; shoplifters who have taken maybe $100 worth of merchandise for example. Many stories of people being stopped for minor traffic infractions such as stopping at a stop sign with the front of their car over the thick white line, vehicle windows with too heavy a tint, improper turns, things like that, which are often followed by a K-9 being called which "alerts" to the possibility of drugs, which are then found in the vehicle. The cops obviously know who the troublemakers are and do an excellent job of keeping the pressure on them. But all too often such police work is negated by a criminal justice system that slaps the miscreants on the wrist (if even that) and sends them on their way. The rap sheets of some of these characters fill pages! In other words, such crime carries very little risk, and even if caught the penalty is really nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

The question is, will policing TV and surrounding areas continue to be adequate in dealing with an influx of crime that is sure to come? I hope so. But if not, will things escalate to a point where law-abiding folks will take matters into their own hands and "beat the ****"" out of miscreants who have obviously not had it beaten out of them during previous times and misadventures?

Let's hope not.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Great post!

It does (in an indirect way) point out a very definite problem regarding crime in The Villages and its increase--and let's not kid ourselves, it WILL increase. Villagers are by and large very law-abiding folks, but those apartment buildings we see springing up like mushrooms are not built to house Villagers but to house the people who work in and for The Villages: younger folks, from a variety of life backgrounds, and many with children of their own. Such a demographic will, by its very nature, have more crime than a bunch of a group of 150,000 older folks and retirees.

We're very lucky here in TV with the level and quality of law enforcement that we have: things that get routinely reported here as crimes, and followed up on by law enforcement, would probably be met with a loud guffaw if reported as crimes in the areas that many of us hail from. We see story after story after story in The Online Paper That Shall Not Be Named, of law enforcement chasing down and apprehending thieves who have taken what in many (most?) other states would be considered paltry sums; shoplifters who have taken maybe $100 worth of merchandise for example. Many stories of people being stopped for minor traffic infractions such as stopping at a stop sign with the front of their car over the thick white line, vehicle windows with too heavy a tint, improper turns, things like that, which are often followed by a K-9 being called which "alerts" to the possibility of drugs, which are then found in the vehicle. The cops obviously know who the troublemakers are and do an excellent job of keeping the pressure on them. But all too often such police work is negated by a criminal justice system that slaps the miscreants on the wrist (if even that) and sends them on their way. The rap sheets of some of these characters fill pages! In other words, such crime carries very little risk, and even if caught the penalty is really nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

The question is, will policing TV and surrounding areas continue to be adequate in dealing with an influx of crime that is sure to come? I hope so. But if not, will things escalate to a point where law-abiding folks will take matters into their own hands and "beat the ****"" out of miscreants who have obviously not had it beaten out of them during previous times and misadventures?

Let's hope not.

Wow! So we finally have a breach in friendly town....the welcome mat for Middleton already being soiled!

Middleton, which is what is being referenced, is being developed to recruit and retain families who’s parents are in the unenviable position of servicing the larger (and IN SOME CASES insufferable) Villager population. And an affordable option to put a roof over their families heads in accomplishing that goal. I love the developers vision and acumen...realizing the need to sustain his investment by welcoming a whole new demo to his portfolio. The only thing I agree with in this post is that crime is inevitable.
Maybe management will give prospective Middleton residents the same litmus test that they gave to the other 55+ fear monger population upon arrival! SMH

[Cliff Fr]

Amen.. Great idea. Not sure why some people seem entitled/obligated to execute an intruder for stealing their $500 TV.

I get the heightened sense of violation...I have had my car and my apartment broke into. The thief has certainly have earned the right to be prosecuted...but to kill somebody for stealing a TV,? an iPhone?.

Alarms are a great way to go. Most burglars run when the dog barks or the alarm goes off. Unless you have drugs, jewelry, guns or a WHOLE lot of money in the house (see drugs above) most thieves are satisfied stealing your AMAZON packages.

I despise/hate thieves--but the punishment for Petit Theft is NOT the death penalty.

How can you know what the robber is up to? The actor recently shot dead by a thief stealing the catalytic converter on his vehicle comes to mind

[Number 10 GI]

If you do some internet research, you will find that if that a criminal breaks into a home that he knows or suspects is occupied, is more likely to severely injure or kill the home owner. They actually hope someone is there, they want to hurt you. Don't judge criminals by your morals and conscience, they don't have any morals or a conscience.

[Bogie Shooter]

Wow! So we finally have a breach in friendly town....the welcome mat for Middleton already being soiled!

Middleton, which is what is being referenced, is being developed to recruit and retain families who’s parents are in the unenviable position of servicing the larger (and IN SOME CASES insufferable) Villager population. And an affordable option to put a roof over their families heads in accomplishing that goal. I love the developers vision and acumen...realizing the need to sustain his investment by welcoming a whole new demo to his portfolio. The only thing I agree with in this post is that crime is inevitable.
Maybe management will give prospective Middleton residents the same litmus test that they gave to the other 55+ fear monger population upon arrival! SMH

Are there apartment buildings in Middleton?

[Normal]

Are there apartment buildings in Middleton?

There wasn’t anything mentioned about apartments in any of the Villages flyers. The closest apartments are the ones going up on the 39 acres across from Dabney right? That area has to be a good 3 miles from there. There is another section on Marshbend Trail that is not a part of the Villages too?

