[boomerbaby]

We are here 4 yrs. now and every winter it is very busy here, when April comes you see a difference and by May it is back to a normallcy but this year the traffic has really increase and it is due to all the new homes south of 466a so it will continue to be more congested until the build out ends. I really wish the build out would end as originally planned as we were told when we built here, I now take the attitude it is what it is. The thing that really upset me was that the original poster said he could not get in to see his dr. They should be keeping spots open for their patients that are not feeling well. You should not be told by your dr. to go to urgent care. Marcus Welby never would have done that.

[pbeinetti]

I empathize with OP. We are full timers as of 2 years ago, and rented 2 years before. The change over those 4 years is incredible. If all the building were to stop right now, and the infrastructure were to stay the same, I wouldn't be concerned. Yes, there are times when I would like to get into a restaurant, and can't. And, get a tee time, but can't. But, not a big deal -- I can deal with that. My concern is the future. Experiencing the growth over the past 4 years, and then projecting into the future -- yes, I DO believe there is a problem just over the horizon. Janet Tutt said recently that the stop light at Colony Cottage may not be sufficient in the future. But, that they (I assume the developer) want to see what it will be like when the traffic has 'settled', after the 8000+/- people south of Hillsborough, and Fruitland Park Villages move in, and future commercialization is done. I don't know what she is referring to about 'future commercialization'. Maybe there is something on the drawing boards that none of us know about. I do know that the 8000+/- people will be here within 2 years which will add incredible strain to the existing amenities and infrastructure. I wrote Janet Tutt an email after I read about her 'commercialization' comment, and she wrote me back that it's not her department -- she would forward my email to the right person, who I never heard from. Will TV get it right over the next few years? I don't know. The Colony Plaza, and surrounding area, design is a mess. For those of us who use Micro Racetrack road, to Rolling Acres, to Home Depot, etc., it has already become a nightmare. Imagine when 4000 more people are in the Fruitland Park Villages, and south of Hillsborough is built out. IF there are not places for these people to shop, Microracetrack/Rolling Acres will be chaos. I have spoken with the person who is in charge of future road planning in the Sumter and Lake County area. I asked him what the plans are for north/south roads. His answer was that they are studying a new north/south corridor. When I asked his opinion on when this might be built, his answer was in about 20 years -- no joke.

Are we too crowded now? I don't think so. But, I do believe the handwriting is on the wall.

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by pbeinetti

I empathize with OP. We are full timers as of 2 years ago, and rented 2 years before. The change over those 4 years is incredible. If all the building were to stop right now, and the infrastructure were to stay the same, I wouldn't be concerned. Yes, there are times when I would like to get into a restaurant, and can't. And, get a tee time, but can't. But, not a big deal -- I can deal with that. My concern is the future. Experiencing the growth over the past 4 years, and then projecting into the future -- yes, I DO believe there is a problem just over the horizon. Janet Tutt said recently that the stop light at Colony Cottage may not be sufficient in the future. But, that they (I assume the developer) want to see what it will be like when the traffic has 'settled', after the 8000+/- people south of Hillsborough, and Fruitland Park Villages move in, and future commercialization is done. I don't know what she is referring to about 'future commercialization'. Maybe there is something on the drawing boards that none of us know about. I do know that the 8000+/- people will be here within 2 years which will add incredible strain to the existing amenities and infrastructure. I wrote Janet Tutt an email after I read about her 'commercialization' comment, and she wrote me back that it's not her department -- she would forward my email to the right person, who I never heard from. Will TV get it right over the next few years? I don't know. The Colony Plaza, and surrounding area, design is a mess.

For those of us who use Micro Racetrack road, to Rolling Acres, to Home Depot, etc., it has already become a nightmare. Imagine when 4000 more people are in the Fruitland Park Villages, and south of Hillsborough is built out. IF there are not places for these people to shop, Microracetrack/Rolling Acres will be chaos. I have spoken with the person who is in charge of future road planning in the Sumter and Lake County area. I asked him what the plans are for north/south roads. His answer was that they are studying a new north/south corridor. When I asked his opinion on when this might be built, his answer was in about 20 years -- no joke.
Are we too crowded now? I don't think so. But, I do believe the handwriting is on the wall.

Two things:

From 466-A, it's much slower and more clogged to get to Rolling Acres on Micro Racetrack Rd than it is to go--continuously without stopping--on Morse Blvd.

Fruitland Park new villages will be accompanied by more shopping centers and commercial properties along 466-A, which the developer will surely fund for widening.

If anybody has a grip on city planning, it is The Villages and the Morse team. They get things done, and the funding is in place before starting. (What a concept!)

