Menace at Brownwood

[livefree]

I have really enjoyed Brownwood since it opened last year, as well as the other town squares, but now I'm reluctant to ever go back to Brownwood.

Last night (Saturday) at Brownwood, as I crossed the street and walked toward the dance area on the west side of the sound stage, a group of young people (in their twenties or so) was gathered around one guy but I wasn't really paying attention. Suddenly as I got closer, I saw half the body and head of a gigantic python lunge outward from the guy's shoulders, and in my direction. I thought I'd have a heart attack right then and there. Just thinking about it 24 hours later makes me sick to my stomach.

I can think of few things more horrifying than a python on display over a guy's shoulders, and lunging outward at pedestrians, on the town square. The group of admirers laughed at my horrified reaction.

I reluctantly continued to the seating area and sat down and told a woman next to me about it. She said another woman had called the police about this gigantic snake, but apparently they told her they couldn't do anything about it.

What is WRONG with people who would do something like this?? It's my understanding the town squares are private property and not public (as the streets are).

Why would anyone tolerate a giant python at the town square where people come to enjoy themselves, NOT be scared to death??

[CFrance]

The squares are not private property.

[kaydee]

Had to be a frightening situation. Some people do some crazy things just for attention and I guess in this case he drew attention.
For the record, the town squares as well as the streets within The Villages are not private property.

[rdhdleo]

I can only think someone would bring a potentially dangerous animal to someplace like the square just to shock and get reactions from people. Sad the police could not do anything.

[PJUCTH]

I always thought the actual entertainment area was private. They have no smoking rules as well as rules that state you can not bring your own coolers. They have announcments about it at every break.

[DonH57]

I'm sure the Python wasn't happy about it either. That's a stupid thing to do to a snake. I personally don't like snakes and I do know they are just as scared of us as we are of them.

[missypie]

Please Villages, do something about these people. That's all I need is my parents in their 80's seeing a python while we are enjoying the squares and they have a heart attack from fear!!!!

[livefree]

I always thought the actual entertainment area was private. They have no smoking rules as well as rules that state you can not bring your own coolers. They have announcments about it at every break.

That's exactly what I was thinking. There are rules for the squares. So who do we contact about a NO REPTILES rule?

[Easyrider]

Had to be a frightening situation. Some people do some crazy things just for attention and I guess in this case he drew attention.
For the record, the town squares as well as the streets within The Villages are not private property.

The squares are not private property.


So if the town squares are not private property who owns them?

They are owned by the developer aren't they?

"She said another woman had called the police about this gigantic snake, but apparently they told her they couldn't do anything about it".

This seems to be the answer on about everything....can't do anything about anything.

[CFrance]

It was my understanding that the squares are public property and that the businesses around the squares pay for the entertainment. Don't know where the no-smoking rule comes from. Is smoking banned in public places in municipalities around FL?

When our son was in college, his girlfriend had a ball python. We (reluctantly) babysat it once. I'm not a fan of snakes, but they are not dangerous. They don't bite; they strangle their prey. Unless you're a mouse or a rat, you're fine.

I'm wondering... if you are that afraid of snakes, how did you know what kind of snake it was?

Stupid of those kids to have it in a public square, I do agree.

[livefree]

It was my understanding that the squares are public property and that the businesses around the squares pay for the entertainment. Don't know where the no-smoking rule comes from. Is smoking banned in public places in municipalities around FL?

When our son was in college, his girlfriend had a ball python. We (reluctantly) babysat it once. I'm not a fan of snakes, but they are not dangerous. They don't bite; they strangle their prey. Unless you're a mouse or a rat, you're fine.

I'm wondering... if you are that afraid of snakes, how did you know what kind of snake it was?

Stupid of those kids to have it in a public square, I do agree.

I knew what kind of snake it was because I have seen people stupid enough to have one as a pet before. The thing was about 5 inches in diameter and was unmistakeable!! And then there are the constant articles with pictures about how these things are ruining the Everglades.

[CFrance]

I knew what kind of snake it was because I have seen people stupid enough to have one as a pet before. The thing was about 5 inches in diameter and was unmistakeable!! And then there are the constant articles with pictures about how these things are ruining the Everglades.

There are tons of people who have snakes as pets. Never heard them labeled as stupid before.

Again, this sounds like a bunch of young people trying to scare others. Keep walking and ignore them. It's not a dangerous snake, just scary to come upon if you haven't had experience with them. Perhaps you should contact the sheriff or whoever supervises the officers who told you they could do nothing. There might be something that can be done. The officers could have been wrong. Or lazy.

[blueash]

Sorry that so many are afraid of snakes, needlessly. Just another person who likes to take a pet to the squares thinking people will share their love of animals? No concerns here with snake poop or the snake taking up a seat or tripping over the snake's leash or being allergic to snakes. I would have thought it was interesting to see, just don't let it go into the wild please.

[Carl in Tampa]

There are tons of people who have snakes as pets. Never heard them labeled as stupid before.

Again, this sounds like a bunch of young people trying to scare others. Keep walking and ignore them. It's not a dangerous snake, just scary to come upon if you haven't had experience with them. Perhaps you should contact the sheriff or whoever supervises the officers who told you they could do nothing. There might be something that can be done. The officers could have been wrong. Or lazy.

I believe the Brownwood Town Square area is in the police jurisdiction of Wildwood.

Every time I read that someone reported an objectionable activity to the police and that the police said they couldn't do anything, the police showed a lack of imagination.

In this case the police should have talked to the snake owner and discussed the ramifications of Florida Statute 823.01 which says "All nuisances that tend to annoy the community, injure the health of the citizens in general, or corrupt the public morals are misdemeanors of the second degree..." It is broadly written. All that is required is that the presence of the snake in the town square area "tends" to "annoy" the community. The police officers themselves could be the complainants.

This discussion would most likely result in the immediate departure of the snake owner and the snake from the area.

:police:

[CFrance]

I believe the Brownwood Town Square area is in the police jurisdiction of Wildwood.

Every time I read that someone reported an objectionable activity to the police and that the police said they couldn't do anything, the police showed a lack of imagination.

In this case the police should have talked to the snake owner and discussed the ramifications of Florida Statute 823.01 which says "All nuisances that tend to annoy the community, injure the health of the citizens in general, or corrupt the public morals are misdemeanors of the second degree..." It is broadly written. All that is required is that the presence of the snake in the town square area "tends" to "annoy" the community. The police officers themselves could be the complainants.

This discussion would most likely result in the immediate departure of the snake owner and the snake from the area.

:police:

Thank you. That's good information.

[wannab]

I wonder what would happen if said snake lunged at someone who had a legal concealed weapon causing them to be in fear of their life (George Zimmerman for example?) Could they be arrested if they shot the snake? How about if they shot the snakes owner?

[billethkid]

Once again an isolated incident has the alarm flanger going as though it were a general condition/situation.

A ham sandwich being treated as though it were a banquet.

btk

[redwitch]

Let's see. I'm definitely not stupid but I did used to own a snake and, yes, I did take it with me in public. Monte (I know, not very original) actually seemed to like hanging out with people. I didn't do it to scare people. I didn't do it for attention. I did it because I liked the big lug and hated that he was always in an aquarium. He never bit anyone, never even lunged at them (and I seriously this python lunged either although it might have been tasting the air). He enjoyed getting stroked by others. When he finally got too big, I gave him to the San Francisco Zoo where, so far as I know, he still happily resides. He was used in several shows about snakes and has been handled by many folks, including Gary Larson (who is terrified of snakes).

I will admit I would never have taken Monte to a town square -- just too noisy and too many vibrations which could have upset him. Was foolish of the owner of this python to have done so.

[CFrance]

Let's see. I'm definitely not stupid but I did used to own a snake and, yes, I did take it with me in public. Monte (I know, not very original) actually seemed to like hanging out with people. I didn't do it to scare people. I didn't do it for attention. I did it because I liked the big lug and hated that he was always in an aquarium. He never bit anyone, never even lunged at them (and I seriously this python lunged either although it might have been tasting the air). He enjoyed getting stroked by others. When he finally got too big, I gave him to the San Francisco Zoo where, so far as I know, he still happily resides. He was used in several shows about snakes and has been handled by many folks, including Gary Larson (who is terrified of snakes).

I will admit I would never have taken Monte to a town square -- just too noisy and too many vibrations which could have upset him. Was foolish of the owner of this python to have done so.

I don't want to make light of the OP's terror, but I too doubted that the snake actually "lunged" as if it intended to get at her. It's just not in a python's nature, at least of the two we babysat. The only time I saw one lunge was when my son fed it a mouse.

Again, not a good idea to take it into a heavily populated square with strangers, if only for the safety of the snake, among other reasons.

[Barefoot]

Once again an isolated incident has the alarm flanger going as though it were a general condition/situation. A ham sandwich being treated as though it were a banquet.

I was thinking exactly the same thing, isolated incident. I love your post! :ho:

[Indydealmaker]

So if the town squares are not private property who owns them?

They are owned by the developer aren't they?

"She said another woman had called the police about this gigantic snake, but apparently they told her they couldn't do anything about it".

This seems to be the answer on about everything....can't do anything about anything.

Privately owned by a governmental unit with public access.

[Easyrider]

Privately owned by a governmental unit with public access.

And what is the name of the governmental unit for each square?

[Patty55]

Was it on a leash?

[Microcodeboy]

Sounds like a good case for the Stand Your Ground law.

[Parker]

How do you know if it was a python? And if it was, isn't there any kind of public safety law that would apply?

[JBarracks]

I have really enjoyed Brownwood since it opened last year, as well as the other town squares, but now I'm reluctant to ever go back to Brownwood.

Last night (Saturday) at Brownwood, as I crossed the street and walked toward the dance area on the west side of the sound stage, a group of young people (in their twenties or so) was gathered around one guy but I wasn't really paying attention. Suddenly as I got closer, I saw half the body and head of a gigantic python lunge outward from the guy's shoulders, and in my direction. I thought I'd have a heart attack right then and there. Just thinking about it 24 hours later makes me sick to my stomach.

I can think of few things more horrifying than a python on display over a guy's shoulders, and lunging outward at pedestrians, on the town square. The group of admirers laughed at my horrified reaction.

I reluctantly continued to the seating area and sat down and told a woman next to me about it. She said another woman had called the police about this gigantic snake, but apparently they told her they couldn't do anything about it.

What is WRONG with people who would do something like this?? It's my understanding the town squares are private property and not public (as the streets are).

Why would anyone tolerate a giant python at the town square where people come to enjoy themselves, NOT be scared to death??

Be careful of what you wish for, pets may be banned from the town squares. You know how laws work!:doggie:

[graciegirl]

It was my understanding that the squares are public property and that the businesses around the squares pay for the entertainment. Don't know where the no-smoking rule comes from. Is smoking banned in public places in municipalities around FL?

When our son was in college, his girlfriend had a ball python. We (reluctantly) babysat it once. I'm not a fan of snakes, but they are not dangerous. They don't bite; they strangle their prey. Unless you're a mouse or a rat, you're fine.

I'm wondering... if you are that afraid of snakes, how did you know what kind of snake it was?

Stupid of those kids to have it in a public square, I do agree.


I just hate to bring this up, but did anyone else see this snake at Brownwood?

I mean. Welcome to the forum Livesea. First post and all.

[dancerbill]

The three town squares are private property with public access allowed. They are owned, respectively, by the Village Center Community Development District (Spanish Springs), by the Sumter Landing Community Development District (Lake Sumter Square), and by the Brownwood Community Development District (Lake Paddock Square). Access to the squares, themselves, and the streets directly bordering them, is controlled by each particular center district and can be withdrawn at any time for any reason.

For example, when there are events at the squares that are sponsored and staged by The Villages, other activities can be curtailed -- i.e., the visits by President Bush and Sarah Palin. Whenever my wife's dance groups perform on the squares, the arrangements are set up and controlled by the Villages Entertainment Department, and we are directed when and how long to perform, where to park our vehicles, and the particular theme that we are asked to portray. During our (or anyone's) approved performance time, other activities on the square are curtailed until the formal performances are concluded.

Operation of the squares is a great system, but the squares are not ours, nor do they have unrestricted public access.

[graciegirl]

Did ANYONE ELSE SEE A SNAKE AT BROWNWOOD?

Trolls sometimes relish getting us "old folks" all stirred up.

Anyone else talk to anyone who saw this snake with their own eyes??????

This has the potential to become another urban legend.

This is the OP's first post.

[Russ_Boston]

The three town squares are private property with public access allowed. They are owned, respectively, by the Village Center Community Development District (Spanish Springs), by the Sumter Landing Community Development District (Lake Sumter Square), and by the Brownwood Community Development District (Lake Paddock Square). Access to the squares, themselves, and the streets directly bordering them, is controlled by each particular center district and can be withdrawn at any time for any reason.

For example, when there are events at the squares that are sponsored and staged by The Villages, other activities can be curtailed -- i.e., the visits by President Bush and Sarah Palin. Whenever my wife's dance groups perform on the squares, the arrangements are set up and controlled by the Villages Entertainment Department, and we are directed when and how long to perform, where to park our vehicles, and the particular theme that we are asked to portray. During our (or anyone's) approved performance time, other activities on the square are curtailed until the formal performances are concluded.

Operation of the squares is a great system, but the squares are not ours, nor do they have unrestricted public access.

thanks to you and Indy for the accurate info on the ownership. Just love it when posters (those that said it is public property) are so adamant about something they know nothing about. But they sure act like they do!

[Steve & Deanna]

If I saw a someone down at one of the Squares walking around with a snake, you would hear the sound of screeching tires accompanied by the smell of burning rubber.... that would be us in our golf cart leaving the area. Seriously, common sense should prevail and since most of us either fear or have a huge respect for these reptiles, I don't feel that they should be in public area gathering places. My personal opinion is that the owner is looking for attention. There are other places to walk around with pets.

