PGA NATIONAL Property Owners Association

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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Security Directors Report – September 2022

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With Covid still a part of our lives and now Monkeypox. Some might say it’s like we’re all living in Murphy’s Law. With that being said, here’s a friendly reminder from security that may help you navigate through Murphy’s Law.

Criminals are still active and now is not the time to become complacent. Do not leave your key fob in your vehicle or leave your vehicle unlocked. Most vehicle thefts and burglaries are the result of these two occurrences. Never leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle. Remember to close your garage door when not in use and always set your alarm when you leave your home. Never open your door for any unexpected or unknown visitors.

Be safe out there.

Please call security at 561-627-1600 for any suspicious person(s) or activities. If you see something, say something. Dial 911 for all emergencies.

Property Manager’s Report – September 2022

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BARE FACTS
You should have received a text or email (or both) from the PGA POA office to let you know a black bear was seen in the Glengary community during the night of August 18th . The Florida Fish & Wildlife (“FWC”) offices were alerted and their representative said bears can travel up to 20 miles in a day (I guess when you’re a big ‘ole bear, not much gets in your way and you can travel unobstructed?). There have been no further sightings in PGA National but residents should use care outside. The term “hungry as a bear” isn’t just an expression – they are looking for food so be sure to place trash cans inside a garage if possible. Dumpster lids should be closed. If you have fruit trees in your yard (which the POA discourages) use even more caution. If you see a bear, call the FWC Dispatch at 561-357-4200

CONTACTING YOU
The POA sends texts and/or emails to residents when there is an important matter you should be aware of. If you didn’t get a communication regarding the bear sighting, we probably don’t have your contact info. We respectfully suggest that you supply the POA staff with your email address and cell phone number(s). To ensure we have your contact info, please go to www.pga-poa.com and print/complete the “Owner Information Form for Gate Access” or email your name, PGA address, email address and cell phone number to LaurenU@LangManagement.com and be sure to note “for POA files”.

ASSESSMENT REMINDERS
The annual assessment to PGA POA was due on July 1st. Per the Declaration of Covenants, interest (1.5% per month) begins accruing at the end of July and is posted on the last day of each month until the account is current. Because the governing documents indicate unpaid accounts shall bear interest (rather than may bear interest) the Board cannot waive these penalties. The reminder notices have been mailed so if you received a notice or if you have any questions regarding whether you paid the annual assessment, please call the POA staff at 561-627-2800

STORMY WEATHER
Remember that this time of year we don’t use the “H” word but I will instead refer to “storms”. September is usually the busiest month for those big storms to blow in so please be sure you have made arrangements for someone to install/close your storm shutters. Plywood and bare metal panels may only be closed at the issuance of a Warning (not a Watch). Patio furniture and accessory items should be stored if you are an absentee owner or plan to travel between July 1st and November 30th . If you plan to install a generator, impact glass windows or storm protection of any type,
please remember that POA ARC approval is needed. The Architectural Review Committee meets once per month so don’t wait to submit your application! Information regarding this procedure as well as all POA rules can be found at on this site.

AT THE POA OFFICE
The Communications Committee will be providing regular updates in this Newsletter beginning next month. In the interim, I am happy to report that the garden renovations at Masters Park are underway and the plants that make the letters ‘PGA’ under the flag poles (at the PGA main entry) have been replaced. It will take some time for the plants to grow in so the PGA is clear but they are coming along nicely! The landscape lighting at the Northlake entry has been updated and the main entry landscape lighting will be complete soon.

Regarding your PGA POA/Lang staff, please welcome DeAnna Thomas. She has assumed responsibilities for the front desk and processing all leases and sales. Lauren Utting who held this position for the past ten years is working part time as an admin assistant along with JoAnn Polimeni who will celebrate her 5 th year at PGA POA on January 1 st . Most of you know Lori Moody (the ARC/Compliance Administrator) who has been part of the team for 16 years. You’ve got a great team at the POA office and we’re here to help.