[TGRANNYT]

I love it here and the crowds don't bother me too much. When we go out for dinner we go early and skip our at-home lunch. It works. It's like ghost town here in July; I kind of like this better.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by pbeinetti

I empathize with OP. We are full timers as of 2 years ago, and rented 2 years before. The change over those 4 years is incredible. If all the building were to stop right now, and the infrastructure were to stay the same, I wouldn't be concerned. Yes, there are times when I would like to get into a restaurant, and can't. And, get a tee time, but can't. But, not a big deal -- I can deal with that. My concern is the future. Experiencing the growth over the past 4 years, and then projecting into the future -- yes, I DO believe there is a problem just over the horizon. Janet Tutt said recently that the stop light at Colony Cottage may not be sufficient in the future. But, that they (I assume the developer) want to see what it will be like when the traffic has 'settled', after the 8000+/- people south of Hillsborough, and Fruitland Park Villages move in, and future commercialization is done. I don't know what she is referring to about 'future commercialization'. Maybe there is something on the drawing boards that none of us know about. I do know that the 8000+/- people will be here within 2 years which will add incredible strain to the existing amenities and infrastructure. I wrote Janet Tutt an email after I read about her 'commercialization' comment, and she wrote me back that it's not her department -- she would forward my email to the right person, who I never heard from. Will TV get it right over the next few years? I don't know. The Colony Plaza, and surrounding area, design is a mess. For those of us who use Micro Racetrack road, to Rolling Acres, to Home Depot, etc., it has already become a nightmare. Imagine when 4000 more people are in the Fruitland Park Villages, and south of Hillsborough is built out. IF there are not places for these people to shop, Microracetrack/Rolling Acres will be chaos. I have spoken with the person who is in charge of future road planning in the Sumter and Lake County area. I asked him what the plans are for north/south roads. His answer was that they are studying a new north/south corridor. When I asked his opinion on when this might be built, his answer was in about 20 years -- no joke.

Are we too crowded now? I don't think so. But, I do believe the handwriting is on the wall.

The road planners don't sit around for years to make something happen.
I been here for 12 years and when a problem comes up it is attended to.
Intersection of 466 & 301. I noticed this fall that traffic was beginning to back up for those wanting to turn south on 301 going west on on 466, and those turning east on 466 going south on 301. Guess what construction will start this week to provide two turning lanes for both turns.........problem solved.
Did you know that 466A is being widened from the County Service Center west to 301?
If Lake County could get their act together 466A would be 4 lanes from Colony east to 441/27
If there is a north south corridor being studied, it will not take Mr. Morse 20 years to make it happen.
BTW if you cannot get a tee time add more courses and widen you time window.....been bumped 2 times in the last 4 years.

[Big O]

Originally Posted by JB in TV

Yeah...Many of the replying posters got the intent of my post...thanks!

I get it that it is crowded this time of year. I never said I was in a rush. I was really trying to figure out ways to improve our experience here...ALL of our experiences. I am happy that there is so much demand and homes sell so fast. It's nice to see so much appreciation in home prices. I truely believe that the Morse family has done a fabulous job here. I think it is time for "them" to re-think some of the scheduling of events...

I hear all the time about how hard it is to get tee times...and read about folks getting in trouble for ghosting or some such thing! LOL....I don't golf yet, (a few neighbors have graciously offered to teach me) I really have no idea what is involved with the process of scheduling to go golfing,

Speaking of scheduling...To call at 7:30AM and not be able to get a same-day appointment at THEIR highly prompted as "Marcus Welby" type of neighborhood health care centers is just...well... wrong. EVERY general practice doctor's office I have ever been to keeps some time each day for "same day" appointments, that are not urgent enough for an Urgent Care Center. At least for those that call early in the day. I didn't need to see MY doctor.

So really, I am frustrated by a few things here that I see can be improved...And maybe frustrated is too strong word.

I'm sorry, but demanding a same day appointment in my mind is an emergency unless you pay for concierge medicine. I am happy if I get an appointment within a week.

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

The road planners don't sit around for years to make something happen.
I been here for 12 years and when a problem comes up it is attended to.
Intersection of 466 & 301. I noticed this fall that traffic was beginning to back up for those wanting to turn south on 301 going west on on 466, and those turning east on 466 going south on 301. Guess what construction will start this week to provide two turning lanes for both turns.........problem solved.
Did you know that 466A is being widened from the County Service Center west to 301?
If Lake County could get their act together 466A would be 4 lanes from Colony east to 441/27
If there is a north south corridor being studied, it will not take Mr. Morse 20 years to make it happen.
BTW if you cannot get a tee time add more courses and widen you time window.....been bumped 2 times in the last 4 years.

[renielarson]

It is what it is so just...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP1TWcILbcg]Simmer Down Now - Simmer to down to now - YouTube[/ame]

[Indy-Guy]

The developer keeps doing what he can do to slow down growth by raising home prices but the homes just keep on selling!

That tells me that we made a good choice by choosing The Villages.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by Indy-Guy

The developer keeps doing what he can do to slow down growth by raising home prices but the homes just keep on selling!

That tells me that we made a good choice by choosing The Villages.

So that is the reason prices of homes have increased----I've been wondering!

