Enlightening event

By DAISY MOON, DAILY SUN

Sunday, November 8, 2009 12:54 AM EST

THE VILLAGES — Jack Kress is no stranger to The Villages. He’s been a proud resident for nine years and counting.

But he didn’t let his ample knowledge of how Florida’s Friendliest Hometown, as well as the rest of the tri-county area, operates stop him from checking out Saturday’s 13th annual Villages Government Day.

Held at Laurel Manor Recreation Center and sponsored by The Villages Community Development Districts, the massive affair offered area residents the chance to learn more about both the county and state government organizations and the people behind them who keep Lake, Sumter and Marion counties running without a hitch.

Villagers flooded the expanse of Laurel Manor, many carrying bags loaded with various brochures and pamphlets detailing such information as how to protect pets during hurricanes, courtesy of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, or FLASH.

Did you know that hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30? Well, if you attended Government Day and stopped by the FLASH booth, you likely now have all the information necessary to keep both you and your pets safe the next time severe weather strikes.

“We always come to Government Day,” Village of Polo Ridge resident Kress said, explaining that the event allows residents the opportunity to converse with certain people with whom they otherwise might not have that chance.

For example, he took a moment to talk with District Manager Janet Tutt. By speaking with such officials, Kress said he’s able to “see what (The Villages) has planned for the future.”

Besides inquiring about what’s to come, however, Kress said Government Day gives insight on what’s presently happening, as well. This allows newer residents to become acquainted with the ins and outs of their new town.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to find out what kinds of rules and regulations you’re living under,” Kress said, adding, “If you’ve got questions, this is the place to come.”

“You have so many organizations with fancy initials,” Kress said. “No one can keep track of it.”

By attending Government Day, however, residents can explore the “parameters” of those associations, he said.

Such entities available to lend vital information on Saturday included the University of Florida IFAS Sumter County extension, St. John’s River Water Management, the Florida Department of Transportation, Lake-Sumter EMS, the Florida Association of the Deaf, the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department, several military veterans units and more.

Also on hand were individuals representing various area political leaders such as Rep. Marlene O’Toole, R-The Villages, Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis and U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Ocala.

Rather than having organizations scattered throughout Laurel Manor, each room of the recreation center was assigned entities of a specific county. Those representing Lake were in one area while Sumter and Marion were in separate rooms, making the process easier for residents living in those particular counties to find which organizations directly affect them.

Recreation facilities manager Debbie Hurtt said this year’s Government Day included more than 60 agencies and stressed that “it’s a wonderful opportunity for our residents to find out about the different programs and services available.”

And, as Kress exemplified, not only do new Villagers come but seasoned residents turn out for the event “year after year,” Hurtt said, as some people may simply be searching for information on a specific agency rather than learning about The Villages as a whole.

Daisy Moon is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9067, or daisy.moon@thevillagesmedia.com.