True, but somebody with a religious objection may be hiding behind the deed restriction to object without having to state the real reason.

We're in Marion county and some years ago we had a statue of St.Francis in the garden in front of our porch thing is his hand was out with a tray on it to be able to hold a plant and we still had to move the "monk" as the neighborhood watch person called him to under the eaves.... yes there are deed restrictions and yes we read them but figured he was a planter. Sometimes I truly feeling like big brother is watching and some people have nothing better to do.... but that's just me, still love it here but don't always "like" everything. LOL

“There is NO HOA in The Villages.”
That would be wrong. San Pedro Courtyard Villas has one and it cost $50/yr that covers the painting of wall that surrounds San Pedro.

That's true but I doubt if this is the case. Not to get political, but if this were some kind of Islamic art I can see that happening. But with a statue of the Virgin Mary not so much. I may also be based on some other kind of animosity rather than religious. I mean the person who reported this couple's placing of the statue.

I did see what seemed to be a group checking out flag displays on my Loop. Not sure whom they thought they could complain to however. This was near Memorial Day. They seemed upset by one of the small flags that had fallen and gotten a bit wet.

I don't have an HOA to beat up.:throwtomatoes:

Could also be an atheist or a Jew, or that group that goes around trying to get religious stuff out of the public eye, name of which escapes me.

No one from the Jewish faith that I have ever met has revealed an intolerance to Christians, so my money would go on either an atheist or a radical Protestant opposed to the veneration of Mary. Yes, they exist. I know a Baptist minister who has spoken to me of his feelings on this issue. He feels that veneration of Mary detracts from the worship of God and borders on idolatry.

The only reason this is a "story" is because it's The Villages and the controversy is over a statue of the Virgin Mary in the front yard of an Ex-Priest living in The Villages. The deed restrictions do not allow such religious statues in the front yard in the Village of Duval.

If this was on the Historical Side of The Villages or in the part of The Villages within Lady Lake, it would be an allowable lawn ornament.

You are right. Also, I'm familiar with, and have heard, that objection to the idolatry of Mary (and icons in general) from some radical Protestants.

Your penance is to say 10 Hail Marys.

One other thought that maybe people may not want to address: is the reporter of the statue a homophobe? That was my first thought. I see lots of violations in my neighborhood regarding yard maintenance, house painting, etc. and I seem to be the only one to have a problem with a red and green enamel painted house with a disgusting lanai and yard....Yes, I agree with others about the restrictions of the CDD and support those restrictions but I truly think this complaint goes well beyond this. Just my humble opinion.

Sorry! I'm one of those Presbyterians. We don't confess... we're already saved!

He should take down the statue and go buy the nastiest looking car (that runs) and park it in his drive or in front of his house! Let the neighbors look at that for a year. Some people actually look for things to complain about~

By no means are my comments directed at any religious group. I, myself, am a non practicing Catholic who disagrees with some of the beliefs of the Catholic church, but believe that people should be able to live the lifestyle they chose whether I agree with it or not. Unfortunately, I think the person who reported this was more offended with the "couple" than the statue. Again, just my humble opinion.

Water Feature
 

If it had been a statue of Harold Schwartz the complaint might not have been sustained.


Note that the Schwartz statue in the link your provided is part of a "water feature."