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by pbeinetti

I empathize with OP. We are full timers as of 2 years ago, and rented 2 years before. The change over those 4 years is incredible. If all the building were to stop right now, and the infrastructure were to stay the same, I wouldn't be concerned. Yes, there are times when I would like to get into a restaurant, and can't. And, get a tee time, but can't. But, not a big deal -- I can deal with that. My concern is the future. Experiencing the growth over the past 4 years, and then projecting into the future -- yes, I DO believe there is a problem just over the horizon. Janet Tutt said recently that the stop light at Colony Cottage may not be sufficient in the future. But, that they (I assume the developer) want to see what it will be like when the traffic has 'settled', after the 8000+/- people south of Hillsborough, and Fruitland Park Villages move in, and future commercialization is done. I don't know what she is referring to about 'future commercialization'. Maybe there is something on the drawing boards that none of us know about. I do know that the 8000+/- people will be here within 2 years which will add incredible strain to the existing amenities and infrastructure. I wrote Janet Tutt an email after I read about her 'commercialization' comment, and she wrote me back that it's not her department -- she would forward my email to the right person, who I never heard from. Will TV get it right over the next few years? I don't know. The Colony Plaza, and surrounding area, design is a mess. For those of us who use Micro Racetrack road, to Rolling Acres, to Home Depot, etc., it has already become a nightmare. Imagine when 4000 more people are in the Fruitland Park Villages, and south of Hillsborough is built out. IF there are not places for these people to shop, Microracetrack/Rolling Acres will be chaos. I have spoken with the person who is in charge of future road planning in the Sumter and Lake County area. I asked him what the plans are for north/south roads. His answer was that they are studying a new north/south corridor. When I asked his opinion on when this might be built, his answer was in about 20 years -- no joke.

Are we too crowded now? I don't think so. But, I do believe the handwriting is on the wall.

Can *anyone* explain to me how they believe there are going to be 8,000 more year-round residents when the build-out is complete...as opposed to many new owners - many of whom will be part-time residents? I just don't see that *every* house in *every* village will *ever* be inhabited with 2 year-round residents!

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by gomoho

I believe the OPs original intent was to see if anyone had suggestions to make the situation better. Lots of people going on about it's in season, this is like a tourist destination, not as bad as where I can from. But is that any reason to accept the status quo??? I ventured out to Kohl's, Sams, and BofA at Rolling Acres and 441/27 and thought I was going to lose my mind. I hope someone is looking at this situation because it really will be like this and worse once build out occurs. Then you will really see property values drop cause people will only take so much.

gomoho - What is causing you to lose your mind about that area? I have been driving up and down 27/441 between Ocala and Leesburg and the *only* area driving me nuts is that road re-construction from F.P south that is now in its *3rd year*!!!!! A project like that one would never take 3 yrs to complete in NJ - where crews cannot work all year round even!!!! The worst traffic light we have encountered is turning left from 466 onto Rolling Acres Rd or turning left from 466 onto Morse to go to LSL. So in the first example we now use Morse Blvd instead of Rolling Acres Rd and in the second example we either avoid going to LSL or we use Morse Blvd again.

[2BNTV]

Being here only a short time, I have noticed an increase in traffic when travelling about. The restaurants seem more full, and crowding in general, seems to be on the uptick.

I love when there are a lot of of people in restaurants, that pump money into our economy. I would plan accordingly, if one wants to go to a restaurant, and be seated in a short time span. Eating at home is another option, if one doesn't want to deal with crowds.

To me. it's a matter of tolerance. Those of us that come from big cities are use to crowds and expect wait times at restaurants and shopping.You go with the flow. For those that have moved here from small towns, and expect to be able to go about their business, as if they are the only one's that count, is unrealistic.

My doctor leaves a couple of appt's open for emergencies, as opposed to going to urgent care, is one solution that needs to be explored. One must find a doctor who's policy is to get patients in on an emegency basis, if at all possible. It's difficult, but it can be done.

It's a matter of tolerance and perception. Those of us who have come from big citites are more tolerant of wait times, as patience is the key. Those who love the small town feel, will grow more disenchanted, in the size TV, will grow to. Only Mr. Morse knows when build out will end. As gets bigger, the corresponding changes that need to be made of terms of stores and shopping will be addressed by Mr. Morse. He has done a wonderful job and I will be always amazed at his vision, and acumen for getting things that need to be done, in a timely fashion.

Patience, grasshopper.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

The road planners don't sit around for years to make something happen.
I been here for 12 years and when a problem comes up it is attended to.
Intersection of 466 & 301. I noticed this fall that traffic was beginning to back up for those wanting to turn south on 301 going west on on 466, and those turning east on 466 going south on 301. Guess what construction will start this week to provide two turning lanes for both turns.........problem solved.
Did you know that 466A is being widened from the County Service Center west to 301?
If Lake County could get their act together 466A would be 4 lanes from Colony east to 441/27
If there is a north south corridor being studied, it will not take Mr. Morse 20 years to make it happen.
BTW if you cannot get a tee time add more courses and widen you time window.....been bumped 2 times in the last 4 years.

You are right as usual Bogie. Some day I hope to shake your hand.

[billethkid]

it's kinda like having a bushel of apples with only one that has a bad spot on it and all that gets talked about is the bad apple!

It takes maybe 15 minutes to get anywhere in TV.....no matter what the season. Relax...take your time and allow for the extra car or two or minute or two here and there.

Let's talk about the other apples in the bushel!