More people are coming to use our facilities that we pay for

[AMB444]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc.


But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.

[Arctic Fox]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc. But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.

Volunteer to go around the facilities, checking IDs

[Papa_lecki]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc.


But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.

Are you willing to pay more in amenity fees to pay people to drive around and check IDs?

[gbs317]

Are you willing to pay more in amenity fees to pay people to drive around and check IDs?
The real question would be, if we do pay more in amenity fees will it be used to hire people to check ID’s???

[Bill14564]

The real question would be, if we do pay more in amenity fees will it be used to hire people to check ID’s???

No, it will be used to cover the increasing cost of maintaining the facilities. If you want more people on payroll then you need to choose something else that won’t get done. If you want continuous monitoring at pools and pickleball courts then you will have to explain to residents why someone is being paid to sit at the pool all day.

[Bill14564]

I predict just the presence of this thread will solve the problem. I predict that fewer “others” will use the facilities now that this post is here. In about 60 days the pools will seem empty.

Unfortunately, the post will only work for about seven months and by December the “others” will be back using the facilities we pay for.

[golfing eagles]

are you willing to pay more in amenity fees to pay people to drive around and check ids?

yes

[asianthree]

I guess we are one of the few that has an employee on site everyday, at all the courts, pool, shuffle board and beach facilities open to close. As soon as you park they are right there asking for ID before you exit your cart or car. Many of us are everyday players, that employees wave as they drive in. Maybe it’s a south of 44 perk:a040:

[GpaVader]

While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....

[Bill14564]

While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....

The championship courses are not amenities, the rec centers are.

The programs at the rec centers are supposed to benefit us Villagers. If non-Villagers are allowed in then it displaces interested residents. If there are not enough interested residents then there is no need for the program.

[asianthree]

The championship courses are not amenities, the rec centers are.

The programs at the rec centers are supposed to benefit us Villagers. If non-Villagers are allowed in then it displaces interested residents. If there are not enough interested residents then there is no need for the program.

In the month of March 4 separate occasions at the regional centers, employees checking ids for classes, held back guest pass to allow all the Residents to enter the classes. If there was room the guests were allowed to enter.

That is the first time I have ever had that happen in over 15 years. Not sure if it’s a new rule, but I think it’s only fair for Resident get into a class and guest have to fill in

[HappyTraveler]

While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....
If your club activities don't include using amenities that Villagers pay for you can create the club on Meetup.com (http://mmetup.com). Then, anyone in the area can join.

[Arlington2]

My experience with other communities is the use of turnstiles and badge swipes with fewer personnel. It seemed to work. This has been suggested to TV numerous times and rejected.

[CarlR33]

My experience with other communities is the use of turnstiles and badge swipes with fewer personnel. It seemed to work. This has been suggested to TV numerous times and rejected.Or just lock it down at the gate making it a true gated community. Less turnstiles that way.

[Bill14564]

My experience with other communities is the use of turnstiles and badge swipes with fewer personnel. It seemed to work. This has been suggested to TV numerous times and rejected.

As this has been suggested numerous times, it would be interesting to see the count of turnstiles needed and the cost for implementing the plan. Two turnstiles at the neighborhood pool, one at the family pool, two at the pickleball courts, and another two at the tennis courts make seven turnstiles at just the two facilities nearest to my home. Multiply that by the hundreds (?) of facilities around the Villages and you're talking about real money.

PLUS, the passes I get for my guests do not have chips in them so how would they work with the turnstiles? Put a barcode on the passes and a reader at the turnstiles? Pay for chipped guest cards and the infrastructure to constantly modify the database? Change the rules to say that I must now accompany my guests when they go to the pool?

[Rainger99]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc.


But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.

If people are found using amenities without paying for them, they should be prosecuted for theft of services. It is just like shoplifting or running out of a restaurant without paying. What happens if you sneak onto a championship course without paying? Do they just ask you to leave?

I think a few highly publicized prosecutions would be a deterrent to other people.

[Arlington2]

PLUS, the passes I get for my guests do not have chips in them so how would they work with the turnstiles? Put a barcode on the passes and a reader at the turnstiles? Pay for chipped guest cards and the infrastructure to constantly modify the database?

That is likely the excuse TV uses to avoid taking action. The infrastructure change needed would take extra bucks (like renovating golf courses), but in the long run reduced personnel needs would reduce cost. I suggest interviewing communities that successfully use the approach to see how they control interlopers rather then continue to take the stick your head in the sand approach to ignore. The longer TV waits the more difficult is will be to make change. Maybe already too late?

[Bogie Shooter]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc.


But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.

I have often wondered just how big a problem is that supposedly needs fixing?

[Djean1981]

The fear of outsiders has become a social contagion egged on by the villages-negative-news site as rage bait. It's simply not true. The villages is too big to expect to recognize everyone at your local pool or pickleball court. The apartment building's going up have their own facilities. Try to relax.

[PugMom]

every time i go to the pool, my id is checked, so i know there's an effort to keep non-Villagers out.

[retiredguy123]

Are you willing to pay more in amenity fees to pay people to drive around and check IDs?
We are already paying for this service. The rec center employees are required to check IDs at the rec center, and to visit the pools to check IDs. The problem is lax enforcement. When someone says they forgot their ID, they should be refused admittance, but they are not. If they were, they wouldn't forget the next time.

[Djean1981]

Exactly 😂 💯

[Topspinmo]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc.


But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.

Email Rohan he’s in charge of villages recreation. Bring it up at your next district meeting. That’s about all you can do. :highfive:

[Topspinmo]

every time i go to the pool, my id is checked, so i know there's an effort to keep non-Villagers out.

IMO and what I observed Depends on rec center. Some do good job, some are rarely seen checking ID’s. Neighborhood pools usually have no rec center close and no one assigned at pools, so rec center has to send someone out to check id which is not going to be high on priority lists IMO.

[Topspinmo]

I have often wondered just how big a problem is that supposedly needs fixing?

If you don’t do the activity it not problem for you. I can wonder also but I have no clue other than the areas I go to which is minor problem that I have observed, but I have no clue down south where center are really busy at times?

[retiredguy123]

IMO and what I observed Depends on rec center. Some do good job, some are rarely seen checking ID’s. Neighborhood pools usually have no rec center close and no one assigned at pools, so rec center has to send someone out to check id which is not going to be high on priority lists IMO.
The way it works is that the rec center employee is assigned 2 or 3 pools to visit and to check IDs. All pools are covered by this system, but no pools have fulltime employees to check IDs.

[MarshBendLover]

Probably 99% of people from outside TV drive a car to the rec centers, because a cart would be too far to drive to make it worth it. So, since rec centers are privately owned property along with the street entrance, then install entrance gate only. No auto-open red button crap. Just a call button to the person at the desk if you are in need of entrance. If a car comes around through the exit, then it is obvious they need further checking and warning. The cost would be less than $1,000 per rec center.

We drive our car to all rec centers. I would be fine and feel more like a special place if I had to swipe a card even to check my mail. The fact that we have to go inside because we arrived in a car and tell the desk that we are going to play bocco and get our IDs scanned is a waste of time. I get golf carts are assumed residents. A card reader at rec center entrance would be perfect, just like up at FR rec center. Just need to get rid of red auto button. Police and fire can have cards installed on cars or all employees given a card. Afterall, off duty first responders are always welcome.

[asianthree]

If you don’t do the activity it not problem for you. I can wonder also but I have no clue other than the areas I go to which is minor problem that I have observed, but I have no clue down south where center are really busy at times?

I will say any regional pool is highly regulated. Not only by the Id woohoo checker. But the regular residents who can literally come unglued, when a new person shows up.
Not only can they be outright rude, asking where do you live, why are you at this pool. Especially lap swim, and water sports, one actually feels sorry for the newcomers and the ridicule they sometimes encounter.

It’s one of the reasons we built a 4th house with our own pool.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I will say any regional pool is highly regulated. Not only by the Id woohoo checker. But the regular residents who can literally come unglued, when a new person shows up.
Not only can they be outright rude, asking where do you live, why are you at this pool. Especially lap swim, and water sports, one actually feels sorry for the newcomers and the ridicule they sometimes encounter.

It’s one of the reasons we built a 4th house with our own pool.

There's a truism I once saw on a manager's desk plaque: "Good security is not convenient."

[LuvtheVillages]

Probably 99% of people from outside TV drive a car to the rec centers, because a cart would be too far to drive to make it worth it. So, since rec centers are privately owned property along with the street entrance, then install entrance gate only. No auto-open red button crap. Just a call button to the person at the desk if you are in need of entrance. If a car comes around through the exit, then it is obvious they need further checking and warning. The cost would be less than $1,000 per rec center.

We drive our car to all rec centers. I would be fine and feel more like a special place if I had to swipe a card even to check my mail. The fact that we have to go inside because we arrived in a car and tell the desk that we are going to play bocco and get our IDs scanned is a waste of time. I get golf carts are assumed residents. A card reader at rec center entrance would be perfect, just like up at FR rec center. Just need to get rid of red auto button. Police and fire can have cards installed on cars or all employees given a card. Afterall, off duty first responders are always welcome.

There are a lot of neighbors, contractors, etc, who have somehow acquired gate passes but are not residents. And gate passes can be cloned. Gate passes are not a substitute for resident ID cards.

[golfing eagles]

The fear of outsiders has become a social contagion egged on by the villages-negative-news site as rage bait. It's simply not true. The villages is too big to expect to recognize everyone at your local pool or pickleball court. The apartment building's going up have their own facilities. Try to relax.

Really??? The question, and this thread, is NOT about which apartment buildings do or do not have their own facilities. It concerns non-residents coming to OUR facilities. It is TRESSPASING and should be stopped. Even one sneaking in is too many, because where there is one, there are surely more to follow.

[BrianL99]

Or just lock it down at the gate making it a true gated community. Less turnstiles that way.

Considering the roads in TV are public and owned by the county, that might not go over so well.

[Bill14564]

That is likely the excuse TV uses to avoid taking action. The infrastructure change needed would take extra bucks (like renovating golf courses), but in the long run reduced personnel needs would reduce cost. I suggest interviewing communities that successfully use the approach to see how they control interlopers rather then continue to take the stick your head in the sand approach to ignore. The longer TV waits the more difficult is will be to make change. Maybe already too late?

Communities that have successfully used this approach have far, far fewer facilities to control. My sister-in-law lives in one... they have ONE pool for the entire community while there are five pools just in walking distance from my house.

You like the word "excuse," I like the word "explanation." You might not like the explanation but some actual numbers behind it make it more than just an excuse.

EDIT: WHAT reduced manpower needs? There is no manpower stationed at the pool now to reduce.

[BrianL99]

There are a lot of neighbors, contractors, etc, who have somehow acquired gate passes but are not residents. And gate passes can be cloned. Gate passes are not a substitute for resident ID cards.

Really? So these stolen gate passes, are allowing folks to bypass the "Red Button"?

So what exactly does this gain them? & the roads in TV are PUBLIC .... owned by the County.

The issue on point, are use of the amenities. Anyone can come to TV, the amenities are a "private club".

[golfing eagles]

As this has been suggested numerous times, it would be interesting to see the count of turnstiles needed and the cost for implementing the plan. Two turnstiles at the neighborhood pool, one at the family pool, two at the pickleball courts, and another two at the tennis courts make seven turnstiles at just the two facilities nearest to my home. Multiply that by the hundreds (?) of facilities around the Villages and you're talking about real money.

PLUS, the passes I get for my guests do not have chips in them so how would they work with the turnstiles? Put a barcode on the passes and a reader at the turnstiles? Pay for chipped guest cards and the infrastructure to constantly modify the database? Change the rules to say that I must now accompany my guests when they go to the pool?

Might be a lot easier than all that. Have a lock on the gate that can be opened remotely from the rec center in charge of that pool and a buzzer. When at the gate, the resident "buzzes" the center, holds his ID up to a camera, and the employee lets him in. One person enters per ID. Make sure residents aren't "polite" enough to hold the gate open for strangers (perhaps with a warning that doing so will result in a suspension of all privileges), while the cameras could detect anyone climbing the fence. Cost would be minimal, and now the rec center employee doesn't have to go out to check IDs except maybe an occasional surprise visit.

[Bill14564]

Probably 99% of people from outside TV drive a car to the rec centers, because a cart would be too far to drive to make it worth it. So, since rec centers are privately owned property along with the street entrance, then install entrance gate only. No auto-open red button crap. Just a call button to the person at the desk if you are in need of entrance. If a car comes around through the exit, then it is obvious they need further checking and warning. The cost would be less than $1,000 per rec center.

We drive our car to all rec centers. I would be fine and feel more like a special place if I had to swipe a card even to check my mail. The fact that we have to go inside because we arrived in a car and tell the desk that we are going to play bocco and get our IDs scanned is a waste of time. I get golf carts are assumed residents. A card reader at rec center entrance would be perfect, just like up at FR rec center. Just need to get rid of red auto button. Police and fire can have cards installed on cars or all employees given a card. Afterall, off duty first responders are always welcome.

99% of outsiders drive a car because 0% of the Villages is accessible by golf cart if you don't have a resident's gate pass.

Two gates would be required for each entrance, one for entry and one for exit. It's hard to imagine the cost for the gate, the pedestal, the reader, the electronics behind it, and the cabling would come to less than $500 per gate ($1000 per entry). Then, many postal stations and some rec centers have two entrances so those would cost at least double.

Once you have all those gate installed you'll have to deal with the traffic backups as cars line up to wait for their turn to search for their cards (you said no red button) and wait for the gate to open.

I'll be the first in line to say that I don't want to pay the additional amenity fee to fund that mess!

[Stu from NYC]

Or have each villager install a chip in their head that has to be recognized at the game. No chip you get a small shock to make sure you stay out.

Told to me by a friend.

[golfing eagles]

99% of outsiders drive a car because 0% of the Villages is accessible by golf cart if you don't have a resident's gate pass.

Two gates would be required for each entrance, one for entry and one for exit. It's hard to imagine the cost for the gate, the pedestal, the reader, the electronics behind it, and the cabling would come to less than $500 per gate ($1000 per entry). Then, many postal stations and some rec centers have two entrances so those would cost at least double.

Once you have all those gate installed you'll have to deal with the traffic backups as cars line up to wait for their turn to search for their cards (you said no red button) and wait for the gate to open.

I'll be the first in line to say that I don't want to pay the additional amenity fee to fund that mess!

please read post #35

[golfing eagles]

Or have each villager install a chip in their head that has to be recognized at the game. No chip you get a small shock to make sure you stay out.

Told to me by a friend.

No good. They could block the signal with the same tin foil hat that they wear to keep out the alien mind control :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Are you willing to pay more in amenity fees to pay people to drive around and check IDs?

Nope. But I /am/ willing to see more Florida-specific perennials that can thrive as "wildflowers" in the flower beds, thus cutting down on the expense of switching them out every 3 months. That should cover the cost of 4 "roaming" employees in each district, whose job it is to travel in a loop and check IDs at each rec center and neighborhood pool along the route. You'd need these shifts: 1 from pool opening until 1pm. 1 from 10am til 3pm. One from noon til 5pm. One from 4pm til closing.