[donb9006]

Be careful of what you wish for, pets may be banned from the town squares. You know how laws work!:doggie:

We can only hope... Went to the craft show, too many people with dogs getting underfoot, too many leashes almost tripping people. If your dog is your best friend and too important for you to leave home...you really do have issues.

[Barefoot]

Did ANYONE ELSE SEE A SNAKE AT BROWNWOOD?
Trolls sometimes relish getting us "old folks" all stirred up.

Trolls or rumors, we tend to believe everything that is posted because we believe in the integrity of our members. I tend to think Livesea is not a troll because he/she has been a member since April.

[CFrance]

Splitting hairs. The public has access to the squares, whether Villages residents or not.

They can block my sidewalk off too if the Presidents stops to speak there.

[Russ_Boston]

We can only hope... Went to the craft show, too many people with dogs getting underfoot, too many leashes almost tripping people. If your dog is your best friend and too important for you to leave home...you really do have issues.

I would second that - but then we might be the only two:)

Dangerous territory - Dogs are kings in TV!

[redwitch]

This one has the ring of truth. There are some folks foolish enough to bring a snake to a public domain with live music and lots of people. The snake would garner attention and have a ring of people around it. The fear livesea mentioned sounded real. So, I believe it happened.

So far as I know, snakes are not illegal (but I do believe you have to have a license to own one in Florida); they're not often dangerous (but don't get near one that is shedding its skin -- they're very nasty tempered then) but they are wild animals and can and have attacked in the past; they have their own beauty.

Sorry if you're afraid of snakes. They do a lot of good things. My attitude is that anything that eats rats and keeps them away from me is a wonderful creature. (We all have our fears and dislikes.) So, if I see a snake at a square, I'll be in the circle wanting to touch it. Feel free to run the other direction but don't think you have the right to prevent it from being there just because you're afraid of them.

[Barefoot]

I would second that - but then we might be the only two. Dangerous territory - Dogs are kings in TV!

Please .. give it a rest! This thread is about SNAKES. We just did a "dog on patios" thread which the Mod closed after 1,273 views and 55 posts. Enough!!

[Taltarzac725]

This one has the ring of truth. There are some folks foolish enough to bring a snake to a public domain with live music and lots of people. The snake would garner attention and have a ring of people around it. The fear livesea mentioned sounded real. So, I believe it happened.

So far as I know, snakes are not illegal (but I do believe you have to have a license to own one in Florida); they're not often dangerous (but don't get near one that is shedding its skin -- they're very nasty tempered then) but they are wild animals and can and have attacked in the past; they have their own beauty.

Sorry if you're afraid of snakes. They do a lot of good things. My attitude is that anything that eats rats and keeps them away from me is a wonderful creature. (We all have our fears and dislikes.) So, if I see a snake at a square, I'll be in the circle wanting to touch it. Feel free to run the other direction but don't think you have the right to prevent it from being there just because you're afraid of them.

Nice post Red. I too believe the poster but the teens with snakes have the right to be on the Square too. It is too bad for the snake though. One of my nieces has a pet snake and I can see her doing exactly the same thing with it on the Square.

[Russ_Boston]

Please .. give it a rest! This thread is about SNAKES. We just did a "dog on patios" thread which the Mod closed after 1,273 views and 55 posts. Enough!!


Respectfully Bare - please quote the FIRST person who changed the subject. It WAS NOT ME! Tell him to give it a rest! Why pick on me? Thanks.


in case you missed it: We can only hope... Went to the craft show, too many people with dogs getting underfoot, too many leashes almost tripping people. If your dog is your best friend and too important for you to leave home...you really do have issues.

And you'll notice that I did not respond once in that other thread you talked about.

But you could also consider that this thread is about bringing an animal (a snake in this instance) to a public square. If that's not OK then why do other animals get a pass? Yes the owner may look for attention but have you noticed how cute dogs in strollers tend to garner the same attention? What's the difference if they are both legal in the square? Is that keeping it on the subject?

[livefree]

Maybe I should have paid for lie detector tests and a sworn deposition before posting here about a hideous snake that WILL ruin many people's desire to go and try to enjoy themselves at Brownwood.

In typical fashion, the usual people here gang up and smear and shoot the messenger. I shouldn't be surprised after reading here for quite awhile.

I guess if somebody wants to bring their pet alligator, gila monster, bats, or pet skunk to the square that's okay too with the gang on here.

And yes, other people did see this snake and stupid owner, and nobody thought it was cute, only horrifying.

I'm done.

[graciegirl]

I have had someone who I know verify that there was indeed a python at Brownwood.

It had to be someone who just wanted to get us all riled up and to show off to bring a snake to a square where many if not most are afraid of snakes of any kind..

I see a lot of guys there who have trophy wives who are several decades younger than they are and they bring them there for the same reason. (To show off and get people all riled up.)

I am finding that many young people these days who have not been yelled at properly make me want to bite. Do they not have mothers?

No snakes at Brownwood. No thank you. No snakes in The G's yard, no thank you. I do not think this was Gary Morse's fault, but will wait to see what some folks have to say.

I am sorry OP. I didn't trust you and you were telling the truth.

[Russ_Boston]

I guess if somebody wants to bring their pet alligator, gila monster, bats, or pet skunk to the square that's okay too with the gang on here.

If it's legal - sure why not?

Done? After only a few posts? Unless you've posted under another name before that may be a record for giving up on your opinion.

[Russ_Boston]

I see a lot of guys there who have trophy wives who are several decades younger than they are and they bring them there for the same reason. (To show off and get people all riled up.)

I don't get riled up at that sight but I get your point. People do all sorts of things to bring attention to themselves. Probably human nature in all of us. But 99.99% of the time I just smile and sometimes shake my head. No need to get riled up. Just stay away from the snake (or trophy wife:)) if you like.

[Indydealmaker]

And what is the name of the governmental unit for each square?

See post #28 of this thread.

[Taltarzac725]

I don't get riled up at that sight but I get your point. People do all sorts of things to bring attention to themselves. Probably human nature in all of us. But 99.99% of the time I just smile and sometimes shake my head. No need to get riled up. Just stay away from the snake (or trophy wife:)) if you like.

Are there trophy husbands, too?

Live and let live.

Pet alligators on the Squares would be crossing the line of public safety as would a highly strung attack dog of some kind. A calm attack dog might even be worse as you would not know what it is really feeling.

[CFrance]

I don't get riled up at that sight but I get your point. People do all sorts of things to bring attention to themselves. Probably human nature in all of us. But 99.99% of the time I just smile and sometimes shake my head. No need to get riled up. Just stay away from the snake (or trophy wife:)) if you like.

I agree. The snake was probably brought there for the scare factor by a bunch of young people looking to rile up us older folks. Best thing to do is not react at all. Just carry on.

[graciegirl]

See post #28 of this thread.


The OP was telling the truth. There was a Python at Brownwood which is some kind of governmental unit.

We will get the girls together tonight and practice with anti-snake stuff in our super soakers.


Or just call the cops. I like calling the cops better. Officer Friendly would not like us old people to be frightened. Policemen are our friends.

We will not tolerate snakes in the square. Not on a leash or in a baby carriage or draped around someone like a boa.

NO SNAKES.

[njbchbum]

Are there trophy husbands, too?
snipped


look around - nope! ;)

[justjim]

OP, sorry you had a bad experience, obviously you are very afraid of snakes. You are not alone---I would guess that there are many residents in TV who would react exactly the same. My best half being one---we would be very far away from the snake!

Nobody is accusing you of lying about the incident--- folks just asking if others saw the snake. That is a reasonable question----on TOTV you cannot afford to carry your "feelings" on your shoulder so to speak. I hope you continue to post.

A photo of the snake---don't suppose anybody has one! I do think the Wildwood police could have at least talked to the person with the snake----seems the right thing to do when somebody is causing a nuisance and some are afraid of something within their jurisdiction.
Well, maybe I expect too much.

[billethkid]

restating the isolated incidence of the matter......what is the membership of TOTV? For the ease of argument example let's use 25,000.....one fourth of the population of TV......and not one single second sighting!!!!

I am not challenging validity or whether it was or not....just saying, AGAIN, how isolated it musta been that there was not any other sightings.

Many, many times on TOTV when there is an incident of any kind there are almost always multiple reportings with different perspectives and views.

I am just sayin'.................

btk

[graciegirl]

restating the isolated incidence of the matter......what is the membership of TOTV? For the ease of argument example let's use 25,000.....one fourth of the population of TV......and not one single second sighting!!!!

I am not challenging validity or whether it was or not....just saying, AGAIN, how isolated it musta been that there was not any other sightings.

Many, many times on TOTV when there is an incident of any kind there are almost always multiple reportings with different perspectives and views.

I am just sayin'.................

btk

I was contacted by someone I know AND trust....who saw the snake with her OWN eyes.

[justjim]

Somebody---actually more than one ---dropped their Python off in the Everglades a few years ago---next thing you know BIG problem. Let's hope that doesn't happen here in some of our protected areas.

Thanks Gracie for the verification. Iam surprised nobody who regularly posts on TOTV saw the snake. Everyone home watching TV?

[Russ_Boston]

Does anyone have the ordinance that would forbid snakes in public? Curious.

I saw the one that Carl posted but that is way too broad. In that context other animals could be considered as well. I'd be interested to see if the police had any jurisdiction to talk to the owner. What if someone brought a pet hamster or pet guinea pig?

[TexaninVA]

I have really enjoyed Brownwood since it opened last year, as well as the other town squares, but now I'm reluctant to ever go back to Brownwood.

Last night (Saturday) at Brownwood, as I crossed the street and walked toward the dance area on the west side of the sound stage, a group of young people (in their twenties or so) was gathered around one guy but I wasn't really paying attention. Suddenly as I got closer, I saw half the body and head of a gigantic python lunge outward from the guy's shoulders, and in my direction. I thought I'd have a heart attack right then and there. Just thinking about it 24 hours later makes me sick to my stomach.

I can think of few things more horrifying than a python on display over a guy's shoulders, and lunging outward at pedestrians, on the town square. The group of admirers laughed at my horrified reaction.

I reluctantly continued to the seating area and sat down and told a woman next to me about it. She said another woman had called the police about this gigantic snake, but apparently they told her they couldn't do anything about it.

What is WRONG with people who would do something like this?? It's my understanding the town squares are private property and not public (as the streets are).

Why would anyone tolerate a giant python at the town square where people come to enjoy themselves, NOT be scared to death??

I don't know if the snake "lunged" but I believe the OP when he says it bothered him. I hear other stories about Brownwood and then I read posts which say ... lighten up, no big deal, kids are harmless, you're just a complaining old codger etc. When we were at Brownwood for dinner maybe two weeks ago, we also saw a number of teenagers hanging out. it got my attention and then we observed one crazy kid who squealed his pickup truck tires and must have hit 50mph right in front of City Fire. He was lucky he didn't kill or injure someone in the numerous golf carts he passed by.

Here's what I do know. Brownwood, fairly or unfairly, is starting to develop a bit of a shaky reputation. The Developer, to protect his investment, will have to come up with a solution to fix it pretty soon or people will start to vote with their feet. Same with the Wildwood Police ... don't give me the technicalities of why they can't do anything etc, just fix it.

In the meantime, my wife and I have already decided ... we'll stick to Evans Prairie, Bonifay and LSL when it comes to evenings out.

[Bonny]

There used to be a guy and girl around Sumter square and they both had a snake around their neck. Not really big ones but plenty big enough. I actually like snakes.
I can't imagine the police can do anything about it just because people are afraid of snakes. A lot of people are seriously afraid of dogs and there isn't anything the police can do about saying people can't bring a dog.

[DaleMN]

Not allowing snakes on the square must violate some amendment rights somehow. :doh:

[duffysmom]

Respectfully Bare - please quote the FIRST person who changed the subject. It WAS NOT ME! Tell him to give it a rest! Why pick on me? Thanks.


in case you missed it:

And you'll notice that I did not respond once in that other thread you talked about.

But you could also consider that this thread is about bringing an animal (a snake in this instance) to a public square. If that's not OK then why do other animals get a pass? Yes the owner may look for attention but have you noticed how cute dogs in strollers tend to garner the same attention? What's the difference if they are both legal in the square? Is that keeping it on the subject?

Completely off topic once again.

[rubicon]

There are complaints that the police were not showing up to patrol the Square.

There are complaints that when the police do show up at the Square they won't act.

There are complaints about teen agers running wild at the Square

There are complaints that cops over react and arrest people for sitting in their golf carts and drinking at the Square.

There are complaints that the wrong kind of people are frequenting the Square.

There are complaints that people bring their dogs to the Square.

There are complaints about people bringing snakes to the Square

There are complaints about complaints about the Square.

What's a resident to do ? The trials and tribulations of villages residents: The Movie:popcorn:

[Happinow]

It was very inappropriate for these people to bring a snake to any place public. I do think something should have been done about it. Since snakes are wild creatures, they are unpredictable and therefor could have gotten lose and wrapped themselves around someone, god forbid a child or someone's pet. The villages needs to set a precedence for this kind of behavior and should have escorted the snake owners off the property on the grounds of endangering the public. Shame on them for not doing something.

[Patty55]

Coward Policeman? I don't classify any LE as "coward" just because things don't go my way.

I have no snake in this argument.

Oh the DRAMA.

[CFrance]

[QUOTE=livefree;773968]Maybe I should have paid for lie detector tests and a sworn deposition before posting here about a hideous snake that WILL ruin many people's desire to go and try to enjoy themselves at Brownwood.

In typical fashion, the usual people here gang up and smear and shoot the messenger. I shouldn't be surprised after reading here for quite awhile.

I guess if somebody wants to bring their pet alligator, gila monster, bats, or pet skunk to the square that's okay too with the gang on here.

And yes, other people did see this snake and stupid owner, and nobody thought it was cute, only horrifying."