[retiredguy123]

There wasn’t anything mentioned about apartments in any of the Villages flyers. The closest apartments are the ones going up on the 39 acres across from Dabney right? That area has to be a good 3 miles from there. There is another section on Marshbend Trail that is not a part of the Villages too?
There are apartments near Brownwood called "The Lofts". This facility is located within The Villages and the residents are actual Villagers.

[Normal]

There are apartments near Brownwood called "The Lofts". This facility is located within The Villages and the residents are actual Villagers.

Yes, and those apartments are quite nice and restrictive for the upper income individuals, but I was focusing on the local close to Middleton.

[JMintzer]

I know I wasn’t the author of that statement....I believe that belongs to post #54.

That said, if by ‘insult’ you mean following FL law and more importantly, being proficient in firearm training and usage?......To quote the great philosopher Conor McGregor “I’d like to apologize....to absolutely no one”!!

That is why I said "someone" and not "you"...

[JMintzer]

I've been robbed at night while in my home before. I started running after the young idiots to try to get them to take the money and leave the cards, but I didn't get through to them. I certainly would NEVER think it would warrant killing them.

In retrospect, I agree. However, at the time of the break-in, you hd no idea of their intentions...

[Bogie Shooter]

Great post!

It does (in an indirect way) point out a very definite problem regarding crime in The Villages and its increase--and let's not kid ourselves, it WILL increase. Villagers are by and large very law-abiding folks, but those apartment buildings we see springing up like mushrooms are not built to house Villagers but to house the people who work in and for The Villages: younger folks, from a variety of life backgrounds, and many with children of their own..


Wow! So we finally have a breach in friendly town....the welcome mat for Middleton already being soiled!



Are there apartment buildings in Middleton?

There wasn’t anything mentioned about apartments in any of the Villages flyers. The closest apartments are the ones going up on the 39 acres across from Dabney right? That area has to be a good 3 miles from there. There is another section on Marshbend Trail that is not a part of the Villages too?

To clarify.
Thirdoffive talked about apartments springing up all over…..no mention of Middleton.

Shipping up to Boston said Middleton & Middleton people had been “soiled” by that post.

I wanted to know where the apartments were in Middleton, that could have been included as a part of”springing up all over”.


Normal your questions directed to me…..answer yes.

[JMintzer]

Wow! So we finally have a breach in friendly town....the welcome mat for Middleton already being soiled!

Middleton, which is what is being referenced, is being developed to recruit and retain families who’s parents are in the unenviable position of servicing the larger (and IN SOME CASES insufferable) Villager population. And an affordable option to put a roof over their families heads in accomplishing that goal. I love the developers vision and acumen...realizing the need to sustain his investment by welcoming a whole new demo to his portfolio. The only thing I agree with in this post is that crime is inevitable.
Maybe management will give prospective Middleton residents the same litmus test that they gave to the other 55+ fear monger population upon arrival! SMH

Last I checked, "MIddleton" wasn't a bunch of apartments... So no, that is not what was being referenced...

But thanks for the lecture (even thought it had nothing to do with what the poster to whom you responded was talking about)...

[Shipping up to Boston]

Are there apartment buildings in Middleton?

I was hoping for this response.

The poster talked about ‘apartments’ for those that will be servicing Villages residents and their future ‘propensity’ for area crime. My post is more to highlight the hypocrisy of the statement. Middleton (Morse developed) is serving the same purpose as any other structure (family/workforce focused) in the completed or planned stages near it..... to service the majority in the area....Villagers. To say that those future residents (because of their demo)... on the periphery or those that are within the Middleton boundaries....are going to spike the crime in the area is ridiculous. You can’t continue to complain incessantly about ‘not enough workers’ or ‘poor customer service’ or continued mediocre dining options.....when at least more than one developer realizes the challenges and are addressing it....collectively.

Btw....the Morse group has advertised Middleton in some publications as an opportunity for Villagers to be closer to their children/grandchildren. Let’s hope ‘yours’ are given the same welcoming as the ones that will be working/living alongside each other.

[Bogie Shooter]

I was hoping for this response.

The poster talked about ‘apartments’ for those that will be servicing Villages residents and their future ‘propensity’ for area crime. My post is more to highlight the hypocrisy of the statement. Middleton (Morse developed) is serving the same purpose as any other structure (family/workforce focused) in the completed or planned stages near it..... to service the majority in the area....Villagers. To say that those future residents (because of their demo)... on the periphery or those that are within the Middleton boundaries....are going to spike the crime in the area is ridiculous. You can’t continue to complain incessantly about ‘not enough workers’ or ‘poor customer service’ or continued mediocre dining options.....when at least more than one developer realizes the challenges and are addressing it....collectively.

Btw....the Morse group has advertised Middleton in some publications as an opportunity for Villagers to be closer to their children/grandchildren. Let’s hope ‘yours’ are given the same welcoming as the ones that will be working/living alongside each other.

I give up on this one…………….

