Who feels 100% safe in The Villages, etc.

[senior citizen]

In light of various horrific news most recently, such as the 10 year old girl abducted and dismembered in Colorado suburbs (while walking to school), the grandmother in Philadelphia, killed while babysitting her infant grandchild, the baby snatched..........or the blonde 12 year old New Jersey girl riding her bike to a friend's home, goes missing, now found dead in a trash container...........all in broad daylight.

It's a scary world we live in.

A poll: How many of you would feel safe letting your visiting grandchildren bike or walk in your neighborhoods or down by the squares without parental supervision? In THE VILLAGES.

Our kids would walk to school (even though a school bus was available).
They loved to meet up with their friends and take the pine trail through the woods.......they knew all the shortcuts down the hills into town and through alley ways between merchant's stores to get to their schools.

They walked to the library. They walked to the local town movie theatre.
It was all on "MAIN STREET"..........I think those days are over.

In the 70s and 80s we never once worried or thought that harm would come to them. Not to mention, we were raised in the city and we walked all over the place, alone, from age 8 or so on.........no one worried.

Even up here, parents are now fearful to let their kids walk alone.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

TV offers the illusion of safety but you're not safe anywhere! Unfortunately there are preditors everywhere. I don't allow my grandkids to run around but I see plenty that do

[graciegirl]

TV offers the illusion of safety but you're not safe anywhere! Unfortunately there are preditors everywhere. I don't allow my grandkids to run around but I see plenty that do

I feel 97% safe. As safe as we did in Ohio in our area of low crime...but we don't leave our garage door up unattended for long periods because of what we have learned on this forum. That someone's golf cart was taken from their garage, (but they did find it and it was returned)

This place is as safe as you can get pretty much anywhere. That is my opinion from reading the police blotter for five years and knowing a lot of people now and especially all of you who are our eyes and ears to our world here.

But we will have differing opinions on this because of our past life experiences

We never took our eyes off of the grandchildren or children when they were growing up and that is a good rule for anyone at anytime. Obviously we know a lot more about sexual perversion than we once did.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in any situation and it is always better to err in the direction of caution.

[Taltarzac725]

Lots of variables here. Brownwood will probably be less safe than some of the other Squares because of its proximity to populations with different socio-economic statistics. The visibility of the Villages is also growing so with its rising status in the area and nation, this could bring in more con men/burglars and such.

Sexual predators are sometimes good at hiding so I would not assume any minor is safe anywhere in the US now. There's too much saturation of sex and violence in the media for us to go back to the 1950s view of the world even if that view looks very distortional when you look at women's abuse, children's abuse, and other things that were just ignored by much of the society.

Nuts with guns can strike anywhere as is unfortunately shown by recent history.

[Geewiz]

I only get nervous when someone walks up to me and says "Aren't you that poster from TOTV?"

Seriously, there is no total safety because as a specie, humans aren't passive animals. Some aren't even domesticated.

Even in the good old days...it wasn't all that good. Kids were abused. Kids were killed. What differed is how the police and media handled it.

Your sense of safety is relative. Coming from Chicago, I don't think I could feel scared for myself and for a kid I'd be more concerned about the bad drivers ...and baby you got'em down here and the mix of cars and carts don't help.

G

[KathieI]

Although I feel relatively safe here, I still take precautions in where I park at night, watching who might be around me, careful about checking my accounts every day to make sure no one has hacked it, lock my doors at night, don't leave my garage doors open very long (afraid more of snakes getting in than human predators). I don't have grandchildren but IF I did, I wouldn't allow them to do anything alone ANYWHERE... Better to be safe than sorry.

[BarryRX]

I feel very safe here. I often walk very early in the morning when it is still quite dark. However, as an ex New Yorker, I still make sure I am aware of my surroundings. As the old saying goes, trust in the goodness of people, but lock your doors.

[skip0358]

Lots of variables here. Brownwood will probably be less safe than some of the other Squares because of its proximity to populations with different socio-economic statistics. The visibility of the Villages is also growing so with its rising status in the area and nation, this could bring in more con men/burglars and such.

Sexual predators are sometimes good at hiding so I would not assume any minor is safe anywhere in the US now. There's too much saturation of sex and violence in the media for us to go back to the 1950s view of the world even if that view looks very distortional when you look at women's abuse, children's abuse, and other things that were just ignored by much of the society.

WHY right away we have to bash or imply that Brownwood will be less safe. Get over it.There's more protection in Brownwood then Sumter Landing. Spanish Springs has roving patrols Brownwood has a police sub station and Sumter has an increased police presence. We're pretty darn safe here period BUT we still have to be carefully. When my Granddaughter is down she goes nowhere without my wife or I because she's our responsibility. As for sex offenders they life here and have NO restriction as to where they can or can not go except for what the law says. But we have no way of knowing who they are and no way of checking.So yea I watch out for my grandchild. JMO

[Taltarzac725]

WHY right away we have to bash or imply that Brownwood will be less safe. Get over it.There's more protection in Brownwood then Sumter Landing. Spanish Springs has roving patrols Brownwood has a police sub station and Sumter has an increased police presence. We're pretty darn safe here period BUT we still have to be carefully. When my Granddaughter is down she goes nowhere without my wife or I because she's our responsibility. As for sex offenders they life here and have NO restriction as to where they can or can not go except for what the law says. But we have no way of knowing who they are and no way of checking.So yea I watch out for my grandchild. JMO

It is much farther to go from Wildwood to Brownwood than to Sumter Landing. Brownwood should have an increased police presence. This is also just the start of the development of that area of the Villages which should be wonderful for the economic and social development of Wildwood. It will or has brought jobs and money to that area.

Wildwood now has a wonderful library.

Wildwood does have a history of a drug trade unless I am mistaken in my readings. There are also adult XXX video stores in Wildwood which I do not recall seeing anywhere near Lady Lake or Sumter Landing.

[njbchbum]

Lots of variables here. Brownwood will probably be less safe than some of the other Squares because of its proximity to populations with different socio-economic statistics. The visibility of the Villages is also growing so with its rising status in the area and nation, this could bring in more con men/burglars and such.

Sexual predators are sometimes good at hiding so I would not assume any minor is safe anywhere in the US now. There's too much saturation of sex and violence in the media for us to go back to the 1950s view of the world even if that view looks very distortional when you look at women's abuse, children's abuse, and other things that were just ignored by much of the society.

Nuts with guns can strike anywhere as is unfortunately shown by recent history.

WHY right away we have to bash or imply that Brownwood will be less safe. Get over it.There's more protection in Brownwood then Sumter Landing. Spanish Springs has roving patrols Brownwood has a police sub station and Sumter has an increased police presence. We're pretty darn safe here period BUT we still have to be carefully. When my Granddaughter is down she goes nowhere without my wife or I because she's our responsibility. As for sex offenders they life here and have NO restriction as to where they can or can not go except for what the law says. But we have no way of knowing who they are and no way of checking.So yea I watch out for my grandchild. JMO

It is much farther to go from Wildwood to Brownwood than to Sumter Landing. Brownwood should have an increased police presence. This is also just the start of the development of that area of the Villages which should be wonderful for the economic and social development of Wildwood. It will or has brought jobs and money to that area.

Wildwood now has a wonderful library.

Wildwood does have a history of a drug trade unless I am mistaken in my readings. There are also adult XXX video stores in Wildwood which I do not recall seeing anywhere near Lady Lake or Sumter Landing.

sorry, tal, gotta agree with skip0358 on this one. i think spreading your unfounded fear is more unsafe than anything. as i recall from reading the paperS when i was in tv last winter, there were more arrests for drug related crime in fruitland park than in wildwood!; and much of the drug activity involved private residences being used as meth labs! what is the danger in an adult xxx video store - has the store or any of its patrons been in the local police blotter/newspaper articles that you've read?

