Originally Posted by Cedwards38 (Post 1079464)

Lots of persons whose opinions I greatly respect based on past posts on TOTV are suggesting that we forget this issue and move on. I am convinced that they are people of good will who simply believe that this fight is a loser and a waste of time. I get that. Maybe they are right, but I don't think we have to do that yet. At least I hope not. Whoever did this to us deserve for us to make them sweat, and to ultimately be caught and pay. I still believe that "right" can win if you fight hard enough and long enough. And if that is naive, then so be it.

I'm not asking that files be opened. I'm not asking that we go to court. I'm not asking for arrests. I'm not asking for sit ins or protests. I'm not asking anyone to name names. I'm not asking for any of these things......yet! I would simply like a rationale explanation from our Sheriff, our District Manager, the applicable Board of Supervisors, our local newspaper, or some other person in the know on the progress of what I believe should be an ongoing investigation. Just give me a reason other than "because no one is talking." Let me know, with details, that this is not a dead issue leaving only the citizens of The Villages en masse as the losers. Give me something other than "too bad, so just pay up and shut up."

Originally Posted by Cedwards38 (Post 1079464)

Lots of persons whose opinions I greatly respect based on past posts on TOTV are suggesting that we forget this issue and move on. I am convinced that they are people of good will who simply believe that this fight is a loser and a waste of time. I get that. Maybe they are right, but I don't think we have to do that yet. At least I hope not. Whoever did this to us deserve for us to make them sweat, and to ultimately be caught and pay. I still believe that "right" can win if you fight hard enough and long enough. And if that is naive, then so be it.

I'm not asking that files be opened. I'm not asking that we go to court. I'm not asking for arrests. I'm not asking for sit ins or protests. I'm not asking anyone to name names. I'm not asking for any of these things......yet! I would simply like a rationale explanation from our Sheriff, our District Manager, the applicable Board of Supervisors, our local newspaper, or some other person in the know on the progress of what I believe should be an ongoing investigation. Just give me a reason other than "because no one is talking." Let me know, with details, that this is not a dead issue leaving only the citizens of The Villages en masse as the losers. Give me something other than "too bad, so just pay up and shut up."

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1079483)

I respect everyone's opinions on this subject except the ones laced with sarcasm.

Originally Posted by dbussone (Post 1079493)

CF - I'm trying to figure out whether my post was laced with sarcasm or not. Oh, that's right, I don't even recallI if i posted on this thread. 👿

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1079496)

Ha ha! No, I always appreciate your humor & wisdom, and your lack of memory somewhat matches my own.:D

I agree with upping the reward and catching the crims. I don't agree with the public having to contribute. TV and the sheriff should be taking care of that part of it. Not that it will happen, but that's my opinion.

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1079483)

I respect everyone's opinions on this subject except the ones laced with sarcasm.

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 1079478)

Do you think you will get that by posting the question here?
If you are soooooooo interested, why not make a few phone calls and set up a meeting with those you think have all the secrets?

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee (Post 1079511)

...I may be in the minority here, but I do not think that Ms. Tutt or the Developer have given up on this problem. I have heard that Ms. Tutt is like a dog with a bone and will shake it to death until the truth falls out!

Originally Posted by naneiben (Post 1078339)

Agree. We initially wondered why it all happened so quickly. Start with lowball estimate of damages, pay it quickly, move on...we've been had, folks. Any bad publicity has been minimized. Sad.

Originally Posted by redwitch (Post 1079440)

I'd be willing to bet that the Sheriff knows exactly who did it but has no hard proof. Circumstantial evidence rarely wins in a court of law. Personally, I really don't want my tax dollars thrown away on a trial that will go nowhere. I also sincerely hope that the neighbors are totally ostracizing this homeowner. Bridgeport Lake Miona has some pretty close knit friendships. It would be nice if these folks had a block party every week and made sure the perpetrators were never invited. At least it would be a little justice.

As to opening the files to show what the Sheriff has or has not done to investigate this matter, not gonna happen and, personally, I wouldn't want it to. That's not how our justice works today. Imagine if a file had your name in it as a possible suspect but you're completely innocent. Would you want your name bandied around?

The reason I say let it go is simply because I doubt there will ever be enough proof to do anything. Knowing who did it is just not enough. Even knowing who was hired is not enough. The individuals who physically cut down the trees might be brought to trial. They could even name who hired them but, without a physical trail, it be comes a he said/he said. Again, hard to convict under those circumstances.

And, finally, while truth is always a defense against libel and slander, you must be able to prove what you said was true in a court of law. Good luck on proving this one.

And I am now going to return to my world, with a sincere wish that the folks who had those beautiful trees removed get a very swift, hard kick in their self-entitled behinds by Karma.

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1079655)

Without reading back through all the posts, I am wondering if the trees have been replaced yet, and if so, were they put back in the original spots, covering up the homeowners' views? I certainly hope so.