[QUOTE=Posh 08;469501]I'm not getting that "friendliest hometown" feeling folks.[/QUO



"Friendliest hometime", seems to have disappeared about 30,000 people ago!

Before we purchased, hubby and I rented a villa in the Chatham area. On the kitchen counter were laminated television listing, rules of the road, small map of TV (before Sumter was built) and golf cart instructions. We often wish that todays rentals had items like these available for some of the "snow flakes". Of course, would they read them and understand what they mean?

Friendliest hometown only seems to apply to folks you meet while taking walks anymore.

Hoping to see the lighter side during our June visit. I feel confident that we will. Another visit during the Winter........maybe not.

The drivers around here are getting worse. I was on Buena Vista today going 35 mi. and a car was right on my tail and then shot out and started going about 70 mi and hour. What is everybody's rush. Life is too short people. DRIVE SAFE. I intend to be around for awhile.

I was having issues with these roundabouts and I wasn't driving..the ones I'm used to has the inside lane continuing round and the outside lane exits and people enter...so having two lanes enter / exit is scarey!! I'm not surprised there aren't more accidents!

Hmmmm, "putting up with the crazys that winter here". Figmo, I'm disappointed with your sweeping generalization. :ohdear:

Hi Anlashokna,
You raise an important point.

It is also true though that some traffic light intersections have multiple turn lanes. Some interstate entrances/exits are on the left instead of right, or have multiple lanes that merge. Some have multiple lane entrances with alternating stop lights.

The point is that when driving in unfamiliar territory, we all need to use more caution not less; and we need to learn the local traffic pattern, which might differ from the ones we are used to.

Kathie, Kathie! Please be safe. The night life would die around here without you. Whatever would we do?

Wow!
 

We have been coming tothevillages for about 5 years, and are now owners. The first time we came there and approached a roundabout.My comment was oh my god what to do now. It was not like anyother roundaboit I had ever seen. We figured it out and are now very cautious and approach each time with the attitude that someone will not do it right, and often we are not disappointed! That may not be her problem,but we are sure it is an issue for new folks first time. Be careful and assume the worst. It will save your fenders and more! LB &LB

You are right, Bare. For every inconsiderate snowbird, there are probably at least tenfold more like you-- fabulous part-time residents, or guests, who bring joy and friendship on their trips down.

Snowbirds are also great for The Villages and the Florida's economy. Snowbirds aren't the problem. Inconsiderate people are.

I don't have that problem I just go round those darn roundabouts:1rotfl:

There are foolish drivers who visit, there are foolish drivers who live here full time....there are foolish drivers that live full time or part time in near by communities....right now, all of us are seeing some pretty reckless drivers in and around the area. I'm still ready to get a paint ball gun and "mark" cars and carts that just ignore stop signs, red lights, shouldn't be driving because even reading a sign as simple as YIELD is difficult.

I have many friends who are snow people...birds, flakes, some who are seasonal and am thrilled when they wing their way back to Florida. We can't blame all the poor driving on them, we can't blame all the poor driving on newbies...what we can do is try and make sure we observe the rules of the road, keep our eyes open, pay attention and watch out for the other guy/gal.
As bad as the traffic is here, believe me, if you came from a large city, it was many times worse there. We are busy, we still tend to rush, but making sure we allot enough time to get to our destination should be something we do first and foremost.

Everyone stay safe.

I'm stepping off my soapbox now...sorry for the rant, but I do feel better.. :)

Thanks PT, you're a pal. For the most part, in my humble opinion, seasonal residents are really responsible homeowners who pay taxes and amenitites all year long, and don't rush about causing accidents when they're in residence.

This is true, and I don't think anyone is picking on any specific group of visitors or owners. I think it is simply the inflated amount of people who are here during the winter season. When you have an increase in population, you get the increase in accidents because it's so much more congested. Sort of like Disney or beaches at Spring break. You are correct about Florida needing the Snowbirds. I believe the whole state would fold without the seasonal's. It's life here in Florida.

Kathi...I'm just glad you are ok!