IF the wildwood community posed any serious danger to the safety of those who will frequent the area - do you really believe that the developer would have made the commitment it did?

please reconsider repeating your as yet unfounded fears and, instead, stick with the facts that you are reading. perceptions too often have a way of becoming someone's reality - and it is probably too soon for positive OR negative opinions to be considered reliable. hope you understand my feelings.

[Patty55]

WHY right away we have to bash or imply that Brownwood will be less safe. Get over it.There's more protection in Brownwood then Sumter Landing. Spanish Springs has roving patrols Brownwood has a police sub station and Sumter has an increased police presence. We're pretty darn safe here period BUT we still have to be carefully. When my Granddaughter is down she goes nowhere without my wife or I because she's our responsibility. As for sex offenders they life here and have NO restriction as to where they can or can not go except for what the law says. But we have no way of knowing who they are and no way of checking.So yea I watch out for my grandchild. JMO

Actually, you can check online for Registered Sex Offenders, I checked a few years back and there was only one. Of course, they could come in from outside, but why would they? They could just stay where they are and teach, drive school buses and work at the churches.

I'm not too concerned about sex crimes, property crimes or being assaulted. I'm more concerned with bad drivers, lightning and getting lost.

[Patty55]

Wildwood does have a history of a drug trade unless I am mistaken in my readings. There are also adult XXX video stores in Wildwood which I do not recall seeing anywhere near Lady Lake or Sumter Landing.

LOL, look who knows where the dirty book store is:1rotfl:

BUSTED

[The Shadow]

Sex offenders in TVs.http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii199/The_Villages/siren.gif
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii199/The_Villages/Offenders.jpghttp://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii199/The_Villages/siren.gif
Offender or Sex Offenders Database for The Villages, FL (http://www.homefacts.com/offenders/Florida/Sumter-County/The-Villages.html)

[Bogie Shooter]

It is much farther to go from Wildwood to Brownwood than to Sumter Landing. Brownwood should have an increased police presence. This is also just the start of the development of that area of the Villages which should be wonderful for the economic and social development of Wildwood. It will or has brought jobs and money to that area.

Wildwood now has a wonderful library.

Wildwood does have a history of a drug trade unless I am mistaken in my readings. There are also adult XXX video stores in Wildwood which I do not recall seeing anywhere near Lady Lake or Sumter Landing.

Where are these adult XXX video stores in Wildwood??? There is more than one???

[Patty55]

Where are these adult XXX video stores in Wildwood??? There is more than one???

LOL, Another one BUSTED.

[lovesports]

Keep your grand babies in your sight, especially if they are little. On our street alone, a little girl had a man take her hand and lead her out of TooJays while Grandma was paying. She broke free and ran back to Grandma. The sad thing is Grandma tried so hard to get this in the paper and they wouldn't print it.
Another grandma had a little one running circles around Market Square. When she was on the far side, a man picked her up and headed for his near-by truck. Another Villager yelled at him and started coming after him. He put the girl down and fled. Same response-no investigation and couldn't get it in the paper. A lot goes on here that never makes the paper. The more time you live here and spend time with groups, the more you find out these things.
There are many sick people just driving in....many children running around. Your odds of it happening to your grand children are slim but you could never live with yourself if something happened. Error on the side of safety.
Little ones, keep in your sight or holding their hand at all times. Older ones, have them walk with others and have cell phones. The rest of us, keep your eyes open and get involved if something doesn't look right.

[blueash]

everyone will tell you this is a very safe, but not 100%, community. However I would take issue with your recitation of the crimes reported throughout the country as proof that in the good old days these things didn't happen. Of course they did and likely more often than now. What has changed is that we now suffer from 24 hr news channels which need to sensationalize and titillate. Yes you Greta and Nancy et al. With 25 mins of news per day in the mid to late 20th century our national coverage, except for the Lindbergh baby didn't have time to report every child abuse, kidnapping, and blonde female murder. Only murder I am aware of in TV was a drug related one that may have involved the couple's adult child.

[scarecrow1]

I feel real safe with my 357 on my ankle !!!!!

[wendyquat]

Actually, you can check online for Registered Sex Offenders, I checked a few years back and there was only one. Of course, they could come in from outside, but why would they? They could just stay where they are and teach, drive school buses and work at the churches.

I'm not too concerned about sex crimes, property crimes or being assaulted. I'm more concerned with bad drivers, lightning and getting lost.

Actually I just checked the registry offender/searchNeighborhood.do;jsessionid=4T9NWBAvdUWPriFxa 5Vexg
By putting in my address and zip code it returned 72 offenders within a 5 mile radius!

[JoeC1947]

Keep your grand babies in your sight, especially if they are little. On our street alone, a little girl had a man take her hand and lead her out of TooJays while Grandma was paying. She broke free and ran back to Grandma. The sad thing is Grandma tried so hard to get this in the paper and they wouldn't print it.
Another grandma had a little one running circles around Market Square. When she was on the far side, a man picked her up and headed for his near-by truck. Another Villager yelled at him and started coming after him. He put the girl down and fled. Same response-no investigation and couldn't get it in the paper. A lot goes on here that never makes the paper. The more time you live here and spend time with groups, the more you find out these things.
There are many sick people just driving in....many children running around. Your odds of it happening to your grand children are slim but you could never live with yourself if something happened. Error on the side of safety.
Little ones, keep in your sight or holding their hand at all times. Older ones, have them walk with others and have cell phones. The rest of us, keep your eyes open and get involved if something doesn't look right.

Were you witness to these two close call abductions?

[Trish Crocker]

It's so sad. We were just talking about this today..how kids can't play anymore. I don't get too shook up with the sex registry thing, since this isn't just pedophiles but can include someone busted for urinating outside (gross but does happen) or possibly a young man age 17 having consensual relations with his slightly younger girlfriend. Every case has it's story. I just wish people who are really considered dangerous could have a different designation.

[Patty55]

Actually I just checked the registry offender/searchNeighborhood.do;jsessionid=4T9NWBAvdUWPriFxa 5Vexg
By putting in my address and zip code it returned 72 offenders within a 5 mile radius!

Yes, someone else just posted 31 RSO in the area. I looked quickly through the 31, one offended in 2011, most moved in from out of state, most looked serious. I would say that a good percentage didn't actually live in TV, but outside, some looked like adult children and why are these predators SMILING IN THE PHOTOS?

[Taltarzac725]

sorry, tal, gotta agree with skip0358 on this one. i think spreading your unfounded fear is more unsafe than anything. as i recall from reading the paperS when i was in tv last winter, there were more arrests for drug related crime in fruitland park than in wildwood!; and much of the drug activity involved private residences being used as meth labs! what is the danger in an adult xxx video store - has the store or any of its patrons been in the local police blotter/newspaper articles that you've read?

IF the wildwood community posed any serious danger to the safety of those who will frequent the area - do you really believe that the developer would have made the commitment it did?

please reconsider repeating your as yet unfounded fears and, instead, stick with the facts that you are reading. perceptions too often have a way of becoming someone's reality - and it is probably too soon for positive OR negative opinions to be considered reliable. hope you understand my feelings.

The increased police force in Brownswood speaks for itself. I am not spreading unfounded fears. The Villages is a retirement community and Wildwood/Fruitland Park/Ocala, etc. are not.

There will be problems when a retirement community abuts an area with low income working community. I am sure that the developers of the Villages and the surrounding police forces do have this well covered. It is something though that people should be aware of.

The Neighborhood Scout website gives Wildwood a 30 on the safety scale. http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/fl/wildwood/crime/ Means that Wildwood is as safe as 30% of the communities in the U.S.

