[downeaster]

Originally Posted by batman911

Best way to get teenagers to move on is to simply stand and observe them. They do not like to be where adults can watch them. That's probably why they are in the parking lots instead of the squares. If the community watch or anyone else simply stands near and observes, they will move on. Don't need to say a word.

That sort of thing would put a big dent in our rep as "Florida's Friendliest Hometown".

[2BNTV]

I was down for a visit when I realized I needed to use the ATM in Spanish Springs at 9PM on Friday night as I was leaving extremely early the next day.

I am from the Tri-State area where a person should always be aware of people being too close to them when using a ATM. Initially I didn't give it a thought being in TV and I was not concerned about using the ATM but there where several teenagers in the area that passed by and I became somewhat concerned. The ATM was in the back of the bank and I may be wrong but it may have be facing the parking lot. Thankfully, nothing happened as I was not bothered.

I am not saying that all young people are up to no good as there are many who are extremely helpful. I remember a time when one could walk around their neighborhhod without being concerned or bothered. I know that times have changed but this is one area, I wish it didn't.

As a wannabe, going forward, I hope this issue will be resolved as I like to think one is safe when visiting the town squares.

[JimJoe]

Originally Posted by batman911

Best way to get teenagers to move on is to simply stand and observe them. They do not like to be where adults can watch them. That's probably why they are in the parking lots instead of the squares. If the community watch or anyone else simply stands near and observes, they will move on. Don't need to say a word.

If they are misbehaving, if you use your cell phone or digi cam and video record them, you will have proof of their behavior, but get ready for an attack, verbal and possibly otherwise.
JJ

[batman911]

Mr. Shadow,

Somehow you believe that observing people in a publiic place that you believe may intend to commit a crime against your fellow citizens is stalking?
That is just the attitude that alllows this type of behavior to exist in our communities. Maybe you should consider standing up for what is right instead of lurking in the shadows.

[The Shadow]

Originally Posted by batman911

Mr. Shadow,

Somehow you believe that observing people in a publiic place that you believe may intend to commit a crime against your fellow citizens is stalking?
That is just the attitude that alllows this type of behavior to exist in our communities. Maybe you should consider standing up for what is right instead of lurking in the shadows.

Suppose those 3,4,5,6 boys don’t like me staring at them, suppose they see a chance to impress the girls, suppose they been doing crack. I will not stand out in that parking lot and provoke those underage dopers into using me as a piñata. Police/security gets paid to deal with security situations not I.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by The Shadow

Suppose those 3,4,5,6 boys don’t like me staring at them, suppose they see a chance to impress the girls, suppose they been doing crack. I will not stand out in that parking lot and provoke those underage dopers into using me as a piñata. Police/security gets paid to deal with security situations not I.

I think it's "......not me."

[golf2140]

Did I miss something here. This thread started with a report that a car was damaged. It was posted a month or so after it had occurred. We are now concerned about being mugged by teenagers. Has anything other than the damage to vehicle occur. Sometimes we older folks over react. Lets not give TV a bad name by starting a witch hunt.

These are just my thoughts. Don't worry, be happy!

[Irish Rover]

Wow, what a post! I will be there in Jan/Feb for my tenth year. I am however a renter and a snowbird and whatever else we part timers are labeled. My group, which now numbers in the 30's enjoys the amenities of TV but we try not to mess up your tee tomes, restaurant reservations, or even get in your line dances. However, we love the place. All this being said, I have been there when TV was about 23,000 people and to this stage of development.
It was a lot more fun then and really unique when there was only one Town Square ( not counting the original across the hwy) with a micro brewery, bakery, great Italian restaurant (Augustines), and alas, no Starbucks and Bread Company. The Buffalo still roamed, the locals ( non residents) in the area didn't pay much attention to the Square and it was still a kick to drive your golf cart where ever. Please don't get jacked up at me because I still love the place and will continue to rent and spend money. We eat late, so we don't take the early reservations, and if I can't get a tee time on campus I go to Baseline ( my wife loves it).
Keep in mind, you are very soon going to be a city of 100,000 people and you will get all the things that will come with it - crime, vandalism, traffic and attitude from people over 55 who will be the majority. It will still be a great place but tolerance had better be in your bag to survive. (Sorry Red, Gracie, and Russ) Hope to see some of you at the February get together at Crispers.
Irish

[K9-Lovers]

Sorry, I have to agree with Shadow. Some of those boys I've seen are very rowdy, use profane language and are aggressive with EACH OTHER. No way I would recommend that one of us older folks make it obvious that we are observing them, or watching them, etc. If you see something that needs attention, call security.

