[Aces4]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

This IS historic. Personally I would LOVE to go see ANY President (in or out of Office). I'm Independent and it would be an honor to personally view the Pres. Shame that it appears to be a fund-raising matter and not a rally or speech. How wonderful it would have been to have it in the Polo Field with thousands. I would have gone to see Pres Obama, Trump, or whoever is next in line... Too bad - coming all they way to TV, and the general "public" is shut out.

I agree and would enjoy being in any one of those audiences.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Okay. I edited out the offending 2 words to my previous post. The intention of the post, the actual question, the actual concern, stands. Perhaps we can return to civil discourse instead of taking what was a humorous two words of my usual long-winded posts, and turning them into another opportunity to take potshots at me, personally?

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Okay. I edited out the offending 2 words to my previous post. The intention of the post, the actual question, the actual concern, stands. Perhaps we can return to civil discourse instead of taking what was a humorous two words of my usual long-winded posts, and turning them into another opportunity to take potshots at me, personally?

I really appreciate that and respect your decision.

[alemorkam]

We were there when President Bush was on Sumter Landing Market Square. Was a great time, and a memory to stand next to a President, whichever party.

[Polar Bear]

A presidential visit means lots of logistical issues...and related headaches for many who see it that way. It’s no different for The Villages than it is for any other location.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

A presidential visit means lots of logistical issues...and related headaches for many who see it that way. It’s no different for The Villages than it is for any other location.

I think it would be more complicated because presidents don't typically show up in what amounts to little more than a single one-way traffic circle with a concrete slab in the middle, a strip mall on each of the four blocks facing it, and 6 narrow side-roads that feed in and out of the middle - three of which are against the sides and front of the Morse Performing Arts Center.

It's very concentrated traffic. When the president goes to New York City, the traffic is also a nightmare for hours before and after the visit.

Any time ANY president goes to a traffic-centric place, the risk to the president's life and health is through the roof. So they tend to close stuff off to the public and divert traffic around the venue.

In the case of Spanish Springs, there's not a lot of diverting you can do. The building faces the busiest section of that entire part of the Villages, with regards to traffic. The only way I can think of to minimize security risks would be to close it down completely for the standard 2 hours prior to his expected arrival and until he is well on his way out of the community.

That's why I was asking about it.

[tophcfa]

I guess I won't be swimming laps at the La Hacienda sports pool on Tuesday. Wish I could get a seat at the Sharon. Oh well, will read about it in Wednesdays paper.

[pauld315]

Originally Posted by billethkid

A little disappointing that he would not opt for a more rally like setting like Bush did a few years back.....allowing for more of those who support him to participate.

I wonder if that was his preference or TV powers that be!?!

If GWB packed somewhere around 16K into Lake Sumter to see him back then, you would need the polo grounds to accommodate a Trump rally. There would be over 50K people there ! V.ery difficult logistics for a security etc

[graciegirl]

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[anothersteve]

I'm guessing they will bring Trump in through the rear of the Sharon, via Morse and Paige. I wonder if they will keep the square open. That would be a real kick for Trump to come out and Blue Stone Circle announces while playing Hail to the Chief....."ladies and gentlemen..the President of the United States".

One can dream.
Steve

[Velvet]

Maybe the visit will disrupt traffic... but we’ll have something to talk about for a long time to come. “When the President was in TV.....”

[Dond1959]

When I worked in London out of the US Embassy Bush II was coming over for a visit. The British media really blasted him and were complaining on and on before the visit about traffic, costs, and other issues. Bush and Colin Powell came to visit the embassy staff and the First comment from the President was “everybody was worried about the traffic, I haven’t had a problem”. Classic Bush and the place erupted with laughter.

Bottom line is wherever a President goes there will be traffic and other headaches, you just have to deal with it the best that you can and try to stay out of the impacted area if possible.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yes, I'm sure there will be a lot of traffic. But that wasn't the question, or the concern. It was whether or not they'd need to CLOSE roads and divert traffic, maybe close the Spanish Springs town square completely, or possibly even the golf cart bridge. and I also said that no one will know this information yet, and I said that I'm sure as someone does, it'll be posted on a forum, either here or elsewhere.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Do ya think he'll stay overnight in one of the Lifestyle Visit houses?
There'd be enough bedrooms for the Secret Service to stay in the same house with him!!?!

[Fredster]

Having President Trump coming to The Villages is a very special occasion,
and dealing with a bit of extra traffic for awhile near
the Sharon will gladly be accepted by most folks in TV.
Welcome, President Trump!