[graciegirl]

Keep your grand babies in your sight, especially if they are little. On our street alone, a little girl had a man take her hand and lead her out of TooJays while Grandma was paying. She broke free and ran back to Grandma. The sad thing is Grandma tried so hard to get this in the paper and they wouldn't print it.
Another grandma had a little one running circles around Market Square. When she was on the far side, a man picked her up and headed for his near-by truck. Another Villager yelled at him and started coming after him. He put the girl down and fled. Same response-no investigation and couldn't get it in the paper. A lot goes on here that never makes the paper. The more time you live here and spend time with groups, the more you find out these things.
There are many sick people just driving in....many children running around. Your odds of it happening to your grand children are slim but you could never live with yourself if something happened. Error on the side of safety.
Little ones, keep in your sight or holding their hand at all times. Older ones, have them walk with others and have cell phones. The rest of us, keep your eyes open and get involved if something doesn't look right.

It is hard to know what is fact or fiction and what is rumor and what is directed as a jab at the paper.

One should always watch one's children.

I cannot believe that there is a conspiracy to have actual events not reported in The Daily Sun.

There are many not pretty and nasty things reported in the Sun. Are these people that you know personnally and did they call the SUN and tell them? Do you know that for a FACT? Or did you hear this from someone who heard it from someone who heard it from someone? Did they call the police?

[Down Sized]

sorry, tal, gotta agree with skip0358 on this one. i think spreading your unfounded fear is more unsafe than anything. as i recall from reading the paperS when i was in tv last winter, there were more arrests for drug related crime in fruitland park than in wildwood!; and much of the drug activity involved private residences being used as meth labs! what is the danger in an adult xxx video store - has the store or any of its patrons been in the local police blotter/newspaper articles that you've read?

IF the wildwood community posed any serious danger to the safety of those who will frequent the area - do you really believe that the developer would have made the commitment it did?

please reconsider repeating your as yet unfounded fears and, instead, stick with the facts that you are reading. perceptions too often have a way of becoming someone's reality - and it is probably too soon for positive OR negative opinions to be considered reliable. hope you understand my feelings.

The Developer lives in the Caribbean.

[graciegirl]

The Developer lives in the Caribbean.


????

[mac9]

Holy crap! I just checked the sex offenders registry and found my neighbor's adult son who lives with them! Used the internet to lure an underaged child for lewd purposes. Glad that I don't have any grandchildren...

[quirky3]

Keep your grand babies in your sight, especially if they are little. On our street alone, a little girl had a man take her hand and lead her out of TooJays while Grandma was paying. She broke free and ran back to Grandma. The sad thing is Grandma tried so hard to get this in the paper and they wouldn't print it.
Another grandma had a little one running circles around Market Square. When she was on the far side, a man picked her up and headed for his near-by truck. Another Villager yelled at him and started coming after him. He put the girl down and fled. Same response-no investigation and couldn't get it in the paper. A lot goes on here that never makes the paper. The more time you live here and spend time with groups, the more you find out these things.
There are many sick people just driving in....many children running around. Your odds of it happening to your grand children are slim but you could never live with yourself if something happened. Error on the side of safety.
Little ones, keep in your sight or holding their hand at all times. Older ones, have them walk with others and have cell phones. The rest of us, keep your eyes open and get involved if something doesn't look right.

I believe you. Thank you for sharing these real-life examples.

[Patty55]

LORD, here we go again with Wildwood. WHAT A BUNCH OF WOOSIES.

I hate to break it to you all, but Wildwood is no worse that the State of Florida average for crime.

HELLOO, did you all not know Wildwood was there? Fruitland Park?

OOhh, "working class", ooh, "low income", not for nothing kiddies, but where I come from a lot of the people living in TV would be considered "low income".

[Taltarzac725]

LORD, here we go again with Wildwood. WHAT A BUNCH OF WOOSIES.

I hate to break it to you all, but Wildwood is no worse that the State of Florida average for crime.

HELLOO, did you all not know Wildwood was there? Fruitland Park?

OOhh, "working class", ooh, "low income", not for nothing kiddies, but where I come from a lot of the people living in TV would be considered "low income".

The original poster's entry was about feeling safe in the Villages. I would feel less safe in some areas of Wildwood (which includes parts of the Villages) than in many other areas of the Villages. It depends more on neighbors who look out for one another, Community Watch, the police dispatch time, and a variety of other factors.

I would be a lot more watchful of my valuables at Brownwood than I would at Sumter Landing unless there is some kind of festival going on there.

And, the Villages are a great deal safer than most of the other communites in Florida.

[lovesports]

I believe you. Thank you for sharing these real-life examples.

Thanks.

Expected these negative responses from the very people who wrote them.

Yes, they are people I know very well and see them almost everyday and have even talked to their grandchildren that were involved. They are sweet old ladies who are very honest. Yes, everyone involved has spread the word. No one has ever doubted or been rude to these women. Yes, we went as a group to The Sun.

I don't care what others believe because I know what I know. Believe whatever you want.

I won't waste my time arguing with people. My whole message was to warn people about their grandchildren. Common sense really.

[Patty55]

Thanks.

Expected these negative responses from the very people who wrote them.

Yes, they are people I know very well and see them almost everyday and have even talked to their grandchildren that were involved. They are sweet old ladies who are very honest. Yes, everyone involved has spread the word. No one has ever doubted or been rude to these women. Yes, we went as a group to The Sun.

I don't care what others believe because I know what I know. Believe whatever you want.

I won't waste my time arguing with people. My whole message was to warn people about their grandchildren. Common sense really.

Did either one contact law enforcement?

[Serenoa]

I feel real safe with my 357 on my ankle !!!!!

omg, I wondered how long it would take for someone to brag about their big, bad GUN.

on your ankle? that seems like an awful long way to reach. are you sure you can pull off a Marshall Dillon quick-draw from your ankle? LOL

[lovesports]

Love ya Patty but I just don't have time to keep posting. Gotta go play golf.

Yes in both cases. Another neighbor who is a detective even helped with that and the parents of the little girl at the square had quite an investment into finding the truck owner.

Sorry I can't post more but off to play golf and a neighborhood party after that. Everybody be safe.

[Villages PL]

The original poster's entry was about feeling safe in the Villages. I would feel less safe in some areas of Wildwood (which includes parts of the Villages) than in many other areas of the Villages. It depends more on neighbors who look out for one another, Community Watch, the police dispatch time, and a variety of other factors.

I would be a lot more watchful of my valuables at Brownwood than I would at Sumter Landing unless there is some kind of festival going on there.

And, the Villages a great deal safer than most of the other communites in Florida.

Thursday was the first time I visited Brownwood as it was my lady friends birthday and we had dinner at the Speckled Butter Bean. When we looked at the bronze livestock statues, I wondered how long it would be before some vandals would damage them late at night. I saw what looked like a trailer park, or trailers, across the highway.

Yes, this is about how we feel and my gut feeling was that they were inviting vandalism by putting those valuable bronze statues out there at the edge of the highway.

Then we went to see what we could see and listen to the music etc.. While sitting on a bench (facing the street and the dancers), I saw some strange activity but couldn't quite figure out what was going on. A man and two women were standing in the street and I wondered why they wouldn't rather stand on the sidewalk. Then a car came along and the man in the street bent over and pulled his pants down to "moon" the car, with the headlights shining on his big ugly butt. The car then stopped and picked them up.

I think he must have had too much to drink and I think that may be a problem for Brownwood. People may be more likely to come in from nearby communities looking for trouble, police or no police. It's just a gut feeling.

[Patty55]

I haven't been to Brownwood yet, I'm waiting for Macy's and the Coach store to open first.