The entire Historic section would need just those 4 employees, going to Paradise, Hilltop, and Southside pools. They can also spend some time at the Rec area itself, making sure there aren't any unattended little kids using the sports equipment, and that kids under 13 aren't being allowed to use the outdoor exercise equipment as a playground by doting grandparents (Kids are not supposed to use them EVEN IF someone is watching them. The signs state as such).

That would be in addition to the existing rec center employees, who DO have to check IDs every so often at their rec center pools.

[Bill14564]

please read post #35

I suspect cameras and a button would be prohibitively expensive both for the technology and the number of attendants it would take to monitor all the screens but it might make sense to research the cost.

[golfing eagles]

I suspect cameras and a button would be prohibitively expensive both for the technology and the number of attendants it would take to monitor all the screens but it might make sense to research the cost.

You might be right, I don't know the exact cost of a camera and a remote link to a lock, but I don't think it would require any more attendants---there is a person at the rec center entrance that checks IDs---he could have the CCTV and answer the buzzer from the pools assigned to that rec center.

[tophcfa]

Might be a lot easier than all that. Have a lock on the gate that can be opened remotely from the rec center in charge of that pool and a buzzer. When at the gate, the resident "buzzes" the center, holds his ID up to a camera, and the employee lets him in. One person enters per ID. Make sure residents aren't "polite" enough to hold the gate open for strangers (perhaps with a warning that doing so will result in a suspension of all privileges), while the cameras could detect anyone climbing the fence. Cost would be minimal, and now the rec center employee doesn't have to go out to check IDs except maybe an occasional surprise visit.

I’d be totally in favor of that at the sports pools. Over the years I have witnessed several non Villagers sneaking in during lap swimming times. Also, I like what they have done in the newer southern sports pools, where you have to go through the pool to get into the locker room/shower area. That helps keep the homeless people from sneaking in late in the day to $hit, shave, and shower. It happens, I’ve witnessed it several times over the years.

[golfing eagles]

I’d be totally in favor of that at the sports pools. Over the years I have witnessed several non Villagers sneaking in during lap swimming times. Also, I like what they have done in the newer southern sports pools, where you have to go through the pool to get into the locker room/shower area. That helps keep the homeless people from sneaking in late in the day to $hit, shave, and shower. It happens, I’ve witnessed it several times over the years.

That's ridiculous. I would think the developer would have a vested interest in not seeing things deteriorate to that level. The Villages is NOT a homeless shelter.

[Marathon Man]

Might be a lot easier than all that. Have a lock on the gate that can be opened remotely from the rec center in charge of that pool and a buzzer. When at the gate, the resident "buzzes" the center, holds his ID up to a camera, and the employee lets him in. One person enters per ID. Make sure residents aren't "polite" enough to hold the gate open for strangers (perhaps with a warning that doing so will result in a suspension of all privileges), while the cameras could detect anyone climbing the fence. Cost would be minimal, and now the rec center employee doesn't have to go out to check IDs except maybe an occasional surprise visit.

And if the Rec Assistant is busy setting up a room?

[Marathon Man]

While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....

The solution is already in place. All your group needs to do is rent the room. Then you are allowed to have anyone attend your event. ID's are not checked. You can sell tickets to cover the cost.

[fdpaq0580]

You might be right, I don't know the exact cost of a camera and a remote link to a lock, but I don't think it would require any more attendants---there is a person at the rec center entrance that checks IDs---he could have the CCTV and answer the buzzer from the pools assigned to that rec center.

Was at a rec center yesterday and waited approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the front desk person to return from cleaning/preparing a game room in the back or kitchen facility. Phone was ringing, folks wandered in and out, manager office was empty. That one individual still had to check the pool, pickleball court and drive to other pools. My point is that the person monitoring cctv would have way more to do tha monitor the TV and push the buzzer. I think if we could come up with something similar to the starters shacks at golf courses, where a person of authority remained at the pool to check those coming had their ID on them to get in or report any problems with folks who want to enter but "forgot my ID". NO ID, NO ENTRY! NO "BUTS!. Low wage, part timer monitors. What do you say?

[Bill14564]

...
I think if we could come up with something similar to the starters shacks at golf courses, where a person of authority remained at the pool to check those coming had their ID on them to get in or report any problems with folks who want to enter but "forgot my ID". NO ID, NO ENTRY! NO "BUTS!. Low wage, part timer monitors. What do you say?

Pools open at 7:30 and close at dusk which is usually defined as 30mins after sunset
Sunset in Orlando ranges from 5:30 in the winter to 8:30 in the summer

If we take an average of 7PM sunset plus 30 minutes to reach dusk that means a pool is open an average of 12 hours per day.

12 hours/day * $13/hour * 90 pools = $14,000/day or $5M/year

If the day is split into two shifts to avoid overtime considerations that would require a minimum of 180 additional employees.

But they would have to work seven days per week which is unreasonable. If we break the week into two parts with one employee working four days and the other working three that means 360 additional employees.

I'm not sure where Florida part-time/full-time rules kick in requiring benefits so maybe we will need three employees per position per week to keep the number of hours down for a total of 540 additional employees.

So an on-site ID checker for all but the sports pools would seem to require an additional $5M per year and 540 employees. The current VCCDD and SLCDD budgets anticipate $130M from amenity fees this year so coming up with an additional $5M/year would require an ADDITIONAL increase of 4%. Coming up with an additional 540 employees might be a bit more difficult.

[Velvet]

While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....

You can’t drive without your drivers license on you, you can’t go to a rec center without your ID - what is the difference? If you give leeway, the people who don’t pay for amenities will try to sneak in. Human nature.

[golfing eagles]

And if the Rec Assistant is busy setting up a room?

Then who's checking IDs at the front door? I've never gone to a rec center and the desk is empty

[golfing eagles]

Was at a rec center yesterday and waited approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the front desk person to return from cleaning/preparing a game room in the back or kitchen facility. Phone was ringing, folks wandered in and out, manager office was empty. That one individual still had to check the pool, pickleball court and drive to other pools. My point is that the person monitoring cctv would have way more to do tha monitor the TV and push the buzzer. I think if we could come up with something similar to the starters shacks at golf courses, where a person of authority remained at the pool to check those coming had their ID on them to get in or report any problems with folks who want to enter but "forgot my ID". NO ID, NO ENTRY! NO "BUTS!. Low wage, part timer monitors. What do you say?

It's a possible solution, but now you're probably talking 250+ employees. Which at $10/hour will cost about $5 million. I think any solution that consolidates the large number of pools into a system in which multiple pools can be monitored by 1 individual would be more cost effective.

[Topspinmo]

I will say any regional pool is highly regulated. Not only by the Id woohoo checker. But the regular residents who can literally come unglued, when a new person shows up.
Not only can they be outright rude, asking where do you live, why are you at jthis pool. Especially lap swim, and water sports, one actually feels sorry for the newcomers and the ridicule they sometimes encounter.

It’s one of the reasons we built a 4th house with our own pool.

All they got say is none of your business. That’s another problem the villages got individuals thinking they own village’s amenities.

[Topspinmo]

Pools open at 7:30 and close at dusk which is usually defined as 30mins after sunset
Sunset in Orlando ranges from 5:30 in the winter to 8:30 in the summer

If we take an average of 7PM sunset plus 30 minutes to reach dusk that means a pool is open an average of 12 hours per day.

12 hours/day * $13/hour * 90 pools = $14,000/day or $5M/year

If the day is split into two shifts to avoid overtime considerations that would require a minimum of 180 additional employees.

But they would have to work seven days per week which is unreasonable. If we break the week into two parts with one employee working four days and the other working three that means 360 additional employees.

I'm not sure where Florida part-time/full-time rules kick in requiring benefits so maybe we will need three employees per position per week to keep the number of hours down for a total of 540 additional employees.

So an on-site ID checker for all but the sports pools would seem to require an additional $5M per year and 540 employees. The current VCCDD and SLCDD budgets anticipate $130M from amenity fees this year so coming up with an additional $5M/year would require an ADDITIONAL increase of 4%. Coming up with an additional 540 employees might be a bit more difficult.


You forgot additional village Rec truck/cars for transportation above the 750 plus vehicles they have already plus ATV utility vehicles.

[graciegirl]

yes

People like things all tucked in and zipped up and perfect until they find the cost comes back to them.

I have been hearing this problem since 2006. Sometimes at this time of the year with many families visiting us around Easter, people see young people and kids everywhere and don't realize they probably have legitimate passes to be at Rec Centers with their grands.

[Bogie Shooter]

Or have each villager install a chip in their head that has to be recognized at the game. No chip you get a small shock to make sure you stay out.

Told to me by a friend.

Quite a number of posters on this thread have room for more than one chip in their head.:1rotfl:

[golfing eagles]

People like things all tucked in and zipped up and perfect until they find the cost comes back to them.

I have been hearing this problem since 2006. Sometimes at this time of the year with many families visiting us around Easter, people see young people and kids everywhere and don't realize they probably have legitimate passes to be at Rec Centers with their grands.

Love you GG.

That being said, what about the people who drive their car to an exec, then start playing after the starter and ambassador go home? I doubt they are residents sneaking on to play free when they already play for free. What about the teenagers hopping the fence at Trailwinds and using the Tamarind Grove pool? I don't know about pickleball but there are reports of outsiders using those courts as well. And living on a championship course I see all kinds of trespassing, from people using it as a dog park, to people fishing in the ponds, cyclists on mountain bikes and fireworks aficionados on the 4th of July. If we had snow, the snowmobilers would be out there also. Rules have no meaning if they are not enforced. All I can say is try to sneak onto Augusta National and see what happens.

[Stu from NYC]

Love you GG.

That being said, what about the people who drive their car to an exec, then start playing after the starter and ambassador go home? I doubt they are residents sneaking on to play free when they already play for free. What about the teenagers hopping the fence at Trailwinds and using the Tamarind Grove pool? I don't know about pickleball but there are reports of outsiders using those courts as well. And living on a championship course I see all kinds of trespassing, from people using it as a dog park, to people fishing in the ponds, cyclists on mountain bikes and fireworks aficionados on the 4th of July. If we had snow, the snowmobilers would be out there also. Rules have no meaning if they are not enforced. All I can say is try to sneak onto Augusta National and see what happens.

Almost never does anyone check for cards at neighborhood pool.

For club events most of the time nobody asks for card.

Some rec centers very good about it others nobody will check.

[Bill14564]

Almost never does anyone check for cards at neighborhood pool.

For club events most of the time nobody asks for card.

Some rec centers very good about it others nobody will check.

It may be true that at some rec centers they are better about checking than others but I can say that I have been checked at every event for the seven clubs I am part of which have been held at six or seven different rec centers.

I have also seen employees check IDs about 50% of the times I've been at the pools. (Could be the particular pool, could be I'm just unlucky)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Pools open at 7:30 and close at dusk which is usually defined as 30mins after sunset
Sunset in Orlando ranges from 5:30 in the winter to 8:30 in the summer

If we take an average of 7PM sunset plus 30 minutes to reach dusk that means a pool is open an average of 12 hours per day.

12 hours/day * $13/hour * 90 pools = $14,000/day or $5M/year

If the day is split into two shifts to avoid overtime considerations that would require a minimum of 180 additional employees.

But they would have to work seven days per week which is unreasonable. If we break the week into two parts with one employee working four days and the other working three that means 360 additional employees.

I'm not sure where Florida part-time/full-time rules kick in requiring benefits so maybe we will need three employees per position per week to keep the number of hours down for a total of 540 additional employees.

So an on-site ID checker for all but the sports pools would seem to require an additional $5M per year and 540 employees. The current VCCDD and SLCDD budgets anticipate $130M from amenity fees this year so coming up with an additional $5M/year would require an ADDITIONAL increase of 4%. Coming up with an additional 540 employees might be a bit more difficult.

You don't need on-site ID checking from open til close. You can have roaming ID-checkers who run a route that includes a few different pools. I posted on the previous page the general idea of it. Four employees TOTAL, each working part time, covering three or more pools, each day. So if you need them to only work 3 days a week (standard part-time employment here at The Villages) then you'd need 10 employees total to roam 3-5 pools each (depending on where the clusters of pools are located). That'd be the 7-day open-close operation, not 10 people all working at the same time.

Given the close proximity of several of the pools and rec centers, you could probably even get away with having them travel to 5-7 pools per employee, per shift, multiple times per shift. And people who are in the pool - need to be asked to get out of the pool and show their ID. And if they don't comply, then Community Watch comes in and instructs them to leave, or be trespassed.

[Pugchief]

Might be a lot easier than all that. Have a lock on the gate that can be opened remotely from the rec center in charge of that pool and a buzzer. When at the gate, the resident "buzzes" the center, holds his ID up to a camera, and the employee lets him in. One person enters per ID. Make sure residents aren't "polite" enough to hold the gate open for strangers (perhaps with a warning that doing so will result in a suspension of all privileges), while the cameras could detect anyone climbing the fence. Cost would be minimal, and now the rec center employee doesn't have to go out to check IDs except maybe an occasional surprise visit.

I like this idea. You could have one DEDICATED* employee at a remote location monitoring several pools and PB courts. Would require initial outlay of cash to set up remote buzz-in system, but then only salary which wouldn't be terrible if monitoring multiple venues.

That being said, unless the XXdeveloperXX CDD is reading TOTV for ideas, good luck getting that put in place.

*meaning they solely monitor videos and locks, no other duties like setting up card rooms.

[Bill14564]

//obe//

[Rainger99]

And people who are in the pool - need to be asked to get out of the pool and show their ID.

Why don’t they make them get out??

[Pugchief]

The pools and rec centers are no longer the responsibility of the developer. The VCCDD/AAC and SLCDD/PWAC fund them now.

You are correct. Fixed it in my post.

[Arlington2]

Why don’t they make them get out??

In the past RA's were instructed when in doubt err on the side of hospitality. In other words be nice and don't upset people. I don't know if that has changed.

[fdpaq0580]

Then who's checking IDs at the front door? I've never gone to a rec center and the desk is empty

No one! Seen it many times at various rec centers, weekly. One person working at the center has many jobs, responsibilities, expectations, etc. They cannot sit at the front desk for their shift. The folks we know that work these shifts work very hard and do the best they can. Sitting at the front desk continuously to check ids as people come in cannot be done. Eventually, they can track down those that come in (mostly). If folks have no ID, they may be asked to leave, but they have already gotten in and have used the facilities (pools, kitchens, pool rooms, restrooms, etc).
Something should be done. What makes sense? Depends on how far you are willing to go.

[Pugchief]

In the past RA's were instructed when in doubt err on the side of hospitality. In other words be nice and don't upset people. I don't know if that has changed.

Maybe, but it's inefficient. I have seen them come out to the PB court and card the 10 people standing in line while ignoring the 24 people on the courts. The proper way to do it is to card people as they enter, which would require a full time attendant at every court, pool, etc or an electronic scan system.