I read back through these posts, and I don't see where anyone ganged up on you at all. Most of them were supportive or giving ancillary information on the topic, or stating their opinion without being offensive.

As a matter of fact, the worst thing that was said came from your post: "I knew what kind of snake it was because I have seen people stupid enough to have one as a pet before."

[DougB]

I agree. The snake was probably brought there for the scare factor by a bunch of young people looking to rile up us older folks. Best thing to do is not react at all. Just carry on.

Those wild and wacky Wildwood young 'uns!

[Parker]

Reportedly, it wasn't just a garden variety harmless snake, it was a python. It was not contained. If it decided to leave it's owner's shoulders, it would have been a danger to the public. The police would not have been equipped to capture it. I think the OP had every right to question the safety of such a creature being at the square.

[graciegirl]

I winced when I read your thread, knowing the welcoming committee would give you the usual once over. Don't let it bother you. If they acted this way in person, the population of TV would be significantly lower.

Huh?

What really gets us upset are people who like to take a jab about age, don't cha know?

I don't think I made a jab about age when I said what I said about the trophy wives.

Plus I have only seen one or two and I think they were the same age as the rest of us but probably had some good "work" done when they were in Miami.

I think people who are age prejudiced are well...................


Young.

[livefree]

I read back through these posts, and I don't see where anyone ganged up on you at all. Most of them were supportive or giving ancillary information on the topic, or stating their opinion without being offensive.

As a matter of fact, the worst thing that was said came from your post: "I knew what kind of snake it was because I have seen people stupid enough to have one as a pet before."

I stand by what I said. People are stupid to have a python as a pet:

"The snake attack in the rural community of Oxford, about 60 miles northwest of Orlando, was believed to be the state's first instance of a non-venomous constrictor killing a child. The criminal case, likely to be tried this year, revolves around reckless behavior of the child's caregivers, Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino said.

"It was a tragic loss of a young life as a result of the criminal negligence and child abuse on the part of two adults. It's that simple," he said. "I don't take prosecuting parents lightly."

Shaianna's mother, Jaren Hare, 21, and Hare's boyfriend, Jason Darnell, 33, face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter or third-degree murder. They also are charged with child abuse and have pleaded not guilty.

The albino python, bought at a flea market about six years ago for $200, slithered through the doublewide trailer to the child's room after escaping from a mesh laundry bag with a baseball-sized hole in it.

Read more here: Snake that killed Florida child hadn't been fed in a month | National | McClatchy DC (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/01/01/106054/snake-that-killed-florida-child.html#storylink=cpy)

"August 24, 2011|By Stephen Hudak, ORLANDO SENTINEL

BUSHNELL — A reptile-loving couple convicted of manslaughter for failing to protect a toddler from their pet python was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, but their lawyers believe jurors in the case were influenced by the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial.

"Circuit Judge William "Bud" Hallman, who imposed the sentence on the couple, said he mulled over defense arguments that the tragedy could have happened to anyone who keeps a big dog, a horse or other large animal.

"Horses eat grass, they eat oats — that's different from a wild animal that unfortunately, based on the testimony, eats small mammals," he said. "The child was a small mammal, which is on the menu for a wild animal, which a snake is."

The judge compared keeping the python to keeping an alligator in the house."

Killer python: Jaren Hare and Charles "Jason" Darnell are to be sentenced in killer python case - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-08-24/news/os-killer-python-sentencing-20110824_1_shaianna-hare-jaren-hare-charles-jason-darnell)

[rdhdleo]

I stand by what I said. People are stupid to have a python as a pet:

"The snake attack in the rural community of Oxford, about 60 miles northwest of Orlando, was believed to be the state's first instance of a non-venomous constrictor killing a child. The criminal case, likely to be tried this year, revolves around reckless behavior of the child's caregivers, Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino said.

"It was a tragic loss of a young life as a result of the criminal negligence and child abuse on the part of two adults. It's that simple," he said. "I don't take prosecuting parents lightly."

Shaianna's mother, Jaren Hare, 21, and Hare's boyfriend, Jason Darnell, 33, face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter or third-degree murder. They also are charged with child abuse and have pleaded not guilty.

The albino python, bought at a flea market about six years ago for $200, slithered through the doublewide trailer to the child's room after escaping from a mesh laundry bag with a baseball-sized hole in it.

Read more here: Snake that killed Florida child hadn't been fed in a month | National | McClatchy DC (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/01/01/106054/snake-that-killed-florida-child.html#storylink=cpy)

"August 24, 2011|By Stephen Hudak, ORLANDO SENTINEL

BUSHNELL — A reptile-loving couple convicted of manslaughter for failing to protect a toddler from their pet python was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, but their lawyers believe jurors in the case were influenced by the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial.

"Circuit Judge William "Bud" Hallman, who imposed the sentence on the couple, said he mulled over defense arguments that the tragedy could have happened to anyone who keeps a big dog, a horse or other large animal.

"Horses eat grass, they eat oats — that's different from a wild animal that unfortunately, based on the testimony, eats small mammals," he said. "The child was a small mammal, which is on the menu for a wild animal, which a snake is."

The judge compared keeping the python to keeping an alligator in the house."

Killer python: Jaren Hare and Charles "Jason" Darnell are to be sentenced in killer python case - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-08-24/news/os-killer-python-sentencing-20110824_1_shaianna-hare-jaren-hare-charles-jason-darnell)

:agree:

[redwitch]

The snake was hungry, plain and simple. The fault was with the parents both in how they kept the snake (a laundry basket, really????) and in not feeding a snake for a month. What happened to the child was tragic, preventable and totally inexcusable.

A snake laying on someone's shoulders is a snake well-taken care of. It is fed regularly. No one in their right mind would put a hungry snake near their neck. That's just insanity. A well-fed pet snake is content and really doesn't move around much. It's not on the hunt for food. It doesn't need to find protection.

As to you being picked on, I don't think so. As I said, the person bringing the snake to the square shouldn't have. Not because of how it would scare folks but because it just isn't good for the snake. The fact that you were scared was a very reasonable reaction -- most people are afraid of them -- and I'm sorry to hear you were frightened. What bothered me is the calling of police by the other woman, the how dare they response by some here.

[Jaggy]

We stopped in South Carolina at a gas station/ store on way back South. I was browsing the aisles for snacks for the car & a guy come up behind me with a snake around his neck.. I think everyone heard my yelp and they laughed and laughed.. Will never forget it, but it makes me think it is not an uncommon joke to play!! I ranted & Raved about it till we made the Florida State line, But now it seems funny.

[Russ_Boston]

Completely off topic once again.

We are talking about animals at squares. How is my last paragraph off topic.But you could also consider that this thread is about bringing an animal (a snake in this instance) to a public square. If that's not OK then why do other animals get a pass? Yes the owner may look for attention but have you noticed how cute dogs in strollers tend to garner the same attention? What's the difference if they are both legal in the square? Is that keeping it on the subject? Please explain.


Why doesn't anyone pick on the other dog posts? I wasn't the first and I wasn't the last. Huh? Why not mention others (two posts before mine) or the other dog mentions? Or the people that are now talking about how/if snakes are bad. Get off my case!!

Admin: Why do you allow this to happen. Neither one of my posts was far off topic. Yet posters are allowed to call me out individually without intervention. Pretty sad.

[zonerboy]

Young people (high school upper classmen, college aged kids, and so forth) are very prone to attention seeking behavior. They favor outrageous clothing, weird haircuts and colors, facial piercings, etc. They talk loud, laugh loud, and tend towards other forms of loud noises. Showing off is expected, and attempts to shock adults is commonplace. But for the most part they are harmless. I'm sure the snake was in more danger of being injured than any human person at the square. Get a grip, for goodness sake!

[Russ_Boston]

Get a grip, for goodness sake!

Ditto. It's one guy with one snake.

[billethkid]

this thread is skidding all over the place and no "tilt" signs yet???????

btk???

[JC and John]

I don't know if the snake "lunged" but I believe the OP when he says it bothered him. I hear other stories about Brownwood and then I read posts which say ... lighten up, no big deal, kids are harmless, you're just a complaining old codger etc. When we were at Brownwood for dinner maybe two weeks ago, we also saw a number of teenagers hanging out. it got my attention and then we observed one crazy kid who squealed his pickup truck tires and must have hit 50mph right in front of City Fire. He was lucky he didn't kill or injure someone in the numerous golf carts he passed by.

Here's what I do know. Brownwood, fairly or unfairly, is starting to develop a bit of a shaky reputation. The Developer, to protect his investment, will have to come up with a solution to fix it pretty soon or people will start to vote with their feet. Same with the Wildwood Police ... don't give me the technicalities of why they can't do anything etc, just fix it.

In the meantime, my wife and I have already decided ... we'll stick to Evans Prairie, Bonifay and LSL when it comes to evenings out.

I am terrified of snakes here or anywhere, even a picture! So to the OP I share your concern about a snake out and about at Brownwood. Yes, I know the cops can't do anything about it but I can. I can take my business elsewhere. With this thread and comments on other threads about Brownwood it sounds like it is becoming the "wild west." If I continue to hear of rowdy kids or pet snakes at Brownwood we will go elsewhere.

[Patty55]

I stand by what I said. People are stupid to have a python as a pet:

"The snake attack in the rural community of Oxford, about 60 miles northwest of Orlando, was believed to be the state's first instance of a non-venomous constrictor killing a child. The criminal case, likely to be tried this year, revolves around reckless behavior of the child's caregivers, Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino said.

"It was a tragic loss of a young life as a result of the criminal negligence and child abuse on the part of two adults. It's that simple," he said. "I don't take prosecuting parents lightly."

Shaianna's mother, Jaren Hare, 21, and Hare's boyfriend, Jason Darnell, 33, face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter or third-degree murder. They also are charged with child abuse and have pleaded not guilty.

The albino python, bought at a flea market about six years ago for $200, slithered through the doublewide trailer to the child's room after escaping from a mesh laundry bag with a baseball-sized hole in it.

Read more here: Snake that killed Florida child hadn't been fed in a month | National | McClatchy DC (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/01/01/106054/snake-that-killed-florida-child.html#storylink=cpy)

"August 24, 2011|By Stephen Hudak, ORLANDO SENTINEL

BUSHNELL — A reptile-loving couple convicted of manslaughter for failing to protect a toddler from their pet python was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, but their lawyers believe jurors in the case were influenced by the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial.

"Circuit Judge William "Bud" Hallman, who imposed the sentence on the couple, said he mulled over defense arguments that the tragedy could have happened to anyone who keeps a big dog, a horse or other large animal.

"Horses eat grass, they eat oats — that's different from a wild animal that unfortunately, based on the testimony, eats small mammals," he said. "The child was a small mammal, which is on the menu for a wild animal, which a snake is."

The judge compared keeping the python to keeping an alligator in the house."

Killer python: Jaren Hare and Charles "Jason" Darnell are to be sentenced in killer python case - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-08-24/news/os-killer-python-sentencing-20110824_1_shaianna-hare-jaren-hare-charles-jason-darnell)

Is it just me or does the googly writing style of this post seem familiar? I feel that deja-vu all over again feeling.

[handieman]

The Developer seems to control everything else IN the squares, why not snakes for God's sake. Some people are deathly afraid of snakes and that's understandable. Folks come to squares to be entertained or just relax and should not be frightened by whatever. I see no reason why an officer or village watch person could not go up to the owner and ask nicely to please show off his pets elsewhere.
God forbid two of these peaceful pets escape and breed here in The Villages. We wont go into that frightful thought
John

[redwitch]

The Developer seems to control everything else IN the squares, why not snakes for God's sake. Some people are deathly afraid of snakes and that's understandable. Folks come to squares to be entertained or just relax and should not be frightened by whatever. I see no reason why an officer or village watch person could not go up to the owner and ask nicely to please show off his pets elsewhere.
God forbid two of these peaceful pets escape and breed here in The Villages. We wont go into that frightful thought
John

And some people are deadly afraid of dogs. Should we ban them as well?

[Bogie Shooter]

The Developer seems to control everything else IN the squares, why not snakes for God's sake. Some people are deathly afraid of snakes and that's understandable. Folks come to squares to be entertained or just relax and should not be frightened by whatever. I see no reason why an officer or village watch person could not go up to the owner and ask nicely to please show off his pets elsewhere.
God forbid two of these peaceful pets escape and breed here in The Villages. We wont go into that frightful thought
John

About three days of 18 degree weather should take care of that situation.

[BobAllen1290]

I always thought the actual entertainment area was private. They have no smoking rules as well as rules that state you can not bring your own coolers. They have announcments about it at every break.
If the entertainment area was ever private, which I doubt that it is, that all went out the door when Morse Industries began accepting tax money from Sumter County Tourism to help pay for the nightly acts at LSL & Brownwood. That little inconvenient truth is played each night during the announcements and is printed in The Daily Sun's monthly rundown of entertainment at the squares. Once they started taking the county's tax money..all bets are off and ANYBODY from ANYWHERE can definitely come in once that tax money is in play.

[Mikeod]

Here's what I glean from the OP's description. A group of young adults were gathered near the dance area, but not on it. One of them had a pet snake around his neck. The presence of the snake scared the OP. Period.

Posts that attribute malicious intent by the young man are jumping to a conclusion not supported by the description given. If the intent was to "scare the old people" wouldn't it be better for the snake to be carried around the dance area or seats? Since the snake was obviously a pet, why would you think he cares so little that he would allow it to escape and be lost?

Posts that malign the police do them a disservice. If the snake is not prohibited from the area by law or regulation, they have no reason to ask the man to remove it because one or two people express concern about its presence. They are there to enforce the law, not cater to personal likes/dislikes. Now, if the presence of the snake was causing widespread panic, different story.

Do I think it was a smart thing to bring the snake to the square? Nope. But, I sometimes shudder remembering things I did as a teenager or young adult. Do I think it was a dangerous thing to do? Maybe for the snake, but not for the people there.

