PGA Property Owners Association

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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Property Manager’s Report – February 2021

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JUST THE FACTS, MA’AM:

There are all kinds of rumors about communities and vaccinations. Per Mark Marciano at the City of Palm Beach Gardens, for information regarding the City of Palm Beach Gardens and Covid-19 vaccines, you can visit the City of Palm Beach Gardens’ website at pbgfl.com/COVIDVaccine. You can also go to the County website at vaccine.hcdpbbc.org to schedule an appointment with the Palm Beach County Health Care District. This will place you in a virtual waiting room until vaccines become available.

PGA POA ANNUAL MEETING:

Due to pandemic concerns, the venue for this year’s annual meeting, as well as the date, has been changed. Instead of the usual January meeting, the PGA POA Annual Meeting and Election will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the PGA Resort Grand Ballroom. The room is considerably larger than the regular room and chairs will be adequately spaced. All attendees must wear a mask (covering nose and mouth) while in the sign-in area and/or the meeting room.

The only item on the agenda is the election of Board members so be sure to vote and mail or deliver your ballot and voting certificate to the POA immediately; especially if you won’t be attending the meeting in person. The meeting notice has been mailed so if you don’t receive it by February 20th, please call us.

All owners should cast their ballot for four members to serve on the 9-member PGA POA Board of Governors. This year there are nine candidates for the four positions. The biographies for each candidate can be found here and, of course, they were mailed with the meeting notice.

CAUTION:

Most of the seasonal residents have returned and there are quite a few renters in PGA National again. Please be patient on the roads and sidewalks: there is a lot of extra traffic both in vehicles as well as on foot or bicycles.

The speed limit in PGA National is 25 mph at each end of Ryder Cup Blvd, on Ave of the Champions and on Tournament Blvd. It is 35 mph on Ave of the Masters and in the middle portion of Ryder Cup Blvd.

In addition to human traffic, many of the Sand Hill Cranes (which are hard to see on the street) are finding their mates so please protect the wildlife too! The Florida Sandhill Crane is protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and is a State-designated Threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule so SLOW DOWN and help keep them safe too.

We have asked the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for assistance in enforcing speed limits. Please drive carefully!

JUST ONE MORE THING BEFORE CLOSING:

Happy Valentine’s Day….from 6 feet away!

Security Director’s Report – October 2020

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In the past few years, the number of scams and scammers plaguing our lives has increased. Scammers are very clever and continue to prey on uninformed civilians. The following information was obtained from and provided by ConsumerFraudReporting.org. It lists ten scams that are commonly being attempted everyday across the U.S., scams you all should be aware of. Here is the list.

