[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by sunnyatlast

I think the whole interior dance and seating space of the square should be roped off until 4:30, when a chair could be handed to people as they walk in. They'd have to stand in line starting a half hour before, at 4:00, and if they cannot behave in line, they get booted to the back of the line.

Yes, event staff would have to be there to monitor the line and send the bullies to the back of the line, like babysitters. Babysitters are needed for bratty kids who can't behave on their own.

I think also that the entertainment dept. should charge $1 to everyone as they get a chair, and then at 7:00, have a drawing for half the amount collected, and put the other half toward the musicians' pay. Make a rule that the drawing winner must be present and seated in his/her chair.

People abuse what is free of charge! Watch a company like T&D Pools or Florida Lotto toss free t-shirts from the bandstand into the crowd, and you'll see 70-year-old CHILDREN grabbing a t-shirt out of the hands of another person who caught it and is holding it with both hands. It's appalling!!

Sounds like the addition of a lot of unnecessary steps.

[cmj1210]

I agree

[kstew43]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

A confrontation that made national news might actually force the Villages Entertainment to act. At that point it becomes a safety issue and might be viewed as possibly impacting home sales. I don't believe most organizations are proactive enough to act before an incident happens.

awful thing to say but......"even bad publicity .. is still publicity"......

[MrGolf]

Couldn't agree more.

[TheVillageChicken]

Maybe if they relocated some offensive signage from Fish Hawk Rec to the squares, the attendance would diminish enough to solve the problem.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by TheVillageChicken

Maybe if they relocated some offensive signage from Fish Hawk Rec to the squares, the attendance would diminish enough to solve the problem.

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

[looneycat]

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

I am against the practice of roping off or in any other way holding a section of seats at the various town squares. I think this is rude, selfish, inconsiderate, and wrong and I want to see a policy to bring it to an end. We all pay for those seats and I believe all seats at the squares should be available on a first come, first serve basis, with one seat for one person. This is in no way intended to prohibit a person from saving a seat that has already been taken while that seat occupant is otherwise engaged and away from the seat for a short period of time. I don't care if you're having a class reunion, neighborhood gathering, or the family is in from up north or whatever other reason you feel is justification for inconveniencing the rest of us. Seat holding of large groups when the occupants are not there is wrong and unfair and must end.

Therefore: I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division establish an official policy prohibiting the roping off or in any other way holding or making unavailable to the general public seats for persons who are not currently there to occupy them.

Furthermore, I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division post easily visible signs in multiple locations at each of the town square venues stating this new policy in easily understood language, and that this policy be announced multiple times during each evening at each of the town square venues.

Furthermore I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division employees and/or the applicable sheriff's office enforce this policy each evening.

If you agree with this petition then please post stating that you agree. Any who disagree, please feel free to express your disagreement here as well. Hopefully it will all be reviewed by The Villages Entertainment Division and action will be taken to resolve this issue.

a pair of scissors works too

[VT2TV]

Might be good to have a group of volunteers go to the squares and get signatures of the people there who are against seat hoarding.

[Coal Miner]

I agree and after last night I can speak for 4 other couples. WE ALL AGREE!!!!

[Cedwards38]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

Implicit in my suggestion is the opportunity for several people (the committee) to essentially question, in person, the Villages Entertainment as to why the existing policy is not being enforced. At that time, the committee could also ask about the escalation path. Some things are best done in person and the issue here is accountability - there is apparently a rule on "the books" that someone is choosing not to enforce. It isn't clear to me why the Sheriff's department would be involved as it isn't a law enforcement issue.

It's a good question. I'm no law enforcement expert but my thinking was that the The Villages Entertainment Division sponsors this event and may establish policies to govern the event. If someone willfully violates those policies then a law enforcement agency would have the authority to intercede to maintain order, thus enforcing the policy. Whether, in extreme cases, they could arrest someone for disturbing the peace or some other statutory infraction, I'm not sure. For example, if the Orlando Magic prohibits the display of offensive signs, or any signs for that matter, would or could their private security at the Amway Center, or on duty law officers at the game enforce the rule? I think they can, but if someone has legal or law enforcement experience, I'd welcome some advice on this issue. Please advise us, and tell us about your expertise.

[Sandtrap328]

I have lived here full time for five years. There is NO major problem. I go to the squares frequently. I have never seen altercations over seats. People do take roped off chairs when no one shows up at 5. No yelling, no shoving, no fights.

No need for a security force or deputies. Just arrive early for a show, put your chairs down and enjoy people watching, beautiful weather, and meet new people.

Get there late and you may not have a seat until the next set.

Isn't it great that saved seats are the biggest problem that we have down here?

[Miles42]

You will never stop the jerks roping off seats with out a ban on it and strict enforcement.

[Cedwards38]

Looks like a lot of support for stopping this unfair practice of roping seats, but not really enough to call this a petition, or to create an online petition. How about we just let our feeling be known on the annual survey. If you disagree with this, let me know right here. Thanks everyone.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

Looks like a lot of support for stopping this unfair practice of roping seats, but not really enough to call this a petition, or to create an online petition. How about we just let our feeling be known on the annual survey. If you disagree with this, let me know right here. Thanks everyone.

Have you talked to anyone at the Entertainment Division?

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Post # 35 - The only way voices will be heard is if a significant number of residents mention this as a concern on the Annual Survey.

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

How about we just let our feeling be known on the annual survey.

The Annual Survey is the way to make our feelings known. If large numbers of people write in the same concern, it will be heard by Management.