To the Editor:
When we moved into The Village of Winifred in Sept., 2004 as one of its original “settlers”, there were roughly 40,000 residents of The Villages. Below CR-466, there was virtually nothing and, if memory serves, Lake Sumter Landing did not open for business until the following summer. To try and comprehend what has developed since then boggles the imagination. To see what has developed below CR-466A would, at one time, have been unimaginable some years ago. But that is still only a start what with the recent opening of Fenney; the Fruitland Park development; and now an announcement of some 20,000 more homes south of CR-44 on both sides of the Fla. Turnpike.
Giving credit where credit is due, the Developer has always put great emphasis on the development of recreation facilities such as rec. centers, golf courses, etc. But despite those efforts, we are becoming overwhelmed. Retail facilities are crammed; roadways are becoming unsafe because so many of our “newer” drivers have no clue how to handle roundabouts, especially during “the season”. We have been perennially reported to be the fastest growing Municipal Statistical Area in the nation for several years. But I question whether that is a good thing.
I would suggest that there be a much greater effort on the part of the Developer and the local law enforcement officials to educate people coming here to learn how to drive here; to understand that the turn signal stalk is something more than decoration; and to SLOW DOWN!! I am not given to road rage, but more often than not, I am sore tempted to retaliate against so many idiots that I confront on our roads and streets. I have to question whatever happened to common sense. As I say, bigger is not always better!!
Daniel J. Andrews
Village of Winifred