[BobAllen1290]

Young people (high school upper classmen, college aged kids, and so forth) are very prone to attention seeking behavior. They favor outrageous clothing, weird haircuts and colors, facial piercings, etc. They talk loud, laugh loud, and tend towards other forms of loud noises. Showing off is expected, and attempts to shock adults is commonplace. But for the most part they are harmless. I'm sure the snake was in more danger of being injured than any human person at the square. Get a grip, for goodness sake!
Gee-Golly-Gosh-WOW! Sounds just like those people who live in TV now who grew up in the 60's and early 70's. Better throw them out of TV almost immediately. Hippie Scum! :D

[CFrance]

And some people are deadly afraid of dogs. Should we ban them as well?

Hoooooo boy, Dee! :popcorn::popcorn:

[John_W]

I haven't read all 80 posts so I don't know if this has been mentioned. I do see statements that the police are powerless to act or do anything. My understanding is in Florida boa constrictors are classified as exotic pets and a license is required to own one. I don't see why if the police were alerted to the presence of a large snake in a public area, they couldn't at least ask the owner if they had a permit and then let them know that the snake was making the patrons of the square uneasy.

[CFrance]

Here's what I glean from the OP's description. A group of young adults were gathered near the dance area, but not on it. One of them had a pet snake around his neck. The presence of the snake scared the OP. Period.

Posts that attribute malicious intent by the young man are jumping to a conclusion not supported by the description given. If the intent was to "scare the old people" wouldn't it be better for the snake to be carried around the dance area or seats? Since the snake was obviously a pet, why would you think he cares so little that he would allow it to escape and be lost?

Posts that malign the police do them a disservice. If the snake is not prohibited from the area by law or regulation, they have no reason to ask the man to remove it because one or two people express concern about its presence. They are there to enforce the law, not cater to personal likes/dislikes. Now, if the presence of the snake was causing widespread panic, different story.

Do I think it was a smart thing to bring the snake to the square? Nope. But, I sometimes shudder remembering things I did as a teenager or young adult. Do I think it was a dangerous thing to do? Maybe for the snake, but not for the people there.

I agree with you 100%. You have nailed this whole thing. Very well put.

[firebiker]

Yes, I think DOGS should not be allowed at the squares.

[graciegirl]

sigh. I thought Mikeod had it all handled.

[2BNTV]

I hate snakes!!!

I was wondering if this could be considered a nuisance or disorderly conduct on the part of the snake owner by the police. I don't see why they shouldn't have looked into this matter.

If this person thought he was being humorous, then he has a perverse sense of humor. Scaring elderly people is not funny. Humor has taken a downward trend in recent years. IMHO

[Carl in Tampa]

I wonder what would happen if said snake lunged at someone who had a legal concealed weapon causing them to be in fear of their life (George Zimmerman for example?) Could they be arrested if they shot the snake? How about if they shot the snakes owner?

The short answer is "yes,"

You can always be charged with a crime. You may have a good defense which prevents you from being convicted, but by the time you go through a trial you will have gone through great inconvenience and spent a lot of money. Ask George Zimmerman.

Having a snake "lunge" at you would not be justification for killing it, so if that is the extent of the scenario you would probably be convicted of the crime of "killing an animal belonging to another."

If it were actually wrapped around your body and you killed it you would probably be able to convince a jury that you were in fear for your life and were justified in killing it. But again, there's that inconvenient trial that must be paid for.

I can't conceive of a scenario that would justify shooting the snakes owner just because he was carrying it around the square. Even if he threw the snake on you, at that point the owner would not present a danger to you and shooting him would not be justified as self defense.

:ho:

[Carl in Tampa]

There are complaints that the police were not showing up to patrol the Square.

There are complaints that when the police do show up at the Square they won't act.

There are complaints about teen agers running wild at the Square

There are complaints that cops over react and arrest people for sitting in their golf carts and drinking at the Square.

There are complaints that the wrong kind of people are frequenting the Square.

There are complaints that people bring their dogs to the Square.

There are complaints about people bringing snakes to the Square

There are complaints about complaints about the Square.

What's a resident to do ? The trials and tribulations of villages residents: The Movie:popcorn:

Well, most of the complaints you list are related to opinions.

Unfortunately, the one about the police arresting people for sitting in their golf carts and drinking at the Square is about a law. It is the "open container law" that prohibits having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle even if it is parked.

I don't agree with the law in the context of our peculiar situation in The Villages, and suspect that some of the police called upon to enforce it don't either, but they are sworn to enforce the law.

:police:

[Carl in Tampa]

Here's what I glean from the OP's description. A group of young adults were gathered near the dance area, but not on it. One of them had a pet snake around his neck. The presence of the snake scared the OP. Period.

Posts that attribute malicious intent by the young man are jumping to a conclusion not supported by the description given. If the intent was to "scare the old people" wouldn't it be better for the snake to be carried around the dance area or seats? Since the snake was obviously a pet, why would you think he cares so little that he would allow it to escape and be lost?

Posts that malign the police do them a disservice. If the snake is not prohibited from the area by law or regulation, they have no reason to ask the man to remove it because one or two people express concern about its presence. They are there to enforce the law, not cater to personal likes/dislikes. Now, if the presence of the snake was causing widespread panic, different story.

Do I think it was a smart thing to bring the snake to the square? Nope. But, I sometimes shudder remembering things I did as a teenager or young adult. Do I think it was a dangerous thing to do? Maybe for the snake, but not for the people there.

I don't believe my post maligned the police, but I certainly don't believe they are above criticism when they receive a complaint and don't even bother to interview the source of the complaint.

This is not the first thread in which people say their complaints are met by a statement from the police that they can't do anything about an issue.

I have a multi-agency law enforcement career which included experience with a small town police department, one of the largest sheriff's offices in the nation and an elite federal agency. I am as pro-law enforcement as you can get.

Nevertheless, I cannot conceive of a situation where a police officer would not at least talk to the source of a complaint in an attempt to resolve the concerns of the person making the complaint.

In the case under discussion in this thread, the python is regarded as an exotic pet which requires a (cost free) license to own. At the least the police could have spoken to the owner to assure that the proper license existed. In the same conversation the officer could have made the owner aware of the concerns of the complainant and perhaps the owner would have removed the snake from the area in consideration for those who were made uncomfortable by its presence.

In my law enforcement career I never failed to talk to the source of a complaint, even when I knew no violation of law had occurred. Sometimes you meet some very nice people when you do so.

:police::police::super:

[Bogie Shooter]

Here's what I glean from the OP's description. A group of young adults were gathered near the dance area, but not on it. One of them had a pet snake around his neck. The presence of the snake scared the OP. Period.

Posts that attribute malicious intent by the young man are jumping to a conclusion not supported by the description given. If the intent was to "scare the old people" wouldn't it be better for the snake to be carried around the dance area or seats? Since the snake was obviously a pet, why would you think he cares so little that he would allow it to escape and be lost?

Posts that malign the police do them a disservice. If the snake is not prohibited from the area by law or regulation, they have no reason to ask the man to remove it because one or two people express concern about its presence. They are there to enforce the law, not cater to personal likes/dislikes. Now, if the presence of the snake was causing widespread panic, different story.

Do I think it was a smart thing to bring the snake to the square? Nope. But, I sometimes shudder remembering things I did as a teenager or young adult. Do I think it was a dangerous thing to do? Maybe for the snake, but not for the people there.

This pretty much sums it up. Well done.

[Indydealmaker]

If the entertainment area was ever private, which I doubt that it is, that all went out the door when Morse Industries began accepting tax money from Sumter County Tourism to help pay for the nightly acts at LSL & Brownwood. That little inconvenient truth is played each night during the announcements and is printed in The Daily Sun's monthly rundown of entertainment at the squares. Once they started taking the county's tax money..all bets are off and ANYBODY from ANYWHERE can definitely come in once that tax money is in play.

There has never been a question that the squares are private property with public access.

Exactly how is it that it is an Inconvenient Truth that Tourism funds pay for entertainment at the squares? It was in the newspaper and has never been kept a secret. We, as taxpayers, benefit from that expenditure just as all taxpayers in the tri-county area benefit greatly from The Villages.

[BobAllen1290]

There has never been a question that the squares are private property with public access.

Exactly how is it that it is an Inconvenient Truth that Tourism funds pay for entertainment at the squares? It was in the newspaper and has never been kept a secret. We, as taxpayers, benefit from that expenditure just as all taxpayers in the tri-county area benefit greatly from The Villages.
But that was my point at the beginning. I never said it was a "secret". It is an inconvenient truth to those villagers who thing that the squares and everything in the town centers belong to them, and to them only. Once TV began accepting public tax money to pay for the nightly entertainment, any thought that the squares and the town centers belong only to villagers got tossed right out the window. With public tax money in use people from virtually anywhere have the right to be there, as long as they are abiding by the law.

[justjim]

I don't believe my post maligned the police, but I certainly don't believe they are above criticism when they receive a complaint and don't even bother to interview the source of the complaint.

This is not the first thread in which people say their complaints are met by a statement from the police that they can't do anything about an issue.

I have a multi-agency law enforcement career which included experience with a small town police department, one of the largest sheriff's offices in the nation and an elite federal agency. I am as pro-law enforcement as you can get.

Nevertheless, I cannot conceive of a situation where a police officer would not at least talk to the source of a complaint in an attempt to resolve the concerns of the person making the complaint.

In the case under discussion in this thread, the python is regarded as an exotic pet which requires a (cost free) license to own. At the least the police could have spoken to the owner to assure that the proper license existed. In the same conversation the officer could have made the owner aware of the concerns of the complainant and perhaps the owner would have removed the snake from the area in consideration for those who were made uncomfortable by its presence.

In my law enforcement career I never failed to talk to the source of a complaint, even when I knew no violation of law had occurred. Sometimes you meet some very nice people when you do so.

:police::police::super:

Exactly---I agree. :mademyday:

[Mikeod]

But that was my point at the beginning. I never said it was a "secret". It is an inconvenient truth to those villagers who thing that the squares and everything in the town centers belong to them, and to them only. Once TV began accepting public tax money to pay for the nightly entertainment, any thought that the squares and the town centers belong only to villagers got tossed right out the window. With public tax money in use people from virtually anywhere have the right to be there, as long as they are abiding by the law.

Public tax money? I believe the entertainment is funded by the merchants in the squares. Whatever the source, the squares are open to all.

[DouglasMo]

GOOD GRIEF CHARLIE BROWN! At least 30 years ago I was walking on the streets of NYC and unexpectedly came upon a younger man with a huge yellow python completely wrapped around his body! I jumped and believe I screamed too!! 30 years ago--- I was young….The younger man with snake laughed as did his friends…they do it to get your reaction whatever age….Did I call a cop? no, plenty of police in NYC who would catch up with him… But I was frightened…. A snake is different from a dog, a gerbil, etc. It is definitely threatening, I don't care what the snake enthusiasts say. Call the police and insist they come. You will still be able to bring your dog. I have never seen a threatening dog in TV. And how am I supposed to know when that snake was fed??? I remember reading a story about a man found crushed in his apt because his snake they surmised had been hungry and killed him…. Snakes, alligators, they are dangerous. Don't belong on public streets with crowds of people…. it's common sense. And the police should have come when called….. End of Story.

[graciegirl]

GOOD GRIEF CHARLIE BROWN! At least 30 years ago I was walking on the streets of NYC and unexpectedly came upon a younger man with a huge yellow python completely wrapped around his body! I jumped and believe I screamed too!! 30 years ago--- I was young….The younger man with snake laughed as did his friends…they do it to get your reaction whatever age….Did I call a cop? no, plenty of police in NYC who would catch up with him… But I was frightened…. A snake is different from a dog, a gerbil, etc. It is definitely threatening, I don't care what the snake enthusiasts say. Call the police and insist they come. You will still be able to bring your dog. I have never seen a threatening dog in TV. And how am I supposed to know when that snake was fed??? I remember reading a story about a man found crushed in his apt because his snake they surmised had been hungry and killed him…. Snakes, alligators, they are dangerous. Don't belong on public streets with crowds of people…. it's common sense. And the police should have come when called….. End of Story.


When people KNOW that most people feel either frightened of snakes or not comfortable with them, and they would do something like this, it says it all.

They aren't nice friendly people, they are show off, callous, unfeeling and just a tad angry. Why did they do it? Because they can. I think that the same reason goth kids wear black and Kiss stuff on their face and skull stuff on them. They are anti-establishment. They don't fit it, They are not finding much happiness with things that most people do.

As an older adult I should feel more compassionate, but I just feel annoyed. I had plenty of reasons to feel lonely, angry and sad as a young person but I didn't act out. I just worked and waited and then when I was 18 I met Sweetie.

Everybody does stuff for a reason. Everybody is different. Most people are drawn to the familiar and the comfortable and the ordinary things.

I hope Mr. Snake Boa finds a nice-er life than scaring nice people at public gatherings. Soon.

The squares were built to gather people to have a good time not make them uncomfortable.

Will someone on this forum call the regular number for the Wildwood police and see what their official stand is on snakes in the square at Brownwood?

[shcisamax]

I am horrified. The bubble has been compromised!

[BobAllen1290]

Public tax money? I believe the entertainment is funded by the merchants in the squares. Whatever the source, the squares are open to all.
YES..Public Sumter County Tax Money. As I noted in my original post there is an announcement made nightly at LSL & Brownwood that "Tonite's entertainment is being paid for in part by a tax grant from the Sumter County Department of Tourism". That message is also noted at the bottom of the monthly square entertainment sheet published on the last Sunday of the month by The Daily Sun.

What is not clear is what "in part" means. 10%? 25%? 50%? 99.9%? But yes..Sumter County Tax funds are going to pay for entertainment at both LSL & Brownwood, which I think is a TERRIBLE use of Sumter's tax dollars, and I can guarantee that there are PLENTY of people in Bushnell, Wildwood, Lake Panasoffkee and other places in Sumter who don't think much of it at all!