[Taltarzac725]

I haven't been to Brownwood yet, I'm waiting for Macy's and the Coach store to open first.

Patty55, it is worth a trip just to see the lobby of Barnstorm Theater. I am really into movies as many on TOTV will attest; so if you want to see a movie, inside the theater is also very nice. And, they seem to have planned carefully for people who have a hard time getting around with very well lit stairs and handrails. At least, I saw handrails in Auditorium 7 which is showing Argo.

[Taltarzac725]

Thursday was the first time I visited Brownwood as it was my lady friends birthday and we had dinner at the Speckled Butter Bean. When we looked at the bronze livestock statues, I wondered how long it would be before some vandals would damage them late at night. I saw what looked like a trailer park, or trailers, across the highway.

Yes, this is about how we feel and my gut feeling was that they were inviting vandalism by putting those valuable bronze statues out there at the edge of the highway.

Then we went to see what we could see and listen to the music etc.. While sitting on a bench (facing the street and the dancers), I saw some strange activity but couldn't quite figure out what was going on. A man and two women were standing in the street and I wondered why they wouldn't rather stand on the sidewalk. Then a car came along and the man in the street bent over and pulled his pants down to "moon" the car, with the headlights shining on his big ugly butt. The car then stopped and picked them up.

I think he must have had too much to drink and I think that may be a problem for Brownwood. People may be more likely to come in from nearby communities looking for trouble, police or no police. It's just a gut feeling.

Moon over Brownwood. Not a pretty picture. :1rotfl:

The police and the Villages' developers/managers are going to have to work out the kinks as with any new addition to an endeavor as big as the Villages.

[The Shadow]

omg, I wondered how long it would take for someone to brag about their big, bad GUN.

on your ankle? that seems like an awful long way to reach. are you sure you can pull off a Marshall Dillon quick-draw from your ankle? LOL
In my minds eye I see plaid shorts and cowboy boots.

[BarryRX]

It is hard to know what is fact or fiction and what is rumor and what is directed as a jab at the paper.

One should always watch one's children.

I cannot believe that there is a conspiracy to have actual events not reported in The Daily Sun.

There are many not pretty and nasty things reported in the Sun. Are these people that you know personnally and did they call the SUN and tell them? Do you know that for a FACT? Or did you hear this from someone who heard it from someone who heard it from someone? Did they call the police?

I also have a bit of a problem with these abduction attempts. Certainly, anyone who almost had their grandchild abducted would have either called 911 or filed a police report immediately. Either way, the police departments would have responded immediately with all appropriate tools to catch the offender. Also, I am not sure if the FBI gets involved in "attempted" kidnappings. The implication of the OP is that the Sun is suppressing these kidnapping attempts so sales wont be hurt. Just don't buy it!

[keithwand]

I heard Wildwood is changing its name to Pleasantlville that way no one will think its really Wild.

Pine Hills sounds nice doesn't it except Orlandoans refer to it as Crime Hills.

Guess the name has a lot to do with it.

Saw a woman with blue hair at Brownwood yesterday. Maybe she was just practicing for when she can retire and move to TV!

[Bogie Shooter]

I heard Wildwood is changing its name to Pleasantlville that way no one will think its really Wild.

Pine Hills sounds nice doesn't it except Orlandoans refer to it as Crime Hills.

Guess the name has a lot to do with it.

Saw a woman with blue hair at Brownwood yesterday. Maybe she was just practicing for when she can retire and move to TV!

There is a lot of blue hair in TV!

[Bogie Shooter]

Thursday was the first time I visited Brownwood as it was my lady friends birthday and we had dinner at the Speckled Butter Bean. When we looked at the bronze livestock statues, I wondered how long it would be before some vandals would damage them late at night. This is being rather pessimistic. I saw what looked like a trailer park, or trailers, across the highway. I believe this is a retirement community, do you know, or is it just a trailer park to you.

Yes, this is about how we feel and my gut feeling was that they were inviting vandalism by putting those valuable bronze statues out there at the edge of the highway.

Then we went to see what we could see and listen to the music etc.. While sitting on a bench (facing the street and the dancers), I saw some strange activity but couldn't quite figure out what was going on. A man and two women were standing in the street and I wondered why they wouldn't rather stand on the sidewalk. Then a car came along and the man in the street bent over and pulled his pants down to "moon" the car, with the headlights shining on his big ugly butt. The car then stopped and picked them up. Something like that would never happen back up north!I think he must have had too much to drink and I think that may be a problem for Brownwood. People may be more likely why do you think that? to come in from near by communities looking for trouble, police or no police. It's just a gut feeling.

====

[Golfingnut]

I only get nervous when someone walks up to me and says "Aren't you that poster from TOTV?"

Seriously, there is no total safety because as a specie, humans aren't passive animals. Some aren't even domesticated.

Even in the good old days...it wasn't all that good. Kids were abused. Kids were killed. What differed is how the police and media handled it.

Your sense of safety is relative. Coming from Chicago, I don't think I could feel scared for myself and for a kid I'd be more concerned about the bad drivers ...and baby you got'em down here and the mix of cars and carts don't help.

G

It is not too late to change your direction GeeWiz. You are new and we understand you are just finding your way around this new and wonderful way of life, but there is a limit when funny and quirky becomes strange and scary so please let us know the real you so we can be friends and not fearful neighbors.

Lou

[asianthree]

we were in brownwood last night met some very nice people from wildwood, and watched some very funny clowns...this morning one of the young men we met works for one of the contractors, who came to my house to work on the fuse box..he was polite the night before and just as polite in the morning.

[Mack184]

I feel real safe with my 357 on my ankle !!!!!
If you're carrying a .357 on your ankle and you want it, that gun might just as well be in Hackensack, NJ for all the good it will do you. People who think that they're big & bad because they are carrying a gun only think that way because they've never met anybody who's REALLY bad. While you're trying to pretend you're the big stud duck the bad guys of this world will take your gun away from you and play Steamboat Willie on it just before they shoot both of your eyes out!

The level of bigotry & ignorance on display in this thread is utterly appalling. As a newcomer to the area I am now wondering if I have landed in the civilized world or if I've surfaced in "Mud Bog, Mississippi". I am just shocked at what I am reading here.

Lower class working families? How dare you?? Both sets of my grandparents were "lower class working families" and they were some of the most decent people the Lord God ever put on this earth! Again, the bigotry and ignorance on this thread churns my stomach.

At this point I'm badly sorry that we chose to come here. I hope I get to meet some decent people along the way. I don't think I'll be meeting too many here on TOTV. Shame on most of you!

[cquick]

I feel quite safe here....we lived in a small town in Sterling Illinois when we raised our children....I felt they were safe there.

Then we moved to the big city of Orlando (yes, it was in the outskirts, but still). We were more careful there, we had a security system, my neighbors never let their children run around the neighborhood, like I did.

I feel very safe here, I think most of us seem to watch out for each other more here, perhaps because we are older.

I have to admit, I was ready to move away from the teenagers driving their noisy cars and the schoolbus going by, but that's about all.

We were very close and friendly with our neighbors there and we are here too.

oh! a funny story, we were on a 3 week cruise, my mom came to our house to check it over to make sure everything was ok. She left the garage door open for 2 nights! Finally my neighbor was able to contact me by email.....they had gone over and shut it for me! I guess we were pretty safe there too!:a040:

[Bogie Shooter]

If you're carrying a .357 on your ankle and you want it, that gun might just as well be in Hackensack, NJ for all the good it will do you. People who think that they're big & bad because they are carrying a gun only think that way because they've never met anybody who's REALLY bad. While you're trying to pretend you're the big stud duck the bad guys of this world will take your gun away from you and play Steamboat Willie on it just before they shoot both of your eyes out!