[Jensor17]

Never open your door to a stranger. IN OLDEN DAYS BEFORE WE HAD CELL PHONES a would-be assailant, robber or rapist tried twice in 2 weeks to enter my Front Door in Maryland. The first time he acted like a "drunk guy" trying my front door Forcefully, acting like LET ME IN. I LIVE HERE. I yelled "No you don't" I did not open my wooden door. THEN HE ASKED ME TO LET HIM IN to Phone someone to drive him home. I said "I'm calling the police and they'll take you home" . That remark got him Off my porch walking like he was tipsy.
Couple weeks later, a well-dressed guy knocked loudly on my door & Said his car broke-down and he needs come in to call a tow truck. I said tell me which tow company and "I'LL CALL IT." he insisted "Let me in." I said"No i'll call a # for you but you're not coming in my house."
I called police and Officer Lou arrived and queried a couple Parked nearby what THEY SAW: they saw a man walking around the perimeter of my fenced yard "WHISTLING TO A DOG" Our fenced yard had signs posted "POLICE K9 ON PREMISES --KEEP OUT" Officer Lou asked that couple to identify the man at my door. Witnesses Who saw that guy walk around my fenced yard gave Officer Lou the suspect's license plate number. Officer Lou tracked down that license plate & drove to his address, and pretended he needed this guy "as a witness to help solve local break-ins! " Off. LOU SAID HE'D SUMMONS HIM TO COURT TO TESTIFY & ID THE BURGLAR
The couple necking told police "the guy at her front door is the SAME GUY who walked around that fenced yard--whistling for their dog."
PERP NEVER BOTHERED US AGAIN !

[Retiring]

The sound of racking a shotgun usually sends them running.

[JMintzer]

The sound of racking a shotgun usually sends them running.

That's a myth...

Plus, you've just announced your location to the intruder...

[Bwanajim]

The funeral director will be able to pick him up at my house

[Byte1]

Were you here for the multiple years of gypsy theft sprees? That problem was long before the all areas you posted. In fact Brownwood may not have been a thriving square yet.

So the more or less people equals crime started long before the south was a glint in residents mind.

Did you mean that "literally" or "figuratively?" :1rotfl::a040::1rotfl:

[Byte1]

Saying that people who don’t want to kill an intruder want to hug the invader is not only insulting, but complete BS.

Perhaps that is a correct assumption. However, it was not too long ago where several major cities in the U.S. defunded the police, in order to pursue that amazingly ludicrous idea of hiring more social service agents to go on police calls. After all, if we handle the perpetrators softly, with kid gloves (kid as in baby goat?) certainly they will correct their deviant lifestyle and become good citizens. I don't know what goes through a deviant's mind when they break the law, but I do know what might go though my mind if woken in the dark hours of the night. I will be thinking only that someone is breaking in to do me or my familiarly harm. As far as I am concerned, anyone FORCING their entry into my home, is doing so with the expectation that someone inside may have a gun or bat or some other weapon to protect themselves. Saying "Oh, my mistake. I thought it was my home" won't cut it. It will be too late, anyway.
What some folks wish to do is none of my concern. I stated my thoughts on the situation, and I really do not care if other folks do not wish to protect themselves or their family. I do not feel sorry for anyone that includes me in their nefarious actions. Another thought regarding the legal aspects of the action. I may have to go to court for my actions, but at least I will be alive and able to testify. I doubt if I will be sorry for protecting the life of my family over the life of some deviant that I do not know. I know that I would be pretty upset if I could have saved a family member and didn't, because I was worried about taking the life of a lawbreaking deviant that I did not even know. Just my thoughts.

[eyc234]

We always smirk at the bluster that comes from people when these types of situations are reported. I would do this, I would do that and this is what would happen. Most people are not prepared or capable of making decisions quickly, decisively or controlled in situations such as this. Having been in this type of situation twice at prior residences it is not as easy as people think. Until you are in the situation you have no clue what you will or can do in the moment. Unless you have extensive training you are as likely to harm youself or someone else in the home. Also most people have never seen, heard or contended with a dieing or dead human being. Unless you train on a regular basis in multiple types of scenarios and conditions using a weapon, you probably will be less than proficient with the weapon. There are all kinds of decisions that must be made in split seconds and they have to be correct, one misstep and you or a loved one could be dead or injured. The last part of this is counting on the law to be your out when you kill someone. All you have to do is look at the recent trial of the woman in Ocala that is going to prison for killing another woman. Most people would be better served to try to avoid these types of confrontations and situations and use force as a last resort. There are trained individuals that are much better prepared and equipped to handle these situations.

[JMintzer]

We always smirk at the bluster that comes from people when these types of situations are reported. I would do this, I would do that and this is what would happen. Most people are not prepared or capable of making decisions quickly, decisively or controlled in situations such as this. Having been in this type of situation twice at prior residences it is not as easy as people think. Until you are in the situation you have no clue what you will or can do in the moment. Unless you have extensive training you are as likely to harm youself or someone else in the home. Also most people have never seen, heard or contended with a dieing or dead human being. Unless you train on a regular basis in multiple types of scenarios and conditions using a weapon, you probably will be less than proficient with the weapon. There are all kinds of decisions that must be made in split seconds and they have to be correct, one misstep and you or a loved one could be dead or injured. The last part of this is counting on the law to be your out when you kill someone. All you have to do is look at the recent trial of the woman in Ocala that is going to prison for killing another woman. Most people would be better served to try to avoid these types of confrontations and situations and use force as a last resort. There are trained individuals that are much better prepared and equipped to handle these situations.