[DaleMN]

:ohdear:

[Bogie Shooter]

YES..Public Sumter County Tax Money. As I noted in my original post there is an announcement made nightly at LSL & Brownwood that "Tonite's entertainment is being paid for in part by a tax grant from the Sumter County Department of Tourism". That message is also noted at the bottom of the monthly square entertainment sheet published on the last Sunday of the month by The Daily Sun.

What is not clear is what "in part" means. 10%? 25%? 50%? 99.9%? But yes..Sumter County Tax funds are going to pay for entertainment at both LSL & Brownwood, which I think is a TERRIBLE use of Sumter's tax dollars, and I can guarantee that there are PLENTY of people in Bushnell, Wildwood, Lake Panasoffkee and other places in Sumter who don't think much of it at all!

What do the people from Bushnell, Wildwood, Lake Panasoffkee and other places in Sumter that come and enjoy the squares think of the use of tourism dollars being used?
I think this is becoming a big deal over nothing...................

[PennBF]

I agree with those that have some concern and reluctance to spend evenings in Brownwood. It may be just perception or true but i don't feel the same security comfort as I do at Lake Sumter or Spanish Springs. How this can be fixed is a real challenge. Maybe more police patrols, more lighting, more outdoor actions (e.g. more Resturants that seat outside,etc.). The closeness of Wildwood to the squares (not meant to disrespect Wildwood)
but when you have larger centralized populations you will naturally have more good and "bad" things. Reading the weekly crime rates does not add to the good security feelings when Wildwood cases are mentioned. :wave:

[livefree]

I agree with those that have some concern and reluctance to spend evenings in Brownwood. It may be just perception or true but i don't feel the same security comfort as I do at Lake Sumter or Spanish Springs. How this can be fixed is a real challenge. Maybe more police patrols, more lighting, more outdoor actions (e.g. more Resturants that seat outside,etc.). The closeness of Wildwood to the squares (not meant to disrespect Wildwood)
but when you have larger centralized populations you will naturally have more good and "bad" things. Reading the weekly crime rates does not add to the good security feelings when Wildwood cases are mentioned. :wave:

I started the thread and didn't have any problem with Brownwood being close to Wildwood, nor a problem with the squares being open to the public (I think that a bigger variety of people is good), nor tourism dollars nor any of that talked about above.

I titled the thread with "Menace" in it because that's what I believe a person is doing when they try to scare and intimidate people with a huge reptile that does not belong in Florida swamps, much less in a downtown social gathering, dancing and entertainment area.

Here is a list of exotic "pet" incidents in Florida by the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. It's telling to see how many of them involve pythons and boa constrictors, and it begins like this:

October 1, 2013 / Salerno, FL: Sheriff's deputies captured a 10-foot albino Burmese python in a residential neighborhood. The regurgitated carcasses of two cats were found nearby. (Palm Beach Post)

August 30, 2013 / Miami-Dade County, FL: A 10-foot-long rock python killed a Siberian husky, a family pet, at a home in Southwest Miami-Dade County. (Tampa Bay Times)

August 4, 2013 / Hialeah, FL: A homeowner cleaning out his shed discovered a 13-foot albino Burmese python. The snake was removed by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. (WSVN Ch. 7)

http://www.animalrightsflorida.org/incidentlist.html

[billethkid]

I agree with those that have some concern and reluctance to spend evenings in Brownwood. It may be just perception or true but i don't feel the same security comfort as I do at Lake Sumter or Spanish Springs. How this can be fixed is a real challenge. Maybe more police patrols, more lighting, more outdoor actions (e.g. more Resturants that seat outside,etc.). The closeness of Wildwood to the squares (not meant to disrespect Wildwood)
but when you have larger centralized populations you will naturally have more good and "bad" things. Reading the weekly crime rates does not add to the good security feelings when Wildwood cases are mentioned. :wave:

the so called "concern" about Wildwood is nothing more than an urban legend type product usuualy dispensed by folks who are elitist types who parrot third, fourth, twelfth hand stories about the area.

If most of the hometowns that many who live here are from were close to one of our "safe" town centers, they would belooked down upon as well.......they just are not of the bubble.

95% of the residents of Wildwood are...get ready...NO DIFFERENT THAN US!!!!!!!!

How very unfair to residents and their families who have been here for years to be rated by outsidders (that would be us from the bubble!!). Remember we are the intruders not the citizens of Wildwood.

Ridiculous snobbery! Unfounded concern!! But to each his own opinion even if it is wrong.

btk

[Bonny]

:agree: Well spoken. I don't like people who think they are better than others. Such a shame. :ohdear: I can't imagine being a Wildwood resident and reading some of the posts that are put on this forum. I know several awesome people that live in Wildwood !

[casita37]

It was my understanding that the squares are public, as in open to the public, not government owned property. I would bet they are owned by the developer....don't really know. What I DO know is I would have a heart attack, and die, and my husband would need to figure out whom to sue!!!!!

Reminds me of the gecko thread. I was all ho-hum....it's just a lizard....Probably those who think a Python is "just" a SNAKE......EEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!

[Easyrider]

African Rock Python kills 2 boys....

Snake kills two boys during sleepover, Canadian police say - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/06/world/americas/canada-snake-deaths/)


Constrictor Snakes Incidents

http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/captive/captive-constrictor-snake-incidents.pdf


“The baby’s dead.
Our stupid snake got
out in the middle of
the night and
strangled the baby.”
Florida man in a frantic
911 call after finding the
family’s pet Burmese
python killed his
girlfriend’s 2-year-old
daughter as she slept in her crib.

[Happinow]

It's pretty simple, if "they" didn't give us cause for concern, then there would be no concern. I happen to think that bringing a snake to the squares is cause for concern.

[PennBF]

I believe my comments were that when you have populated areas you are more subject to more problems than in a "non populated" area. This is a simple reality. I am from a very large metro city in the north and when I was in the country I had a much better sense of peace than in Manhattan. It is a true fact that Brownwood is closer to population than Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs. Does it mean that Brownwood has serious problems because it is closer to population. The answer is no. Does it mean Brownwood would probably experience more problems than a farm in a rural area. Of course. The answer is somewhere in the middle. :wave:

[DougB]

I believe my comments were that when you have populated areas you are more subject to more problems than in a "non populated" area. This is a simple reality. I am from a very large metro city in the north and when I was in the country I had a much better sense of peace than in Manhattan. It is a true fact that Brownwood is closer to population than Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs. Does it mean that Brownwood has serious problems because it is closer to population. The answer is no. Does it mean Brownwood would probably experience more problems than a farm in a rural area. Of course. The answer is somewhere in the middle. :wave:

Brownwood is closer to population than Spanish Springs???

[billethkid]

Where do Summerfield, Bellview, Oxford, Fruitland fit in the "population proximity relationships with TV?

btk

[Shirleevee]

:agree: Well spoken. I don't like people who think they are better than others. Such a shame. :ohdear: I can't imagine being a Wildwood resident and reading some of the posts that are put on this forum. I know several awesome people that live in Wildwood !

Thank you Bonnie! I think it has a name!

[livefree]

The link Easyrider provided above, from the U.S. Humane Society, is informative beyond anything I ever knew or feared about these pythons.

For those above who made excuses for the python that killed a 2-year-old child right here in Oxford, saying that it was only because the snake was starved, think again. The humane society link here reports dozens of fatal and near-fatal incidents of pythons/constrictors being cared for by experienced owners and handlers who were attacked and strangled by them. Please read. They are not as harmless as many people seem to think.

If the U.S. Humane Society refers to them as "these deadly predators", then I think people should take note and stop minimizing the dangers they present when not even threatened:

Constrictor snake incidents
Seventeen people have died from large constrictor snake related incidents in the United States since 1978--12 just since 1990........Scores of adults and children have been injured during attacks by these deadly predators.

Children, parents, and authorities are finding released or escaped pet pythons, boa constrictors, and anacondas all over the country, where they endanger communities, threaten ecosystems, and in many cases suffer tragic deaths. Following is a partial list of incidents, organized by various categories, involving constrictor snakes that have been reported in 45 states.

January 21, 2009/Las Vegas, Nevada: A 3-year-old boy was bitten and squeezed to the point of unconsciousness by an 18-foot reticulated python that the family was taking care of for a friend. It took six police officers, an animal control officer and the mother, who stabbed the snake with a kitchen knife, to free the child. The child had "light brown stuff" coming from his mouth and his face turned blue. As the mother began CPR, the injured snake then wrapped around her waist. The toddler was hospitalized overnight. The snake had been in the home for four to six weeks and had somehow gotten loose. The snake was euthanized. The parents were charged with felony child abuse and ultimately entered a plea deal for a misdemeanor charge.

August 30, 2008/Las Vegas, Nevada: A 13-year-old girl visiting her father was attacked by a pet Burmese python while she was sleeping in a bed. Responding to the commotion, her father and uncle were unable to uncoil the snake. They decapitated the approximately 15-foot snake with a butcher knife to rescue the girl. The teenager was hospitalized overnight with bruised ribs and a swollen abdomen. The snake reportedly escaped from a large tank with locks. The same day, a student zookeeper in Venezuela was crushed to death by a Burmese python."

Please read the entire report:
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/captive/captive-constrictor-snake-incidents.pdf

[redwitch]

No one ever said pythons and boas were harmless -- they're wild animals -- but attacks are rare if the snake is properly cared for. More people die annually of dog bites (31 in 2011; 38 in 2012 in the U.S.) than are injured by pet snakes. Just recently a zookeeper was killed by an elephant he had worked with for several years. The point is that there is no law in having a snake out in public and, therefore, the young man was doing nothing illegal and could not and should not be banned from the squares (although I stand by my comment that what he did was harmful to his snake). That doesn't mean I like the idea of large snake being at the squares, it simply means that unless a law or rule of some sort is made banning reptiles, he has every right to be there.

Citing stories about reptile attacks is totally irrelevant. So long as the young man had a license to keep the snake (which we'll probably never know), he was within his rights.

Again, I'm sorry the snake frightened you. I can imagine that seeing a large snake draped around someone's shoulders could be shocking at the very least and it is perfectly reasonable to have gotten as far away from the snake as possible. But it still stands that snakes are legally allowed to be kept as pets; that they are allowed in public; and that the squares in The Villages are open to the public.

[graciegirl]

No one ever said pythons and boas were harmless -- they're wild animals -- but attacks are rare if the snake is properly cared for. More people die annually of dog bites (31 in 2011; 38 in 2012 in the U.S.) than are injured by pet snakes. Just recently a zookeeper was killed by an elephant he had worked with for several years. The point is that there is no law in having a snake out in public and, therefore, the young man was doing nothing illegal and could not and should not be banned from the squares (although I stand by my comment that what he did was harmful to his snake). That doesn't mean I like the idea of large snake being at the squares, it simply means that unless a law or rule of some sort is made banning reptiles, he has every right to be there.

Citing stories about reptile attacks is totally irrelevant. So long as the young man had a license to keep the snake (which we'll probably never know), he was within his rights.

Again, I'm sorry the snake frightened you. I can imagine that seeing a large snake draped around someone's shoulders could be shocking at the very least and it is perfectly reasonable to have gotten as far away from the snake as possible. But it still stands that snakes are legally allowed to be kept as pets; that they are allowed in public; and that the squares in The Villages are open to the public.

It wasn't NICE, Red, you are so kind and fair, you were probably thinking about the snake too.... BUT I would guess it is common knowledge that MOST people are afraid of snakes. It wasn't NICE, or thoughtful or kind. It was SHOWING OFF! And I would skin my kids if they tried to do it.

[redwitch]

Gacie, it was thoughtless. I think most who own snakes (including when I did many, many moons ago) do it partly to show off -- we're not afraid of the Bogeyman type thing. But nice or not, he still had the RIGHT to bring it there. Citing incidents of snake attacks is meaningless.

What I'm afraid of is if snakes are somehow banned from the squares, dogs will be next. Many are truly terrified of dogs. Personally, I think the dogs are the best thing about the squares and I'm like a little kid running up to pet every one I can (and people have brought dogs there that bite strangers). If you ban one pet because people are afraid, it is much easier to ban another type because people are afraid.

[Bogie Shooter]

the so called "concern" about Wildwood is nothing more than an urban legend type product usuualy dispensed by folks who are elitist types who parrot third, fourth, twelfth hand stories about the area.

If most of the hometowns that many who live here are from were close to one of our "safe" town centers, they would belooked down upon as well.......they just are not of the bubble.

95% of the residents of Wildwood are...get ready...NO DIFFERENT THAN US!!!!!!!!

How very unfair to residents and their families who have been here for years to be rated by outsidders (that would be us from the bubble!!). Remember we are the intruders not the citizens of Wildwood.

Ridiculous snobbery! Unfounded concern!! But to each his own opinion even if it is wrong.

btk

Well said. I agree.

[Bogie Shooter]

African Rock Python kills 2 boys....

Snake kills two boys during sleepover, Canadian police say - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/06/world/americas/canada-snake-deaths/)


Constrictor Snakes Incidents

http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/captive/captive-constrictor-snake-incidents.pdf


“The baby’s dead.
Our stupid snake got
out in the middle of
the night and
strangled the baby.”
Florida man in a frantic
911 call after finding the
family’s pet Burmese
python killed his
girlfriend’s 2-year-old
daughter as she slept in her crib.

No comparison to someone walking around with a pet snake.

[Bogie Shooter]

The link Easyrider provided above, from the U.S. Humane Society, is informative beyond anything I ever knew or feared about these pythons.

For those above who made excuses for the python that killed a 2-year-old child right here in Oxford, saying that it was only because the snake was starved, think again. The humane society link here reports dozens of fatal and near-fatal incidents of pythons/constrictors being cared for by experienced owners and handlers who were attacked and strangled by them. Please read. They are not as harmless as many people seem to think.

