Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club — Restaurant in Florida

I recieved a call for a customer who lives in this community. The call was for a jumpstart on a Maserati ,so instead of sending my local driver. I drove all the way from Riverview Fl. The trip took me about 45 minutes and was around 38 miles away from where my last call was in Fishawk. When I arrived to the security office at the front of the community to gain access through the security gate. The security guard inside the office sneezed into his hands as he was walking through the office towards my car. I already had my driver's license out and ready to hand over until I witnessed the sneeze. When the security guard got near and requested my license I told him that I could not hand him my license because I witnessed him sneezing into his' hands and not washing them, and that I was on a medication that suppresses my immune system and that I could not hand him my license. I showed it to him and allowed him to look at it and read it, but he refused to look at it. He took everything very personal. He was enraged immediately and refused to even listen to me explain that I am taking medication that suppresses my immune system. I tried a few times to explain this to him within a matter of seconds. In a panic to have him not embarrass me any further, but he refused. He jumped on the phone to who he said was the HOA. He said they told me to leave. I told him I am refusing to leave I have a job to do. I told him to call my customer that lived in the community and speak to him. I then called the customer and explain to the customer what was going on and asked him to call the security officer and have him calm down and listen to my explanation for why I could not allow him to hold my license. Now the security guard is enraged even further because I will not exit the facility. He starts yelling at me about holding the line up and refuses once again to my pleas to listen to me for why I'm not willing to hand him my license. He then calls Pasco County Sheriff Office on me and tells them he has a disgruntled person refusing to move out of they way of traffic. I left immediately after hearing he was on the phone with the police. The last thing I want is to be embarrassed even further. I drive down the road to a convenience store and called a customer to let him know what is going on. The customer is very apologetic and understanding. The customer said he was going to file a complaint as well. I called the main office and left a voicemail for the HOA to call me. I understand that this man's actions are not a reflection of this entire community and the businesses within or the people within it. I still felt compelled to leave this review so others would know what I went through before I could even get...

Deeply Disappointing and Disrespectful Experience – Especially Toward a Disabled Golfer

I’m Dr. Jeremy Kyle, and this past weekend (May 16, 2025), I visited Lake Jovita Golf Course in Dade City, Florida. I brought a guest with me, and we paid approximately $350 for 18 holes. Given the price and the appearance of the course, I expected a high-end experience. What I got instead was one of the most appalling and humiliating encounters I’ve ever had at a golf facility—especially toward my guest, who is physically disabled.

Let me be clear: my guest has a consistent, straight swing that averages about 170 yards, and he understands golf etiquette inside and out. I, too, have extensive experience in the golf industry, holding a degree in turfgrass management focusing on golf course management and having worked for elite golf courses throughout my college days. Both of us know how to conduct ourselves on the course, how to keep pace, and how to let faster players through if needed.

We played seven holes with two other golfers without issue—until the starter and golf shop manager began relentlessly harassing my guest. These individuals literally lurked in the woods and at the end of fairways, spying on every swing we took. It was invasive, uncomfortable, and highly unprofessional.

Even after I informed them that my guest is handicapped—a fact they somehow couldn’t discern or didn’t care about—their surveillance and commentary continued. By the 8th hole, I stopped playing entirely and chose instead to drive the cart so that my guest could enjoy the remainder of his round in peace. But even that wasn’t enough for this management team.

What happened wasn’t about pace of play. It was about arrogance, prejudice, and a stunning lack of professionalism and empathy. If the pace were a real issue, we would have happily let others play through. But that was never requested, nor was it necessary. This was pure harassment, plain and simple.

For $350, I expected a day of leisure and quality golf. Instead, I witnessed a disabled person being bullied and shamed for doing nothing wrong. I’ve never seen anything like it at any other golf club I’ve visited across the country.

If Lake Jovita wants to present itself as a premier golf destination, it must drastically improve its understanding of ADA compliance, customer service, and basic human decency. I will never return, and I strongly urge others—especially those who value inclusion and respect—to think twice before supporting this...

Beware with pricing at Lake Jovita. We have a group that has gone several years. I would say the courses are 4 star. Generally nice but do need some maintenance. the north course has some great views and not as many houses. They love to move pins to the extreme sides. (Like playing 14 Sunday PGA pins). We also dealt with a group of drunks whooping and hollering while we waited... and waited. Pace is slow - and seldom see a ranger. Members will just jump around. The villas are hit and miss. This year was a miss in my villa. Supposed to have 2 queens in the master so 2 grown men can share. Instead - had a king in the master and 2 kids twins in the small room. Felt like sleeping on a board. Hard to fit 2 grown men in the small room - or we had to have 2 grown men share a bed. Spent 5 weeks negotiating a meal for our group. The food was very good - new chef seems top notch. But they didn't give us a final price til we arrived and (surprise!) there is a 22% service fee. Which is fine if the group had known. Also - after being charged a rate for 2 years (because Im PGA)... (surprise!) went up 50% without ONE word from them beforehand. I spoke to General Manager and emailed Sharon the lady that booked us. Crickets. I will not be going back because of how they took advantage of our group after being there a couple years, plus the battles on the golf course. Courses are 4... but everything...