The level of bigotry & ignorance on display in this thread is utterly appalling. As a newcomer to the area I am now wondering if I have landed in the civilized world or if I've surfaced in "Mud Bog, Mississippi". I am just shocked at what I am reading here.

Lower class working families? How dare you?? Both sets of my grandparents were "lower class working families" and they were some of the most decent people the Lord God ever put on this earth! Again, the bigotry and ignorance on this thread churns my stomach.

At this point I'm badly sorry that we chose to come here. I hope I get to meet some decent people along the way. I don't think I'll be meeting too many here on TOTV. Shame on most of you!

Welcome to TV. Don't judge us all by a few dumb a^%es posting on here. Yes you will meet decent people on TOTV, at the squares, at the restaurants, in line at the grocery, etc. Enjoy!

[paulandjean]

If you're carrying a .357 on your ankle and you want it, that gun might just as well be in Hackensack, NJ for all the good it will do you. People who think that they're big & bad because they are carrying a gun only think that way because they've never met anybody who's REALLY bad. While you're trying to pretend you're the big stud duck the bad guys of this world will take your gun away from you and play Steamboat Willie on it just before they shoot both of your eyes out!

The level of bigotry & ignorance on display in this thread is utterly appalling. As a newcomer to the area I am now wondering if I have landed in the civilized world or if I've surfaced in "Mud Bog, Mississippi". I am just shocked at what I am reading here.

Lower class working families? How dare you?? Both sets of my grandparents were "lower class working families" and they were some of the most decent people the Lord God ever put on this earth! Again, the bigotry and ignorance on this thread churns my stomach.

At this point I'm badly sorry that we chose to come here. I hope I get to meet some decent people along the way. I don't think I'll be meeting too many here on TOTV. Shame on most of you!

You are right. I called someone out last week for a certain comment,and not one person chimed in, more concerned about a dog poop posts. You have to remember there are so many many old people here and everyone thinks they are right.

[Sagitarius 6]

There is a web site BUT I don't remember what it is It will tell you where they are, it will have their name, address and photo. The last time I was on it it showed several in the Villages and surrounding areas

[Golfingnut]

If you're carrying a .357 on your ankle and you want it, that gun might just as well be in Hackensack, NJ for all the good it will do you. People who think that they're big & bad because they are carrying a gun only think that way because they've never met anybody who's REALLY bad. While you're trying to pretend you're the big stud duck the bad guys of this world will take your gun away from you and play Steamboat Willie on it just before they shoot both of your eyes out!

The level of bigotry & ignorance on display in this thread is utterly appalling. As a newcomer to the area I am now wondering if I have landed in the civilized world or if I've surfaced in "Mud Bog, Mississippi". I am just shocked at what I am reading here.

Lower class working families? How dare you?? Both sets of my grandparents were "lower class working families" and they were some of the most decent people the Lord God ever put on this earth! Again, the bigotry and ignorance on this thread churns my stomach.

At this point I'm badly sorry that we chose to come here. I hope I get to meet some decent people along the way. I don't think I'll be meeting too many here on TOTV. Shame on most of you!

Welcome and don't feel you are alone. The vast majority of folks I have met in The Villages are top shelf Americans.

[same]

I feel 100 per cent safe in The Villages.

[Wing-nut2]

i feel safe in TV, however it's still part of the real world. I am always ready.

[Geewiz]

It is not too late to change your direction GeeWiz. You are new and we understand you are just finding your way around this new and wonderful way of life, but there is a limit when funny and quirky becomes strange and scary so please let us know the real you so we can be friends and not fearful neighbors.

Lou

Lou -

I'm not a particularly scary guy...silly - a lot of the time.

I try to be honest with analysis...and I'm smart enough to recognize contradictions in arguments -though I generally keep it to myself - though not always.

I grew up in a family connected with organized crime...violence 'taint pretty and I work hard to avoid situations and individuals that might lead to that.

Still, I'm kind of a kidder and that can be off-putting. Clearly - a fault - but, I work hard not to be mean.

I'm always good to pick up the first round. If open - let's share a scotch. My mortgage was approved today! Woo!

[CaptJohn]

There is a web site BUT I don't remember what it is It will tell you where they are, it will have their name, address and photo. The last time I was on it it showed several in the Villages and surrounding areas

That information is in Post #13 by TheShadow.

[Taltarzac725]

If you're carrying a .357 on your ankle and you want it, that gun might just as well be in Hackensack, NJ for all the good it will do you. People who think that they're big & bad because they are carrying a gun only think that way because they've never met anybody who's REALLY bad. While you're trying to pretend you're the big stud duck the bad guys of this world will take your gun away from you and play Steamboat Willie on it just before they shoot both of your eyes out!

The level of bigotry & ignorance on display in this thread is utterly appalling. As a newcomer to the area I am now wondering if I have landed in the civilized world or if I've surfaced in "Mud Bog, Mississippi". I am just shocked at what I am reading here.

Lower class working families? How dare you?? Both sets of my grandparents were "lower class working families" and they were some of the most decent people the Lord God ever put on this earth! Again, the bigotry and ignorance on this thread churns my stomach.

At this point I'm badly sorry that we chose to come here. I hope I get to meet some decent people along the way. I don't think I'll be meeting too many here on TOTV. Shame on most of you!


No one on this thread made ANY comments about individuals in "lower class working families". The only comments made were based on crime statistics for Wildwood, Florida.

The topic was whether or not we feel safe in the Villages. So generalized crime statistics do come into our feelings about this.

I am very offended by your personal attacks based on sentiments never expressed by anyone.

[Geewiz]

The Beatles - All You Need is Love (HQ) - YouTube

[gomoho]

Geewiz - I enjoy your humor - some may be afraid. But that is what makes TV interesting. If we all thought the same way what a boring world this would be. But I am a boomer and proud of it and probably prefer the quirkier side of life. Welcome and congrats on the mortgage approval. BTW where did you end up buying?

[Geewiz]

Geewiz - I enjoy your humor - some may be afraid. But that is what makes TV interesting. If we all thought the same way what a boring world this would be. But I am a boomer and proud of it and probably prefer the quirkier side of life. Welcome and congrats on the mortgage approval. BTW where did you end up buying?

St James - a 3/2 ....

[Patty55]

In answer to the OP, I feel a little less safe after just receiving a PM. I don't know, is:boxing2: considered a threat?

:faint: I AM SO AFEARED:faint: NOT.

IMO as an ammy shrink this is nothing more than the reaction to his being diagnosed properly and anger because he looked really STOOPID.

:1rotfl:

[John_W]

I feel 98% safe. Back in Baltimore I felt about 86% safe.

[Mack184]

I feel 98% safe. Back in Baltimore I felt about 86% safe.
I suppose it depends on exactly WHERE you are in Baltimore. If you're in the Shops At Kenilworth or on the east side past JHUH. I feel a good deal less safe on the east side than I do in Towson!

[njbchbum]

No one on this thread made ANY comments about individuals in "lower class working families". The only comments made were based on crime statistics for Wildwood, Florida.

The topic was whether or not we feel safe in the Villages. So generalized crime statistics do come into our feelings about this.

I am very offended by your personal attacks based on sentiments never expressed by anyone.

perhaps mack184 read your statement "There will be problems when a retirement community abuts an area with low income working community." in post #23 and just applied it a bit more broadly.

[John_W]

I suppose it depends on exactly WHERE you are in Baltimore. If you're in the Shops At Kenilworth or on the east side past JHUH. I feel a good deal less safe on the east side than I do in Towson!

Towson is a good 86% for me, that's the rationale I used for this question. Johns Hopkins Hospital area on the east side or Fells Point then I'm down to a 44% to 66% , I lived in Belair and that is up around 95%. I'll be up around 100% in TV when my concealed weapons permit comes in, it's been in processing in Tallahassee since August 3rd, the say allow 90 days.

