[Theoria]

Its a gated community. It might not fit your idea of a gated community, but you need a code to enter the two entrances or you could scale the wall.

As for the taking so long to get home. It would be a reasonable thing if he stopped along the way at a bus stop or stayed at the 7/11 while it was raining. Until it cleared up a little. Then again, if someone wants to walk at a slow pace, they can do that was well.

[Texas Fossil]

OK from another article I found that there was another 7-11 closer at 1125 Rinehart Road, Sanford, FL

The distance from the dispatched site at 1111 Retreat View Circle to 1125 Rinehart shows to be 0.78 miles

Round trip of about 1.5 miles. Much more credible.

[Sherman Logan]

you need a code to enter the two entrances or you could scale the wall.

Not much of a wall. 3.5 to 4 foot brick.

Or you can walk around the end of the wall.

Or drive through or walk thru the gate by waiting for someone with access to go thru first.

Not what you'd call particularly secure.

At lots of these "gated communities" in FL the gates are left open much or all of the time.