A FINAL WORD ON FUN
We have all heard of the factory delays, shipping delays, and every other delay “because of Covid”. I have reported the anticipated dates for the new playground equipment to be installed per information provided by Miracle Recreation Equipment and their local installer. As of the writing of this article, the work on the playgrounds has STILL not started. A number of anticipated completion dates were shared in good faith but, unfortunately, this is out of the POA’s control. The latest information received was that all equipment was expected to ship at the end of August so we are hopeful that the installation will be in September. I can only assure you that we are regularly following up and as soon as the equipment is installed, we will make the announcement. You’ll probably see me playing on the slides because by the time it finally gets done, I will fully revert back to childhood. Your patience and understanding are sincerely appreciated.

Have a happy September!

Security Director’s Report – May 2022

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In the past few months, I’ve noticed an increase of recreational vehicles/equipment utilizing the pedestrian sidewalks throughout PGA National. For those who may be unaware that PGA National has a rule in place to ensure the safety of all those that utilize the side walks properly. The following is an excerpt from the Property Owners Association Rules and Regulations book:

6.14 – Golf carts, mopeds, gopeds, gocarts, scooters and other motorized equipment are not allowed on pedestrian/bike paths, sidewalks, parks, parking areas or grass and swale areas except in the course of maintenance duties, or, as to golf carts, for the purpose of crossing such paths or areas in a direct route along a golf cart path where the golf cart path intersects with the path or area. PLEASE NOTE:  VIOLATIONS OF THIS RULE MAY RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF GOLF CART PRIVILEGES.  ADDITIONALLY, PURSUANT TO THE DECLARATION, FINES MAY BE IMPOSED FOR EACH SUCH VIOLATION. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this section shall not prohibit the use of vehicles specifically designed for the disabled; such use shall be subject to the prior written approval of the POA. 

Your safety is our concern. I just wanted to take a brief moment of your time to make you aware of this rule, so that we can all share in ensuring the safety of everyone in PGA National. As always secure your vehicle, and never leave valuables in plane sight. Together we can make a difference, never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600. Report all suspicious people and activities because the smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Keep your garage door closed when not in use and set your alarm when you leave your home.

Property Manager’s Report – April 2022

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The PGA POA Annual Meeting was held on March 16th.  Keith Ahronheim, Bob Brown, Mike Engelsher, Bob Kramer, and Jim Kraus were elected to serve with existing Board members Bill Heath, Jack Hughes, and Ginny Luongo.  The organizational meeting and election of officers will take place after this article is submitted, so please check here POA Board for updates.

Thank you to all who took the time to mail in the ballot or attend the PGA POA annual meeting in March and to all the candidates who offered to serve on the POA Board to help keep PGA National a great place to live!

A special thank you goes to Tom Sedita who kindly accepted the Board’s appointment to fill the vacancy when Ralph Infanti became ill last year and was unable to continue serving his term.  It is with great sadness that I report that Ralph passed away on March 22nd.  Twenty-four years ago, he served on the Transition Committee and was then elected to the Board of Governors at the first owner-controlled Board (after developer turn over of the community).  Ralph was re-elected eleven times and worked hard on behalf of the residents.   He and Phil Slifka, who passed away several years ago, were both very active on the POA Maintenance Committee and were instrumental in the development of Masters Park and a number of community improvements.  Ralph truly cared about the PGA National community and residents and will be sadly missed.

PROJECTS

I am happy to report that the irrigation project that was undertaken a couple of years ago is almost complete.   It has been a monster job!   There are just a few lines that need repair then the system needs to be adjusted and it will be fully operational.  The six main irrigation pump stations can all be operated remotely, and an alert is sent to the irrigation contractor via cell phone anytime there is a break or problem, and it shows where the issue is and what is needed.  With the completion of this work, the POA can proceed with a number of landscape replacements/enhancements that were on hold awaiting irrigation. 

REMINDERS

Another reminder about speeding and about the paths/sidewalks.  When you enter PGA National, please slow down.  Because you don’t have bicycle lanes, there are a number of cyclists on the edge of the road.  For cyclists who use the concrete walks, please alert others when you approach from behind. 

Speaking of cyclists, we are seeing a lot of electric bicycles on the sidewalks which is not allowed.  The POA Rules (6.14) Prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the pedestrian/bike paths or sidewalks, except for motorized wheelchairs.  The walks are busy places – please keep motorized vehicles off the paths/walkways.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

As I mentioned last month, it’s alligator mating season.  Use extra care near the lakes and canals – especially with dogs!   All pets must be on a leash and please don’t let them in the water!  Never feed the alligators or any wildlife.  There is info on the POA website from Florida Fish and Wildlife that breaks down penalties and fines for violating these restrictions.