[fdpaq0580]

You can’t drive without your drivers license on you, you can’t go to a rec center without your ID - what is the difference? If you give leeway, the people who don’t pay for amenities will try to sneak in. Human nature.

Human nature to trespass, steal, disrespect others and their property .... Yeah! That seems to be about right.

[fdpaq0580]

Or have each villager install a chip in their head that has to be recognized at the game. No chip you get a small shock to make sure you stay out.

Told to me by a friend.

I have a plate in my head. No room for a chip. Could I have the ID chip put in my butt cheek?

[fdpaq0580]

How about a photo I'd card tattoo on your forehead. Everyone else can see you are a Villager and verify your id# in the on line database. Non-Villagers will be neutered on sight.

[fdpaq0580]

A bit more troublesome, but.
Before going to any pool, pickleball court, etc, resident signs in at the associated rec center and receives a daily dated use tag that can attach to users clothing. Color coded. Anyone not wearing the tag must leave the facility. Easy to spot by everyone. All Villagers may call for assistance to have non-compliant persons removed.
For after hours, pools, pickleball courts, and even golf courses could be monitored by motion sensors, or drones to notify Village watch centers of possible illicit activities.
Drone fliers, want to do some night spy ops?

[CarlR33]

Then who's checking IDs at the front door? I've never gone to a rec center and the desk is emptyWe were at a recreation center just last week and the door person was out with a sign on the desk saying be back soon because they were out checking pool id’s, etc. We proceeded to the game room and later on the door person came into the game room and checked all id’s in the room.

[FloridaGuy66]

This is honestly an extremely rare occurrence. This us around #102 on my list of concerns involving TV.

[AMB444]

Thanks everyone for your input.

There is a lot of concern posted on next door and I thought it would be important to start a discussion here.

I've gotten a lot of good input on TOTV for many situations.

Thanks all!

[AMB444]

Lots of talk on nextdoor with first hand accounts of "lists" for Rv people and those around us to get to pools, pickleball, Rec Centers for "free fun" for them. But we pay for it.

More and more are building around us.

I've heard many personal first hand accounts now that The Villages are a "free" place for pools, rec centers and other amenities.

You should get on Nextdoor. com and get into your "group" for your neighbors. Everyone is talking about this. Paying CDD per month but not keeping track of outsiders coming in to take it for free? This has got to stop at some point.

[Kelevision]

Lots of talk on nextdoor with first hand accounts of "lists" for Rv people and those around us to get to pools, pickleball, Rec Centers for "free fun" for them. But we pay for it.

More and more are building around us.

I've heard many personal first hand accounts now that The Villages are a "free" place for pools, rec centers and other amenities.

You should get on Nextdoor. com and get into your "group" for your neighbors. Everyone is talking about this. Paying CDD per month but not keeping track of outsiders coming in to take it for free? This has got to stop at some point.

I’ve lived here for 4 years and never once have I gone to the pool, played pickleball, golfed, or done anything club related. This obviously bothers you as you already have another post about it. I was on Nextdoor for about 3 days until I realized all it was a b$@tchfest and most of them don’t even live IN the villages. Perhaps you should stay OFF of there and you’ll be less angry. And show me one other place in this country where you can live for under 200 a month is HOA, or amenity fees, whatever you want to call it, it’s very inexpensive. There are tons of people who live here that are under 55. How do you know these people aren’t relatives, or live here? How in the world could you possibly know that?

[Arctic Fox]

Year-rounders should consider themselves lucky, compared to our Snowbirds.

Assuming they are here for five months, they pay $500 per month and are here at the busiest time when the facilities are most crowded.

Yes, it is their choice, but they must think it worth the money, so our paying $200 per month and having half the number of users for most of the year seems like a dream to me.

[golfing eagles]

This is honestly an extremely rare occurrence. This us around #102 on my list of concerns involving TV.

Any statistics to support that assertion?????
Personally, I have no idea how common or rare it is. How is it that assertion can be made?

[DarrenandKathy]

Have been asked for ID almost every time we have been to either Tierra Del Sol or Santiago pools and The First Responders Rec Center,so yes they check.

[Ignatz]

And I think there are now more threads on this issue than the number of people who think it’s an issue worth discussing

[westernrider75]

[QUOTE=asianthree;2420783]I guess we are one of the few that has an employee on site everyday, at all the courts, pool, shuffle board and beach facilities open to close. As soon as you park they are right there asking for ID before you exit your cart or car. Many of us are everyday players, that employees wave as they drive in. Maybe it’s a south of 44

[Nanshe]

You also have people on the pickleball court (I assume they were residents) telling an outsider that it’s ok to play, they never check ID’s

[nordic tug]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc.


But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.

May be gate locks with ID card readers like they have in hotels, with all the growth around TV this will only increase as other issues related to population increase. Friendliest Home Town needs to get on the ball with security!

[rsmurano]

This post will do nothing to reduce the use of our amenities. 99% of these people won’t be reading this, they don’t know about TOTV.
It wouldn’t put a big burden on the rec center personnel to get out of their chair a couple times a day to check ids. They already have to tend to the water and balls a couple times a day, have them take 30 mins out of their busy schedule of manning the phone to check ids

[BrianL99]

You should get on Nextdoor. com and get into your "group" for your neighbors. Everyone is talking about this. Paying CDD per month but not keeping track of outsiders coming in to take it for free? This has got to stop at some point.

That subject has been a topic of conversation on social media, forever, I'm not surprised it finally showed up on NextDoor. In a year or two, the "drone issue" might make it to NextDoor.

[Beyond The Wall]

As this has been suggested numerous times, it would be interesting to see the count of turnstiles needed and the cost for implementing the plan. Two turnstiles at the neighborhood pool, one at the family pool, two at the pickleball courts, and another two at the tennis courts make seven turnstiles at just the two facilities nearest to my home. Multiply that by the hundreds (?) of facilities around the Villages and you're talking about real money.

PLUS, the passes I get for my guests do not have chips in them so how would they work with the turnstiles? Put a barcode on the passes and a reader at the turnstiles? Pay for chipped guest cards and the infrastructure to constantly modify the database? Change the rules to say that I must now accompany my guests when they go to the pool?

I suggest manning the family pools or any other system at these and see if that helps.

Most neighborhood pools have the same people there most days. I have seen them call when people who they don’t know, are at the pool. Within minutes, someone shows up to check. The “ smart ones jump in the water . They do not get checked. They should all have to get out of water. In inconvenient for residents but you can’t have it both ways.

This type of problem is also evident in the squares. As more apartments are built , more and more use by non residents. I know the entertainment is not an amenity, however it is one of the first item realtors show you when touring.

Changes are here and more coming. You have to adjust your protocols to the times.
They adjusted during Covid.
Again, just don’t do it at every place. Pilot programs, different ways at different venues and facilities. Find out what works.

[Marmaduke]

I concur. We presently live in a very large, absolutely gorgeous community, as snowbirds.
w
We have all of the perks but we have a maned entrance.

Residents are issued a one time charge ($15.00) transponder that we attach to our rear window to enter the residents side.Otherwise, we can use our ID and stick out arms out the Winslow, which no one does. Why would we be so cheap?

A 24/7/365 manned gate keeps things honest.

Simply, we all were issued picture ID cards at no cost and they are needed to SWIPE to gain access to the POOLS AND
Courts.

Guests are more than welcomed, they are required to have a guest ID AND they are required to stop at the desk for the arm band, color of the day.

No interlopers at all. A mixed generational community next door to our community has TRIED, to no avail. The word is out on our community not to even try it.

[Bogie Shooter]

You also have people on the pickleball court (I assume they were residents) telling an outsider that it’s ok to play, they never check ID’s

How did you know the person was an outsider?
Maybe if this concerns you so much you should start asking some clarifying questions of these (assumed)residents & outsiders.

[mpcolonel]

All the rec centers have staff that’s their job to go out and check. I’ve been checked at canal center

[Bogie Shooter]

I concur. We presently live in a very large, absolutely gorgeous community, as snowbirds.
w
We have all of the perks but we have a maned entrance.

Residents are issued a one time charge ($15.00) transponder that we attach to our rear window to enter the residents side.Otherwise, we can use our ID and stick out arms out the Winslow, which no one does. Why would we be so cheap?

A 24/7/365 manned gate keeps things honest.

Simply, we all were issued picture ID cards at no cost and they are needed to SWIPE to gain access to the POOLS AND
Courts.

Guests are more than welcomed, they are required to have a guest ID AND they are required to stop at the desk for the arm band, color of the day.

No interlopers at all. A mixed generational community next door to our community has TRIED, to no avail. The word is out on our community not to even try it.

How many pools? Rec centers?

[biker1]

It sounds like a gated community, is that correct? If so, that is a different animal than The Villages, which is not a gated community. It is easier to control access via one gate to the whole community.

I concur. We presently live in a very large, absolutely gorgeous community, as snowbirds.
w
We have all of the perks but we have a maned entrance.

Residents are issued a one time charge ($15.00) transponder that we attach to our rear window to enter the residents side.Otherwise, we can use our ID and stick out arms out the Winslow, which no one does. Why would we be so cheap?

A 24/7/365 manned gate keeps things honest.

Simply, we all were issued picture ID cards at no cost and they are needed to SWIPE to gain access to the POOLS AND
Courts.

Guests are more than welcomed, they are required to have a guest ID AND they are required to stop at the desk for the arm band, color of the day.

No interlopers at all. A mixed generational community next door to our community has TRIED, to no avail. The word is out on our community not to even try it.

[Gunther]

We are only month to month renters so my 2 cents isn't as valuable as an owner. But why not give a few people that are regular users or volunteers that have access to an app to check scan redident ID. Especially because people know who regulars are and if I'm new and someone asks me to show my resident ID I'm happy to show it. You pay for amazing facilities that IMO are above and beyond so many other communities. Thats why we enjoy visiting. Maybe one day being longer term. I always brag to people about the fact the facilities are well maintained and equip is not from a dollar store.

[GATORBILL66]

I would rather pay higher amenity fees to keep outsiders out, no matter how The Villages does it.

[biker1]

Increasing the amenities fee “to keep outsiders out” is not currently an option. The amenities fee increases by the CPI. Spending more to screen for residency will result in less money being spent elsewhere.


I would rather pay higher amenity fees to keep outsiders out, no matter how The Villages does it.

[Bill14564]

All the rec centers have staff that’s their job to go out and check. I’ve been checked at canal center

Isn't their job to check IDs of those entering the rec center? Or arranging rooms before the next group comes in? Or cleaning the rooms after the group that just left? Or answering questions at the desk? Or, in the regionals, typing in guest-pass information for those who didn't do that online? Seems like the one or two people on duty have a lot of places to be at once.

[jimkerr]

We already have Park & Recreation as well as Community watch employees that should be doing this but they don't. There is no need to hire even more people. Even if they did check, people know all they have to do at a pool is jump in and they don't check ID's.

[bopat]

Better controlled access, get them at the entrances, I'm sure technology can solve the problem with AI and pattern recognition. Cameras at the rec center parking lots can help too.

[Ginasewell]

The Villages is not a true gated community, therefore, problem will never be resolved.

[Bill14564]

We already have Park & Recreation as well as Community watch employees that should be doing this but they don't. There is no need to hire even more people. Even if they did check, people know all they have to do at a pool is jump in and they don't check ID's.

Better controlled access, get them at the entrances, I'm sure technology can solve the problem with AI and pattern recognition. Cameras at the rec center parking lots can help too.

Perhaps the answer is to move forward on these ideas until the residents cry uncle and ask to have them removed.

I'm picturing Community Watch showing up, blowing a loud coach's whistle, and yelling, "Listen up! Everyone out of the pool and line up for ID checks!"

Maybe extend this idea to speed cameras along all the roads within the Villages. Could check for vehicles exceeding 10mph (Villas), 20mph (golf carts), 30mph (east/west roads), and 35mph (north/south roads).

Maybe extend even further and have DWI checkpoints on all the exits from every square every night and prior to the golf cart paths.

I remember some statistics from the Rec Dept. last year about ID checks and non-Villagers. Apparently, that wasn't enough. So sure, implement frequent, strict, and complete enforcement of the rules for everyone including the regulars who know that "those people" don't belong in their pool. It will cost a bit at first and will destroy the "Florida's Friendliest Hometown" feeling but hey, we won't have those unclean outsiders dirtying up our pool water. Then in two months, after the outcry, we can go back to normal.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Imposing guest fees might be useful. It wouldn't stop people who are NOT guests from entering the facilities, but it would cover the added expense of someone to check everyone's IDs.

[Bogie Shooter]

We already have Park & Recreation as well as Community watch employees that should be doing this but they d on't.There is no need to hire even more people. Even if they did check, people know all they have to do at a pool is jump in and they don't check ID's.

Would you want the community watch job that required you to get in and out of your vehicle.....multiple times per day? What are you really saying?

[jrref]

I think the Villages should get cameras and a system that does facial recognition on all the people at the pool. It will be a continuous scan and when a person isn't recognized, the displays in the Rec center can start flashing alerting the attendant and the police of the unauthorized access.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think the Villages should get cameras and a system that does facial recognition on all the people at the pool. It will be a continuous scan and when a person isn't recognized, the displays in the Rec center can start flashing alerting the attendant and the police of the unauthorized access.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[fdpaq0580]

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

God help me if I don't shave for a few days.

[rickaslin]

How does this sound? Hire somebody to cover say 20 pool complexes (pickleball/tennis,pools,beach volleyball, bocce). Buy them a golf cart (less money than a car) and drive between the 20 complexes checking for passes. Maybe a way to help off set the cost would be to charge say $3 per day for guest passes. Just thinking out loud , I personally have not seen a problem with outsiders using our facilities.

[MicRoDrafting]

Volunteer to go around the facilities, checking IDs

STRONGLY AGREE
with Volunteers Checking ID’s
(with a smile and friendly disposition)

NO REASON
to up our monthly dues to pay for security … an element that would also present an “unfriendly” look to the “Friendliest Place” we live

[graciegirl]

The Villages is not a true gated community, therefore, problem will never be resolved.

No it is not a true gated community. It is a community with gates, primarily to protect the golf carts crossing and there is nothing wrong with that. I think this is an issue at times of the year like now, when we are deluged with visitors visiting us Villagers....and sometimes I see the teens throw trash out of the golf cart and driving the golf carts unsafely and probably are the ones in the pools that people are wondering about.

We hear about this problem right around Easter every year and at Thanksgiving too. Outlanders don't like us and you read that on social media and some villagers don't like outlanders. Me? I'm worried about the rise of crime that is quickly getting closer to The Villages and I have noticed that mostly in the last four years.

[Joe C.]

While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....
Is it possible to strike a balance???? SURE ...just charge them the monthly assessment fee. Or you could take your club outside of the Villages and have your meetings there.

[Danube]

We already have Park & Recreation as well as Community watch employees that should be doing this but they don't. There is no need to hire even more people. Even if they did check, people know all they have to do at a pool is jump in and they don't check ID's.

