Originally Posted by Oldragbagger (Post 2135010)

Richmond is coming along beautifully and the location is awesome. So close to Brownwood, and with the new Lake Okahumpka rec center across the way, and not very far from Sawgrass Grove either. The developer has left a lot of green space and trees which seems to create a really nice buffer from the turnpike.

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut (Post 2134497)

I've spent a lot of time in DeLuna photographing homes and shooting videos and talking to both residents and the workers building this village. This is the first I've heard such a disparaging remark about this village. I've had two conversations that were not positive and more neutral about DeLuna, one was concerning the power lines and the other was about the Turnpike noise, both conversations ended on a positive note focused on the fact that the home prices directly affected by these items reflected a savings that couldn't be passed up.

The wetlands within and around DeLuna not only help temper the din of the turnpike noise but also bring with them an abundance of wildlife that will rise quickly after the construction in the area is completed (ask the folks of St Catherine about their many visitors these days). Don't be fooled to think that the view you have today of the wetlands will be the same in years to come, these areas are active and growing areas, and the vegetation will grow quickly higher than what you see today. Per your deed restrictions, you may NOT enter these areas or perform ANY maintenance on the vegetation without specific permission (which you won't get) from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The district office has had many dealings with SWFWMD over the years due to residents entering these areas and damaging or clearing the growth; to date SWFWMD has been cooperative and worked with the district staff on mitigation and restoration of these violations, but the tolerance for these violations has been lowering quickly. It won't be surprising if heavy fines are levied by SWFWMD on future violations, fines that will be the responsibility of the homeowners.

As several have stated, there are many colloquialisms used here in Florida to describe our wetland: prairie, marsh, everglades, estuaries, natural habitats, preserves, and many more. All of these have three things in common: water, vegetation, and wildlife in a subtropical climate. The must abundant of the wildlife will be the bugs, and these pests will ultimately lead to the occasional utterance of the less flattering nomenclature of these areas, S...p.

Don't be discouraged by the naysayers among us, while many times they are very vocal, they are actually few in numbers and you'll rarely run into them in the real world as they tend to congregate in their on-line world at

websites.

Originally Posted by D.Bolen (Post 2134525)

How does The Villages prevent alligators from wandering into DeLuna and other newer residential areas where the beauty of nature is a large part of the appeal? I live near LSL but have friends looking into DeLuna and other newer sections. They have heard comments by those fearful of alligators causing them to hesitate considering these areas.

I assume any needed measures are in place to ensure safety but would like to know (and be able to share) the particulars.

Originally Posted by D.Bolen (Post 2134525)

How does The Villages prevent alligators from wandering into DeLuna and other newer residential areas where the beauty of nature is a large part of the appeal? I live near LSL but have friends looking into DeLuna and other newer sections. They have heard comments by those fearful of alligators causing them to hesitate considering these areas.

I assume any needed measures are in place to ensure safety but would like to know (and be able to share) the particulars.

Originally Posted by clouwho (Post 2134966)

Not only would this NOT scare my husband and I, this would make us more GRATEFUL that while we live in a congested place, the developer also leaves space for NATURE in all her glory to flourish and coexist with us. It is literally the main reason these two native Lousianans moved here. It upsets us greatly when people from other regions come here wanting to kill or remove everything that makes this place so beautiful.

Every yes is a thousand nos. YES to The Villages is NO to a sterile, clear cut, lifeless, paved community. If you say YES to Florida, with her bugs, reptiles, and wildlife that may not be YOUR cup of sweet tea; her snowbirds and her hot, muggy weather six months of the year— you also get to say YES to keeping more of your retirement income, YES to her six months of glorious weather, ABUNDANT natural springs, rivers, lakes and TWO oceans; over 800 miles of beaches, FOUR cruise ports, countless amusement parks, museums, and attractions; hundreds of terrific state and national parks and monuments; the kind of show-stopping natural beauty everyone wants (Sandhills and eagles, anhingas and ospreys, herons and hawks, tortoises and turtles, beautiful butterflies and fabulous frogs); and so much more!

And if you say YES to The Villages, with the inherent challenges of a fast-growing BIG city, regardless of which village or region you buy into, you are saying YES to what is most assuredly the MOST convenient, safe, abundant retirement lifestyle bang for the buck you will get anywhere in this country.