If the U.S. Humane Society refers to them as "these deadly predators", then I think people should take note and stop minimizing the dangers they present when not even threatened:

Constrictor snake incidents
Seventeen people have died from large constrictor snake related incidents in the United States since 1978--12 just since 1990........Scores of adults and children have been injured during attacks by these deadly predators.

Children, parents, and authorities are finding released or escaped pet pythons, boa constrictors, and anacondas all over the country, where they endanger communities, threaten ecosystems, and in many cases suffer tragic deaths. Following is a partial list of incidents, organized by various categories, involving constrictor snakes that have been reported in 45 states.

January 21, 2009/Las Vegas, Nevada: A 3-year-old boy was bitten and squeezed to the point of unconsciousness by an 18-foot reticulated python that the family was taking care of for a friend. It took six police officers, an animal control officer and the mother, who stabbed the snake with a kitchen knife, to free the child. The child had "light brown stuff" coming from his mouth and his face turned blue. As the mother began CPR, the injured snake then wrapped around her waist. The toddler was hospitalized overnight. The snake had been in the home for four to six weeks and had somehow gotten loose. The snake was euthanized. The parents were charged with felony child abuse and ultimately entered a plea deal for a misdemeanor charge.

August 30, 2008/Las Vegas, Nevada: A 13-year-old girl visiting her father was attacked by a pet Burmese python while she was sleeping in a bed. Responding to the commotion, her father and uncle were unable to uncoil the snake. They decapitated the approximately 15-foot snake with a butcher knife to rescue the girl. The teenager was hospitalized overnight with bruised ribs and a swollen abdomen. The snake reportedly escaped from a large tank with locks. The same day, a student zookeeper in Venezuela was crushed to death by a Burmese python."

Please read the entire report:
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/captive/captive-constrictor-snake-incidents.pdf

What is the relationship of these incidents to someone walking around with a pet snake?

[Bogie Shooter]

No one ever said pythons and boas were harmless -- they're wild animals -- but attacks are rare if the snake is properly cared for. More people die annually of dog bites (31 in 2011; 38 in 2012 in the U.S.) than are injured by pet snakes. Just recently a zookeeper was killed by an elephant he had worked with for several years. The point is that there is no law in having a snake out in public and, therefore, the young man was doing nothing illegal and could not and should not be banned from the squares (although I stand by my comment that what he did was harmful to his snake). That doesn't mean I like the idea of large snake being at the squares, it simply means that unless a law or rule of some sort is made banning reptiles, he has every right to be there.

Citing stories about reptile attacks is totally irrelevant. So long as the young man had a license to keep the snake (which we'll probably never know), he was within his rights.

Again, I'm sorry the snake frightened you. I can imagine that seeing a large snake draped around someone's shoulders could be shocking at the very least and it is perfectly reasonable to have gotten as far away from the snake as possible. But it still stands that snakes are legally allowed to be kept as pets; that they are allowed in public; and that the squares in The Villages are open to the public.

This is worth repeating...................

[donb9006]

95% of the residents of Wildwood are...get ready...NO DIFFERENT THAN US!!!!!!!!

btk

I'd be inclined to believe that your numbers are reversed...5% are like us, the other 95%...not so much. It's why we have walls and gates...

[Bogie Shooter]

I'd be inclined to believe that your numbers are reversed...5% are like us, the other 95%...not so much. It's why we have walls and gates...

I assume this is said with tongue in cheek, right??

[John_W]

...I reluctantly continued to the seating area and sat down and told a woman next to me about it. She said another woman had called the police about this gigantic snake, but apparently they told her they couldn't do anything about it...

I believe what 'Carl in Tampa' posted earlier, that if the police had received such an actual complaint they would of at the very least checked out the source. The OP relied on hearsay from someone else at the square and left it at that. If he himself had also called the police and if there was an earlier call, with two complaints I would believe the police would be even more inclined to checkout the disturbance. I don't believe that anyone ever made an original call to the police and now we have a thread which has created a firestorm of responses.

[Bonny]

I'd be inclined to believe that your numbers are reversed...5% are like us, the other 95%...not so much. It's why we have walls and gates...
I'm sure we don't have walls and gates because of the people that live in Wildwood !

[zonerboy]

I seems that the incidents of humans attacked by constrictor snakes cited on this thread mostly involved children who were either asleep or alone by snakes who were unattended or other wise unsupervised. I don't see how they are comparable in any way to the situation at Brownwood town square. In addition, if that snake were going to attack someone why wouldn't it be the owner who it was already wrapped around, instead of some one in the crowd passing by?
But, I guess phobias are by definition irrational. It is what it is.

[kittygilchrist]

Fear of snakes is hard-wired, not a phobia, not irrational.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102503***.html

[Happydaz]

It seems logical to me that if you can bring a large boa constrictor to the squares you should also be able to bring other wild animals such as foxes, wolves, lions, tigers, and bears. As long as they don't hurt anyone what's the big deal.

[Taltarzac725]

It seems logical to me that if you can bring a large boa constrictor to the squares you should also be able to bring other wild animals such as foxes, wolves, lions, tigers, and bears. As long as they don't hurt anyone what's the big deal.

There are usually very strict laws about animals that can never really be tamed like lions, tigers and bears, oh my. Foxes and wolves also seem to fall in that category. I wonder if anyone would take any interest if someone brought a cow to Brownwood? Horses and cows would seem the most appropriate given its cowboy theme.

[graciegirl]

I believe what 'Carl in Tampa' posted earlier, that if the police had received such an actual complaint they would of at the very least checked out the source. The OP relied on hearsay from someone else at the square and left it at that. If he himself had also called the police and if there was an earlier call, with two complaints I would believe the police would be even more inclined to checkout the disturbance. I don't believe that anyone ever made an original call to the police and now we have a thread which has created a firestorm of responses.

I think that you are one smart guy, and I have always thought so.

Kitty's link above about humans being "hard wired' to be afraid of snakes didn't work.

Try this.
http://www.livescience.com/2348-fear-snakes.html

[livefree]

I seems that the incidents of humans attacked by constrictor snakes cited on this thread mostly involved children who were either asleep or alone by snakes who were unattended or other wise unsupervised. I don't see how they are comparable in any way to the situation at Brownwood town square. In addition, if that snake were going to attack someone why wouldn't it be the owner who it was already wrapped around, instead of some one in the crowd passing by?
But, I guess phobias are by definition irrational. It is what it is.

To me it's "irrational" to ignore the facts presented by U.S. Humane Society shown in the screen snapshot below, and all the other facts presented in that web page, and by other animal rights groups earlier in the thread.

Refusal to acknowledge the fact that the many harmless pet dogs present at the squares could easily get involved with and attacked/choked by a python that gets away from its owner standing on the square across from Five Guys Restaurant there is purposeful irrationality!

Refusal to acknowledge the statements in the humane society report "All of the giant constrictors have demonstrated an appetite for dogs" and "Experienced reptile handlers and dogs alike have been attacked by constrictor snakes" is willfully irrational.

And about this minimizing claim, "if that snake were going to attack someone why wouldn't it be the owner who it was already wrapped around, instead of some one in the crowd passing by?", it's also willfully irrational to ignore the fact that I stated in the first post that "Suddenly as I got closer, I saw half the body and head of a gigantic python lunge outward from the guy's shoulders, and in my direction", and that being then draped over only one shoulder at that point, it could have easily lunged to the ground and struck and attacked me or others there.

Of all the other comments that are refusals to consider facts about the dangers and inappropriateness of allowing these wild animals in the square that don't even belong in Florida swamps, there is the fact that the newly opened Five Guys Restaurant, and the other businesses there, surely do not need or want this kind of freak show on the sidewalk there, terrorizing innocent patrons coming there to dine and relax.

See the FACTS presented here:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24943&stc=1&d=1383750788

http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/captive/captive-constrictor-snake-incidents.pdf

[Parker]

I'd be inclined to believe that your numbers are reversed...5% are like us, the other 95%...not so much. It's why we have walls and gates...

I am inclined to believe that the vast majority of people everywhere are just like everyone else. The bad apples in Florida don't all live in Wildwood, or in The Villages.

[bargee]

And if this"harmless"creature gets loose in the square area won't that be great for business:)

[kittygilchrist]

I believe what 'Carl in Tampa' posted earlier, that if the police had received such an actual complaint they would of at the very least checked out the source. The OP relied on hearsay from someone else at the square and left it at that. If he himself had also called the police and if there was an earlier call, with two complaints I would believe the police would be even more inclined to checkout the disturbance. I don't believe that anyone ever made an original call to the police and now we have a thread which has created a firestorm of responses.
if we could just have your number to call so we know what to do??
we'd be better off, and
you'd look like this :22yikes:

[livefree]

I believe what 'Carl in Tampa' posted earlier, that if the police had received such an actual complaint they would of at the very least checked out the source. The OP relied on hearsay from someone else at the square and left it at that. If he himself had also called the police and if there was an earlier call, with two complaints I would believe the police would be even more inclined to checkout the disturbance. I don't believe that anyone ever made an original call to the police and now we have a thread which has created a firestorm of responses.

You can believe what you want, by hearsay from Carl, but you were not there to see the menace, and you were not there to hear the whole conversations I had with several people there about this.

To get back to the point, the focus of the complaint and thread is not to slam the police. It is that giant constrictor snakes which do not even belong in Florida swamps, much less a public social gathering and dancing/entertainment/dining place, do not belong at the square nor in front of Five Guys nor any other place on the square there.

If a giant python/constrictor got away from its owner, it could easily attack one of the many people or dozens of dogs there, and no dog is going to win a fight with a 10-foot, 5-6 inch diameter python that is choking it to death in front of all the people there in the square.

[kittygilchrist]

I wish we could work together here to decide what tado if this happens again...maybe John is saying it was indeed a menace and should have been reported to the police?? if other posts made it confusing, truth is YOU livefree, saw the snake?
So, if we were to get on the same page, if this happens again, someone should 911. does everybody agree?

[Bonny]

I wish we could work together here to decide what tado if this happens again...maybe John is saying it was indeed a menace and should have been reported to the police?? if other posts made it confusing, truth is YOU livefree, saw the snake?
So, if we were to get on the same page, if this happens again, someone should 911. does everybody agree?
I would say no. 911 is for emergencies. I would hate to someone in need of help while they are answering a call about a pet snake.
Stick with calling the police. I doubt though that they will do anything. Maybe they could just reason with the person not to have they snake near all the people.

[livefree]

I wish we could work together here to decide what tado if this happens again...maybe John is saying it was indeed a menace and should have been reported to the police?? if other posts made it confusing, truth is YOU livefree, saw the snake?
So, if we were to get on the same page, if this happens again, someone should 911. does everybody agree?

Of course I saw the snake, as described in the first post! I also went over to the Wildwood PD office right beside the theater, but it was closed and there were no police around. I then told a Recreation Dept. (or District Gov.?) worker in blue polo shirt with radio patrolling the theater side, and he was livid and went right over to where the snake owner was. He told me he would do something about it and he did go over there looking like he wanted THAT halted that very instant. I went the other way, as far as I could get from that thing and walked down by City Fire for awhile, and then later on sat down for a bit.

Once people on here started minimizing and not believing what I said, there seemed no use in giving these details, as it seems right now.

There is little that presenting facts does to change the minds/ridiculing tactics of people whose motto is: "If it feels good do it" or "Let 'em do it cuz they have RIGHTS".

[livefree]

I would say no. 911 is for emergencies. I would hate to someone in need of help while they are answering a call about a pet snake.
Stick with calling the police. I doubt though that they will do anything. Maybe they could just reason with the person not to have they snake near all the people.

And this is exactly what I thought and why I didn't call 911: it is for emergencies. That is why I went looking for the police at their office by the theater or for one on foot or in patrol car right around there, to no avail.

[kittygilchrist]

I would say no. 911 is for emergencies. I would hate to someone in need of help while they are answering a call about a pet snake.
Stick with calling the police. I doubt though that they will do anything. Maybe they could just reason with the person not to have they snake near all the people.

Isn't 911 equal to calling the police? It's not like we have an emergency squad here do we?
Re the snake, I would have called community watch if I were bothered, but I think feeling powerless and doing nothing is a poor choice. So exactly what the OP did...

[livefree]

Isn't 911 equal to calling the police? It's not like we have an emergency squad here do we?
Re the snake, I would have called community watch if I were bothered, but I think feeling powerless and doing nothing is a poor choice.

I didn't "feel powerless and doing nothing"!! I spelled out above, AGAIN, what I did to report that menace to public safety and peace.

[kittygilchrist]

Of course I saw the snake, as described in the first post! I also went over to the Wildwood PD office right beside the theater, but it was closed and there were no police around. I then told a Recreation Dept. (or District Gov.?) worker in blue polo shirt with radio patrolling the theater side, and he was livid and went right over to where the snake owner was. He told me he would do something about it and he did go over there looking like he wanted THAT halted that very instant. I went the other way, as far as I could get from that thing and walked down by City Fire for awhile, and then later on sat down for a bit.

Once people on here started minimizing and not believing what I said, there seemed no use in giving these details, as it seems right now.

There is little that presenting facts does to change the minds/ridiculing tactics of people whose motto is: "If it feels good do it" or "Let 'em do it cuz they have RIGHTS".

Ok then, you did everything you could do. And it appears that others did everything they were supposed to do as well. I'm satisfied that our emergency system responses to a situation like this are adequate even though it may still feel like too little was done.
Thanks for bringing attention to a seldom posted topic...snakes in the squares.
Kitty

[Bogie Shooter]

You can believe what you want, by hearsay from Carl, but you were not there to see the menace, and you were not there to hear the whole conversations I had with several people there about this.

To get back to the point, the focus of the complaint and thread is not to slam the police. It is that giant constrictor snakes which do not even belong in Florida swamps, much less a public social gathering and dancing/entertainment/dining place, do not belong at the square nor in front of Five Guys nor any other place on the square there.