Do those "trained individuals" live with you?

If not, they're useless in a break in situation...

[ThirdOfFive]

Do those "trained individuals" live with you?

If not, they're useless in a break in situation...
Yep.

"When seconds count, the police are only minutes away".

[Normal]

Yep.

"When seconds count, the police are only minutes away".

Did my military time and hunted most of my adult life. I think I wouldn’t have too much of a problem giving a perpetrator a few extra body piercings free of charge!

[kcrazorbackfan]

With the judicial “catch and release” system that’s so prevalent nowadays, he’ll soon be out again and someday will break into the wrong house and then will be carried out in a body bag. Just a matter of time.

[kcrazorbackfan]

The sound of racking a shotgun usually sends them running.

I really wouldn’t give them that warning; they’re in OUR HOME and I do not know what their intentions are.

[Byte1]

We always smirk at the bluster that comes from people when these types of situations are reported. I would do this, I would do that and this is what would happen. Most people are not prepared or capable of making decisions quickly, decisively or controlled in situations such as this. Having been in this type of situation twice at prior residences it is not as easy as people think. Until you are in the situation you have no clue what you will or can do in the moment. Unless you have extensive training you are as likely to harm youself or someone else in the home. Also most people have never seen, heard or contended with a dieing or dead human being. Unless you train on a regular basis in multiple types of scenarios and conditions using a weapon, you probably will be less than proficient with the weapon. There are all kinds of decisions that must be made in split seconds and they have to be correct, one misstep and you or a loved one could be dead or injured. The last part of this is counting on the law to be your out when you kill someone. All you have to do is look at the recent trial of the woman in Ocala that is going to prison for killing another woman. Most people would be better served to try to avoid these types of confrontations and situations and use force as a last resort. There are trained individuals that are much better prepared and equipped to handle these situations.

You have one part correct. Be prepared. And many of us have been in life and death situations, therefore we have an inkling of how to respond. It's not "bluster" to discuss what one might do in an emergency situation. It's part of being prepared. I doubt anyone here leaves their doors unlocked and open at night, just wishing someone would break in. Yes, I have smoke detectors. I also have a fire extinguisher in case of fire, because I know it takes time for fire fighters to respond. Same with the police; it takes time. And time can make a difference between your life and death. I prefer that time work on my side. If one is scared of guns, then I agree that they should not own one. If one is more scared of harming a stranger than protecting their family, then.........they can live with the results of a lost loved one when things don't work out for them the way they imagined. Some folks stock up on water and batteries when there is a threat of hurricane. They hope that there won't be cause to use their emergency supplies, but prepare just in case. I'm not sure a loved one will be proud of their spouse that does nothing while they are being assaulted and raped. Life isn't fair. We just have to even the odds of survival against the unknown. If that means bars on your window and an alarm system, then that's what we do. I don't believe that everyone should own a gun. I just don't want someone telling me that they don't think that I should have one. Who knows, that person that protects his/her home by taking out a bad guy, may just be protecting your life or that of your spouse.

[Pugchief]

The sound of racking a shotgun usually sends them running.

That's a myth...

Plus, you've just announced your location to the intruder...

Myth? IDK. Even if the intruder has a handgun, they're going to lose a fight with a shotgun 99% of the time. Now yes, they probably aren't too smart if they're breaking into a house, but I still like my odds, even if they now know my location.

[cjrjck]

Make sure you’re proficient and that the situation warrants the use. And the ones that think they’ll be ok regardless....in a criminal/civil action....your posts will no doubt become part of discovery which for some here, could be problematic in a scenario as to judgement. Sometimes you just say something stupid without posting it. Save the Charles Bronson bravado for gaming

Typical. Why do you care what another person does in his own home if it is legal? Also, while being efficient with anything that can cause harm is good practice, there is no legal requirement that a homeowner demonstrate efficiency with a firearm when defending his home. In fact, to take it a step further, the new Constitutional (Permitless) Carry of Concealed Weapons in Florida doesn't even require proof of efficiency when carrying concealed outside the home.

[Bogie Shooter]

Typical. Why do you care what another person does in his own home if it is legal? Also, while being efficient with anything that can cause harm is good practice, there is no legal requirement that a homeowner demonstrate efficiency with a firearm when defending his home. In fact, to take it a step further, the new Constitutional (Permitless) Carry of Concealed Weapons in Florida doesn't even require proof of efficiency when carrying concealed outside the home.

Even that is damn scary.
.

[Pugchief]

Even that is damn scary.
.

And yet, how many incidents of legal gun owners shooting someone by mistake have occurred since the law was passed?

[ThirdOfFive]

Even that is damn scary.
.
I can understand the logic behind it though. If it is a constitutionally-guaranteed right and no other issue prevents the carrier from carrying (such as underage, felon, etc.) then no test can be required to prove competency. There can be no competency test (again, assuming no other issues exist barring it) to exercise the right to vote for example.

But...yeah. Scary, nevertheless. There is a whole lot more to carrying responsibility than being able to point and hit what you're aiming at. Knowledge of applicable laws, for example, is tremendously important: where you're carrying, what transpired to cause the use of deadly force, etc., can all cause very unpleasant surprises if you DON'T understand the laws regarding carrying and responsible use of a firearm. I've been around firearms all my life and have had carry permits for twenty-plus years, but I would never carry unless I had the state permit class. It is just to risky.

