[tommy steam]

Just would like to get an idea what full time residents think of the high season in the villages. Thanks.

[redwitch]

I love it. There's a vitality in TV that's not there year round. Snowbirds and renters are thrilled to be here; they take nothing for granted. I don't mind standing in line to eat or whatever -- it is a chance to talk to someone new, learn something, smile and enjoy the day.

Without the snowbirds and renters, we'd have no town squares or stores around TV. It is high season when the profit is made for the stores and restaurants.

To me, there is one negative -- the first-timers really don't know how to drive the roundabouts or their golf carts. It can be frightening to share a road or path with them.

[bonrich]

Thank you redwitch for the positive comments. We own but are not able to be here on a full time basis. We look forward to coming down here when we can. We have met so many new people and have had casual acquaintences become longtime friends. Our primary home for now is in lake community up North with seasonal restaurants. One comment was made by the owner of a water front restaurant was that if he had to rely upon the locals for his business he could not afford to be here. I believe the same goes for TV only on a much larger scale. We are only strangers one time........

[looneycat]

Originally Posted by tommy steam

Just would like to get an idea what full time residents think of the high season in the villages. Thanks.

which season is that? (hic!)

[NotGolfer]

Definately more traffic. ALOT more folks in the grocery stores, restaurants, pools etc. If you keep a positive attitude like Redwitch has you'll be fine. There are always the folks who grumble no matter what.

[CaptJohn]

Originally Posted by looneycat

which season is that? (hic!)

Sounds like year round to me!

[jnieman]

Originally Posted by tommy steam

Just would like to get an idea what full time residents think of the high season in the villages. Thanks.

Many of our friends are seasonal residents. We wish they were here year round!

[BarryRX]

I must admit that I get a little spoiled in the summertime when I don't have to wait for restaurant seating and the starter at the golf course tells me to tee it up whenever I want. But, having all my friends and neighbors back more than makes up for any small inconveniences, especially since they have been paying their fees for a whole year and only using the facilities for half a year. The one thing that sometimes stresses me out is the traffic. But when I find myself getting irritated because I have to wait 30 seconds to make a left turn, I just remind myself of the 40 minutes it used to take me just to get through the toll booth at the midtown tunnel or GW bridge. I will be interested to see how all the new homes south of 466a will affect traffic and golf this year, since as far as I can tell we have about 5000 new residents and no new exec courses yet.

[jblum315]

I don't look forward to it, but the restaurants and businesses depend on it. I think it's really the increased traffic that bothers me most. That and the inept first-time drivers.

[justjim]

As I see it there are snowbirds and snowbirds. The birds that come in January and rent are absolutely necessary for those who have rental property and then birds like my wife and I who own property and got back to TV a couple weeks ago who pay amenities while we are gone and keep the trash bills low and taxes lower for full-timers by not getting the homestead exemptions. Since snowbirds who own their homes pay more taxes, The State/County can afford to give a nice homestead exemption. All in all doesn't seem fair but then who says life is always fair! I get my homestead exemption in Illinois (about half as much) but get to stop my trash pickup and most don't pay amenity fee while away from their northern homes. The worst months for traffic and congestion at supermarkets etc. are January-March. But congestion is nothing in TV compared to some other favorite areas of Florida.

[gerryann]

It's great!! It's the only way that TV and all of the business's can survive. Look outside these pearly gates......the rest of Florida is not doing so well.

[rubicon]

What do you think about the high season....? Really! You actually asked that? What do you think about Los Angles traffic? What do you think about 45 to 1 1/2 hour wait at a restaurant? What do you think about getting bumped off your tee time? What do you think about grocery (other types) stores running out of everything? What do you think about the traffic on Morse Blvd making you wish you were in Los Angles traffic? OK that was an exaggeration. Obviously I don't fault anyone or anything but it does cut deeply into one's quality of life.

[texasfal]

Hey, you just have to adjust. Play golf off campus. Explore resturants in Lessburg and Fruitland Park, Wildwood and Ocala. Stay home with neighbors a lot. It's 4 months - we have the rest of the year.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by rubicon

What do you think about the high season....? Really! You actually asked that? What do you think about Los Angles traffic? What do you think about 45 to 1 1/2 hour wait at a restaurant? What do you think about getting bumped off your tee time? What do you think about grocery (other types) stores running out of everything? What do you think about the traffic on Morse Blvd making you wish you were in Los Angles traffic? OK that was an exaggeration. Obviously I don't fault anyone or anything but it does cut deeply into one's quality of life.

There you go again....................

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by rubicon

What do you think about the high season....? Really! You actually asked that? What do you think about Los Angles traffic? What do you think about 45 to 1 1/2 hour wait at a restaurant? What do you think about getting bumped off your tee time? What do you think about grocery (other types) stores running out of everything? What do you think about the traffic on Morse Blvd making you wish you were in Los Angles traffic? OK that was an exaggeration. Obviously I don't fault anyone or anything but it does cut deeply into one's quality of life.

But how do you really feel??? Just kidding - I respect your opinion and understand it creates an issue, but we all know can't have one without the other - so I guess we will just grin and bear it. And this is pure speculation on my part 'cause I haven't been here long enough to experience this, have only heard the rumors.