by Chief Steve Hunt
Speeders, speeders, speeders.
The number one complaint received from citizens to the police department is drivers speeding in their neighborhood. I can assure you it is no different throughout the country whether it be Bangor, Maine or Lady Lake, Florida. I also share in the same frustration. I routinely find myself loudly expressing my disappointment with folks “flying” by my own home at least once every weekend while I am mowing the lawn or doing an outside project. Everyone seems to be in such a hurry these days. Everyone needs to push that yellow light before it turns red. Everyone is so easily offended about even the slightest traffic grievance as though one was being called out to participate in a duel. There was a day if you mistakenly cut someone off, they would give a “salute”, now folks are waving guns around. John Lennon would say, “strange days indeed”.
Now the question is how we, the Lady Lake Police Department, respond to these complaints. Well, I know some of you might say, “not very well.” In a time with many demands for police service it is difficult at best to provide coverage that makes everyone happy. We try to assess where we place resources in the most efficient manner possible. We take into consideration the actual speed zone, accident history, pedestrian and children traffic. We also realize we now have many unintended “cross through” streets that have been increasingly problematic. Quality of life considerations also come into play. Increased loud traffic through what would be a normally quiet neighborhood becomes a real distraction for residents. We understand and hear your concerns. I, too, get angered by the Richard Petty wannabes going by my house.
I appreciate your emails and phone calls, and I can even live with the ones that get a little spicy. But please remember, sometimes we know your street is a problem – think Rio Grande, Chula Vista, W. McClendon – and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes all we need is a friendly call that a situation is escalating. Those are the kinds of reminders that help us find a solution together. “Hey, they are flying over here again. Can you all give it some attention”?
Once a problem is identified, we place the area on a special patrol list and give the officers direction on where to concentrate their efforts during their shifts. The supervisor may lead the squad in a problem area. We have a few digital speed signs that appear to help, and we are in the process purchasing a few more. These units can also provide some data to assist us with manpower allocation. I am hopeful that we will soon return to full staff and be able to bring back our Special Enforcement Team in order to attack the problem areas more aggressively.
We are here, we want to be part of the solution to make this community the best place to live, work, and play. We will do our part to help in what sometimes can appear to be a world gone crazy. Remember: “Love is all we need” – and maybe a little bit of patience and grace.
In the case an emergency, do not hesitate to call 911. For all other issues you think we should be aware of, please call the Lady Lake Police Non-Emergency number at 352-343-2101.