I called Community Watch about a vagrant using a restroom next to the Paradise postal facility as a changing room/shower. (not the first time- same guy) He had brought his bike & junk inside.

Community Watch said there was nothing they could do and would not come out.

I know he was in the bathroom for over an hour because I stopped by when going to & from the store. You could hear him "grunting" and talking to himself from outside.

[El Lobo]

What's all the uproar about nonresidents using Villages amenities when the uproar should be about why aren't the rules being enforced by the recreation department.
I posted this on a local next-door platform and got 15.2k views with some excellent ideas.
Home watch to check ID at the pools
Locking system on pool gates
Magnetic ID bracelets
One person turnstile with card swipe
Hire more rec center ambassadors
Need authority to enforce.
The overall theme was that the rec department is not doing enough to keep nonresidents from using our amenities.
It seems like a lot of infractions but with a total of 150,000 residents is pressure on the rec department needed for more enforcement and if so, what can we do about it to bring this to the attention to the rec department!!!!!

[HORNET]

If Community Watch would just get out of their vehicle. And if they are in the poll, make them get out and show their ID.

[Jeremy#1]

Met a gentleman on shuttle to airport this past Monday that was a Village resident and now lives in Stone Crest. Enjoys taking his golf cart thru to TV because still has a gate card. Really?!?!?! Why wasn’t that deleted when he left?

[Bill14564]

Met a gentleman on shuttle to airport this past Monday that was a Village resident and now lives in Stone Crest. Enjoys taking his golf cart thru to TV because still has a gate card. Really?!?!?! Why wasn’t that deleted when he left?

… or disabled. Or not included in the recent database scrub. Good question.

One possible answer: the card is a clone of a current resident’s. Probably less likely but possible.

[swimdawg]

I was on Facebook when an advertisement popped up for the new retirement community, Cresswind at Hammock Oaks (near Rolling Acres). The ad shows photos of The Villages, (“WELCOME TO THE VILLAGES” BIG SIGN), The Polo Field, downtown Spanish Springs, The Square at LSL, etc. The thing that upset me the most was that they showed a photo of Eisenhower Rec Center and photos of the main room at Eisenhower which made it appear like it’s open to Hammock Oaks residents! I have gone to the pool every day for years and never been checked for ID. I heard sun bathers jump into the pool when they come to check ID.

[tophcfa]

Or, in the regionals, typing in guest-pass information for those who didn't do that online?.

That shouldn’t be allowed. I had to wait for 20 minutes to pick up guest ID’s I ordered online because someone was too lazy to order their guests ID’s before going to the Rec center.

[Nana2Teddy]

I guess we are one of the few that has an employee on site everyday, at all the courts, pool, shuffle board and beach facilities open to close. As soon as you park they are right there asking for ID before you exit your cart or car. Many of us are everyday players, that employees wave as they drive in. Maybe it’s a south of 44 perk:a040:

Fenney family pool is monitored too. I think it depends on the location and type of pool. Our DeLuna pool isn’t monitored, but it’s been taken over by a rowdy group of DeLuna residents, so we don’t even go to it unless it’s 5pm or later after they’ve cleared out. We’ve used the Richmond adult pool and have never seen anyone checking IDs, so you must be talking about the Clarendon pool and recreation courts.

[Nana2Teddy]

That is likely the excuse TV uses to avoid taking action. The infrastructure change needed would take extra bucks (like renovating golf courses), but in the long run reduced personnel needs would reduce cost. I suggest interviewing communities that successfully use the approach to see how they control interlopers rather then continue to take the stick your head in the sand approach to ignore. The longer TV waits the more difficult is will be to make change. Maybe already too late?
At 115+ pools and counting, I think that ship has sailed.

[Nana2Teddy]

Pools open at 7:30 and close at dusk which is usually defined as 30mins after sunset
Sunset in Orlando ranges from 5:30 in the winter to 8:30 in the summer

If we take an average of 7PM sunset plus 30 minutes to reach dusk that means a pool is open an average of 12 hours per day.

12 hours/day * $13/hour * 90 pools = $14,000/day or $5M/year

If the day is split into two shifts to avoid overtime considerations that would require a minimum of 180 additional employees.

But they would have to work seven days per week which is unreasonable. If we break the week into two parts with one employee working four days and the other working three that means 360 additional employees.

I'm not sure where Florida part-time/full-time rules kick in requiring benefits so maybe we will need three employees per position per week to keep the number of hours down for a total of 540 additional employees.

So an on-site ID checker for all but the sports pools would seem to require an additional $5M per year and 540 employees. The current VCCDD and SLCDD budgets anticipate $130M from amenity fees this year so coming up with an additional $5M/year would require an ADDITIONAL increase of 4%. Coming up with an additional 540 employees might be a bit more difficult.

The villages has at least 115 pools now, likely more, and several under construction.

[Nana2Teddy]

It may be true that at some rec centers they are better about checking than others but I can say that I have been checked at every event for the seven clubs I am part of which have been held at six or seven different rec centers.

I have also seen employees check IDs about 50% of the times I've been at the pools. (Could be the particular pool, could be I'm just unlucky)
Some outsiders have learned how to game the system at the pools. If a rec center employee appears at a pool the outsider just hops into the pool quickly. No one is ever asked to get out of the pool to show their IDs. We’ve seen it a couple of times at family pools.

[Nana2Teddy]

What's all the uproar about nonresidents using Villages amenities when the uproar should be about why aren't the rules being enforced by the recreation department.
I posted this on a local next-door platform and got 15.2k views with some excellent ideas.
Home watch to check ID at the pools
Locking system on pool gates
Magnetic ID bracelets
One person turnstile with card swipe
Hire more rec center ambassadors
Need authority to enforce.
The overall theme was that the rec department is not doing enough to keep nonresidents from using our amenities.
It seems like a lot of infractions but with a total of 150,000 residents is pressure on the rec department needed for more enforcement and if so, what can we do about it to bring this to the attention to the rec department!!!!!
The problem is there are villagers who make clones of their white gate cards, and would likely start cloning the magnetic bracelet to sell to non-villagers.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I called Community Watch about a vagrant using a restroom next to the Paradise postal facility as a changing room/shower. (not the first time- same guy) He had brought his bike & junk inside.

Community Watch said there was nothing they could do and would not come out.

I know he was in the bathroom for over an hour because I stopped by when going to & from the store. You could hear him "grunting" and talking to himself from outside.
I bet cash money the homeless guy locking himself in the bathroom for over an hour is actually in there curled up on the floor after shooting himself up with heroin.

[Annie66]

I got bored trying to read 121 posts so I'll just jump into this as if I was the first to answer. There is technology out there that would allow installing card readers without having to lay miles of cables. TVs could sell the cards (I doubt TVs would give them away) for a small price that would open the gate to pools, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, rec centers, etc. The purchaser would have to be verified through their green or blue Villager cards. It should have a picture to verify the identity along with an expiration date that requires re-certification of identity maybe every 2 years. Sounds like a PITA but it would eliminate most of the abuse people are concerned about. Maybe it reduce some of the personnel overhead we pay for through our amenity fees.

[golfing eagles]

We already have Park & Recreation as well as Community watch employees that should be doing this but they don't. There is no need to hire even more people. Even if they did check, people know all they have to do at a pool is jump in and they don't check ID's.

Then the first rule when they come to check IDs should be "everybody out of the pool"!!!

[golfing eagles]

I bet cash money the homeless guy locking himself in the bathroom for over an hour is actually in there curled up on the floor after shooting himself up with heroin.

And another poster stated he called community watch and "there is nothing they can do"???? There is plenty to do starting with calling the police for a trespasser.

[Tvflguy]

As a TV owner and amenity fee payer, this is quite disturbing. And no doubt will continue to worsen as more non TV folks move into nearby new construction (esp apartment folks). Young families et al taking advantage of what seems to be easy pickins to go into
TV and facilities. And the word spreads. And gets worse.
No easy answers… other than Drone surveillance and drop water balloons on the non TVrs.

[AMB444]

Then the first rule when they come to check IDs should be "everybody out of the pool"!!!

Absolutely!

And if you don't want to get out of the pool keep your ID handy and next to edge of pool (or on a chair out so can be readily seen) so it can be scanned. It's not rocket science. My goodness.

Those of us at the pools will figure out how to get scanned while in the pool as we'd like all to get an ID scan. In the pool, or out.

[FloridaGuy66]

Any statistics to support that assertion?????
Personally, I have no idea how common or rare it is. How is it that assertion can be made?

I am a frequent user of three different pools, several pickleball locations and several rec centers for over three years.

I have not once saw any person from outside of TV using our recreational facilities. I have discussed this with MANY other people all over TV and have not heard of any first hand accounts of this happening.

If this was a common problem, then I would expect to have at least heard about it happening once or twice. Certainly doesn't seem like something we should be spending extra money on.

[FloridaGuy66]

Maybe a way to help off set the cost would be to charge say $3 per day for guest passes.

How about NO.

I bought here to live in a community, not a daily fee resort for outsiders.

[tophcfa]

Then the first rule when they come to check IDs should be "everybody out of the pool"!!!

My response would be that I’ll be happy to show you my ID from the pool, since my backpack containing my ID is always at the end of the lane I’m swimming laps in. Once you get out of the pool, your lane is fair game.

[Velvet]

I am a frequent user of three different pools, several pickleball locations and several rec centers for over three years.

I have not once saw any person from outside of TV using our recreational facilities. I have discussed this with MANY other people all over TV and have not heard of any first hand accounts of this happening.

If this was a common problem, then I would expect to have at least heard about it happening once or twice. Certainly doesn't seem like something we should be spending extra money on.

You’ve had a unique experience. This is a common problem in the snowbird season particularly.

[graciegirl]

I am a frequent user of three different pools, several pickleball locations and several rec centers for over three years.

I have not once saw any person from outside of TV using our recreational facilities. I have discussed this with MANY other people all over TV and have not heard of any first hand accounts of this happening.

If this was a common problem, then I would expect to have at least heard about it happening once or twice. Certainly doesn't seem like something we should be spending extra money on.

That is well said and I so agree. Before we got a pool I used our local pools and not once saw anyone who infringed. Once, I think someone came several times to the art room from outside The Villages. That stopped and now we are asked to show our cards frequently. Helene and I really stand out. I know they know I belong. Every once in a while I will forget to throw my card into my wheeled cart that carries all the stuff I need to make art and that is the very day I will be scanned. I got a letter for missing three times a couple of years ago and I cannot tell you how upset that made me. I never ever get in trouble anywhere. I don't think anyone is getting away with stuff........I just don't. I don't mind they check...I just think I am entitled I guess at the age of 84 and after going to Laurel Manor three times a week for fourteen years.

[AMB444]

I have not once saw any person from outside of TV using our recreational facilities. I have discussed this with MANY other people all over TV and have not heard of any first hand accounts of this happening.

Thank you for your response.

You have not once "saw" anyone. Did you ask for their TV ID? What is your proof here that all you "saw" were TV residents?

What's "first hand accounts". "MANY other people all over TV"? Have you been taking a poll of sorts for this situation? They asked for ID's? Doubtful.

[FloridaGuy66]

Thank you for your response.

You have not once "saw" anyone. Did you ask for their TV ID? What is your proof here that all you "saw" were TV residents?


In the Villages that I spend most of my time in, ID's are checked often enough. I'd say a little over every 90 minutes on average. Everytime when I had witnessed people had "forgot" their cards there was always at least someone with a card to legitimately vouch for them.

[AMB444]

ID's are checked often enough. I'd say a little over every 90 minutes on average.

I swim at 6 different pools in TV that are near me. Probably go 4 times per week. I've only seen IDs checked maybe once every other week.

[golfing eagles]

I am a frequent user of three different pools, several pickleball locations and several rec centers for over three years.

I have not once saw any person from outside of TV using our recreational facilities. I have discussed this with MANY other people all over TV and have not heard of any first hand accounts of this happening.

If this was a common problem, then I would expect to have at least heard about it happening once or twice. Certainly doesn't seem like something we should be spending extra money on.

So, in other words, that assertion was anecdotal and lacked any statistical significance whatsoever. OK, got it.

[golfing eagles]

In the Villages that I spend most of my time in, ID's are checked often enough. I'd say a little over every 90 minutes on average. Everytime when I had witnessed people had "forgot" their cards there was always at least someone with a card to legitimately vouch for them.

I swim at 6 different pools in TV that are near me. Probably go 4 times per week. I've only seen IDs checked maybe once every other week.

Now there's a couple of opposites from frequent users of the pools.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I am a frequent user of three different pools, several pickleball locations and several rec centers for over three years.

I have not once saw any person from outside of TV using our recreational facilities. I have discussed this with MANY other people all over TV and have not heard of any first hand accounts of this happening.

If this was a common problem, then I would expect to have at least heard about it happening once or twice. Certainly doesn't seem like something we should be spending extra money on.

Well, this is not impossible at all. I don't mean to be disparaging or brush with a wide brush, but it could come down to your personal situational awareness.

If you were a street cop, or a trained fighter, or someone else who is always looking around, paying attention to people, drawing conclusions about them from presented evidence and observations, then I would be shocked you'd never seen outsiders.

If you spent your career as an engineer or in some other cubicle profession with a hyper focus on detail or the bottom line and not on the macro picture around you and your surroundings, then this is entirely plausible.

It's amazing to me when I can observe and state, "he's on drugs" or, "those are illegals" or, "they're European" or, "that guys a parolee / convict." People sometimes get all bent out of shape and condescendingly demand, "How can you know that? You can't make those judgements about someone!!" Oh, but I can and I do. So do many others. Once you know what you're looking for and seeing - and your personality is one to actively observe others, then of course conclusions are drawn with solid probabilities of accuracy. Different ways of people standing, what they're looking at and how, how they go about what they're doing, how they are groomed and dressed, these are all details some notice casually. For some of us, a constant "game" of risk and threat assessment doesn't end with retirement.

If you know, you know and others can often be oblivious. Like I heard a guy say once, when you're stopped at a traffic light, are you looking at your phone, the car radio, the traffic light in front of you, absorbed in conversation with your passengers, or are you looking around at the other vehicles and occupants pulled up next to you? You know who is always looking around, prepared for someone to approach their car? Criminals and cops.

So, depending on which camp one falls into based on one's life experiences, training, or professional skill development, it is entirely plausible to have spent three years be-bopping around the bubble without having the first clue who is around you - or isn't.

[Arlington2]

Well, this is not impossible at all. I don't mean to be disparaging or brush with a wide brush, but it could come down to your personal situational awareness.

I think it also geographical. The amenities near TV periphery and near the newer outside high density family developments are more likely to have the intruders. The interior locations can be too difficult to get to when there are easy pickings close to the developments. I suspect those that don't see anything are well within TV.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I think it also geographical. The amenities near TV periphery and near the newer outside high density family developments are more likely to have the intruders. The interior locations can be too difficult to get to when there are easy pickings close to the developments. I suspect those that don't see anything are well within TV.
^ Very good point.