Security Director’s Report – April 2022

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In continuing with our service commitment, I would like to take a moment of your time and offer some safety tips. Law enforcements agencies have seen a rise in burglarized and stolen vehicles. Most incidents are the result of unlocked doors.

Unfortunately, as we learn to become acclimated with the advancements in technology, so have those with criminal intent. When searching for their next vehicle to steal or burglarize, criminals use their knowledge of the key fob to assist with the commission of their crime. When you park your car outdoors, or in your driveway, it’s important to lock your car and place your valuables out of plain sight. With the newer model cars, the side view mirrors are programmed to fold inward when the car is locked.

Also, take your garage door opener inside with you when you go inside your home. Another thing to remember is to lock the door between your garage and your home. PGA Security and Palm Beach Gardens Police are patrolling all the communities in PGA National on a regular basis, but we can’t be everywhere. We need your help and that starts with making sure you have locked your vehicles, secured you garage door, and your home.

Always secure your vehicle, and never leave valuables in plane sight. Together we can make a difference, never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600. Report all suspicious people and activities because the smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Keep your garage door closed when not in use and set your alarm when you leave your home.

Property Manager’s Report – March 2022

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SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER
They say love is in the air….it’s truly in the water and it is dangerous. The alligators are falling in love and can become aggressive as they start nesting over the next couple months. We recently had a family lose their beloved dog and we don’t want anyone else to experience this: PLEASE!!! Keep your dog (and all pets) on a leash at all times. Never, never feed the alligators (or any wildlife) and never, ever allow your dogs in the lakes and canals. We also discourage walking near the water’s edge and if you must do so, remain alert. All the lakes and canals are connected to the wetland and preserve area on the west side of PGA National so there are plenty of gators who will generally leave us alone if we stay away from them.

Alligators can stay submerged for quite some time and they often “patrol” with only their eyes above the water line so you won’t know they are there even if you’re looking for them. It only takes a small splash in the water and a submerged gator can grab whatever it is so please stay away from the water and the banks. Just because you don’t see the monster doesn’t mean it isn’t there!

I WANT TO PLAY
I believe we are never too old to enjoy our childhood so I was excited that the new playground equipment would arrive in March…..then I got the call that it would be July! Of course, the reason is Covid delays (yawn, tired of that one!) but we just have to wait. I can promise that the new playground equipment in Burwick Park and Marlwood Park will be worth the wait but it sure seems like it has been a lifetime.

For those who have waited for the Master Park renovations, I am happy to report that the complete irrigation system overhaul in all POA parks and along all main roads, is just about complete. All the benches in Masters Park were replaced last fall and the walking path is being re-surfaced (probably as you read this). The gardens will be re-planted over the next few months. The Board and Maintenance Committee are still working out a more permanent solution to the path that will accommodate runners/joggers (i.e.: not be a hard surface) and that will be attractive without costing a small fortune. I know it seems like everything takes forever but jobs in a place the size of a small city must be done in particular order (like making sure irrigation is perfect before planting) and like the playgrounds, I’m sure you will be happy with the finished result. Again, thanks for your patience.

ANNUAL MEETING
The PGA POA Annual meeting will be held at the PGA Resort Grand Ballroom on Wednesday, March 16th at 6:00 p.m. so if you haven’t already submitted your ballot and voting certificate, please do so now.

Wishing all of you a happy, and most importantly, a HEALTHY Springtime.

Security Director’s Report – October 2021

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With two months remaining in the year, I just wanted to provide you all with a glimpse of the major crime so far in PGA. Currently we have nine reported vehicle burglaries, one burglary of a business, two residential burglaries, two stolen vehicles and six acts of vandalism. If these numbers remain the same or even shift slightly, we are on track to see another year in the decline of major crimes within PGA National.

As you all know even during a pandemic, the criminal element is still active in our community. By working together and looking out for each other. We can continue to curtail the presence of that criminal element.

As always, security is here to help. Remember to lock your doors and set your alarm when you leave your home. Report any suspicious person or activity to security at 627-1600. For an emergency dial 911. See something say something. Together we can make a difference.

