[army one]

Some of the biggest offenders of the excess speed problem is the different Real Estate Salespersons. It seems they are always in a big hurry and get in the left lane of both B V and Morse Blvd and put the hammer down. It isn't only the ones who work for the Villages, More than once I have been forced to slam on the brakes because of the way they are driving. They always are in a big hurry and seem to be paying attention to anything but where they are driving. Having a cell phone in one hand and are sorting for a phone number with the other isn't the way to drive safely. Most of them seem to have the attitude you should stay out of their way because what they are doing is more important than what you are doring. In addition to speeding and not paying attention I have seen many agents cut the roundabout corners and run stop signs. I have had to get out of the way of a real estate agent more than once. They don't send a very good message to visitors in our community and should be ashamed of how they drive. I for one will never recommend a couple of agents that I. more than once, have seen drive like idiots. That being said, there are a lot more offenders in our community but for whatever reason it seems the real estate salespeople seem to feel they should get a pass because their time is more important than ours.

[Gat0r]

I agree. I come from Tampa Bay,lived on a street that was 30 mph. In the 13 years I lived there I saw trucks go by at over 100, most of them contractors.(my street was a quick way out of the hood) Now I live in a very quite neighborhood and still see contractor trucks pass by my home well over the 15 mph speed limit (like 60 mph) guess I'll have to document their travels and send it to Sumter Co. Sheriffs dept.

[Villages PL]

The speed limit on my street is 10 mph. but golf carts usually go full speed. Contractors go even faster. Good thing it's a loop so there aren't too many of them.

When I'm out driving, I notice that, in general, the bigger the vehicle the faster they go. I think that's because the size of the vehicle indicates how important they are. VIPs with large vehicles go faster.

For example, how often do you see someone in an SUV driving the speed limit? They make it harder for drivers on side streets to find an opening to merge onto a main street. Just when you think you have an opening, some large vehicle comes speeding around the bend.

[Carla B]

Two different officials from the Sheriff's office told my husband that Sumter Co. only makes $18 off a $200 ticket. The rest goes to the state, so there's not a lot of incentive to write tickets for revenue at the county level.

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by Carla B

Two different officials from the Sheriff's office told my husband that Sumter Co. only makes $18 off a $200 ticket. The rest goes to the state, so there's not a lot of incentive to write tickets for revenue at the county level.

sounds like they are more concerned about $ than safety - much less speed limit laws!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Carla B

Two different officials from the Sheriff's office told my husband that Sumter Co. only makes $18 off a $200 ticket. The rest goes to the state, so there's not a lot of incentive to write tickets for revenue at the county level.

I never looked at the position as one of making money and I don't think most police officers do either. I have a lot of good police officers in my family history and they were good folks.

[Carla B]

I didn't mean to imply that they weren't, GG. Maybe there aren't enough of them to watch every street here and warn speeders.

[JoeC1947]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I never looked at the position as one of making money and I don't think most police officers do either. I have a lot of good police officers in my family history and they were good folks.

I agree. Making money for the town is just a perk for keeping people safe.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Carla B

I didn't mean to imply that they weren't, GG. Maybe there aren't enough of them to watch every street here and warn speeders.

Thank you Carla. I was quick to jump to a conclusion. I misunderstood. I am sorry if I sounded critical. I know all police officers aren't perfect or "officer friendly" but I really think that for most their goal is to keep us safe. A few surly folks throw their weight around but I guess I saw so much of the good side of my grandfather and two uncles.

[Wing-nut2]

If you post everyone, this is going to a very full board!

[goodgrief]

Happinow...I have seen the sumter county sheriff on occasion early in the morning sit at the mail station for sanibel. Not sure if he ever stopped anyone but the radar gun was out. Havent seen them in a long while. I too wish they would do something. I lock my vehicle on the speed limit. I pull out close ot the golf lane so those vehicles can't swing around me when I'm turning left. Golf carts can go by but I refuse to let them slide by me anymore. I do everything I can to slow there progress with the legal limits. I see them stopped or parked in the golf cart lanes on Pinelles all the time. They speed, are all over the road. Truelly wish the Sheriff would spend some time out here. Not sure how there man power is though if they can dedicate and officer. We had a one blow construction guy blow by us on pinelles out in Fernadina, I wasn't driving but he got a horn and half for that stunt. My tolerance for construction and contractors are zero now. Whats worse is the ones that have there business emblazoned on there trucks...do you think about how you represent your company. I've been known to call one and go off on the manager. Trust me, if one of these vehicles ever hits me there will be a very hefty lawsuit. Anyone has a contact or know someone on the sheriffs dept direct them to this board. They need to get out here and do some serious ticketing on varying days and weeks so there is no pattern to there appearance. Best way to make money.

[goodgrief]

I should add that our neighbor was tboned on 466a and morse by a contracter who ran the light. So again tolerance is a big fat zero. Luckily both walked away with slight injuries nothing serious.

[Snead's Hat]

Originally Posted by Skybo

Dear South of 466a Villagers:

Be afraid...be very afraid. The contractor vehicles (towing trailers) will speed through your neighborhoods. They will run through stop signs. They will pass your golf carts on the right and blow you off the road. They will cross the center line into oncoming traffic, while “passing” golf carts, and force vehicular traffic coming from the opposite direction into the golf cart lanes. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Sincerely,

A Tamarind Grove Resident who has (so far) survived.

This is making me feel afraid.

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

The speed limit on my street is 10 mph. but golf carts usually go full speed. Contractors go even faster. Good thing it's a loop so there aren't too many of them.

When I'm out driving, I notice that, in general, the bigger the vehicle the faster they go. I think that's because the size of the vehicle indicates how important they are. VIPs with large vehicles go faster.

For example, how often do you see someone in an SUV driving the speed limit? They make it harder for drivers on side streets to find an opening to merge onto a main street. Just when you think you have an opening, some large vehicle comes speeding around the bend.

Excuse me, I drive an SUV and do not speed. Get lots of those one-finger salutes for it, too, especially on Buena Vista and El Camino. Try driving the speed limit in any vehicle on those streets and see how often you get them and/or dirty looks along with comments. Most of those come from fellow Villagers. The contractors just speed on by in their own little world.

[paulandjean]

I,have not had that problem with speeding cars and trucks.In the area where they are building a new village,seems they may drive a little fast.