[Velvet]

In the Villages that I spend most of my time in, ID's are checked often enough. I'd say a little over every 90 minutes on average. Everytime when I had witnessed people had "forgot" their cards there was always at least someone with a card to legitimately vouch for them.

Can’t “vouch” for someone - does it work for the police officer who pulled you over when they ask for your driver’s license and your wife say, “Yes, officer, I know he has one, he just forgot”?

[fdpaq0580]

Can’t “vouch” for someone - does lit work to the police officer who pulled you over when they ask for your driver’s license and your wife say, “Yes, officer, I know he has one, he just forgot”?

"Thanks, mam. But in the future make sure he has it with him before he gets behind the wheel. I'm letting you go with just a warning. Now drive safely and have a nice day"
That seems reasonable, don't it? 🤭🙄🤬

[FloridaGuy66]

So, in other words, that assertion was anecdotal and lacked any statistical significance whatsoever. OK, got it.

In most cases, when trying to prove something you need evidence. Not seeing any evidence being considered anecdotal is extremely strange. That's like saying not spotting any aliens (the extraterrestrial kind) being spotted is purely anecdotal.

[FloridaGuy66]

Can’t “vouch” for someone - does lit work to the police officer who pulled you over when they ask for your driver’s license and your wife say, “Yes, officer, I know he has one, he just forgot”?

Someone saying to the "pool police" that you know someone because they're your neighbor of several years is quite a different situation than the nonsense being presented here.

[AMB444]

Someone saying to the "pool police" that you know someone because they're your neighbor of several years is quite a different situation than the nonsense being presented here.

You did say "every 90 minutes" a person would come by to check ID's. Can I ask, what rec centers or pools you frequent?

[fdpaq0580]

Someone saying to the "pool police" that you know someone because they're your neighbor of several years is quite a different situation than the nonsense being presented here.

So, please go home and bring it back to show. People have been known to lie or various reasons. Like for an outside friend?
Also, having to go get the I'd means they are less likely to forget it in the future. It's all about learning, you see.

[thelegges]

I swim at 6 different pools in TV that are near me. Probably go 4 times per week. I've only seen IDs checked maybe once every other week.

So you are Swimming at 6 different pools and nobody checking at the Regional swimming lanes? (Pools that one can actually swim). No lounge chairs just a few benches.

Or are you using 6 family pools at any Recreational Center (pools allowing all ages no swim lanes) with chairs tables, and lounge chairs. That have onsite employees? Usually ID checked about every hour, depending on the employee can ask you leave ID in plain site while in the pool.

Or the 6 pools you are frequenting adult pools (no Swim Lanes) not at any recreation center? Pools to socialize get wet, unmanned? With lounge chairs and tables.
That can have territorial residents in a heartbeat will call CW if you don’t look like you belong?

When you posted “I Swim” my impression was you were actually swimming at a Regional Center, with ids checked at entry.
If you are getting wet at the unmanned Adult pools, usually checked every couple hours by a CW that makes big difference. In our 4 different neighborhoods, the adult pools were usually checked every few hours, but the local residents were the watchdogs.

Every time our daughter goes to any adult pools someone would approach or call to have her ID checked. Apparently at 50 she takes far better care of her skin than other residents.
Which definitely makes her look younger than the required age 30 for adult pools.

[Arctic Fox]

You have not once "saw" anyone. Did you ask for their TV ID? What is your proof here that all you "saw" were TV residents?

Let's flip this around and ask how you knew that "these people coming in to free load" were NOT TV residents.

[Larry]

Looks like a $5 problem with a $1000 solution

[fdpaq0580]

Let's flip this around and ask how you knew that "these people coming in to free load" were NOT TV residents.

Slip of the tongue or out right admissions, mostly. At least that has been my experience.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

For those of you who find it difficult, inconvenient, impossible, or distasteful to get out of the pool to show your ID - perhaps you could consider affixing your ID to a little clamp that you can attach to your swimsuit. My swimsuit bottom (I wear a two-piece) has a key pocket that's just big enough for a key and a single ID card. If I'm in the pool and someone wants to check my ID it's right there, no need to get out of the pool at all. I don't bother though, because I'm fine with getting out of the pool to show my ID.

[Altavia]

Nice to see there were at least 3 Rec Center people checking ID's outside Rohan Pickleball courts this morning.

[Velvet]

Let's flip this around and ask how you knew that "these people coming in to free load" were NOT TV residents.

Well, for one thing the 11 year old boy diving into the Adult pool with his 16 year old sister while mom casually reads the sign on the wall with the rules, gave me a clue…

[wisbad1]

The real question would be, if we do pay more in amenity fees will it be used to hire people to check ID’s???
Have the trolls who monitor home violations branch out and do it.

[fdpaq0580]

First a sign that states "Must Have a valid Villages ID and Show I D upon request". Failure to do so means immediate removal from the area.
Have those who refuse trespassed. Non-residents will be trespassed and a restraining order issued that forbids them on villages property.
Villagers should understand this is for the protection of your rights, property, safety.
It seems a small issue now. Let's keep it from becoming a big thing. If we don't protect our amenities we could end up losing them.

[golfing eagles]

First a sign that states "Must Have a valid Villages ID and Show I D upon request". Failure to do so means immediate removal from the area.
Have those who refuse trespassed. Non-residents will be trespassed and a restraining order issued that forbids them on villages property.
Villagers should understand this is for the protection of your rights, property, safety.
It seems a small issue now. Let's keep it from becoming a big thing. If we don't protect our amenities we could end up losing them.

While it pains me to state it, we totally agree on this issue. I would also suggest that it needs to be extended to short term rentals as well, especially Airbnbs

[thelegges]

You did say "every 90 minutes" a person would come by to check ID's. Can I ask, what rec centers or pools you frequent?

Regional Centers check ids for every event. They are on site.

Recreation centers have an on site staff and sometimes 2 at all times. Their rotation is 60 minutes walk through. Checking on those who are new since the last walk through.

If you are at either a Regional or recreation center you can either walk in the building to an employee or find the employee roaming around the pool area at the regional center to make a complaint.

My guess is you’re speaking of neighborhood pools also named adult pools over the age of 30. Community watch does a round robin of checking IDs as they pass by the pools on the route, the average is about 90 minutes.

If you were concerned, you can always call community watch from the adult pool that you are having issues with your Description of a description of a non-villager resident resident, and ask them to come and check on IDs.

Will usually respond within a half an hour or at least that’s my experience since 2007.
Then again at One of our 4 homes with neighborhood pools, the non-welcome club will hound the crap out of a new person. If you don’t live in this neighborhood, you need to leave and go to your pool.
Sometimes the elderly females are unhappy just not to share a pool for all residents, but sometimes the look of a new resident.

You might want to mention your concerns, sounds like many have free rein of all the pools you frequent, and are questioning their status. Or maybe not recognizing residents who travel from one pool to another to find a quieter pool atmosphere

[justjim]

My wife goes to the pool often. I go occasionally. The “monitors” only check ID’S for those not in the water. People know that. Until that changes you will always have non-residents using our pools.

[golfing eagles]

Let's flip this around and ask how you knew that "these people coming in to free load" were NOT TV residents.

Nobody is going to take that bait, so why not state what you mean?

[tophcfa]

First a sign that states "Must Have a valid Villages ID and Show I D upon request". Failure to do so means immediate removal from the area.
Have those who refuse trespassed. Non-residents will be trespassed and a restraining order issued that forbids them on villages property.
Villagers should understand this is for the protection of your rights, property, safety.
It seems a small issue now. Let's keep it from becoming a big thing. If we don't protect our amenities we could end up losing them.

While it pains me to state it, we totally agree on this issue. I would also suggest that it needs to be extended to short term rentals as well, especially Airbnbs

Totally agree, rules are worthless unless enforced. If rules are not enforced, word gets out and people take advantage of the situation.

[Stu from NYC]

Regional Centers check ids for every event. They are on site.

Recreation centers have an on site staff and sometimes 2 at all times. Their rotation is 60 minutes walk through. Checking on those who are new since the last walk through.

If you are at either a Regional or recreation center you can either walk in the building to an employee or find the employee roaming around the pool area at the regional center to make a complaint.

My guess is you’re speaking of neighborhood pools also named adult pools over the age of 30. Community watch does a round robin of checking IDs as they pass by the pools on the route, the average is about 90 minutes.

If you were concerned, you can always call community watch from the adult pool that you are having issues with your Description of a description of a non-villager resident resident, and ask them to come and check on IDs.

Will usually respond within a half an hour or at least that’s my experience since 2007.
Then again at One of our 4 homes with neighborhood pools, the non-welcome club will hound the crap out of a new person. If you don’t live in this neighborhood, you need to leave and go to your pool.
Sometimes the elderly females are unhappy just not to share a pool for all residents, but sometimes the look of a new resident.

You might want to mention your concerns, sounds like many have free rein of all the pools you frequent, and are questioning their status. Or maybe not recognizing residents who travel from one pool to another to find a quieter pool atmosphere

Actually they do not check everyone or even all the time. Been to quite a few club events and there is nobody checking ID's.

[ROCKETMAN]

Other than rec centers and executive golf courses, the general public can go anyplace they want in the villages. To have someone monitor 210 pickleball courts morning to night, check everyone in and out of the water at pools, and everyone who walks in a rec center, is unrealistic. Many times the person at the desk is busy with paper work and can’t monitor the front door. All the monitoring is hit and miss and if a non villages wants to get in a rec center or swim in a pool, not that difficult. Executive golf pretty tough to sneak someone in.

[Bill14564]

Actually they do not check everyone or even all the time. Been to quite a few club events and there is nobody checking ID's.

We must live in different areas. I have gone to dozens of events by at least seven clubs in at least six rec centers and have had my ID checked at EVERY SINGLE ONE.

[Bill14564]

My wife goes to the pool often. I go occasionally. The “monitors” only check ID’S for those not in the water. People know that. Until that changes you will always have non-residents using our pools.

If someone is in the pool and has removed their “I don’t live here” t-shirt then how do you know they are non-residents? When you learned that they were non-residents, did you get on the phone and alert the staff?

It’s far too easy to “know” something in these posts while having absolutely no knowledge in real life.

[bilcon]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc.


But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.

We should be using gate cards like Lakewood Ranches uses.

[Bogie Shooter]

We should be using gate cards like Lakewood Ranches uses.

Who owns the roads there?

[fdpaq0580]

Nobody is going to take that bait, so why not state what you mean?

I did. See #148

[fdpaq0580]

If someone is in the pool and has removed their “I don’t live here” t-shirt then how do you know they are non-residents? When you learned that they were non-residents, did you get on the phone and alert the staff?

It’s far too easy to “know” something in these posts while having absolutely no knowledge in real life.

See # 148

[Bill14564]

See # 148

Yes, and after learning this what did you do to remedy the situation? (A fistfight is the wrong answer, recounting a story on ToTV is ineffective)

My area must be very sheltered, there have been a few subjects of major concern that I have not experienced in the areas of the Villages that I frequent.

[fdpaq0580]

While it pains me to state it, we totally agree on this issue. I would also suggest that it needs to be extended to short term rentals as well, especially Airbnbs

I totally agree with your "extensions ".
See, I told you, I'm not a complete idiot. 😃😃😃

[fdpaq0580]

Yes, and after learning this what did you do to remedy the situation? (A fistfight is the wrong answer, recounting a story on ToTV is ineffective)

My area must be very sheltered, there have been a few subjects of major concern that I have not experienced in the areas of the Villages that I frequent.

Notified the appropriate oversite individual. What they did is unknown to me.

Lucky you. Being sheltered can be nice.

[golfing eagles]

I totally agree with your "extensions ".
See, I told you, I'm not a complete idiot. 😃😃😃

Never thought that. A bit misguided perhaps, but there's always hope of finally seeing the light :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[thelegges]

Slip of the tongue or out right admissions, mostly. At least that has been my experience.

You must not live in the right village. Any possibility of admission of not being a resident, a phone call would be immediate by no less than 3-4 residents. Our last four neighborhoods were so territorial, they would bash a resident from different neighborhood. We found it so comical the first time we went to the pool, we would routinely say “I don’t live in this village, but like the location of pool to sun ratio.

Just for S**t & Giggles, sometimes my comment “yeh finished cleaning a house, and wanted to cool off, before the next job” since we never frequented the same neighborhood pools, kept things interesting. One CW guy would laugh when the old ones would loudly say they don’t belong here they are too young. Make them leave.:a20: we were friends with a few of CW’s, alway smiled “you make my job interesting”.

So maybe a resident with a warp sense of humor, just trying to stir up some fun

[justjim]

If someone is in the pool and has removed their “I don’t live here” t-shirt then how do you know they are non-residents? When you learned that they were non-residents, did you get on the phone and alert the staff?

It’s far too easy to “know” something in these posts while having absolutely no knowledge in real life.

The “monitors” do not check everybody at the pool for ID’s. Those without ID’s know that those in the pool are not checked for ID’S. I have personally seen people who forgot their ID actually get in the pool when they see the Monitor coming - sort of funny, huh. Apparently Monitors are told by their supervisor not to make people get out of the pool to show their ID’S.

I get it, maybe the non-resident might buy a house someday. Just saying. I don’t think our pools are over run by non-residents illegally using our pools we pay to use. At least, not that I’ve seen and it could be that residents sometimes forget to get their guests passes or just are too busy (lazy maybe). Fore.

[Lottoguy]

TV could install a card reader at the gate that will unlock once the ID card is approved. The gate would need to be locked all the time.

[Bill14564]

The “monitors” do not check everybody at the pool for ID’s. Those without ID’s know that those in the pool are not checked for ID’S. I have personally seen people who forgot their ID actually get in the pool when they see the Monitor coming - sort of funny, huh. Apparently Monitors are told by their supervisor not to make people get out of the pool to show their ID’S.

I get it, maybe the non-resident might buy a house someday. Just saying. I don’t think our pools are over run by non-residents illegally using our pools we pay to use. At least, not that I’ve seen and it could be that residents sometimes forget to get their guests passes or just are too busy (lazy maybe). Fore.

I agree. My point was that many of those complaining about the pools being overrun have absolutely no idea who is a resident/guest and who is not. I have no doubt that there are violators out there. I would love a workable idea for how to stop them. I haven’t seen anything yet that would cost less than $5M.

I could get behind being asked to get out of the pool to show IDs. It would be annoying and an inconvenience but I think it would be okay with me. If that is enough to solve the problem or quiet the online complaints then let’s do it.

[ElDiabloJoe]

For those of you who find it difficult, inconvenient, impossible, or distasteful to get out of the pool to show your ID - perhaps you could consider affixing your ID to a little clamp that you can attach to your swimsuit. My swimsuit bottom (I wear a two-piece) has a key pocket that's just big enough for a key and a single ID card. If I'm in the pool and someone wants to check my ID it's right there, no need to get out of the pool at all. I don't bother though, because I'm fine with getting out of the pool to show my ID.

Plus, that swimsuit bottom has a velvet purse in addition the pocket. Most of those purses can fit a can of soda if they wanted to do so.