If a giant python/constrictor got away from its owner, it could easily attack one of the many people or dozens of dogs there, and no dog is going to win a fight with a 10-foot, 5-6 inch diameter python that is choking it to death in front of all the people there in the square.


A python is not like a rattlesnake. A rattlesnake that got away and was confronted would strike right away and if close by you probably would be bitten. A python that got loose would take his time to find his prey, encircle it and squeeze the bejesus out of it. That would take a lot of time and you *and your dog* could get away. Not an authority....just an opinion.

[perrjojo]

We were at the square on this same night with our dog. We were there early and sat down next to a couple. The man snorted, guess we will have to move because of the dog. I asked him if he was allergic or just a crumudgon who didn't like dogs. He replied that he felt dogs should not be brought to public places. I replied that I would move if he were allergic but since that was not the problem I would stay and I was certain he would find our dog more well behaved than most children in the square. Gosh, I hope the snake guy sat down next to him when we left.:1rotfl:

[loonlovers]

I think everyone should give this OP a break!! She took appropriate action and reported what happened. Pythons, regardless of whether or not they are dangerous, do not belong in our busy Town Squares. I am not afraid of snakes but have a neighbor who is terrified... Her fear may not seem logical to some, but her fear is her reality.

[kittygilchrist]

I think everyone should give this OP a break!! She took appropriate action and reported what happened. Pythons, regardless of whether or not they are dangerous, do not belong in our busy Town Squares. I am not afraid of snakes but have a neighbor who is terrified... Her fear may not seem logical to some, but her fear is her reality.

Up with that, except, i'll bet nobody can show us a bona fide site contradicting that fear of snakes is biologically inbred. gauntlet throw-down, happy no consequences bet.

[kittygilchrist]

We were at the square on this same night with our dog. We were there early and sat down next to a couple. The man snorted, guess we will have to move because of the dog. I asked him if he was allergic or just a crumudgon who didn't like dogs. He replied that he felt dogs should not be brought to public places. I replied that I would move if he were allergic but since that was not the problem I would stay and I was certain he would find our dog more well behaved than most children in the square. Gosh, I hope the snake guy sat down next to him when we left.:1rotfl:

I'll just say that was a very unfortunate moment. If I were you I'd just go right back as if it never happened.
Emma and Kitty, or I think I'm on the left in the pic.
Are you new south of 466A?

[BobAllen1290]

Isn't 911 equal to calling the police? It's not like we have an emergency squad here do we?
Re the snake, I would have called community watch if I were bothered, but I think feeling powerless and doing nothing is a poor choice. So exactly what the OP did...
I know in Marion County as well as in many other cities and counties the Sheriff's Department has two phone numbers. One is for an actual REAL emergency(911)..which the snake is not, and another number for non-emergent issues. I don't know about Sumter, but to call 911 for a snake that you don't like is tying up a 911 line for a REAL emergency.

[CassieInVa]

OP is entitled to her right to vent about her being scared to death by someone taunting her with a snake for their own amusement. Just because someone has the right to do something stupid doesnt mean they should. Sitting quietly with a snake is one thing - scaring others is just rude and could cause an elderly person to have a heart attack or trip and fall and hurt themselves.

[champion6]

Note to self... stop reading this thread.

[graciegirl]

Note to self... stop reading this thread.

I think I will take the advice given to your self.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think I will take the advice given to your self.

me too.

[CFrance]

Note to self... stop reading this thread.

I think I will take the advice given to your self.

me too.

Moi aussi.

[rosygail]

OK! I saw the kids with the snake while waiting outside Cody's at Lake Sumter Landing in JULY! Thought the snake was actually pretty, but that the kids were stupid to be hauling ir around in Public. This is not an everyday thing, and there is no cause for alarm. Just don't go near if it scares you.

[tucson]

Reuters 7/11/2011 Remember this horrible story? Oxford,Fl. couple on trial after pet python kills their daughter.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by John_W View Post
I believe what 'Carl in Tampa' posted earlier, that if the police had received such an actual complaint they would of at the very least checked out the source. The OP relied on hearsay from someone else at the square and left it at that. If he himself had also called the police and if there was an earlier call, with two complaints I would believe the police would be even more inclined to checkout the disturbance. I don't believe that anyone ever made an original call to the police and now we have a thread which has created a firestorm of responses.

You can believe what you want, by hearsay from Carl, but you were not there to see the menace, and you were not there to hear the whole conversations I had with several people there about this.

To get back to the point, the focus of the complaint and thread is not to slam the police. It is that giant constrictor snakes which do not even belong in Florida swamps, much less a public social gathering and dancing/entertainment/dining place, do not belong at the square nor in front of Five Guys nor any other place on the square there.

If a giant python/constrictor got away from its owner, it could easily attack one of the many people or dozens of dogs there, and no dog is going to win a fight with a 10-foot, 5-6 inch diameter python that is choking it to death in front of all the people there in the square.

Whoa, folks.

John missed it by a little bit. I said the police should have talked to the snake handler, not that they would have which makes it sound like I didn't believe that it was reported to the police.

At that point livefree got it wrong when attributing "heresay" to me. John said that the OP relied upon heresay, but not from me.
Just wanted to clarify that point.

:angel:

[Bonny]

OP is entitled to her right to vent about her being scared to death by someone taunting her with a snake for their own amusement. Just because someone has the right to do something stupid doesnt mean they should. Sitting quietly with a snake is one thing - scaring others is just rude and could cause an elderly person to have a heart attack or trip and fall and hurt themselves.

Yes, the OP definitely has a right to say she was scared !!! However, that doesn't mean the police can do anything about it.
My last read here and my last post.
Hope everyone has a wonderful night !!!

[kittygilchrist]

Yes, the OP definitely has a right to say she was scared !!! However, that doesn't mean the police can do anything about it.
My last read here and my last post.
Hope everyone has a wonderful night !!!

What? my last read and last post??
What does that mean? you're tired of this thread or last post ever cuz ur tired of yourself...?
I'm sure Bonny that you aren't trying to jerk us around or I'd be sending the cops your way. I'm breathing deeply so I don't over react.
Posters, please be cautious about saying this is your "last post"....some of us do really care.

[graciegirl]

What? my last read and last post??
What does that mean? you're tired of this thread or last post ever cuz ur tired of yourself...?
I'm sure Bonny that you aren't trying to jerk us around or I'd be sending the cops your way. I'm breathing deeply so I don't over react.
Posters, please be cautious about saying this is your "last post"....some of us do really care.

I think Bonny meant on THIS thread. We wouldn't let her quit.

[elainecohen]

That was horrible. Who enforces the rules at the sqauares. We love the squares and go there often. And, we have seen some pretty inappropriate behavior. Isn't there anyone to call to enforce the rules and regulations of the squares? I never see anyone in a uniform. Security personnel would be very helpful.

[Bonny]

What? my last read and last post??
What does that mean? you're tired of this thread or last post ever cuz ur tired of yourself...?
I'm sure Bonny that you aren't trying to jerk us around or I'd be sending the cops your way. I'm breathing deeply so I don't over react.
Posters, please be cautious about saying this is your "last post"....some of us do really care.
I meant on this thread, LOL I love TOTV ! :D

[JourneyOfLife]

Things can always be worse.... what if your daughter showed up to dinner one night with her new beau... snakeboy (along with his companion)!




;)

[Bogie Shooter]

That was horrible. Who enforces the rules at the sqauares. We love the squares and go there often. And, we have seen some pretty inappropriate behavior. Isn't there anyone to call to enforce the rules and regulations of the squares? I never see anyone in a uniform. Security personnel would be very helpful.

Or even armed guards..........what rules and regulations?

[bluedog103]

[/COLOR][/U][/B]
A python is not like a rattlesnake. A python that got loose would take his time to find his prey, encircle it and squeeze the bejesus out of it. That would take a lot of time and you *and your dog* could get away. Not an authority....just an opinion.

A python can actually be pretty fast. In the wild they strike their prey and hold it in their teeth, then wrap their body around the animal and squeeze.

[billethkid]

why do so many posters think so many aspects of life are different here in TV than at home?

Would one know who to call for whatever the incident when "back home"? Know who to enforce what rules? Most likely yes.

So why would one wonder who to call when here in TV?

I for example signed several waivers when I came to FL.
I now sit in the left lane on the interstate no matter the traffic behind me.
I no longer use turn signals....anywhere.
I do not look in either direction as I roll the the stop signs.
I certainly do not do the speed limit.
I do not fix ball marks on greens.
I do not play ready golf.
I do not appreciate "outsiders" (non residents) in TV.
Just to name a few.

Just kidding..but seems like an awful lot do....:D

btk

[livefree]

why do so many posters think so many aspects of life are different here in TV than at home?

Would one know who to call for whatever the incident when "back home"? Know who to enforce what rules? Most likely yes.

So why would one wonder who to call when here in TV?

I for example signed several waivers when I came to FL.
I now sit in the left lane on the interstate no matter the traffic behind me.
I no longer use turn signals....anywhere.....
Just kidding..but seems like an awful lot do....:D
btk

Yes. I would know that if a menace showed up with a giant, strong constrictor/python in a shopping mall "up north"--which has taken the place of the town square/downtowns we grew up with--I would know whom to contact. I would go to one of the many uniformed policemen working security off-duty at the mall, or I would approach one of the uniformed security guards that the mall employs and has there on foot and watching. Or I would go to the mall office and tell them what they already know: a guy with a python hanging on his shoulders is going to drive shoppers and food court diners away!

And yes, this IS different than where we lived in the midwest, New England, and other places. Never have I seen a person show up with an audience and a giant python at a mall, shopping plaza, or downtown bandstand where live music is playing and people are sitting peacefully trying to enjoy and relax.

[BobnBev]

Things can always be worse.... what if your daughter showed up to dinner one night with her new beau... snakeboy (along with his companion)!




;)

I would remind him they taste just like chicken, and that's whats for dinner:thumbup:

[Mr.Kris]

“Oh, I'm being eaten
By a boa constrictor,
A boa constrictor,
A boa constrictor,
I'm being eaten by a boa constrictor,
And I don't like it--one bit.
Well, what do you know?
It's nibblin' my toe.
Oh, gee,
It's up to my knee.
Oh my,
It's up to my thigh.
Oh, fiddle,
It's up to my middle.
Oh, heck,
It's up to my neck.
Oh, dread,
It's upmmmmmmmmmmffffffffff . . .”

[manaboutown]

How about Denis the Menace? Eek!

[Stdole]

Disagree on several posts... if you fear in anyway for your life... take a life to save yours... you are there you are on the scene... that snake is an extension of its owner.. and that owner is responsible for his and the snakes action... Each of us fear for our life in different ways... This is no rehearsal folks... we pass through this place just one time... I can say without hesitation... its a good thing he did not come at me... I will let it go with that statement!

[bkcunningham1]

There were two snakes at Sumter Landing last night. One wrapped around the shoulders and neck of a man and the other around a woman. The place was packed because it was market night. It felt like a side show at the circus to see the two standing there with these huge snakes draped around their shoulders and necks. I hate snakes and it was dark and I was maneuvering around the vendors and the crowd and poof! A nightmarish yellow snake as big around as my waist is nearly in my face. What has happened to commonsense?

[DougB]

Disagree on several posts... if you fear in anyway for your life... take a life to save yours... you are there you are on the scene... that snake is an extension of its owner.. and that owner is responsible for his and the snakes action... Each of us fear for our life in different ways... This is no rehearsal folks... we pass through this place just one time... I can say without hesitation... its a good thing he did not come at me... I will let it go with that statement!

Just wondering if some people actually read what they typed before hitting the submit button.

[Patty55]

HA, all these snake sightings sure make a maltipoo laying under the table look a lot less threatening.

I don't think special consideration should be given to snakes, they should be leashed and no more than two per home.

[CFrance]

Just wondering if some people actually read what they typed before hitting the submit button.

It took me a couple takes, but I finally got it... Kill or be killed. Lovely.

[billethkid]

wow, how this thread has gone from a snake sighting by the OP to , "...if it came at me..."?????!!!!!

I think poetic lisence and vivid imagination take over reality very quickly. And all well versed in the making of a banquet out of a ham sandwich.....eh?

Ever notice how some threads just go on and on and when we think it is done pop goes another entry and counterpoints/counterpuches/etc....amazing...interesting most of the time......

btk

[CFrance]

wow, how this thread has gone from a snake sighting by the OP to , "...if it came at me..."?????!!!!!

I think poetic lisence and vivid imagination take over reality very quickly. And all well versed in the making of a banquet out of a ham sandwich.....eh?

Ever notice how some threads just go on and on and when we think it is done pop goes another entry and counterpoints/counterpuches/etc....amazing...interesting most of the time......

btk

That's a good one, BTK, as is your observation on the Life of Post.

[graciegirl]

I think that the snake carriers have been trained in the

"It is better to be looked over than overlooked" philosophy.

http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/30/3005/A9GBF00Z/posters/alice-cooper-american-rock-singer-with-pet-snake-1986.jpg

[Bonny]

Disagree on several posts... if you fear in anyway for your life... take a life to save yours... you are there you are on the scene... that snake is an extension of its owner.. and that owner is responsible for his and the snakes action... Each of us fear for our life in different ways... This is no rehearsal folks... we pass through this place just one time... I can say without hesitation... its a good thing he did not come at me... I will let it go with that statement!

???:confused:

[ricklowe]

Pythons do not lunge they are slow moving snakes that kill by constricting their prey. They are far more safe than many dogs.

[justjim]

I've never been afraid of snakes---never particularly like them nor would I consider them for a pet. It's probably has a lot to do with how we were were raised. When I went fishing with my Dad, as a young boy, we saw a lot of snakes and he always said "they are more afraid of you than you are of them---just leave them alone.". So, never was afraid of a snake.

I was In a golf outing shortly after I retired to Florida and one of the guys reaching into the bushes for a golf ball got bit (by what they said) was a Pigmy Rattler. He spent the night in the hospital---pretty sick--- but okay. You "ball hawks" pay attention!