[Aces4]

I really wouldn’t give them that warning; they’re in OUR HOME and I do not know what their intentions are.


Yeah, there was a story very recently, not in TV, of a police chase for a stolen vehicle with two guys in it. The chase was very dangerous with the stolen vehicle at one point driving down the wrong side of a boulevard at a high rate of speed in a large city. The suspects were being chased since they were suspected of breaking into many cars that day.

The chased vehicle finally crash and the suspects attempted to run but were caught. Laying on the front seat of the stolen vehicle was a loaded handgun. The suspects were 13 and 15 years old. I wonder what would have happened if someone would have approached them while they were smashing out car windows with a gun on one of them.

Cry me a river for the perps... I don't think so. chilout That's scarier than anything.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Typical. Why do you care what another person does in his own home if it is legal? Also, while being efficient with anything that can cause harm is good practice, there is no legal requirement that a homeowner demonstrate efficiency with a firearm when defending his home. In fact, to take it a step further, the new Constitutional (Permitless) Carry of Concealed Weapons in Florida doesn't even require proof of efficiency when carrying concealed outside the home.

I really don't care what you do in your home....if its legal. My 'proficiency' comment was just friendly advice. We have threads on here...where Villagers complain how close their lanais are...how they can hear others conversations etc. Parts of TV are extremely dense. I can see how you would take offense to me wanting someone to act within the framework....to avoid a chaotic situation where 'strays' could enter another dwelling of an unsuspecting neighbor. If you want to light up the night...be my guest. Ive had my LTC my whole adult life, been trained professionally and used in service occupationally. I wouldnt want to work with anyone that wasn't proficient...so why would I want to trust my personal well being in my private setting to an octogenarian neighbor who picked theirs up with their lottery tickets and Pall Malls....zero training. God forbid you ever find yourself in the situations that have been described here....and if you do, that you hit the intended target and not innocent bystanders (ie; another family member in the home or a neighbor). The law definitely protects you criminally....but not from civil suits resulting from negligence
... examples I've stated already. Only on ToTV could someone be offended by someone wanting proficient and responsible usage of a firearm!

[JMintzer]

Myth? IDK. Even if the intruder has a handgun, they're going to lose a fight with a shotgun 99% of the time. Now yes, they probably aren't too smart if they're breaking into a house, but I still like my odds, even if they now know my location.

Ask any defensive shooting instructor. They'll tell you the same thing...

And whomever sees the other person first will win in that gun fight...

That is why you don't want to reveal your position, whenever possible...

[JMintzer]

Even that is damn scary.
.

Hell, some police department have minimal recertification requirements,,,

[JMintzer]

I can understand the logic behind it though. If it is a constitutionally-guaranteed right and no other issue prevents the carrier from carrying (such as underage, felon, etc.) then no test can be required to prove competency. There can be no competency test (again, assuming no other issues exist barring it) to exercise the right to vote for example.

But...yeah. Scary, nevertheless. There is a whole lot more to carrying responsibility than being able to point and hit what you're aiming at. Knowledge of applicable laws, for example, is tremendously important: where you're carrying, what transpired to cause the use of deadly force, etc., can all cause very unpleasant surprises if you DON'T understand the laws regarding carrying and responsible use of a firearm. I've been around firearms all my life and have had carry permits for twenty-plus years, but I would never carry unless I had the state permit class. It is just to risky.

What about states that don't have a "state permit class"?

Many states hve gone to "Constitutional Carry" and no longer offer a class...

That said, I do believe anyone who carries should take the NRA Concealed Carry Class. But there are better classes out there for self defense training...

[eyc234]

Great post!

It does (in an indirect way) point out a very definite problem regarding crime in The Villages and its increase--and let's not kid ourselves, it WILL increase. Villagers are by and large very law-abiding folks, but those apartment buildings we see springing up like mushrooms are not built to house Villagers but to house the people who work in and for The Villages: younger folks, from a variety of life backgrounds, and many with children of their own. Such a demographic will, by its very nature, have more crime than a bunch of a group of 150,000 older folks and retirees.

We're very lucky here in TV with the level and quality of law enforcement that we have: things that get routinely reported here as crimes, and followed up on by law enforcement, would probably be met with a loud guffaw if reported as crimes in the areas that many of us hail from. We see story after story after story in The Online Paper That Shall Not Be Named, of law enforcement chasing down and apprehending thieves who have taken what in many (most?) other states would be considered paltry sums; shoplifters who have taken maybe $100 worth of merchandise for example. Many stories of people being stopped for minor traffic infractions such as stopping at a stop sign with the front of their car over the thick white line, vehicle windows with too heavy a tint, improper turns, things like that, which are often followed by a K-9 being called which "alerts" to the possibility of drugs, which are then found in the vehicle. The cops obviously know who the troublemakers are and do an excellent job of keeping the pressure on them. But all too often such police work is negated by a criminal justice system that slaps the miscreants on the wrist (if even that) and sends them on their way. The rap sheets of some of these characters fill pages! In other words, such crime carries very little risk, and even if caught the penalty is really nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

The question is, will policing TV and surrounding areas continue to be adequate in dealing with an influx of crime that is sure to come? I hope so. But if not, will things escalate to a point where law-abiding folks will take matters into their own hands and "beat the ****"" out of miscreants who have obviously not had it beaten out of them during previous times and misadventures?