[lovesports]

This is a 10 hour later reponse to BarryRX. (I was out having fun!!!)
Barry, please read ALL my posts. Then try to be a nice person and stay on the topic.
On topic-grandparents be careful with your grandchildren. I feel 97% safe here, but like others have said, I'm aware and I play safe.

[CarGuys]

I feel 97% safe. As safe as we did in Ohio in our area of low crime...but we don't leave our garage door up unattended for long periods because of what we have learned on this forum. That someone's golf cart was taken from their garage, (but they did find it and it was returned)

This place is as safe as you can get pretty much anywhere. That is my opinion from reading the police blotter for five years and knowing a lot of people now and especially all of you who are our eyes and ears to our world here.

But we will have differing opinions on this because of our past life experiences

We never took our eyes off of the grandchildren or children when they were growing up and that is a good rule for anyone at anytime. Obviously we know a lot more about sexual perversion than we once did.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in any situation and it is always better to err in the direction of caution.

Was surprised to get a life lock sex offender report that has more than a few in our community.

[buggyone]

Towson is a good 86% for me, that's the rationale I used for this question. Johns Hopkins Hospital area on the east side or Fells Point then I'm down to a 44% to 66% , I lived in Belair and that is up around 95%. I'll be up around 100% in TV when my concealed weapons permit comes in, it's been in processing in Tallahassee since August 3rd, the say allow 90 days.

Amazing that someone believes he or she must carry a concealed pistol when in The Villages. Don't forget that it is illegal to carry your concealed pistol in the bar area of a restaurant.

There have been a few instances in The Villages of guys legally carrying their pistol and they got upset at someone and flashed the pistol in a threatening way. Well, those guys are now enjoying free room and board compliments of Florida.

As my buddy, Figmo, says, it is a lot easier to shoot at a target than at a person while under a very stressful situation.

Also, as George Zimmerman might tell you, the "stand your ground" law can be interpreted different ways by different people.

[NotGolfer]

Absolutely feel just as safe here as I did in the community we moved here from. "IF" one was to worry about ALL the "what if's" we'd ALL be in a corner sucking our thumbs!!

[CFrance]

Although I feel relatively safe here, I still take precautions in where I park at night, watching who might be around me, careful about checking my accounts every day to make sure no one has hacked it, lock my doors at night, don't leave my garage doors open very long (afraid more of snakes getting in than human predators). I don't have grandchildren but IF I did, I wouldn't allow them to do anything alone ANYWHERE... Better to be safe than sorry.

This is my view exactly. You said it, Kathie.

[CFrance]

LOL, look who knows where the dirty book store is:1rotfl:

BUSTED

That's just funny.

[CFrance]

Thursday was the first time I visited Brownwood as it was my lady friends birthday and we had dinner at the Speckled Butter Bean. When we looked at the bronze livestock statues, I wondered how long it would be before some vandals would damage them late at night. I saw what looked like a trailer park, or trailers, across the highway.

Yes, this is about how we feel and my gut feeling was that they were inviting vandalism by putting those valuable bronze statues out there at the edge of the highway.

Then we went to see what we could see and listen to the music etc.. While sitting on a bench (facing the street and the dancers), I saw some strange activity but couldn't quite figure out what was going on. A man and two women were standing in the street and I wondered why they wouldn't rather stand on the sidewalk. Then a car came along and the man in the street bent over and pulled his pants down to "moon" the car, with the headlights shining on his big ugly butt. The car then stopped and picked them up.

I think he must have had too much to drink and I think that may be a problem for Brownwood. People may be more likely to come in from nearby communities looking for trouble, police or no police. It's just a gut feeling.

So was that someone from Wildwood? Or one of us old f---ts from TV having some enebriated retirement fun? I guess I better watch my butt.

[Barefoot]

I always feel 100% safe in The Villages, even if I walk at 3 AM. Of course I always have my large goofy dog with me. Safety and security ... another great reason to have a big dog!

[CFrance]

I always feel 100% safe in The Villages, even if I walk at 3 AM. Of course I always have my large goofy dog with me. Safety and security ... another great reason to have a big dog! N

Rully. I used to walk our first golden at 10 pm through a very dark neighborhood in Key West, because the temp. was better for him. Nobody ever bothered us, not sure because of his size, even though he was the biggest people whore around. There's something about being a dog and weighing 85 lbs, no matter how much the tail wags...

[graciegirl]

So was that someone from Wildwood? Or one of us old f---ts from TV having some enebriated retirement fun? I guess I better watch my butt.


You started off my day with coffee spit all over my keyboard. You nailed it once again C. ;)

[manaboutown]

Well, I have seen the famous moon over Miami both on postcards and in person. Now there is a new moon to see, one over in Brownwood?

[BobnBev]

Towson is a good 86% for me, that's the rationale I used for this question. Johns Hopkins Hospital area on the east side or Fells Point then I'm down to a 44% to 66% , I lived in Belair and that is up around 95%. I'll be up around 100% in TV when my concealed weapons permit comes in, it's been in processing in Tallahassee since August 3rd, the say allow 90 days.

Not to hijack this thread, but I married a girl from Bel Air. She lived on Churchville road, right across from the firehouse. Boy, has that town grown.:crap2:

[gomoho]

I have to agree - those no good pooping animals we keep in our homes give a great sense of security. Wouldn't be home without one, or two in our case!
And when I lived in an urban environment on the fringes of "the hood" I made it well known two large beasts lived with me. Never had a problem.

[manaboutown]

I feel real safe with my 357 on my ankle !!!!!

My concern about even an emotionally stable person carrying a concealed weaponis is that accidents do happen.Nevada man shifts in his theater seat, accidentally shoots himself - Los Angeles Times (http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/15/nation/la-na-nn-nevada-man-shoots-himself-movie-20120815)

By the way a loaded .357 magnum, even a snub nosed one, is a fairly heavy item to carry on one's ankle.

[Geewiz]

I carry a medieval mace strapped to my ankle....it protects against bad people and bugs plus helps with those pesky pull tab sodas.

[paulandjean]

357 strapped to his ankle. Wow, How do you do that with shorts on. Think maybe someone would see it? Think someone is trying some humor on here.

[Mack184]

No one on this thread made ANY comments about individuals in "lower class working families". The only comments made were based on crime statistics for Wildwood, Florida.

The topic was whether or not we feel safe in the Villages. So generalized crime statistics do come into our feelings about this.

I am very offended by your personal attacks based on sentiments never expressed by anyone.
Yeah..you did. If YOU can write the words, then YOU can take personal responsibility for them. Don't try to hide behind semantics.

[Taltarzac725]

Yeah..you did. If YOU can write the words, then YOU can take personal responsibility for them. Don't try to hide behind semantics.

You are misrepresenting my words deliberately to stir up trouble on TOTV. This is called flaming and/or trolling. Had a great deal of experience with this kind of tactic before on many other boards.

You made the same kind of references when you were talking about places on the other side of the tracks you would not want to live in Maryland. https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/571500-post62.html There are places near the "other side of the tracks" near Brownwood. I have lived near places with wonderful salt of the earth poor people in Reno, the San Francisco area (East Palo Alto and Richmond), Minneapolis, the Tampa area, and some parts of Chicagoland. I had many good talks with a maid from one of the toughest parts of Chicago when I worked for relatives near Medinah Golf Course.

[Taltarzac725]

I suppose it depends on exactly WHERE you are in Baltimore. If you're in the Shops At Kenilworth or on the east side past JHUH. I feel a good deal less safe on the east side than I do in Towson!

This looks like the same kind of statement I made about Brownwood and the "other side of the tracks".