[golfing eagles]

You must not live in the right village. Any possibility of admission of not being a resident, a phone call would be immediate by no less than 3-4 residents. Our last four neighborhoods were so territorial, they would bash a resident from different neighborhood. We found it so comical the first time we went to the pool, we would routinely say “I don’t live in this village, but like the location of pool to sun ratio.

Just for S**t & Giggles, sometimes my comment “yeh finished cleaning a house, and wanted to cool off, before the next job” since we never frequented the same neighborhood pools, kept things interesting. One CW guy would laugh when the old ones would loudly say they don’t belong here they are too young. Make them leave.:a20: we were friends with a few of CW’s, alway smiled “you make my job interesting”.

So maybe a resident with a warp sense of humor, just trying to stir up some fun

I've never been at a public pool in the 11 years I've been here, but God help the person that would attempt to "bash" me.

[dougjb]

Gosh, the last time I was at my neighborhood pool, there were over a hundred non residents on the pool deck. When the pools and rec person came by, they all jumped in the pool causing a tidal wave.

I know this for a fact!

Geesh, most people at pool side, at best, know a few of their neighbors. Most people would not be able to detect a non-resident if their life depended on it. Of course, in The Villages, we always accept the word of a person who says they "KNOW" that other pool attendees were non-residents. What total hogwash!!!

[BillyGrown]

Once in a great while we have Middleton residents using our pool. We have never reported it because they are respectful and don’t cause problems.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

While it pains me to state it, we totally agree on this issue. I would also suggest that it needs to be extended to short term rentals as well, especially Airbnbs

Unfortunately, because of Lifestyle Visits and the Villages company's rental division, you can't forbid short-term renters having passes.

However maybe the rules of the pools and amenities can be changed so that ONLY short-term renters who rent through the Villages holding llc can get those passes, and any other short-term renters must have an actual resident (snowbird or full time) accompanying them to any amenities.

The Villages Property Management does a pretty good job of vetting tenants for short-term stays, and maintaining the properties that it manages.

Another option would be to make it so that the only people who can rent short-term and get guest passes, are people renting in properties that are managed by an actual licensed property management company (not just the Villages PM). Airbnb tenants, or tenants of individuals who don't go through websites to rent - can't get guest passes unless they are IN the residence when their guests are there.

If they get caught letting guests use amenities when the resident is not in the community at the time, then they lose their right to having any guest passes for the next year. If they get caught doing it again, they lose their right to have any guest passes at all.

[tophcfa]

Unfortunately, because of Lifestyle Visits and the Villages company's rental division, you can't forbid short-term renters having passes.

However maybe the rules of the pools and amenities can be changed so that ONLY short-term renters who rent through the Villages holding llc can get those passes, and any other short-term renters must have an actual resident (snowbird or full time) accompanying them to any amenities.

The Villages Property Management does a pretty good job of vetting tenants for short-term stays, and maintaining the properties that it manages.

Another option would be to make it so that the only people who can rent short-term and get guest passes, are people renting in properties that are managed by an actual licensed property management company (not just the Villages PM). Airbnb tenants, or tenants of individuals who don't go through websites to rent - can't get guest passes unless they are IN the residence when their guests are there.

If they get caught letting guests use amenities when the resident is not in the community at the time, then they lose their right to having any guest passes for the next year. If they get caught doing it again, they lose their right to have any guest passes at all.

Guests stay with the homeowner for free, tenants pay rent. Guest passes are for guests, not short term tenants (business customers). Short term tenants should not be allowed to have guest passes at all since they are not guests. Long term tenants (those renting for a month or longer), can get resident passes for a $50 fee if the homeowner renting to them turns in their resident ID.

[eyc234]

See # 148

And that proves what? Just cause you say it does not make it true.

[eyc234]

TV could install a card reader at the gate that will unlock once the ID card is approved. The gate would need to be locked all the time.

You going to pay for all of them. Do not look to most people to pay for something that is not really needed.

[Altavia]

From the District Weekly Bulletin April 10, 2025

https://www.districtgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WB-April-10-2025-edition-15-2.pdf

And the:

Community Amenities: Facts About, April 8, 2025

Recent discussions within our community have raised questions about the use and protection of the amenity system in The Villages. To ensure everyone has accurate information, we’d like to remind residents about our established access policies.

See:

Community Amenities: Facts About Access and Usage - The Villages Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/whats-happening/news/community-amenities-facts-about-access-and-usage/)


Guest & Resident ID Info

https://www.districtgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/REC619-Guest-ID-Policy-0125-1619669.pdf

[HappyTraveler]

For any who want the bottom line details about the recent info provided by District Gov, here it is:

From October 2024 through February 2025, 1,026,767 IDs were checked, and 159,374 guest passes were issued. Only 168 instances (less than 1%) of guest ID non-compliance were recorded, with 514 instances (less than 1%) of residents without IDs.

[Bill14564]

For any who want the bottom line details about the recent info provided by District Gov, here it is:

From October 2024 through February 2025, 1,026,767 IDs were checked, and 159,374 guest passes were issued. Only 168 instances (less than 1%) of guest ID non-compliance were recorded, with 514 instances (less than 1%) of residents without IDs.

Statistics.....

It would be nice to know how many of those ID checks were at the 100ish neighborhood and family pools where most of the concerns are coming from. If all of them were, then that amounts to about 65 checks at EVERY pool EVERY day. I doubt 65 people per day come to the two pools in my area COMBINED. Maybe there are neighborhood pools that had many more people use them in December and January.

If those checks include checks at events at the rec centers then I know I account for at least 14 of them but I didn't go to a pool at all during that time.

What is a "guest ID non-compliance"? Is that a bonafide guest who was not issued a pass, a guest who was issued a pass but was not carrying it, or a non-guest sneaking into the pool?

I believe there are non-residents sneaking into the pools
I don't believe the pools are being overrun with outsiders
I appreciate seeing numbers that speak to the issue
I don't appreciate feeling the numbers were carefully selected to look good

[shut the front door]

Statistics.....

It would be nice to know how many of those ID checks were at the 100ish neighborhood and family pools where most of the concerns are coming from. If all of them then that amounts to about 65 checks at EVERY pool EVERY day. I doubt 65 people per day come to the two pools in my area COMBINED. Maybe there are neighborhood pools that had many more people use them in December and January.

If those checks include checks at events at the rec centers then I know I account for at least 14 of them but I didn't go to a pool at all during that time.

What is a "guest ID non-compliance"? Is that a bonafide guest who was not issued a pass, a guest who was issued a pass but was not carrying it, or a non-guest sneaking into the pool?

I believe there are non-residents sneaking into the pools
I don't believe the pools are being overrun with outsiders
I appreciate seeing numbers that speak to the issue
I don't appreciate feeling the numbers were carefully selected to look good

Well said. That whole "less than 1%" BS that they've been spouting for years means absolutely nothing. They are only taking into account people who WERE checked and didn't have ID. They like to skip over the thousands who NEVER get checked.

[thelegges]

Well said. That whole "less than 1%" BS that they've been spouting for years means absolutely nothing. They are only taking into account people who WERE checked and didn't have ID. They like to skip over the thousands who NEVER get checked.

At any time you can request someone to check a pool for the Thousands you are identifying. Complaining won’t get things under control. The family pools at Recreation Centers have an on site employee. Point out the 50 or so that are in violation and have them removed.

Then again it is always fun to tell the territorial older people between the 6’s at the neighborhood pool. “Ya I don’t live in TV, I just like to stop and use the pool”

It’s so fun to see their :rant-rave: face when CW tells them “They have IDs”

[HappyTraveler]

Statistics.....

If all of them then that amounts to about 65 checks at EVERY pool EVERY day. I doubt 65 people per day come to the two pools in my area COMBINED.

What is a "guest ID non-compliance"? Is that a bonafide guest who was not issued a pass, a guest who was issued a pass but was not carrying it, or a non-guest sneaking into the pool?

First paragraph makes no sense. Of course, they didn't only check pools.

Second paragraph - Why ask here? Call District Gov if the answer to that interests you.

[FloridaGuy66]

For any who want the bottom line details about the recent info provided by District Gov, here it is:

From October 2024 through February 2025, 1,026,767 IDs were checked, and 159,374 guest passes were issued. Only 168 instances (less than 1%) of guest ID non-compliance were recorded, with 514 instances (less than 1%) of residents without IDs.

Way less than 1% so that immediately goes into "I don't care" territory for me.

I wish people would focus more on things that actually matter like actual TV residents doing things that they shouldn't be doing, or the developer doing things they shouldn't be doing.

[AMB444]

Good for you if you think the pool use is unimportant to YOUR CDD bill

Well, for some of us that live here our number one priority is the use of the adult pools for keeping our health as many of us can't walk, pickle ball or golf for health.

I think many of you dismiss how important the pools are for those of that can't join in golf and other amenities. We wish we could.

But it's still important to US that the pools maintain villagers only, like you think it's important for golf courses, pickle ball, etc for members only. And we still pay the same CDD as YOU do. Be respectful for those of us that can't enjoy the mainstream amenities. We still pay the $200 like you do.

[Full-timer]

Willing to bet a lot of these people are "friends" of villagers and then you have villager family.
The amount we all pay for the upkeep is high and it will get much worse than this going forward.


Do you notice the higher amount of trash spewed around on the modal paths certain times of the year? That is from family, friends, and snow birds. We pay for that too.

In the end, there isn't much you can do unless you want to pay a lot more and have much more stricter rules placed on residents.

Our answer to these issues is to sell and move out. Then we can be one of "those " people!!

[TPO442]

We pay for pickle ball, rec center and pools, etc.


But TV is not checking all that often to make sure they are residents.

What should be done to make sure the $$ we pay each month doesn't pay for these people coming in to free load.


Checking ID's this week

[golfing eagles]

At any time you can request someone to check a pool for the Thousands you are identifying. Complaining won’t get things under control. The family pools at Recreation Centers have an on site employee. Point out the 50 or so that are in violation and have them removed.

Then again it is always fun to tell the territorial older people between the 6’s at the neighborhood pool. “Ya I don’t live in TV, I just like to stop and use the pool”

It’s so fun to see their :rant-rave: face when CW tells them “They have IDs”

So, in other words, it is "fun" to waste the time of the community watch????? While they're checking the ID of a legitimate resident having "fun", how many non-residents are sneaking in and getting away with it?????

[golfing eagles]

Good for you if you think the pool use is unimportant to YOUR CDD bill

Well, for some of us that live here our number one priority is the use of the adult pools for keeping our health as many of us can't walk, pickle ball or golf for health.

I think many of you dismiss how important the pools are for those of that can't join in golf and other amenities. We wish we could.

But it's still important to US that the pools maintain villagers only, like you think it's important for golf courses, pickle ball, etc for members only. And we still pay the same CDD as YOU do. Be respectful for those of us that can't enjoy the mainstream amenities. We still pay the $200 like you do.

Below is a sign that I would like to see adapted to all our pools, courts and golf courses, clearly stating the trespassing statute. The statistics cited above are ambiguous, but if they CAUGHT 168 freeloaders in 5 months, we can assume there are many more, and even one is too many. Yes, it would cost a lot to stop them, but I would offer another solution---prosecute those caught to the fullest extent of the law and publicize it area wide. If these trespassers realize that the consequences of taking a dip in our pools significantly outweighs the benefit, the word will get around that we do not tolerate this type of behavior. If they are a minor, prosecute the responsible parents.

[Altavia]

Has anyone brought up the possibility of using wrist bands similar to what the resorts use?

[HappyTraveler]

Below is a sign that I would like to see adapted to all our pools, courts and golf courses, clearly stating the trespassing statute. The statistics cited above are ambiguous, but if they CAUGHT 168 freeloaders in 5 months, we can assume there are many more, and even one is too many. Yes, it would cost a lot to stop them, but I would offer another solution---prosecute those caught to the fullest extent of the law and publicize it area wide. If these trespassers realize that the consequences of taking a dip in our pools significantly outweighs the benefit, the word will get around that we do not tolerate this type of behavior. If they are a minor, prosecute the responsible parents.

Every business has to weigh many factors when adopting (or choosing not to) comprehensive policies.

From marketing, publicity and general Villager experience perspectives - I get why TV manages it the way that they do. On the whole, it likely provides the greatest benefit this way....by utilizing spot checks and not creating a scene or public legal disputes.

[golfing eagles]

Has anyone brought up the possibility of using wrist bands similar to what the resorts use?

There are problems with that idea. Would the bands be removable? They pretty much would have to be, in which case they can be lost, stolen, or lent to others. Could 6 people enter on one band? Maybe every resident should have an implantable chip that activates the gate :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Stu from NYC]

There are problems with that idea. Would the bands be removable? They pretty much would have to be, in which case they can be lost, stolen, or lent to others. Could 6 people enter on one band? Maybe every resident should have an implantable chip that activates the gate :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Can I sign up to implant the chip? Need a new hobby

[golfing eagles]

Can I sign up to implant the chip? Need a new hobby

Only within the jurisdictional borders of the Village of Stu

[golfing eagles]

Every business has to weigh many factors when adopting (or choosing not to) comprehensive policies.

From marketing, publicity and general Villager experience perspectives - I get why TV manages it the way that they do. On the whole, it likely provides the greatest benefit this way....by utilizing spot checks and not creating a scene or public legal disputes.

Disagree. TV is not a department store or restaurant. The population that needs to be catered to are the residents and those that are likely to become residents. Teenager tenants of apartment buildings on our borders don’t fit into either category

[Bill14564]

Disagree. TV is not a department store or restaurant. The population that needs to be catered to are the residents and those that are likely to become residents. Teenager tenants of apartment buildings on our borders don’t fit into either category

Pull everyone out of the pools or off the courts, line them up against the wall, and demand IDs. That will certainly find the outsiders and teenagers freeloading off the residents but at what cost? The lighter touch approach likely is an attempt to cater to the residents who want to enjoy the amenities without feeling overly policed.

The current approach clearly isn’t working for some pools or some people.

Perhaps a period of increased enforcement? Would that make sense now or in the fall when population increases again?

Technology-based solutions sound good but will be expensive.

[Stu from NYC]

Only within the jurisdictional borders of the Village of Stu

Did you not see in the very Happy paper that we have taken over the villages?

[asianthree]

There are problems with that idea. Would the bands be removable? They pretty much would have to be, in which case they can be lost, stolen, or lent to others. Could 6 people enter on one band? Maybe every resident should have an implantable chip that activates the gate :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Theme parks have used bands for special events for years. Each person is required to wear band at all times. Band is waterproof, can’t be removed unless cut. Once cut no longer valid, and some refuse to reissue unless a medical emergency. The longest I have had a special band was 10 days. Not a big deal. Instead of paper guest pass, a band could be printed for the same cost.

[golfing eagles]

Pull everyone out of the pools or off the courts, line them up against the wall, and demand IDs. That will certainly find the outsiders and teenagers freeloading off the residents but at what cost? The lighter touch approach likely is an attempt to cater to the residents who want to enjoy the amenities without feeling overly policed.