Let's hope not.

Wow then I must be a criminal since I lived in apartments a lot throughout my life, along with many of my life long friends. It is no wonder older people get a bad name you loose all realities of life. No different than listening to that Devil Music Steppenwolf effected my life, living in an apartment and section eight housing did not make my wife nor I bad, criminal or anything else other than open our eyes about people.

[mraines]

This is a tough situation. I hate to see anyone die unnecessarily but when a crook breaks into an occupied house/car they just let me know they value their life less than what they are after. If this happens to me I hope I have the wherewithal and time to assess the situation to gage whether they are violent before I start shooting. It could be a fairly innocent act, someone lost or out of their mind.

Nice to know there are some sane people around here willing to try to assess the situation. Too many around here are trigger happy. I had a sheriff tell me that you could not shoot unless you felt your life was in danger. Breaking into your car is not a threat to your life.

[LeRoySmith]

What about states that don't have a "state permit class"?

Many states hve gone to "Constitutional Carry" and no longer offer a class...

That said, I do believe anyone who carries should take the NRA Concealed Carry Class. But there are better classes out there for self defense training...

I wish there were some sort of enticement that would convince people to get training and practice. Here and Tennessee, where our other home is, have recently adopted 'constitutional carry' and its pretty concerning.

Some folks just aren't ready to own/carry and that's a risk to us all. A few months after my dad passed away my mom called in a panic, she had just found his revolver and shot her bread making machine trying to unload it. There's still a divot in the kitchen counter where the bullet hit before ricocheting into the bread maker. I'm afraid the bread maker did not survive.

[LeRoySmith]

Breaking into your car is not a threat to your life.

thank you

unless you're in the car, then it could go very wrong

[dougjb]

Most guns that are in a house wind up being used on the homeowner!

Why is this?

If its a confrontation with an intruder, a fumbling homeowner might miss or otherwise poorly handle the gun. In that case, the gun is simply taken by the intruder (who may not have otherwise had a weapon) and perhaps used on the homeowner.

But, statistically, guns in a household are used on a homeowner or the spouse either in a domestic argument situation or for suicide. The numbers are startling. Very few homeowners with guys ever use them on an intruder. A huge percentage is used on the homeowner or spouse...many times in a drunken rage or despondency.

Moreover, many homeowners with guns find that their guns are used by their children or grandchildren who find them and play with them. The number one cause of death for an infant is not fever, contagion, SIDS or any other health reason. The number one killer of infants is death by the discharge of a gun.

I have a neighbor who is very conversant with the use of guns. He practices, he knows about guns, he practices good guy safety (meaning his bullets are not in the same location as his gun). But, he readliy admits, in the case of an intruder, he would have to take some time to arm the weapon for use (discharge or threat) to the intruder.

Please use some good sense before you arm your household...for the benefit or your spouse, your neighbor, your children or grandchildren. The loss of some property is simply not worth the risk.

For those of you who think the law is on your side. Perhaps....but do you really want to get caught up in the system...which may or may not find you guilty of a crime and if not a crime perhaps liable for damages. Its fine to cite the statute. But, how much is it going to cost you to prove you were right?

[LeRoySmith]

Wow then I must be a criminal since I lived in apartments a lot throughout my life, along with many of my life long friends. It is no wonder older people get a bad name you loose all realities of life. No different than listening to that Devil Music Steppenwolf effected my life, living in an apartment and section eight housing did not make my wife nor I bad, criminal or anything else other than open our eyes about people.

I think the point was that statically people in lower income situations are more likely to participate in blue collar crime (theft, drugs, home invasion etc.), obviously there are crooks of every income and status.

Your experience of having lived in apartments and section 8 housing would be great input to this group rather than us relying on statistics. Would you say, on average, people in those low income houses are more, less or about the same to participate in crime than those in more affluent housing?

[MrFlorida]

This seems has turned into a debate about firearms. When someone breaks into your home in the middle of the night, they are not there to have a beer or socialize with you.... It takes a lot of moxy to enter a home with the owners inside....

[Shipping up to Boston]

I wish there were some sort of enticement that would convince people to get training and practice. Here and Tennessee, where our other home is, have recently adopted 'constitutional carry' and its pretty concerning.

Some folks just aren't ready to own/carry and that's a risk to us all. A few months after my dad passed away my mom called in a panic, she had just found his revolver and shot her bread making machine trying to unload it. There's still a divot in the kitchen counter where the bullet hit before ricocheting into the bread maker. I'm afraid the bread maker did not survive.

Thank you for indirectly supporting my premise in my post #117.

TV is an active retirement community. Translation; a lot of people with a lot of time on their hands. Do your family...and your neighbors a solid and take a class, go to the range. There is no excuse.

Btw..Sorry for your (bread maker) loss Leroy!:1rotfl:

[LeRoySmith]

Moreover, many homeowners with guns find that their guns are used by their children or grandchildren who find them and play with them. The number one cause of death for an infant is not fever, contagion, SIDS or any other health reason. The number one killer of infants is death by the discharge of a gun.


