Yep, things that are commonly found throughout most of the US happen in the Villages as well.

You are right. Most people here would take that as a giveaway, even without a sign. Now the contractor is probably sitting on it while eating lunch. I hope you get it back. Next time you may need to keep the chair on your porch when not out there. Alas.

I put my free items by the curb but on the grass, they are gone the same day.

Mistaken as being thrown out. Plain and simple.

Bogie Shooter is correct. As are most responding here. End of driveway means it’s out for the taking.

The OP wrote: "So if this is your contractor, or you are the contractor, the reappearance of said chair, would be a most pleasant development." Hence, the reason for this post. So far zero replies.

Very true! I once came home in time to see a lady struggling to pick up my flower pot that was at the end of my driveway. I asked her what she was doing. She said since it was at the end of my driveway she assumed I was discarding it. Nope!

it was like that no matter where we lived. don't leave it out, or you run the risk

Hmmm, so if the OP had left the chair out there next to trash to be picked up the next day, he is supposed to assume that the chair would still be there after trash pickup, as long as he did not put a sign on it? That seems to be the theme of some on here. Personally, I have picked up furniture items left at the end of driveways, to repurpose them. In 12 years as a resident of the Villages, I never heard a complaint regarding stuff left at the end of the driveway. I once left a washing machine at the end of the driveway to be picked up by the folks delivering and installing a new one, and I glanced out the window within five minutes and it was gone. Saved $35 removal fee. Just realized that I am currently sitting in a desk chair that I picked up that was left at the end of someone's driveway. I've used it for a few years now and it is really great on my back. Thanks.

And the other side of the legal argument, which "might" be argued, is that the county owns the three feet of land from the curb, or some such zoning ordinance, so is it really on your property or the county property? I am not sure if I am correct, but there is something about not building out to the curb for some ordinance reason. "ask the trolls"

I like your thinking on going back to Harbor Freight. Now that’s a positive attitude!

Nope, not just in the Villages--everywhere. It is true in Huntsville, AL, Alexandria VA, DC, NYC...everywhere I have ever lived.

The man & his chair
 

Why has no one ever taken the man and the chair while he sits at the end of the driveway? Why not take one, take all?

There was one time I cleaned out the attic and put a mountain of stuff by the road. Most of it was gone in a day. I finished cleaning the attic and put an enormous mountain by the road. It was gone in two days except for one item.

I think I'll try the chair thingy.....with the wife sitting in it.