:rolleyes: Sure there is!

But it is amazing that people don't know if they live in a gated community or not.

In the Publix parking lot on 441 near Spanish Springs Done all the time

Potential violators of our "security" will certainly appreciate all these tips about how to enter and use our amenities. Great idea, please remember to complain as the problem increases due to these responses.

Be sure to ask all our town square business owners if they consider non-Villagers entering and using our facilities...legally of course...to be a "problem".

Great for them, crowded-er for our golf cart paths. Not for it. I like the golf carts that belong to us who live here and are 55 or better, and wouldn't give you a dime for a bunch of smart aleck outlanders with the idea to drag race.

Heheh. I'm not for rampant use of our MMPs by 'outsiders' either. I just like to have a little fun with those few who some seem to think anybody who doesn't live in TV simply doesn't belong here at all. :)

I don't believe many people would go to the expense of buying a golf cart and trailer to the villages to shop or eat when most would come by car. I don't suspect a lot of "outsiders" are sneaking into the pools, courses, and recreation centers without an ID. Even though I'm sure there may be a couple.

Actually, based on posts here I would posit that...it's more than "those few." :oops:

Since there is absolutely no empirical evidence that a minuscule number (.01%?) of 'outsiders' are doing any damage to the MMP's, which is the only concern an intelligent/unbiased person could use as an argument given the rest of the roads are maintained by the county and are public anyway...it's obvious that it really boils down to a different agenda.

And since so many gates are not in a location to regulate golf cart/highway interfaces, the real reason...is patently an 'Us Vs. Them' issue.

Which is a microcosm of a much, much...larger problem. :ohdear:

I chuckle at the thought of the 'Us Only' crowd's reaction were the counties to build gates on other county roads, that while they could still be traversed (as the public roads they are)...would require stopping and pushing a button. :D

:popcorn:

Really?

My research has indicated that the problems/issues occurred once Da Family sold the maintenance to the counties and their point (legitimately) was that if in fact they are county roads and public, that it would be silly to try and pass out enough gate cards to all of the LEO's/emergency services/fire trucks/Etc....that needed access.

I challenge anyone to show where other county maintained roads have gates installed...to give home owners a faux feeling of living in a 'gated community.'

Ya can't have your cake...and eat it too. :shrug:

This couldn't be farther from the truth. The use of pushbuttons on the gates to allow non-residents access to country roads is based on AGO 90-51, an advisory legal opinion by Florida attorney general Robert A. Butterworth in July of 1990. Google it if you need more information.

I don't think I am alone in welcoming all who want to come here and visit us and support our local business and enjoy all entertainment and dining in the squares and buy tickets for the Sharon.

I am very glad that there are no golf carts allowed in from other communities, not because they would damage the cart paths, but because we don't really need anymore than those owned by people who legitimately live here. I wouldn't encourage people who live in other communities to use our rec centers or pools either.

The gates are here to help control traffic of cars (Slow them down at the gates) and help prevent crashes with golf carts. There are Threads with discussion regarding gates and if they should come down or be kept for safety reasons. The cost to repair the gates runs into thousands a year.

Usually The Villages has a fence (black) around the perimeter of the property. Perhaps it’s just an oversight in the area that OP speaks about near the ball diamonds.

The big problem with that explanation, is all of the neighborhood entrances where there are no cart paths going across (or they go across in front of the gates)...but there's still a gate there. :shrug:

Not to mention, that the gates only impede incoming traffic (thus allowing carts to scoot to the median in those areas)...not the outgoing traffic.

As I understand it the streets and roads within The Villages are public thoroughfares maintained by the county and/or state and/or the municipality (where applicable) in which they lie. Since taxpayer money funds their upkeep they are open to the public at large. In a true gated community the streets and roads are not open to the public and the community pays for their upkeep.

On the other hand aren't the multi modal paths on privately held property and maintained by the owning entity? If no easement exists which opens them to public use could non-Villages residents driving carts on them be considered trespassers?

There might be a liability issue as well when accidents occur. Even trespassers (if that is what they are) are owed a duty of care.

Yes it is a “us v them”. I live in the Villages and they don’t. “they” can use our shopping areas, restaurants all they want but I don’t want “them” to use our pools, pickle ball courts, and other amenities