I'm curious where you got this piece of information. I've been searching and reading since your post and I can't find any evidence to confirm it. I do see where unintentional injuries is the top cause of death in infants and children, as you dig into what that means I don't see firearms mentioned anywhere. The info isn't very recent but the CDC and NIH say pretty much the same thing.

Unintentional Injuries
Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 9. In 1999, they accounted for 36 percent of deaths in the 1 to 4 age group and 42 percent of deaths in the 5 to 9 age group.

Among children aged 1 to 4, motor vehicle occupant injury is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, followed by drowning, fire and burns, airway obstruction injuries (choking and suffocation), and motor vehicle pedestrian injuries. Among children aged 5 to 9, motor vehicle occupant injury is again the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, followed by drowning, fire and burns, airway obstruction injuries, and other transportation fatalities (NCHS, 2001b). Failure to wear seat belts is an important factor in motor vehicle deaths. Nearly 6 out of 10 children under the age of 15 killed in a motor vehicle crash in 2000 were not restrained by a seat belt or child safety seat (NHTSA, 2000).

[ThirdOfFive]

What about states that don't have a "state permit class"?

Many states hve gone to "Constitutional Carry" and no longer offer a class...

That said, I do believe anyone who carries should take the NRA Concealed Carry Class. But there are better classes out there for self defense training...
Florida does. I live here.

Carrying firearms in public has already been deemed a state rights issue, so I have no control or interest in how other states manage firearms carry and regulation. I have no plans for living in any other state at this time. However, if and when I do, I will make it a point to learn their laws before I'd carry in public.

The point about the the NRA is a good one. Many people have been so conditioned by media that just the word "NRA" strikes fear. In actuality the NRA does offer a lot of educational opportunities and has for decades. We had firearms training in high school (optional class--just about everybody took it). Additionally the NRA offers the "Eddie Eagle" program, which is the only program I can think of that actually trains young children (preschool and elementary) just what do do if they find a gun. Far better that, than fear of the educator.

[Two Bills]

Posters etc. keep referring to the wee hours.
My wee hours are about 1am, 3am, and 5-6am.
Being more specific would help.
Thank you.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Posters etc. keep referring to the wee hours.
My wee hours are about 1am, 3am, and 5-6am.
Being more specific would help.
Thank you.

My wee wee hour is 3am. :1rotfl:

[ThirdOfFive]

Posters etc. keep referring to the wee hours.
My wee hours are about 1am, 3am, and 5-6am.
Being more specific would help.
Thank you.
Lol. And more frequently than that as we age, if my own experience is any indication.

[LeRoySmith]

Posters etc. keep referring to the wee hours.
My wee hours are about 1am, 3am, and 5-6am.
Being more specific would help.
Thank you.

yep, at least every other hour from midnight on

[LeRoySmith]

We had firearms training in high school (optional class--just about everybody took it).

Can you imagine if someone even suggested this today, heads would spin till they fell off. :faint:

[ThirdOfFive]

Can you imagine if someone even suggested this today, heads would spin till they fell off. :faint:
Lol! that they would.

Interestingly enough though, one of the fastest-growing sports in high school is.....skeet shooting! As in kids with 12-gauge shotguns pulverizing clay targets on the fly. I think it is THE fastest H.S. sport in the state I used to call home (Minnesota). But it is not just Minnesota, but nationwide.

This, from sports events media group dot com:

As one of the fastest-growing sports among young people, disciplines such as skeet and trap shooting are finding a whole new generation of advocates.

Need an example? Take the 2023 Minnesota Trapshooting Championships in Alexandria, Minn., last summer, which hosted more than 8,500 teens representing 240 high school teams from across the state.

That’s a huge leap from the 30 participants who made up three Minnesota high school teams during the 2007-08 school year. Since then, the sport has seen a dramatic increase in the number of schools at the high school and college levels adding it as an extra-curricular activity.

Fast forward to 2021-22, there were 49,337 participants on 1,647 high school, college, and homeschool teams, says the USA High School Clay Target League. The league’s annual impact report shows an addition of 13,815 new student-athletes participating in league activities in 2023, along with 198 new teams added.

Next year, the USA Clay Target League anticipates 53,000 student-athletes on its rolls as part of its goal to reach 100,000 registered student-athletes by the end of 2025.

Lots of good things happen when people aren't fearful of guns.

[LeRoySmith]

Lol! that they would.

Interestingly enough though, one of the fastest-growing sports in high school is.....skeet shooting! As in kids with 12-gauge shotguns pulverizing clay targets on the fly. I think it is THE fastest H.S. sport in the state I used to call home (Minnesota). But it is not just Minnesota, but nationwide.

This, from sports events media group dot com:

As one of the fastest-growing sports among young people, disciplines such as skeet and trap shooting are finding a whole new generation of advocates.

Need an example? Take the 2023 Minnesota Trapshooting Championships in Alexandria, Minn., last summer, which hosted more than 8,500 teens representing 240 high school teams from across the state.

That’s a huge leap from the 30 participants who made up three Minnesota high school teams during the 2007-08 school year. Since then, the sport has seen a dramatic increase in the number of schools at the high school and college levels adding it as an extra-curricular activity.

Fast forward to 2021-22, there were 49,337 participants on 1,647 high school, college, and homeschool teams, says the USA High School Clay Target League. The league’s annual impact report shows an addition of 13,815 new student-athletes participating in league activities in 2023, along with 198 new teams added.

