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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Lake Miona Rec Center Retention Pond (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/lake-miona-rec-center-retention-pond-359124/)

Hape2Bhr 06-01-2025 10:05 AM

Lake Miona Rec Center Retention Pond
 
On my morning walk I enter the pond area through the opening on the Buena Vista side of the pond, and travel along the fence to my left, next to the nature(?) area. There is a large bush/tree about 150 yards or so in, directly next to the fence. At 7am this morning there was a 6/7 foot gator resting at the back side of this bush next to the fence. Scared the bejesus out of me, as I was about 6 feet away from it when I passed the bush. I took a photo, but could not figure out how to load it from my phone.

I see many people walking their dogs around this pond; be careful.

Topspinmo 06-01-2025 10:29 AM

Blacks pond very close so I imagine lots gators in that swampy area. I don’t know area you’re talking about but it goes on to reserve I don’t think you can trespass?

Hape2Bhr 06-01-2025 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2435857)
Blacks pond very close so I imagine lots gators in that swampy area. I don’t know area you’re talking about but it goes on to reserve I don’t think you can trespass?

To clarify; it is the retention pond on the opposite corner of Lake Miona Rec Center; not the walking path recently built.

asianthree 06-01-2025 03:25 PM

That pond has been a gator gathering spot for years. Usually big guys just laying around, it’s also a people spot to sit in a chair just watching the clouds go by

CarlR33 06-01-2025 07:49 PM

To load your picture you have to go to the advance tab at the bottom and then attach from there.

Nell57 06-02-2025 09:40 AM

I live in the neighborhood closest to that pond. We are surrounded by Pelican golf courses, the nature preserve behind it, the pond you described, and the tortoise preserve beside that.
So yes, we get a lot of nature, and the gators do walk around.
Thanks for making others aware .

La lamy 06-03-2025 07:17 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Are you talking about the big green pond west of the rec centre? Not sure what you mean by "opposite side". Maybe you mean across the street?

Rodneysblue 06-03-2025 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hape2Bhr (Post 2435845)
On my morning walk I enter the pond area through the opening on the Buena Vista side of the pond, and travel along the fence to my left, next to the nature(?) area. There is a large bush/tree about 150 yards or so in, directly next to the fence. At 7am this morning there was a 6/7 foot gator resting at the back side of this bush next to the fence. Scared the bejesus out of me, as I was about 6 feet away from it when I passed the bush. I took a photo, but could not figure out how to load it from my phone.

I see many people walking their dogs around this pond; be careful.

If it’s anywhere near (mile) a body of water there may be gators.

jimjamuser 06-03-2025 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asianthree (Post 2435945)
That pond has been a gator gathering spot for years. Usually big guys just laying around, it’s also a people spot to sit in a chair just watching the clouds go by

I have a problem with any large (over 3 ft) alligator in the Villages. I have no problem with large gators in special areas or wilderness areas. But in TV land you have occasional small children playing around near a lake or even in the water. You also have some residents walking small dogs on or off a leash. To me, it is just a bad situation that invites problems. Also, I have a problem with clowns that FEED alligators. They are natures ancient KILLING machines.

Velvet 06-03-2025 01:44 PM

Yes, I prefer to view gators far away from me.

Hape2Bhr 06-03-2025 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by La lamy (Post 2436323)
Are you talking about the big green pond west of the rec centre? Not sure what you mean by "opposite side". Maybe you mean across the street?

It's the pond at Buena Vista and Bailey Trail. You can see the pond while traveling on Buena Vista. People do sit there at sunset, closer to the MMP. After passing through the driving gate on Bailey, the Rec Center is a left turn, the pond is on your right.


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