The current approach clearly isn’t working for some pools or some people.

Perhaps a period of increased enforcement? Would that make sense now or in the fall when population increases again?

Technology-based solutions sound good but will be expensive.

So which is it? Villagers want to enjoy life without being over policed, or they clamor for more police, more enforcement especially on the roads. Pick one

[HappyTraveler]

The population that needs to be catered to are the residents and those that are likely to become residents.
Yes indeed, precisely the point. As well as the fact that TV is an ongoing enterprise. All of those factor in.


So which is it? Villagers want to enjoy life without being over policed, or they clamor for more police, more enforcement especially on the roads. Pick one.
My vote is for the standard, ongoing spot checks and not being overly-policed. I think that's what most would ultimately prefer whether they realize it or not. It's much less intrusive to daily living.

[Bill14564]

So which is it? Villagers want to enjoy life without being over policed, or they clamor for more police, more enforcement especially on the roads. Pick one

I don’t disagree. In a thread some time ago I suggested giving them what they are clamoring for until they realize it really isn’t what they want.

[Papa_lecki]

Is this a solution looking for a problem?
I believe there are probably some amenities being used by non villagers. I personally don’t experience it, or if I did at a pool or a court, I may not have even known about it.
Comunity watch should have a testable number, if there are a bunch of rowdy kids at your pool, text and CW comes by.

[FloridaGuy66]

For the people that are so triggered by a fraction of 1% of people being found using our facilities even though they're likely just unregistered guests (kids, grandkids, etc), I think maybe they should take up a hobby or something instead of looking for witchhunts to join.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Is this a solution looking for a problem?
I believe there are probably some amenities being used by non villagers. I personally don’t experience it, or if I did at a pool or a court, I may not have even known about it.
Comunity watch should have a testable number, if there are a bunch of rowdy kids at your pool, text and CW comes by.

I drove up Paradise yesterday and saw 4 kids playing basketball, with no adult present at all. The oldest of the four might've been 16, the youngest, possibly 10.

That's a lawsuit waiting to happen. Kid gets blocked by the bigger kid or smacked in the face by the ball by mistake, falls, breaks their elbow on the court, and parents sue for medical damages.

Even if the suit gets thrown out, it would mean our community's lawyers getting involved, the rec center having to recover from the reputational damage when it hits the newspapers that we LET it happen (and yes - we absolutely LET it happen by not enforcing our ID rules).

Insurance premium for the community would go up if the parents filed a claim against it.

We shouldn't be borrowing trouble. We should be pro-active in preventing it, whenever practical and possible. There needs to be more recreational employees whose jobs it is to roam between rec centers and check IDs at spots where there isn't any employee already stationed (like pools and shuffleboard courts and archery ranges and dog parks and basketball courts).

[golfing eagles]

For the people that are so triggered by a fraction of 1% of people being found using our facilities even though they're likely just unregistered guests (kids, grandkids, etc), I think maybe they should take up a hobby or something instead of looking for witchhunts to join.

So, what number of trespassing freeloaders are you willing to tolerate before it's a problem? The questionable statistic right now is 168 caught in 5 months or around 400/year. I contend that if 400/year are CAUGHT, there are probably 4-5x as many, if not more. Is 2,000/year acceptable? What is the number that we should tolerate? How much should we spend to prevent it? All good questions, but "taking up another hobby" will not get them answered, any more than an ostrich avoids danger by burying its head in the sand.

[golfing eagles]

I drove up Paradise yesterday and saw 4 kids playing basketball, with no adult present at all. The oldest of the four might've been 16, the youngest, possibly 10.

That's a lawsuit waiting to happen. Kid gets blocked by the bigger kid or smacked in the face by the ball by mistake, falls, breaks their elbow on the court, and parents sue for medical damages.

Even if the suit gets thrown out, it would mean our community's lawyers getting involved, the rec center having to recover from the reputational damage when it hits the newspapers that we LET it happen (and yes - we absolutely LET it happen by not enforcing our ID rules).

Insurance premium for the community would go up if the parents filed a claim against it.

We shouldn't be borrowing trouble. We should be pro-active in preventing it, whenever practical and possible. There needs to be more recreational employees whose jobs it is to roam between rec centers and check IDs at spots where there isn't any employee already stationed (like pools and shuffleboard courts and archery ranges and dog parks and basketball courts).

Agree totally. The other aspect is knowing the identity of those who use the amenities. When you enter a rec center, your ID is scanned. When you drive a car through the gates, your license plate is photographed. But when someone hops the fence or rides a bicycle in, we have no idea who they are. If an incident takes place, they will be hard to identity. It was Ben Franklin who wrote "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

[tophcfa]

Agree totally. The other aspect is knowing the identity of those who use the amenities. When you enter a rec center, your ID is scanned. When you drive a car through the gates, your license plate is photographed. But when someone hops the fence or rides a bicycle in, we have no idea who they are. If an incident takes place, they will be hard to identity. It was Ben Franklin who wrote "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

The other evening I was using the outside exercise equipment at Mulberry after swimming laps in the sports pool. A bunch of locals (I would put around 30 years old) walked across the street (which is outside the bubble) with a big cooler full of beer and wine and proceeded to take over the exercise equipment like it was their private party spot. They cranked up some red neck type country western on a Bluetooth speaker and were having a grand old time. I was almost done with my workout and didn’t want a confrontation with several people less than half my age, so I let it go and headed home. I thought about calling community standards, but it was getting dark out and I didn’t want to put someone else in a precarious position. The point is, non Villagers are using our amenities and are getting good at knowing what they can get away with.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The other evening I was using the outside exercise equipment at Mulberry after swimming laps in the sports pool. A bunch of locals (I would put around 30 years old) walked across the street (which is outside the bubble) with a big cooler full of beer and wine and proceeded to take over the exercise equipment like it was their private party spot. They cranked up some red neck type country western on a Bluetooth speaker and were having a grand old time. I was almost done with my workout and didn’t want a confrontation with several people less than half my age, so I let it go and headed home. I thought about calling community standards, but it was getting dark out and I didn’t want to put someone else in a precarious position. The point is, non Villagers are using our amenities and are getting good at knowing what they can get away with.

They get away with it because people see them doing it and don't make that phone call. You'd be calling the Community Watch - and you'd be telling them that there's a group of outsiders boozing it up at the sports equipment park, and maybe they should involve the county/city police. Let them decide if they're being put in a precarious position or not. That's what you pay them for - to make those decisions and to get support from the police if/when needed.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There was also the matter of some drug addict homeless guy using the rest room for a half hour at the golf course, preventing anyone else from using it (single stall), and then he started wandering around ON the golf course - while the course was open for play and people were trying to play.

Rec employees can only do so much - but what they CAN do, they SHOULD do. Such as - checking IDs and making sure kids at the outdoor facilities have an adult with a guest or resident pass accompanying them.

[Altavia]

Theme parks have used bands for special events for years. Each person is required to wear band at all times. Band is waterproof, can’t be removed unless cut. Once cut no longer valid, and some refuse to reissue unless a medical emergency. The longest I have had a special band was 10 days. Not a big deal. Instead of paper guest pass, a band could be printed for the same cost.

Exactly, we had then on during a cruise for a month. One all inclusive resort used a very nice cloth band.

RFID Fabric wristband - MTOB RFID (https://www.mytopband.com/products/rfid-wristbands/rfid-fabric-wristband/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8IfABhBXEiwAxRHlsC2kYB6u5Xs0CnA060zV 5BBVZ25AdTipaDsDkHozw03isVBUzo7IQBoC2kQQAvD_BwE)

Include Medical ID on the band.

Medical Alert Bracelets | Medical ID Bracelet (https://theidbandco.com/medical-bracelets/)

A chip could be embeded in the band to replace the ID card, when scanned, you photo shows up as with the card ID. (Disney Magic bands)

Some would be happy to pay for the convenience rather than carry an ID card.

Issues of course. But the perfect is the enemy of the good enough.

[HappyTraveler]

Exactly, we had then on during a cruise for a month. One all inclusive resort used a very nice cloth band.

A chip could be embeded in the band to replace the ID card, when scanned, you photo shows up as with the card ID. (Disney Magic bands)

Some would be happy to pay for the convenience rather than carry an ID card.

Issues of course. But the perfect is the enemy of the good enough.

A few things:
-- TV isn't a cruise ship or all-inclusive resort where that bracelet might need to be scanned multiple times per day for access to various things or for purchases. Therefore, it provides great convenience in those places. And people only have to wear it for the time they are there.

-- If it was used at TV, presumably, active people would have to wear it every day...forever? If more frequent scanning occurred, they'd have to. I think I can speak for many that they will not want to be required to wear a bracelet on the regular. It's a bit like being an inmate, really, and is overkill, imo.

-- Also, again, if they were to be scanning people regularly, there is a creepy, big brother factor to it. Some people may not care that TV would have all that activity and whereabouts data about them but, plenty of people would protest that kind of tracking and I figure TV HQ knows that.

Something that sort-of ties in to that....I recently declined to move forward becoming a patient at a well-known health system in this area because I wanted to reject (strike out) a particular aspect of their patient agreement that was inappropriate and very intrusive. I would hope other people are protesting that too but, I wonder. Privacy actually still matters.

[AMB444]

We also really need to take a look at non residents using the pool bathrooms.

During the busy months there are many witnesses. But when it gets slow there might be only one or two in the pool when a random person shows up to use the bathroom.

70 year old woman alone at the pool and random landscapers show up. Most likely it's gonna be okay. But.... eventually something is gonna happen

[Velvet]

A few things:
-- TV isn't a cruise ship or all-inclusive resort where that bracelet might need to be scanned multiple times per day for access to various things or for purchases. Therefore, it provides great convenience in those places. And people only have to wear it for the time they are there.

-- If it was used at TV, presumably, active people would have to wear it every day...forever? If more frequent scanning occurred, they'd have to. I think I can speak for many that they will not want to be required to wear a bracelet on the regular. It's a bit like being an inmate, really, and is overkill, imo.

-- Also, again, if they were to be scanning people regularly, there is a creepy, big brother factor to it. Some people may not care that TV would have all that activity and whereabouts data about them but, plenty of people would protest that kind of tracking and I figure TV HQ knows that.

Something that sort-of ties in to that....I recently declined to move forward becoming a patient at a well-known health system in this area because I wanted to reject (strike out) a particular aspect of their patient agreement that was inappropriate and very intrusive. I would hope other people are protesting that too but, I wonder. Privacy actually still matters.

I think the people who would really be ****ed off are the ones who wouldn’t qualify to wear the bracelet because they’re trying to freeload. And of course they would call it “Big Brother” or “creepy” etc anything to discourage it from happening.

[AMB444]

We also really need to take a look at non residents using the pool bathrooms. During the busy months there are many witnesses. But when it gets slow there might be only one or two in the pool when a random person shows up to use the bathroom. 70 year old woman alone at the pool and random landscapers show up. Most likely it's gonna be okay. But.... eventually something is gonna happen

And many here will say "where are they to go". Well, when they are out and about in other areas of FLA during their work day ... where do they "go" then?

We're not Floridas toilet.

Since many are concerned with their toilet needs maybe they should use YOUR house.

[asianthree]

A few things:
-- TV isn't a cruise ship or all-inclusive resort where that bracelet might need to be scanned multiple times per day for access to various things or for purchases. Therefore, it provides great convenience in those places. And people only have to wear it for the time they are there.

-- If it was used at TV, presumably, active people would have to wear it every day...forever? If more frequent scanning occurred, they'd have to. I think I can speak for many that they will not want to be required to wear a bracelet on the regular. It's a bit like being an inmate, really, and is overkill, imo.

-- Also, again, if they were to be scanning people regularly, there is a creepy, big brother factor to it. Some people may not care that TV would have all that activity and whereabouts data about them but, plenty of people would protest that kind of tracking and I figure TV HQ knows that.

Something that sort-of ties in to that....I recently declined to move forward becoming a patient at a well-known health system in this area because I wanted to reject (strike out) a particular aspect of their patient agreement that was inappropriate and very intrusive. I would hope other people are protesting that too but, I wonder. Privacy actually still matters.

The tread is mostly about how to identify a Registered Guest, or trespasser.

As far as tracking you Resident ID is a tracker with a bar code required at all events within TV

Instead of having a guest ID, a waterproof band could be printed for the same amount of money, requiring all guests to wear them while on property, for duration of stay.
So, even if they jumped in the pool, they would easily be identified. At this time no Guest ID is scanned, So Guest ID band would be a Cheap alternative to find any trespassers especially in the pool.

As far as Resident IDs, band would be a pain, and could Clash with Pickleball or golf outfit,.

However, an app to have your resident ID on your phone or device with not only be inexpensive but convenient.

Kets face it how many people do you know that doesn’t carry a phone.

[golfing eagles]

The tread is mostly about how to identify a Registered Guest, or trespasser.

As far as tracking you Resident ID is a tracker with a bar code required at all events within TV

Instead of having a guest ID, a waterproof band could be printed for the same amount of money, requiring all guests to wear them while on property, for duration of stay.
So, even if they jumped in the pool, they would easily be identified. At this time no Guest ID is scanned, So Guest ID band would be a Cheap alternative to find any trespassers especially in the pool.

As far as Resident IDs, band would be a pain, and could Clash with Pickleball or golf outfit,.

However, an app to have your resident ID on your phone or device with not only be inexpensive but convenient.

Kets face it how many people do you know that doesn’t carry a phone.

Including the freeloading trespassers who could hack the phone ID or clone it. Once one copy is out there, thousands of copies will follow

[asianthree]

Agree totally. The other aspect is knowing the identity of those who use the amenities. When you enter a rec center, your ID is scanned. When you drive a car through the gates, your license plate is photographed. But when someone hops the fence or rides a bicycle in, we have no idea who they are. If an incident takes place, they will be hard to identity. It was Ben Franklin who wrote "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

Many teens could clone a resident ID just as easily. What would be the difference a physical card or app clone? Plus if a multi scans in TV on the same day would pose red flag if 20 clones from one card, or app
Our former tenant family moved him to SC for two months then he passed. Family couldn’t find his gate pass or Resident ID, when they came to collect his belongings.

At the district office, the ID and gate passes were still being used for those months and 2 weeks after he passed. His girlfriend was using his Id and gate passes.
Her excuse he must have left them in my car, sure. Let her know the Id and gate pass showed the activity for past two months, have been deactivated, and I needed possession immediately. Returned within 30 minutes.

[golfing eagles]

Many teens could clone a resident ID just as easily. What would be the difference a physical card or app clone? Plus if a multi scans in TV on the same day would pose red flag if 20 clones from one card, or app
Our former tenant family moved him to SC for two months then he passed. Family couldn’t find his gate pass or Resident ID, when they came to collect his belongings.

At the district office, the ID and gate passes were still being used for those months and 2 weeks after he passed. His girlfriend was using his Id and gate passes.
Her excuse he must have left them in my car, sure. Let her know the Id and gate pass showed the activity for past two months, have been deactivated, and I needed possession immediately. Returned within 30 minutes.