[The Shadow]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

I think it's "......not me."

See dog, you can feel me. (You get my point)

[graciegirl]

Evaluate each situation as it presents itself. Be peaceful in your own mind and heart. Be moderate in your thinking and forgiving in your heart. Don't start trouble.

Things my grandmother told me.
They just seemed appropriate to say.

I try to do them, but sometimes we all get side tracked. Not all of those parking lot kids are bad. Because I can't run as fast as I used to and move quite as fast and do physical things quite as well, sometimes I feel afraid. I doubt if I am alone in that.

[K9-Lovers]

I walk my dogs almost every night past the parking lots for LSL and know what goes on with teens in the parking lots and on the walking paths behind Creekside Landing. So far, there has been nothing I've seen that would require security to be notified. Mostly, just a bunch of kids congregating, and some sexual activity. Probably, they have nowhere else to go and nothing else to do. Once in a while, a group of boys gets rowdy, loud and obscene. But not so rowdy that we felt the need to call security.

My point is, that we still feel very safe walking by/with/next to the teens and have never felt threatened. Often, we see Nighborhood Watch vehicles in the parking lots, and they break up groups of teens and have them move. I don't think the complexion or ambiance of LSL or TV will be altered in the future. It seems to us that management is spot on with controlling any problems so far. (Except for the rare and random acts that have been discussed here).

Golf 2140 has the right attitude: Don't worry; be happy.

[Regor]

Originally Posted by Irish Rover

Wow, what a post! I will be there in Jan/Feb for my tenth year. I am however a renter and a snowbird and whatever else we part timers are labeled. My group, which now numbers in the 30's enjoys the amenities of TV but we try not to mess up your tee tomes, restaurant reservations, or even get in your line dances. However, we love the place. All this being said, I have been there when TV was about 23,000 people and to this stage of development.
It was a lot more fun then and really unique when there was only one Town Square ( not counting the original across the hwy) with a micro brewery, bakery, great Italian restaurant (Augustines), and alas, no Starbucks and Bread Company. The Buffalo still roamed, the locals ( non residents) in the area didn't pay much attention to the Square and it was still a kick to drive your golf cart where ever. Please don't get jacked up at me because I still love the place and will continue to rent and spend money. We eat late, so we don't take the early reservations, and if I can't get a tee time on campus I go to Baseline ( my wife loves it).
Keep in mind, you are very soon going to be a city of 100,000 people and you will get all the things that will come with it - crime, vandalism, traffic and attitude from people over 55 who will be the majority. It will still be a great place but tolerance had better be in your bag to survive. (Sorry Red, Gracie, and Russ) Hope to see some of you at the February get together at Crispers.
Irish

Well said Irish! We moved here when it was <10,000 people. Super place at that time. The developer, Harold Schwartz, even came and greeted you at the sales building. Just a real nice hometown kind of place.

[jbdlfan]

I know this won't be a very appreciated response, but I have to tell you, I've seen the same abhorant behavior from adults, some being residents. At least the kids have immaturity as an excuse!!!!!

[redwitch]

Personally, I like seeing the kids in the Squares. Hanging out in the parking lots is a little disconcerting, though. Sitting on the edge of the 441 golf cart bridge is dangerous for the kids and the drivers (some treat the bridge like their personal roller coaster and brakes are barely used) and there have been a few instances of graffiti on the bridge (and not good graffiti, just red drek). As has been said, judge each instance case-by-case. If you feel there really is a chance someone could be hurt, call security. If the only harm is you're uncomfortable because it is teens, I vote on letting it go.

And I totally agree that some of the worst behavior I've seen is from residents who think that because they're in a golf cart they don't have to worry about drinking and driving and behave accordingly -- some people really are mean drunks.