No person, community, city, state, or country is perfect; but we have SO much collective awesomeness here I can hardly believe it six years after moving here!

We are happy just being in our own home on our LOVELY little street with our amazing neighbors. We are happy when we leave our little street and walk over to one of three rec centers within a 5 minute walk. We are happy when we walk to the two golf courses adjacent to our street. We are happy when we hop on the cart and enjoy the squares, restaurants, entertainment venues, and our hobbies and activities. We are happy when we get in the car and venture to new areas in TV and explore the ever-evolving amenities and offerings. We are happy when we explore the neighboring small towns and communities and enjoy their dining and entertainment offerings. We are happy when we spontaneously grab our paddle boards and fishing gear and head for the springs or a beach. We are happy when we take short getaways to explore a bit further afield and discover wonderful state and national parks. We are happy when we score a killer deal on a last minute cruise and take off on strange tides for new destinations at bargain prices. We are happy we get to see rocket launches from the golf course by us, or just drive a couple of hours and see history live and in person at Canaveral.

It was really good to write this even if no one reads it or agrees. With all the negativity in our country and the negativity that has arrived in The Villages in the past few years it was REALLY good to say out loud and commit to print that while the negativity brings me down and weighs on my heart, it does NOT stop me from having a good life. My hope is that all of us work hard to not just remember the sad and the bad, but to also celebrate the glad! (Does anyone other than me remember Pollyanna and the glad game? It might be time for Disney to re-release that movie. The book series was most excellent as well).

My daily journalling is done, and I thank you for your tolerance. Have a great day!

Originally Posted by Oldragbagger (Post 2135010)

Richmond is coming along beautifully and the location is awesome. So close to Brownwood, and with the new Lake Okahumpka rec center across the way, and not very far from Sawgrass Grove either. The developer has left a lot of green space and trees which seems to create a really nice buffer from the turnpike.

Originally Posted by Robin Hardwick (Post 2135030)

We live in Marsh Bend that is the village that connects to DeLuna…we have been here for three years and cannot believe the incredible beauty that the areas south of 44 provide…we enjoy our evenings out on our lanai listening to the sand hill cranes that nest in Hog Eye preserve just outside our back door (still waiting for the turnpike noise to arrive)… we love the beautiful walks around the preserve and the pitch and put as well as the golf course Lowlands too…of course you will adore the musical venue of Edna’s on the Green with its open bar And three food truck options open year round where you sit under the giant southern oaks and relax under the most beautiful of locations (a fun alternative to the 10 minute cart ride to Brownwood square). We also love that the new Southern Oaks shopping is now open five streets away with all the extras you need…your home will have all the newest of hurricane protection, roof, appliances, plumbing, electrical and a smart home for technology too! Welcome to paradise and may you love being here as much as we do…We do not have green swamp men but they may be somewhere with the truck drivers…we will keep watching and listening for them LOL!

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy (Post 2135123)

We are hoping to buy in Richmond. We’ve been watching it for many months. We’re open to a courtyard villa, veranda, or designer home. We just have to get our home here in Calif sold so that we can get there and be ready when homes are released. We do want to be closer to Meggison than the turnpike though, so our location choices will be limited. Our agent keeps us updated, and told us recently that when she and her husband were in Richmond recently at night the frogs and other critters were so loud they completely drowned out the turnpike noise. We love nature sounds. ������

Originally Posted by bsloan1960 (Post 2134457)

Was watching Jerry and Linda's latest show. Someone wrote them, "I live in DeLuna- The Swamp"... The hosts simply said Deluna is a nice place and didn't address the nick-name. We just bought a house in DeLuna and will move to TV in about a year. Is The Swamp a well known nick-name for DeLuna? and if so- why?

Thanks

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy (Post 2135123)

We are hoping to buy in Richmond. We’ve been watching it for many months. We’re open to a courtyard villa, veranda, or designer home. We just have to get our home here in Calif sold so that we can get there and be ready when homes are released. We do want to be closer to Meggison than the turnpike though, so our location choices will be limited. Our agent keeps us updated, and told us recently that when she and her husband were in Richmond recently at night the frogs and other critters were so loud they completely drowned out the turnpike noise. We love nature sounds. 😊