A Villager’s complaint about dogs has prompted new signage at a pristine path in The Villages.
The new signs are up at the Black Lake Walking Trail, reminding those using the trail that dogs, bicycles and smoking are not allowed on the scenic path located near the Lake Miona Recreation Center.
Earlier this year, Jane Stavish who lives in the Pilar Villas in the Village of Bonita, complained before the Project Wide Advisory Committee about the unwelcome presence of dogs on the path.
Dogs have never been allowed on the path, which opened in 2022. However, Stavish said dog walkers were blatantly thumbing their noses at the rule against dogs.
“They don’t give a damn about the rules,” Stavish said.
Her plea before PWAC prompted numerous Letters to the Editor published in Villages-News.com, complaining about dogs at the path. One visitor from South Carolina, who said she was unaware of the rule against dogs at the path, claimed she was treated horribly by walkers when they saw her with her beagle. Other letter writers complained the existing signage at the path, indicating the prohibition on dogs, was too small to be noticed.
In announcing the new signage, the District Government said the signs have been placed there to “educate residents.” The signs appear to be temporary in nature, so they could be removed if they have the desired impact.