Next year, the USA Clay Target League anticipates 53,000 student-athletes on its rolls as part of its goal to reach 100,000 registered student-athletes by the end of 2025.

Lots of good things happen when people aren't fearful of guns.

That's great, I had no idea. I really enjoyed skeet and sporting clays some years ago.

[JMintzer]

Most guns that are in a house wind up being used on the homeowner!

Why is this?

If its a confrontation with an intruder, a fumbling homeowner might miss or otherwise poorly handle the gun. In that case, the gun is simply taken by the intruder (who may not have otherwise had a weapon) and perhaps used on the homeowner.

But, statistically, guns in a household are used on a homeowner or the spouse either in a domestic argument situation or for suicide. The numbers are startling. Very few homeowners with guys ever use them on an intruder. A huge percentage is used on the homeowner or spouse...many times in a drunken rage or despondency.

Moreover, many homeowners with guns find that their guns are used by their children or grandchildren who find them and play with them. The number one cause of death for an infant is not fever, contagion, SIDS or any other health reason. The number one killer of infants is death by the discharge of a gun.

I have a neighbor who is very conversant with the use of guns. He practices, he knows about guns, he practices good guy safety (meaning his bullets are not in the same location as his gun). But, he readliy admits, in the case of an intruder, he would have to take some time to arm the weapon for use (discharge or threat) to the intruder.

Please use some good sense before you arm your household...for the benefit or your spouse, your neighbor, your children or grandchildren. The loss of some property is simply not worth the risk.

For those of you who think the law is on your side. Perhaps....but do you really want to get caught up in the system...which may or may not find you guilty of a crime and if not a crime perhaps liable for damages. Its fine to cite the statute. But, how much is it going to cost you to prove you were right?

You make decent points, but also spout some nonsense...

A simple Google search:

"What is the number one baby killer?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)Mar 28, 2024"

Having "bullets" separate from your gun means you have a hammer, not a gun.

Firearms can be safely stored when loaded, especially when there are no children in the house (as in the case of the vast majority of homes in TV...

According to the FBI, guns are used (not necessarily fired) in self defense over 2 MILLION times/year...

[JMintzer]

Florida does. I live here.

Carrying firearms in public has already been deemed a state rights issue, so I have no control or interest in how other states manage firearms carry and regulation. I have no plans for living in any other state at this time. However, if and when I do, I will make it a point to learn their laws before I'd carry in public.

The point about the the NRA is a good one. Many people have been so conditioned by media that just the word "NRA" strikes fear. In actuality the NRA does offer a lot of educational opportunities and has for decades. We had firearms training in high school (optional class--just about everybody took it). Additionally the NRA offers the "Eddie Eagle" program, which is the only program I can think of that actually trains young children (preschool and elementary) just what do do if they find a gun. Far better that, than fear of the educator.

Good for you. But FL doe not deem it necessary in order to carry a weapon.

And of course you should leanr the locals laws wherever you live (or intend to carry)...

I'd love to see gun safety taught in schools. But it'll never happen in many states, due to their irrational fear of anything that goes "BANG"...

[ThirdOfFive]

Good for you. But FL doe not deem it necessary in order to carry a weapon.

And of course you should leanr the locals laws wherever you live (or intend to carry)...

I'd love to see gun safety taught in schools. But it'll never happen in many states, due to their irrational fear of anything that goes "BANG"...
Agree with gun safety in schools. We had it back in the day. Of course, that "day" was over 60 years ago now. We'd take our guns to school on the bus. Once at the school the guns were stored in the principal's office, but the ammo was just carried loose in our pockets--usually next to the trusty Barlow or Case pocket knife that no self-respecting lad in the Minnesota north woods was ever caught without. But the mindset was different. Guns (and knives for that matter) were seen as tools, and like any other tool it was best to learn how to use it properly. We didn't fear guns. But we did respect them, just as we respected any other dangerous tool. In all my years as an adolescent and young man up there I know of only two instances where people I knew were injured by guns; one idiot who was practicing a "quick draw" with a .22 magnum revolver and shot himself in the bladder, and another guy who was grazed by a bullet along the side of his head while hunting deer. Both lived. I knew plenty more that were hurt or killed by tools like chain saws, hydraulic loaders, farm and heavy logging equipment, even axes.

I often think that the fear of guns engendered by the hysteria in some parts of society is as responsible as anything else for many of the gun incidents we hear about.

[xcaligirl]

It doesn’t hurt to have an alarm system and defensive weapon available in your home in The Villages.

“A husband and wife in The Villages were terrified when they were awakened in the wee hours and the husband found an intruder in their home.

The couple had been asleep in their home in the Village of Pine Ridge at about 4 a.m. Monday when they were awakened by the sound of the garage door opening, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department. The husband got of a bed to investigate the situation.

He entered the laundry room and found 37-year-old Barry Ray Wilbanks of Wildwood…”

https://www.**************.com/2024/08/15/couple-in-the-villages-terrified-when-intruder-found-in-their-home/
Agree with you. We need to protect ourselves as much as we can!! We have some good police forces around the Villages.. however it may take them longer to get there (it will seem like forever) when there is an intruder in the house!