Much harder to mass produce fake ID cards than to distribute thousands of cloned phone app copies

[Mike from NY]

The other day I went to get the mail and go to the pool. In front of the Postal was crouch rocket motorcycles. I went and got in the pool there were about 8 people there. About 10 minutes later I see a 20 year old come out of the bathroom with his helmet. You could tell he was a construction worker by the clothes in his hand. So he must have used the pool bathroom to cleanup and change. I wish I was there when he arrived.

[golfing eagles]

The other day I went to get the mail and go to the pool. In front of the Postal was crouch rocket motorcycles. I went and got in the pool there were about 8 people there. About 10 minutes later I see a 20 year old come out of the bathroom with his helmet. You could tell he was a construction worker by the clothes in his hand. So he must have used the pool bathroom to cleanup and change. I wish I was there when he arrived.

Why? Plan on challenging him? Then you both get arrested.

[Bill14564]

The tread is mostly about how to identify a Registered Guest, or trespasser.

As far as tracking you Resident ID is a tracker with a bar code required at all events within TV

Instead of having a guest ID, a waterproof band could be printed for the same amount of money, requiring all guests to wear them while on property, for duration of stay.
So, even if they jumped in the pool, they would easily be identified. At this time no Guest ID is scanned, So Guest ID band would be a Cheap alternative to find any trespassers especially in the pool.

As far as Resident IDs, band would be a pain, and could Clash with Pickleball or golf outfit,.

However, an app to have your resident ID on your phone or device with not only be inexpensive but convenient.

Kets face it how many people do you know that doesn’t carry a phone.

I doubt a waterproof band could be printed at the cost of 1/2 a sheet of paper (Guest IDs are printed two to a page). Besides that, my guests typically come for anywhere from a week to a month; will they be required to wear their waterproof band all 30 days?

[Arlington2]

I doubt a waterproof band could be printed at the cost of 1/2 a sheet of paper (Guest IDs are printed two to a page). Besides that, my guests typically come for anywhere from a week to a month; will they be required to wear their waterproof band all 30 days?

Yes. That is standard procedure at previous developments I have lived in and pretty much the norm at resorts.

[Bill14564]

Yes. That is standard procedure at previous developments I have lived in and pretty much the norm at resorts.

It is standard procedure to require wearing a non-removable band for the duration of a 30-day stay? No thank you.

[Arlington2]

It is standard procedure to require wearing a non-removable band for the duration of a 30-day stay? No thank you.

You're stretching things. Used while using amenities.

[Bill14564]

You're stretching things. Used while using amenities.

Not stretching things at all, simply thinking them through.

If the band is removable then it is no different than the card we have today. Perhaps worse since if the band does not have some identifying information then it could be given to someone else. If the band is not removable then 30-day guests would need to wear it the entire time.

Scale matters. On the one hand you have a "previous development" or a resort with a couple hundred guests and one or two pools. Here you have 34 square miles, 100+ pools, dozens of rec centers, hundreds of outdoor courts (pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce, etc), and over 1,000 new guest passes distributed each day.

[Arlington2]

Not stretching things at all, simply thinking them through.

If the band is removable then it is no different than the card we have today. Perhaps worse since if the band does not have some identifying information then it could be given to someone else. If the band is not removable then 30-day guests would need to wear it the entire time.

Scale matters. On the one hand you have a "previous development" or a resort with a couple hundred guests and one or two pools. Here you have 34 square miles, 100+ pools, dozens of rec centers, hundreds of outdoor courts (pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce, etc), and over 1,000 new guest passes distributed each day.


John Rohan, is that you? Yeah, this is like the 80's. What worked then should work now.

[wlasowicz]

One issue I have not seen discussed is with all the expenses going up for owners of homes in The Villages such water sewer trash amenities' insurance etc. regardless whether you rent or do not rent out your home the cost of a non resident or Lifestyles pass $50. has stayed the same in the 9yrs that I have owned in The Villages. The renter/non resident particular in the high season creates a high usage on the facilitates that the amenities fees pay for. I think its time The Villages Corp. need to get off their high horse in trying to sell more homes and instead focus more on the current owners in trying to keep the cost of living in The Villages down

[biker1]

The Villages (aka The Developer) doesn’t control the prices of water, sewage, trash, insurance, amenities (after you buy your home), etc. Some of the prices are regulated, to some degree. The trash was negotiated by the CDDs. The amenities’ fee goes up by the CPI. I’m not sure how you think The Villages can help.


One issue I have not seen discussed is with all the expenses going up for owners of homes in The Villages such water sewer trash amenities' insurance etc. regardless whether you rent or do not rent out your home the cost of a non resident or Lifestyles pass $50. has stayed the same in the 9yrs that I have owned in The Villages. The renter/non resident particular in the high season creates a high usage on the facilitates that the amenities fees pay for. I think its time The Villages Corp. need to get off their high horse in trying to sell more homes and instead focus more on the current owners in trying to keep the cost of living in The Villages down

[HappyTraveler]

I think the people who would really be ****ed off are the ones who wouldn’t qualify to wear the bracelet because they’re trying to freeload. And of course they would call it “Big Brother” or “creepy” etc anything to discourage it from happening.
Incorrect, the comment was unnecessarily nasty and if you were implying - me - I am a homeowner in good standing at TV. Who also happens to value privacy and not being tracked.

Btw, the reason I mentioned the healthcare system issue in my prior comment was because what they wanted me to agree to was to allow my *personal health records* to be provided to "research". Astonishing. And when I asked several questions about it, I got evasive non-committal answers. I have little doubt they would be PAID for that information. I could write an essay on how messed-up all of that is.

Velvet - the world of today is not like the one we've understood most of our lives. It is not. The undue intrusions are constant. Did you know that Smart televisions have cameras in them? Some even have microphones. And those crazy Alexa and Siri devices are ON and recording the entire time? Yes, and yes. All that personal info is being captured and sold.

[Bogie Shooter]

One issue I have not seen discussed is with all the expenses going up for owners of homes in The Villages such water sewer trash amenities' insurance etc. regardless whether you rent or do not rent out your home the cost of a non resident or Lifestyles pass $50. has stayed the same in the 9yrs that I have owned in The Villages. The renter/non resident particular in the high season creates a high usage on the facilitates that the amenities fees pay for. I think its time The Villages Corp. need to get off their high horse in trying to sell more homes and instead focus more on the current owners in trying to keep the cost of living in The Villages down

The Villages (aka The Developer) doesn’t control the prices of water, sewage, trash, insurance, amenities, etc. Some of the prices are regulated, to some degree. The trash was negotiated by the CDDs. The amenities’ fee goes up by the CPI. I’m not sure how you think The Villages can help.

When in doubt and a lack of knowledge it’s always easy to blame “the developer.” Or in this case “The Villages Corp”.

[Pugchief]

How about everyone gets their ID barcode tattooed on their inner wrist?

Yes, that is [/sarcasm], but no more ludicrous than some of the other ideas in this thread.

Agree 100% enforcement is necessary, and agree trespassers should be prosecuted with the prosecution widely publicized. Good luck finding a way to do that without spending lots of $$$$.

[jimjamuser]

While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....
If a person does NOT have a Villager ID they should NOT come to a club meeting. They should start their own club and meet somewhere outside of the Villages.

[jimjamuser]

Nope. But I /am/ willing to see more Florida-specific perennials that can thrive as "wildflowers" in the flower beds, thus cutting down on the expense of switching them out every 3 months. That should cover the cost of 4 "roaming" employees in each district, whose job it is to travel in a loop and check IDs at each rec center and neighborhood pool along the route. You'd need these shifts: 1 from pool opening until 1pm. 1 from 10am til 3pm. One from noon til 5pm. One from 4pm til closing.

The entire Historic section would need just those 4 employees, going to Paradise, Hilltop, and Southside pools. They can also spend some time at the Rec area itself, making sure there aren't any unattended little kids using the sports equipment, and that kids under 13 aren't being allowed to use the outdoor exercise equipment as a playground by doting grandparents (Kids are not supposed to use them EVEN IF someone is watching them. The signs state as such).

That would be in addition to the existing rec center employees, who DO have to check IDs every so often at their rec center pools.
I agree with this post. Especially the part about using flowers or plants that are year around plants and do NOT need to be uprooted and replaced often. That is just a "stupid" waste of time and human resources expense.

[Papa_lecki]

The tread is mostly about how to identify a Registered Guest, or trespasser.

As far as tracking you Resident ID is a tracker with a bar code required at all events within TV

Instead of having a guest ID, a waterproof band could be printed for the same amount of money, requiring all guests to wear them while on property, for duration of stay.
So, even if they jumped in the pool, they would easily be identified. At this time no Guest ID is scanned, So Guest ID band would be a Cheap alternative to find any trespassers especially in the pool.

As far as Resident IDs, band would be a pain, and could Clash with Pickleball or golf outfit,.

However, an app to have your resident ID on your phone or device with not only be inexpensive but convenient.

Kets face it how many people do you know that doesn’t carry a phone.

They could develop an app with you ID that is geotagged. Community watch can drive into parking lot, see how many resident ID are at pool, compared to # using the pool

Country clubs use the technology already.

[Velvet]

I doubt a waterproof band could be printed at the cost of 1/2 a sheet of paper (Guest IDs are printed two to a page). Besides that, my guests typically come for anywhere from a week to a month; will they be required to wear their waterproof band all 30 days?

Only if they wanted to use the amenities. I think a nice Villages green with the logo would be perfect.

[golfing eagles]

They could develop an app with you ID that is geotagged. Community watch can drive into parking lot, see how many resident ID are at pool, compared to # using the pool

Country clubs use the technology already.

Sounds interesting. What about residents who don't bring their cell phone to the pool, and what about those who might be out of sight as in the restroom. And would it pick up just those people getting their mail of walking their dog around the neighborhood pool?

[ElDiabloJoe]

When I lived in an exclusive home community of about a thousand houses a few years ago, the HOA there issued each household two fobs that one could attach to one's keyring. They were about the size of two quarters stacked one upon the other, but were more postage-stamp in shape.

One simply held them up to a sensor along the mag-lock gate doors to access the community pool or the private beach access.

If one lost the fob or it was stolen, you went to the office, paid your $25 and got a replacement. They went into "the system" immediately and deactivated the lost fob. When you sold your house or moved out, your fobs were deactivated and the new residents were issued two new fobs when the new residents went into the office to get their access fobs. IIRC, they had to bring an escrow settlement statement of some such document, but it was fairly easy to "Redfin" the address to see the date the most recent escrow closed to verify the house had new ownership.

Same happened if you rented your place out. Every time you got a new tenant, you had to go and obtain their fobs for them. Usually the fee for fobs was part of the initial rent cost. Then the previous tenant's fobs were deactivated.

Worked pretty well. Tougher to do with short term rentals unless the owner left their own fob(s) and replaced if they disappeared with the renter. Of course, when they did that, the short-term renter's fob would get deactivated, thereby lessening the attraction of stealing it for their own personal future use.

Fob holders were, of course, always discouraged from holding the gates open for people coming along behind them. Unless you knew them personally as neighbors, family members, or whatever.

[Bill14564]

...

Fob holders were, of course, always discouraged from holding the gates open for people coming along behind them. Unless you knew them personally as neighbors, family members, or whatever.

Just for an idea of scale, how many gates (doors, pools, etc) were equipped with fob readers?

[ElDiabloJoe]

Just for an idea of scale, how many gates (doors, pools, etc) were equipped with fob readers?
No more than a dozen. Just like your Villages ID cards, there would be a handful of major Rec Centers that would have someone that handled this task. Seems pretty do-able to me.

[Bill14564]

No more than a dozen. Just like your Villages ID cards, there would be a handful of major Rec Centers that would have someone that handled this task. Seems pretty do-able to me.

To be useful:
- 100+ pool gates will need to be updated. My nearest neighborhood pool has two gates so perhaps the number is closer to 200
- 100+ pickleball and tennis gates would need to be updated (this number is just a guess based on at least two gates at each rec center)
- 130,000+ devices would need to be provided to residents
- 1,000+ devices would need to be handed out EACH DAY for guests according to the numbers provided recently

This will be one more thing that needs to be carried by those that can't remember their Villages ID today and this one won't fit conveniently in a wallet.

If these are handed out for free then the cost will hit the amenity budget. If these are not handed out for free then there will be complaints about the cost and there will be demands for the ability to re-activate guest devices used previously.

With 300+ new points of failure there will be a maintenance cost that hits the amenity budget.

It's a solution; we just need to accept that it could require a one-time amenity fee increase that never goes away.

[Bogie Shooter]

To be useful:
- 100+ pool gates will need to be updated. My nearest neighborhood pool has two gates so perhaps the number is closer to 200
- 100+ pickleball and tennis gates would need to be updated (this number is just a guess based on at least two gates at each rec center)
- 130,000+ devices would need to be provided to residents
- 1,000+ devices would need to be handed out EACH DAY for guests according to the numbers provided recently

This will be one more thing that needs to be carried by those that can't remember their Villages ID today and this one won't fit conveniently in a wallet.

If these are handed out for free then the cost will hit the amenity budget. If these are not handed out for free then there will be complaints about the cost and there will be demands for the ability to re-activate guest devices used previously.

With 300+ new points of failure there will be a maintenance cost that hits the amenity budget.

It's a solution; we just need to accept that it could require a one-time amenity fee increase that never goes away.

And poof, the solution goes away.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Ya know what they say, "Good Security Is Not Convenient." Nor it is cheap, generally.

It's kinda like the "Good, Fast, or Cheap - pick two" paradox. You can have any two, but not all three. You could say the same thing with "Good security, convenient security, or cheap security - pick any two."

[Velvet]

And poof, the solution goes away.

lol…did you pick up on it? That was the whole idea…

[FloridaGuy66]

They could develop an app with you ID that is geotagged. Community watch can drive into parking lot, see how many resident ID are at pool, compared to # using the pool



What an insane waste of time and money to keep out the small fraction of 1% of people from using our facilities.

[Papa_lecki]

To be useful:
- 100+ pool gates will need to be updated. My nearest neighborhood pool has two gates so perhaps the number is closer to 200
- 100+ pickleball and tennis gates would need to be updated (this number is just a guess based on at least two gates at each rec center)
- 130,000+ devices would need to be provided to residents
- 1,000+ devices would need to be handed out EACH DAY for guests according to the numbers provided recently

This will be one more thing that needs to be carried by those that can't remember their Villages ID today and this one won't fit conveniently in a wallet.

If these are handed out for free then the cost will hit the amenity budget. If these are not handed out for free then there will be complaints about the cost and there will be demands for the ability to re-activate guest devices used previously.

With 300+ new points of failure there will be a maintenance cost that hits the amenity budget.

It's a solution; we just need to accept that it could require a one-time amenity fee increase that never goes away.

Don’t all those access points need to be tied back to a main server, to update when new fobs are issued or fobs are lost.
This would cost a fortune to maintain, let alone roll out