Survey shows residents apathetic about security

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Given the chance to enhance security in their community, the majority of residents in the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club revealed they don’t have a preference.

Of the 2,910 residents surveyed from about 20 neighborhoods within Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts 2, 5 and 6, 27% responded. The survey sought to determine if residents want increased security patrols from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, in light of recent burglaries.

The survey, completed on behalf of the Country Club/Edgewater Village Association, the homeowners association for the country club and Edgewater, showed that about half of the 27% who responded want additional security, while the remaining half do not.

Of homeowners who want more security, two-thirds favor police patrols 12 hours daily, while one-third supports 24/7 patrols in the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.

“The results seem to indicate that the recent rash of crimes don’t deserve more attention than it’s getting,” CEVA President Steven Peters said, noting decisions to enhance patrols would be made by the CDDs.

CEVA board members were set to reveal and discuss the results at their Feb. 25 meeting, after the East County Observer went to press.

CEVA planned to present the survey results to CDD 2, 5 and 6 board members, who would determine further action, if any.

Individual neighborhood chairmen obtained the survey responses though email and shared the results with Lakewood Ranch Town Hall staff, who compiled the data.

Although survey results were not definitive, some residents continue to be vocal about security concerns.
After the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office worked together to arrest individuals they believe were responsible for a series of burglaries east of Interstate 75 that occurred in the fall, crime within Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club subsided in January.

But two daytime burglaries occurred in the Thornhill community Feb. 10 and Feb. 17, reigniting alarm.
At the CDD 6 board meeting Feb. 20, residents questioned the inability for gates at the country club to deter criminals.

Eva Rey, executive director for Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, said gate guards are following protocols. Beyond that, law enforcement must secure communities, she said.

The results
• 73% failed to respond to the survey.
• Of the 27% of residents who responded, 50% favored additional police patrols and 50% did not.
• Two-thirds of individuals who favor additional patrols support 12-hour daily patrols,while one-third prefers 24/7 patrols.

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].