Most people interpret "other side of the tracks" as low income working class people.

[graciegirl]

Yeah..you did. If YOU can write the words, then YOU can take personal responsibility for them. Don't try to hide behind semantics.


Whoa now. Tal is a very kind and fair person. I think you may have misinterpreted his post.

Plus...Most of us descended from blue collar workers or immigrants. Very few folks that I have met here had it fall on 'em.

Calm now. Deep breaths. Tal is a nice fellow. AND very bright too.

[Mack184]

This looks like the same kind of statement I made about Brownwood and the "other side of the tracks".

Most people interpret "other side of the tracks" as low income working class people.
You're right, I'm man enough to stand by my words. You broad-brushed an entire town and entire class of people. I merely stated that there are safer places, and less safer places in Baltimore which is absolutely true.

[Moderator]

The topic is your general feeling of safety in the Villages. Lets get back on topic and refrain from personally directed remarks.

[justjim]

The topic is your general feeling of safety in the Villages. Lets get back on topic and refrain from personally directed remarks.

Moderator: Good point! I think most of us TV residents feel safe. But, yes we will keep an eye on the children when they visit . So much violence via the various media outlets does make feel less safe than when we were growing up when "everything" was not known or immediately reported on such a widespread scale. We often take a nightly walk in our neighborhood of Sanibel and feel very very safe. All need to be careful about being paranoid over things we don't control. PEACE. :beer3:

[billethkid]

of course TV is safe....and safer than the places most of us came from.

What I call the "tarring" of Wildwood by those having no first hand experience or knowledge....or because folks are on the other side of the tracks or those lower income ones or what ever else one needs to separate themselves from those who don't "measure up".

Do you think the folks who live near the north side of TV feel as threatened as some would promote here about Wildwood. After all there are a lot of folks as described in the above paragraph living near there.

My usual reminder....as usual the 1% incidents are represented as a whole sale condition. Additionally the natives of Wildwood, you know the 99% that get no credit at all, are no doubt offended by the bubble uppity class (they think) in TV.

Wildwood is no different than any other city, large or small...they all have their undesirable elements...and that is all one sees and hears about in the news. All towns big or small have areas where 99% of us would or should not be venturing into.

Chastize those who deserve it....THE 1%. But please refrain from categorizing the majority of good folks who live there.

Remember the other side of the tracks is a relative term.....and professing second, third or more hand the 1% as a general condition....shame on the narrow thinkers......you must miss an awful lot of life's offerings.

btk

[Bogie Shooter]

of course TV is safe....and safer than the places most of us came from.

What I call the "tarring" of Wildwood by those having no first hand experience or knowledge....or because folks are on the other side of the tracks or those lower income ones or what ever else one needs to separate themselves from those who don't "measure up".

Do you think the folks who live near the north side of TV feel as threatened as some would promote here about Wildwood. After all there are a lot of folks as described in the above paragraph living near there.

My usual reminder....as usual the 1% incidents are represented as a whole sale condition. Additionally the natives of Wildwood, you know the 99% that get no credit at all, are no doubt offended by the bubble uppity class (they think) in TV.

Wildwood is no different than any other city, large or small...they all have their undesirable elements...and that is all one sees and hears about in the news. All towns big or small have areas where 99% of us would or should not be venturing into.

Chastize those who deserve it....THE 1%. But please refrain from categorizing the majority of good folks who live there.

Remember the other side of the tracks is a relative term.....and professing second, third or more hand the 1% as a general condition....shame on the narrow thinkers......you must miss an awful lot of life's offerings.

btk

Once again you sum it up very well.

[paulandjean]

Or you can look at it this way. If your car broke down at 2 a.m. in The Villages or Wildwood where would you "feel" safer. My bet nearly everyone would say the villages.

[Bogie Shooter]

Or you can look at it this way. If your car broke down at 2 a.m. in The Villages or Wildwood where would you "feel" safer. My bet nearly everyone would say the villages.

Based on what I have read on this thread, you would have to define where in Wildwood and where in The Villages.

[paulandjean]

Based on what I have read on this thread, you would have to define where in Wildwood and where in The Villages.

Man if I have to define it, You missed the point.

[Taltarzac725]

Or you can look at it this way. If your car broke down at 2 a.m. in The Villages or Wildwood where would you "feel" safer. My bet nearly everyone would say the villages.

Like your take on this more. And, when I was driving say in some very tough neighborhoods of Los Angeles after making a very confusing numbers of turns looking to avoid Los Angeles traffic congestion; it did not matter much that most of the people in this area were law abiding-god fearing people. The gang members weren't.

Have no idea if this area of Central Florida (Wildwood, Fruitland Park, Lady Lake) has gangs but where there are drugs there are usually gangs.

When I was in the Chicagoland area talking to a maid about her experiences in one of the toughest areas of that metro; I was helping with the health care of my Uncle who had lost an arm and a leg in a 1943 or 1944 Italian campaign against the Nazis. She was much better off than I was monetarily.

The maid even said she felt a lot safer in certain areas of Chicagoland than in others; which I would think any reasonable person would say.

[jblum315]

I would rather have my car break down in Wildwood than in most of Miami.

[paulandjean]

I would rather have my car break down in Wildwood than in most of Miami.

But thats not the question.

[Patty55]

Or you can look at it this way. If your car broke down at 2 a.m. in The Villages or Wildwood where would you "feel" safer. My bet nearly everyone would say the villages.

I'd pick Wildwood, they might have more empathy for the situation and might even know how to rig it to get me home.

[BobKat1]

I hope that not too many of the good people of Wildwood are reading this.:o

[NotGolfer]

All conjecture for sure....but I wouldn't be in the "bad" area of Wildwood (wherever that is). I'm certain if driving it might have been coming off from the Interstate so I'd feel safe there as there'd most likely be other traffic as well.

That being said...re: gangs....there are gang-influences everywhere today. We moved here from a quaint little town in the upper-midwest that has gang influences. There are good people wherever we live, just as there are bad people. If I worried all the time...I'd never leave my house.

[ugotme]

I can not speak for "up there" as I do not live there yet.

However, it doesn't matter. In this day and age, can you really feel 100% safe ANYWHERE? People who live in gated communities "feel" safer, but in my conversations with deputies, there is more crime in theses communities. I guess the bad guys figure that if you live in one of these places you have more money and possessions!

IMO - In any community, if neighbors are observant and keep an eye out for each other, this is one of the best ways to keep the area safe. We are told constantly by the police that if we see something that just doesn't look right - call them. They will come, check it out and if it is just someone walking around, then fine - no harm done. As we are constantly being told - That is our job - call us !!!!

As in almost any part of the country there are areas which you may be better off staying away from at certain times.

Just my 2 cents worth !

[Figmo Bohica]

After reading all the posts on this thread, no place is 100% safe. Things happen anyplace and anytime even in the most safest areas. Read the newspaper/TV/internet news and see where things happen, up scale neighborhoods and well as the "projects," and anyplace in between. They just make the news at the top of the report in the up scale neigherhood.

A poster who stated that he would feel safer once his concealed carry permit arrives will only in his mind feel safer. The guy who carrys it in the ankle holster, you will never get it deployed in an emergency. Better off carrying a pocket of rocks. Anyone who has a concealed carry permit and does not take any training, its not required under current Florida law to have any, is more of a threat to themselves and those around them than they would be to any criminal. If you don't train, take some classes on firearm use and safety and know the Florida Castle Doctrine, IE., "Stand your ground" law, you can end up on the short end of the stick.