That being said---anyone with common sense would not bring a snake to a public square like we have here in TV. I have observed that many many people are extremely afraid of snakes. Maybe it's Biblical or some other reason---doesn't really matter---snakes of any kind should be prohibited in TV squares. Enough said.

[CFrance]

From what the other poster said about the snakes now being at lsl, it sounds like they are maybe street buskers, trying to turn the squares into something like Mallory Square's sunset celebration in Key West. All sorts of weird acts and things there.

I don't think it'll fly.

[Taltarzac725]

http://melissaasmith.hubpages.com/hub/new-york-city-banned-pets

Talking about Adam and Eve and apples--

I was wondering how a huge city like New York City treated various exotic animals.

http://melissaasmith.hubpages.com/hub/10-Exotic-Pets-that-Pose-No-Threat-to-Public-Safety

[Bonny]

The couple that go to LS have been going there a long time. I've seen them several times for at least a year.

[Taltarzac725]

From what the other poster said about the snakes now being at lsl, it sounds like they are maybe street buskers, trying to turn the squares into something like Mallory Square's sunset celebration in Key West. All sorts of weird acts and things there.

I don't think it'll fly.

The Villages is no Key West. Certainly that would not happen with the current developers here in the Villages. Cannot see that ever happening in the Villages either with or without the Morses.

[livefree]

wow, how this thread has gone from a snake sighting by the OP to , "...if it came at me..."?????!!!!!

I think poetic lisence and vivid imagination take over reality very quickly. And all well versed in the making of a banquet out of a ham sandwich.....eh?

Ever notice how some threads just go on and on and when we think it is done pop goes another entry and counterpoints/counterpuches/etc....amazing...interesting most of the time......

btk

Ignoring that post indicating maybe a desire to "stand his ground", I will repeat that the python did swing half its 10-ft or so body out and off the owner's shoulder, and across the path in which I was headed, about 15 ft. ahead of me, and it was FAST. It also took brute strength for the owner and 2 male admirers to pull it back in (exceedingly strong creature) when I shrieked at its sudden lunge I wasn't expecting when simply walking toward the sound stage west side.

It was a living nightmare. Anyone claiming a giant constrictor/python is "pretty" and "harmless" and just as nice and safe as pet dogs here (when the things can choke a Siberian husky to death), shows some real twisted thinking.

[Bogie Shooter]

183 posts and nothing has been solved.......................................or accomplished.

[Cisco Kid]

Disagree on several posts... if you fear in anyway for your life... take a life to save yours... you are there you are on the scene... that snake is an extension of its owner.. and that owner is responsible for his and the snakes action... Each of us fear for our life in different ways... This is no rehearsal folks... we pass through this place just one time... I can say without hesitation... its a good thing he did not come at me... I will let it go with that statement!

Just stopped by to say Hello.
:wave:

[lovsthosebigdogs]

This thread is getting to be like a train wreck and I'm having trouble taking the advice of others and NOT reading it. Nothing new is being said, I'm still not comfortable with snakes in the squares and don't think they belong there and the only good to come out of this may be that if I DO encounter the snake jerks, maybe I won't be so shocked so maybe it won't be as much fun to bring their snakes out to scare people.

[Bogie Shooter]

This thread is getting to be like a train wreck and I'm having trouble taking the advice of others and NOT reading it. Nothing new is being said, I'm still not comfortable with snakes in the squares and don't think they belong there and the only good to come out of this may be that if I DO encounter the snake jerks, maybe I won't be so shocked so maybe it won't be as much fun to bring their snakes out to scare people.

Kinda like a dog poop thread~:wave:

[Bonny]

Or a smoking thread ! :smiley:

[Corvette]

It was probably the same idiot that had a huge snake wrapped around his neck at the Lake Sumter town square last night during market night. Like you, I almost had a heart attack. Surely there is a law against it. Why would someone be so stupid as to bring a snake into an area filled with mostly retirees.

[Cisco Kid]

Go get your guns cowboys

[CFrance]

Just stopped by to say Hello.
:wave:

Thank God you are back. Please stay. DougB has been knocking himself out filling in for you!

You add so much to the forum, as does he.

[Taltarzac725]

Go get your guns cowboys

Very glad you are back. Enjoy your sometimes off the wall humor.

I would not bring a snake to a dog park as that is not the purpose of these parks. But a town square is for people who live around that area to enjoy no matter how weird they might be. There are probably people who are afraid of clowns, stilt walkers, snakes, dogs, weird haircuts, etc. in places where people come to enjoy themselves. You cannot ban clowns just because some people are afraid of them. Coulrophobia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulrophobia)

[Corvette]

If anyone sees the guy with the python around his neck at one of the squares please call the Sumter County sheriffs office. They have been made aware of this issue.

[Patty55]

Very glad you are back. Enjoy your sometimes off the wall humor.

I would not bring a snake to a dog park as that is not the purpose of these parks. But a town square is for people who live around that area to enjoy no matter how weird they might be. There are probably people who are afraid of clowns, stilt walkers, snakes, dogs, weird haircuts, etc. in places where people come to enjoy themselves. You cannot ban clowns just because some people are afraid of them. Coulrophobia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulrophobia)

I read on the internet that TV is now building snake pits rather than a new dog park. Maybe they got tired of hearing dog poop complaints.

[graciegirl]

Go get your guns cowboys

Welcome back, kid.

[Cisco Kid]

I read on the internet that TV is now building snake pits rather than a new dog park. Maybe they got tired of hearing dog poop complaints.
...

[Cisco Kid]

I would like to occupy someones birdcage that is full of cold beer.

[murray607]

Geez Cisco, I really wanted to be the #200 post and you beat me to it.

Not that I have anything to add.

[rubicon]

Brownwood LSL and SS should prohibit animals

[livefree]

Very glad you are back. Enjoy your sometimes off the wall humor.

I would not bring a snake to a dog park as that is not the purpose of these parks. But a town square is for people who live around that area to enjoy no matter how weird they might be. There are probably people who are afraid of clowns, stilt walkers, snakes, dogs, weird haircuts, etc. in places where people come to enjoy themselves. You cannot ban clowns just because some people are afraid of them. Coulrophobia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulrophobia)

Nobody's talking about banning people (dressed as clowns). We're talking about non-native giant constrictor reptiles that do not even belong in Florida swamps!

Study: Pythons linked to decline of Everglades' mammals » Naples Daily News (http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/jan/30/study-pythons-destroying-everglades-mammals-to/)

[Bigben007]

Ignoring that post indicating maybe a desire to "stand his ground", I will repeat that the python did swing half its 10-ft or so body out and off the owner's shoulder, and across the path in which I was headed, about 15 ft. ahead of me, and it was FAST. It also took brute strength for the owner and 2 male admirers to pull it back in (exceedingly strong creature) when I shrieked at its sudden lunge I wasn't expecting when simply walking toward the sound stage west side.

It was a living nightmare. Anyone claiming a giant constrictor/python is "pretty" and "harmless" and just as nice and safe as pet dogs here (when the things can choke a Siberian husky to death), shows some real twisted thinking.

That's the end of Brownwood for me, I hate snakes.

[CFrance]

I would like to occupy someones birdcage that is full of cold beer.

I have a birdcage, but you have to share with the cockatiel. And he doesn't give up his beer all that easily.

[mulligan]

If anyone sees the guy with the python around his neck at one of the squares please call the Sumter County sheriffs office. They have been made aware of this issue.

BUT.....Brownwood is in the city of Wildwood jurisdiction.

[Taltarzac725]

I read on the internet that TV is now building snake pits rather than a new dog park. Maybe they got tired of hearing dog poop complaints.

The dog parks in the Villages do get snakes in them from time to time as do the various postal centers along with dog poop, of course.

Not sure how you could ban a man for wearing a snake on his shoulders in a public area. If it is a snake with venom, then that is a issue of safety but constrictors do not have venom that I know of. They probably should not be in the Everglades as they are apex predators put into a new environment.

[Carl in Tampa]

Disagree on several posts... if you fear in anyway for your life... take a life to save yours... you are there you are on the scene... that snake is an extension of its owner.. and that owner is responsible for his and the snakes action... Each of us fear for our life in different ways... This is no rehearsal folks... we pass through this place just one time... I can say without hesitation... its a good thing he did not come at me... I will let it go with that statement!

Your post is somewhat disjointed. Apparently I am not the only one who has problems discerning what you are indicating.

You are correct that the snake owner is responsible for his and the snakes action. However, that responsibility is CIVIL as long as the owner does not violate a criminal law. That means he can be sued, not charged criminally.

As I said in a previous post, I can't conceive of a scenario that would justify shooting the snakes owner just because he was carrying it around the square. Even if he threw the snake on you, at that point the owner would not present a danger to you and shooting him would not be justified as self defense. YOU would be charged criminally.

Don't be misled to think the Stand Your Ground law would apply in such a circumstance.

:police:

[livefree]

Brownwood, LSL and SS should prohibit animals

Sadly, the nice, well behaved dogs that come to the squares probably would be banned along with all other animals if a giant python were to get away from its owner and go for an unsuspecting, responsible person's dog:

October 4 2001/Merced, California: A man called police to report his 200-pound python had escaped from a cage. The man later located the snake under his house. The python had a huge bulge after apparently consuming the man's 30-pound pit bull who was also missing....

Page 17 - http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/captive/captive-constrictor-snake-incidents.pdf

----
The first call to Miami-Dade's 911 operator was frantic. A python had wrapped itself around the neck of the family pet, a 60-pound Siberian husky named Duke. The snake was choking the life out of the dog.

The second call, five minutes later, said fire-rescue officials were too late. Duke was dead.

New python menace kills 60-pound Siberian husky | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/new-kind-of-python-menace-kills-60-pound-siberian-husky/2140968)

[DougB]

Just stopped by to say Hello.
:wave:

Helloooooooo, welcome back! You've been missed.

[graciegirl]

Sit down Cisco. Someone will tell you who's on first.

[CFrance]

Sit down Cisco. Someone will tell you who's on first.

Gracie, you are so clever! How do you come up with this stuff?

[HMarie]

I don't think snakes should be allowed at all at the squares, but of course that is my opinion. The US should never have allowed exotic reptiles, etc. to be brought in to our country in the first place. If so we would not have the problem of pythons in southern FL.
@CFrance: Just because I am afraid of snakes does not mean I don't know and try to learn many of the species. And....you have not heard the horror stories of babies and toddlers being strangled by pet pythons who escaped their cages in their own home? Look it up, snakes are escape artists and cages have to be built very carefully.

[CFrance]

I don't think snakes should be allowed at all at the squares, but of course that is my opinion. The US should never have allowed exotic reptiles, etc. to be brought in to our country in the first place. If so we would not have the problem of pythons in southern FL.
@CFrance: Just because I am afraid of snakes does not mean I don't know and try to learn many of the species. And....you have not heard the horror stories of babies and toddlers being strangled by pet pythons who escaped their cages in their own home? Look it up, snakes are escape artists and cages have to be built very carefully.

Actually, we did have the python we were pet sitting escape its cage in our home, which had two cats living there. The well-fed snake went straight to a heat source, which happened to be our furnace, ignoring the cats. This was a 6-foot long snake. I agree with Redwich that the horror stories are due to neglectful people ignorant of the care of the animals they took in. Certainly our son was ignorant of how easily they can escape their cages (in this case aquarium).

I am not a fan of snakes. If somehow they can be banned from the squares, I wouldn't be upset. If we hadn't had a walkout-level home with the kids' bedrooms and bath in the lower level, I never would have agreed to housing the snake in the first place. And I never agreed to it again!

[Patty55]

I've been wanting this python (or a look-a-like cousin) for several years. Apparently the long promised Macy's and Coach store is never going to happen in our lifetimes, (hellooo, it's all over the internet) so I am heading to East Hampton for a python roundup.

I think everyone needs to do their part.

[Bogie Shooter]

For a one time event, it is unfortunate the "Menace at Brownwood" will live on the Internet forever.

[Parker]

As long as they eat rats below the equator, and stay there, I'm okay with them. However, if they must come north, they should only come in the form of Patty's purse above. That, I must say, is beautiful.

[firewalkerb3]

That’s no place for any animal or reptile outside of a Seeing Eye dog. And I think the police could have done something. We all have a reasonable expectation of safety, if the snake lunged from the control of it handler, then the handler was unable to maintain control of the snake. I don’t know how many people are killed of hurt by them each year, but these are killing and eat reptiles. End result, the snake was a safety issue to the public. With this said, the matter should have been pursued further and is still not resolved.

[yabbadu]

Cannot believe this disscussion is still going!!!!

[CFrance]

Cannot believe this disscussion is still going!!!!

It isn't.:BigApplause:

[travelguy]

end this thread please. by the way, i have been to brown wood many times and have never felt uncomfortable or 'threatened' by an imaginary outside element. actually i feel more uncomfortable at spanish springs because it can be very crowded and populated by so many children. one of the reasons that i love this 55+ community is because there are no children here. and i am not a scrooge.

[Bogie Shooter]

That’s no place for any animal or reptile outside of a Seeing Eye dog. And I think the police could have done something. We all have a reasonable expectation of safety, if the snake lunged from the control of it handler, then the handler was unable to maintain control of the snake. I don’t know how many people are killed of hurt by them each year, but these are killing and eat reptiles. End result, the snake was a safety issue to the public. With this said, the matter should have been pursued further and is still not resolved.

You should read the other 215 posts. (as punishment for reopening this thread)

[graciegirl]

You should read the other 215 posts. (as punishment for reopening this thread)



I love you too, Bogie.

[villagetinker]

What about the VCDD community watch people? I see them around all the time, and I do see them in the town squares, phone 352-753-0550.

OR
Villages safety, 352-205-8280

If both of these say 'nothing we can do', then I think all the residents need to show up at the next VCDD meeting.