Property Manager’s Report – August 2021

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HAPPY SUMMER!

Seems like we are back to “normal” with afternoon rainstorms. Let’s hope that we only get rain storms and the “H” word doesn’t strike! Hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th. Here on the website we have information regarding what to do before, during and after a storm.

Remember, in PGA National, plain metal hurricane panels and plywood may only be installed at the issuance of a Hurricane Warning (not a Watch) and must be removed within 7 days after the storm passes or the “all clear” is given. Accordion shutters, clear panels and factory finished panels that match the color of the house can be installed through hurricane season.

PAVING: Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District has begun paving Avenue of the Champions (the main road). It is suggested that other routes be used while this work is on-going. The work should go quickly but pending rain or other delays, an October completion date has been posted. A new crosswalk will be installed across Fairway Drive, closest to the ellipse (sometimes called the circle). Plans include a button for pedestrians so that a flasher will alert drivers that a pedestrian is crossing. A new crosswalk has also been added near the Championship Drive (Eagleton entry) which is at the bottom of the golf course overpass. Please use care! As with all crossings, drivers should yield to pedestrians.

SLOW DOWN: The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department has been asked to assist with traffic enforcement. The speed limit on the main roads in PGA National is 25 mph except on Ave of the Masters and the central portion of Ryder Cup Blvd where it is 35 mph. There are lots of pets, wildlife, walkers, joggers, bicyclists, etc. sharing the roads and sidewalks. Motorized equipment is not permitted on the sidewalks. Remember what I keep telling you: We all learned to be courteous and share by the first grade so make your Momma proud: Be nice and if you ride a bike on the walkway, alert those you are coming up behind. If you are driving, be patient: We want you to arrive safely. Besides, if you get a ticket, someone is going to yell at you (the traffic magistrate, your spouse, your parents?) Okay, so you’ll yell at me because we all know everything is my fault, right?

YOU OWE – YOU OWE, SO OFF TO WORK I GO: Well, that may not be exactly how the song went but you understand. I have to send you letters when the payment is late. The $765.00 annual assessment to PGA POA was due July 1st and if you haven’t paid, interest has now begun accruing. The Board cannot waive the interest penalties so if there is any reason why you cannot pay the assessment right away, it’s important that you contact the POA office. Reminder notices will be mailed in the next couple of weeks.

OKAY – GOT YOUR MONEY, WHERE’S THE STUFF? I’ve mentioned the plans for the playground equipment. In the 20 years that the existing equipment has been there, the prices have gone up…a lot. The Board didn’t want to replace the equipment with something that looked like it was inexpensive and, of course, number one priority was that the equipment be safe. It has taken some time to get the designs done and the costs approved and we are finally ready to move forward. Your patience is appreciated and I think you’ll be happy with the result.

I’ve also mentioned plans for the “ellipse” (formally called the circle although it never was a circle). I’ve hinted at Pallo and I’ve told you an artist was hired. I will continue to hold out until all the preliminary work is done, then the Board will be sharing all the info and photos. Of course, everyone will have their own ideas and opinions but I think the Board of Governors, and especially the artist, did a good job finding a piece that symbolizes unity of all the people who live in the community and also represents not only the golf that PGA National is known for but also incorporates tennis, croquet, pickleball, etc. That’s all I’m saying!

Have a happy month!

Bicycles !

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BICYCLES

Drivers may believe that bicycles riding single file are unlawfully impeding traffic – they are not. That law only applies to motor vehicles (ref 316.183(5)). In PGA National, bicycles must share the street or ride on the sidewalk so excerpts have been taken from the Florida Statues.

316.2065 can be viewed in its entirety at www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes.

The following information was taken from this site:

If there is no lane marked for bicycles, any cyclist traveling on the road at less than the normal speed of traffic should ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except when passing another bicycle; when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or drive; when necessary to avoid a conflict such as an object or situation that makes it unsafe to continue along the right hand curb or edge.

Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic.

Every bicycle being used between sunset and sunrise must have a lamp on the front with a white light visible from at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each with a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may have additional lights or reflectors in addition to those required.

In PGA there are no bicycle lanes. 316.2065(9) states, “A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.” and Section 10 states that a person riding on a sidewalk or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

Please be courteous. Please be patient. Please abide by the above laws.