How many of you CWP holders go to the range and actually do any training in a stress situation? I will be willing to bet I can count it on one hand. How many even go to the range? Do you know your firearm? Do you know how to use a tactical illumation device, IE., flashlight. I just love it when trainers use that phrase. It's a flashlight, all you want to be trainers. Do you know the difference between cover and concealment? Lots of things you need to know when you make the decision to purchase and keep a firearm in your home or carry one concealed.

There is a new gun club starting in the Villages, our first meeting is November 12, 6 PM, Fish Hawk Rec Center. It's a non-political gun club. We don't care how you feel about the 2d Amendment or the UN Small Arms Treaty or the NRA, what we do care about is that you know how to safely handle your or any firearm. Check out our website at http://www.LDCollet.com, then click on the Cool Gun Club link.

So in closing, if you own a gun or are thinking of getting one, first learn about them, know how to safely handle one. Learn about the CWP laws in Florida, where you can carry, where you can not. What states honor the FL license. Then whatever you decide, if you want to or not own one, you know what to do if you ever encounter one and need to safely render it unloaded. Come join us, all the instructors are NRA certified and have either law enforcement, civilian, or military training, some have all three. We even have a Lady NRA Certified Trainer for the ladies (or the guys) that want to learn about firearms. She is good and gives a great class. Hope to see lots of you there, it will be a learning experience, even for those that are long time firearm owners. The most unsafe shooters I have ever been around are long time firearms owners who have never taken any training. The statement most heard from them is "Well, my Daddy did it that way." That is right before they shoot themselves, or somebody else or have a negligent discharge and kill their TV. They are also the ones who after accidently shooting someone or something will say, "I thought it was unloaded."

Y'all have a nice day now, ya hear.

[gomoho]

I don't think I ever read anything that said EVERYONE in Wildwood is either a gansta or a bad guy. But the element exists and no need to deny it. People are expressing their concerns about the "bad guys" and have a right to do so. The good news it looks like the Morse family already have things under control with the police sub-station set up in
Brownwood. They probably thought it would be best to be pro-active.

[Taltarzac725]

I hope that not too many of the good people of Wildwood are reading this.:o

When I lived in an area of Minneapolis that was very downscale-- you could buy drugs in the nearby park and I would often hear gun shots at night-- the people there were very much aware of the problems of crime and drugs in the streets.

I never went out at night in this very tough area of Minneapolis near Franklin St East. Ths was in 1988. From what I have heard over the years, this area of the city has become even meaner.

[paulandjean]

The problem is pretty much everywhere, to many "folks and family"........

[ugotme]

[QUOTE=Figmo Bohica;571815]A poster who stated that he would feel safer once his concealed carry permit arrives will only in his mind feel safer. The guy who carrys it in the ankle holster, you will never get it deployed in an emergency. Better off carrying a pocket of rocks. Anyone who has a concealed carry permit and does not take any training, its not required under current Florida law to have any, is more of a threat to themselves and those around them than they would be to any criminal. If you don't train, take some classes on firearm use and safety and know the Florida Castle Doctrine, IE., "Stand your ground" law, you can end up on the short end of the stick./QUOTE]

:agree: 100%

[Patty55]

Omg. What a bunch of wussies.

[Sagitarius 6]

Go to familywatchdog.com It will give you info on sex offenders, where they live

[Bogie Shooter]

I don't think I ever read anything that said EVERYONE in Wildwood is either a gansta or a bad guy. But the element exists and no need to deny it. People are expressing their concerns about the "bad guys" and have a right to do so. The good news it looks like the Morse family already have things under control with the police sub-station set up in
Brownwood. They probably thought it would be best to be pro-active.

What does this mean "element"?

[mulligan]

It means people that don't live in brand new houses, and still have to work for a living.

[jflynn1]

First you spelled social economic incorrectly.
Second I would be more concerned about your attitude regarding people with a percieved "less social Economic"
situation. WOW.....

It is obvious you are not aware that this country dealt with this type of thnking a long time ago and rightfully so.How scary. Just becuase you might live i:shrug:n the Villages does not give you the right to draw these conclusions.

[Bogie Shooter]

It means people that don't live in brand new houses, and still have to work for a living.

Just as I thought.

[Barkay]

The world we live in is inherently "unsafe". We feel safer here because of the illusion of security (gates, neighborhood watch trucks,etc), but my safety is my responsibilty. If you will simply BE AWARE you will be safer. We love TV and the lifestyle here but we always remain aware of our surroundings and stay in the moment, brain fully engaged. An ounce of prevention as the saying goes...

Let's all enjoy everything that makes TV lifestyle better and different by staying engaged and aware of our surroundings. Watch my back and I'll watch yours. Together we can be safe and secure in TV.

[Patty55]

What does this mean "element"?

"Element" means a person you clearly think is socially beneath you. If you don't use the actual word you can give someone "the look" that you see them as nothing more than P*ss under your boots.

It's kind of like when people say "white trash". The irony is that I have never heard a successful person call a person white trash.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

First you spelled social economic incorrectly.
Second I would be more concerned about your attitude regarding people with a percieved "less social Economic"
situation. WOW.....

It is obvious you are not aware that this country dealt with this type of thnking a long time ago and rightfully so.How scary. Just becuase you might live i:shrug:n the Villages does not give you the right to draw these conclusions.

jflynn1, what post is this referencing?

Thanks -
Bill :)

[paulandjean]

First you spelled social economic incorrectly.
Second I would be more concerned about your attitude regarding people with a percieved "less social Economic"
situation. WOW.....

It is obvious you are not aware that this country dealt with this type of thnking a long time ago and rightfully so.How scary. Just becuase you might live i:shrug:n the Villages does not give you the right to draw these conclusions.

You spell it THINKING,not THNKING, Just to let you know.

[BobnBev]

Just remember, no matter which side of the tracks you live on, the people on the other side refer to you as "those people that live on the other side of the tracks"

[graciegirl]

Just remember, no matter which side of the tracks you live on, the people on the other side refer to you as "those people that live on the other side of the tracks"

Now there is an attitude that suits me.

I am a tiny bit ashamed of the ones on our side of the tracks. Surely I misunderstood.

[ssmith]

....how about you CYV owners? Do you feel it is safer because of the fence or not?
Also since you can't really see the front street in most of the models.... to keep watch on people coming and going on the street...do you feel that affects the safety issue? Just wondering.

[gomoho]

What does this mean "element"?

ELEMENT - the bad guys that deal drugs and wouldn't think twice about beating your ass to get what you have worked for. Have I made myself perfectly clear. Don't be so high and mighty saying "people that don't live in new houses and work for a living". Open you eyes people this is a new world we are living in and it ain't pretty. I don't care what kind of house you live in or how much money you have. I do care when you think what it mine is yours and you're selling drugs to support your sorry butt.

[graciegirl]

ELEMENT - the bad guys that deal drugs and wouldn't think twice about beating your ass to get what you have worked for. Have I made myself perfectly clear. Don't be so high and mighty saying "people that don't live in new houses and work for a living". Open you eyes people this is a new world we are living in and it ain't pretty. I don't care what kind of house you live in or how much money you have. I do care when you think what it mine is yours and you're selling drugs to support your sorry butt.

You are very right, druggies are dangerous and you read about them being arrested all of the time in the towns surrounding us and here in TV. The only murder that I know of here in TV was a woman murdered because her child who lived with her was involved in the drug culture... but I have to wonder what percentage of people in Wildwood and Leesburg and Lady Lake and Oxford and Fruitland Park are on drugs or who break the law?

I wonder how many are regular people who read this forum and dislike us intensely when we throw everyone into a bag and pitch it in the trash.

I clearly feel the intensity of your very valid perception Gomoho and you are right.

Just sensitive to the law abiding citizens who live in the areas around us that are hurt my some of the things we post on here.

[Moderator]

Thread continues to veer from original topic and is becoming personal. Thread is now closed.