  1. Debt Collection: Most of the complaints under this category involve debt collectors. Consumers tell of receiving calls from harassing collectors who are threatening and will repeatedly call attempting to collect a debt. Other complaints that fall under this category involved credit/debit card fees, pay day loans, credit repair companies and unauthorized use of credit/debit cards. Some of these complaints involved hidden fees and billing disputes as well.
  2. Fake Government Officials: If you received an email, letter or phone call from a government agency (typically the IRS or FBI) and it instructs you to wire, Western Union or MoneyGram money someplace, or follow a link and enter information – don’t believe it! The U.S. government would never instruct anyone to use those methods to pay any bill or carry out a financial transaction, particularly with an overseas bank or agency.
  3. Identity Theft, Phishing and Pharming: Scammers gain access to your confidential information, like social security numbers, date of birth and then use it to apply for credit cards, loans, and financial accounts. Typically, the victim receives an email that appears to be from a credible, real bank or credit card company, with links to a website and a request to update account information. But the website and email are fakes, made to look like the real website.
  4. Phone scams: This includes telemarketers violating the Do Not Call list, Robodialers, scammers calling up pretending to be from a bank or credit card company. The National Do Not Call Registry (U.S.) or the National Do Not Call List (Canada) offer consumers a free way to reduce telemarketing calls. Scammers call anyway, of course, and they’ve even found a way to scam consumers by pretending to be a government official calling to sign you up or confirming your previous participation on the Dot Not call list! A good example of this is the “Your Microsoft license key has expired” scam call – which you can hear and read about on this page.
  5. Loans scams / Credit Fixers: False promises of business or personal loans, even if credit is bad, for a fee upfront. Or a scam that promises to repair your credit for a fee.
  6. Fake Prizes, Sweepstakes, Free Gifts, Lottery scams: You receive an email claiming you won a prize, lottery, or gift, and you only must pay a “small fee” to claim it or cover “handling costs”. These include scams which can go under the name of genuine lotteries like the UK National Lottery and the El Gordo Spanish lottery. Unsolicited email or telephone calls tell people they are being entered or have already been entered into a prize draw. Later, they receive a call congratulating them on winning a substantial prize in a national lottery. But before they can claim their prize, they are told they must send money to pay for administration fees and taxes. The prize, of course, does not exist. No genuine lottery asks for money to pay fees or notifies its winner’s via an email.
  7. Internet merchandise scams: You purchase something online, but it is either never delivered or it is not what they claimed it was or is defective. Online shopping, and other shop from home, such as catalog, mail and phone shopping scams are on the rise.
  8. Automobile-Related Complaints: Car loans, car buying, car sales, auto repair, fake or useless extended warranties. Some of the complaints alleged consumers paid for repairs and that services provided were shoddy. Consumers reported repair companies that return vehicles to the consumer in a worse condition than how it was initially given to them. Other complaints involved consumers not receiving title to their vehicles at the time of sale.
  9. Credit Bureaus and related credit scams: Credit/debit card fees, pay day loans, credit repair companies and unauthorized use of credit/debit cards. Some of these complaints involved hidden fees and billing disputes as well.
  10. Phishing/Spoofing Emails: Emails that pretend to be from a company, organization or government agency but ask you to enter or confirm your personal information.

Authorities estimate that scamming is a billion-dollar industry. An industry where most of its victims do not recover any of their funds. Scammers success is predicated on our lack of knowledge and some scams are easier to detect than others. I say trust your gut feeling, if it does not feel right, then it’s probably not. Trust your instincts and be careful out there.

As always, never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people, activities, and vehicles. For all emergencies dial 911.

Security Directors Report – August 2020

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I hope this article finds you all in good spirits and in good health. As we all continue to make adjustments in our lives because of COVID-19, we must continue to be vigilant within our community. Criminals and their activities continue to play a role in our everyday life, even during a pandemic.

Over the past few months, security has received and responded to service calls for packages missing after being delivered, burglarized vehicles, stolen vehicles, and suspicious people within the community. Not in large numbers or anything to panic over. However, it is a reminder that PGA National is a place of interest for those with criminal intent. To reduce your chance of becoming the next victim, make sure your home is alarmed and secured when not in use. Make sure your vehicle is secured and no valuables are left in sight. If you do not already have them, consider adding surveillance cameras to our home.

We are here with you and together we can make a difference

Never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people and activities.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all that have been personally affected by this virus. You are encouraged to avoid “the Three C’s” to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowed places, and close-contact settings.

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.

Security Director’s Report – January 2020

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It seems like the more technology invades our lives. The more we must do to safeguard ourselves in order to enjoy the benefits of it. Criminals are becoming ever so crafty and using the same technology we enjoy, to commit crimes against us. One of the crime trends that seems to be on a rise is keyless car thefts.
 
Keyless car theft is where the signal from your key fob is captured by someone standing outside your home using a signal capturing device. The device transmits the signal to somebody else standing by your car. This tricks your car into thinking the key is near it, which will disable your factory alarm, unlock the doors and allow for the “push button” ignition to be started. I know, if it isn’t one thing it’s another.

Like any crime of opportunity, criminals are depending on our assistance. The success of this crime depends on the location of your key fob. Based on some of the articles I’ve read and news videos. There are a few simple steps that you can take to prevent this occurrence. Such as keeping your keys away from the front door and windows of your home. Placing your keys in a signal blocking pouch aka Faraday Bag or utilizing a wheel lock. I’m sure there are more steps you can take to not become a victim of this crime, but these steps seemed to be a common method of prevention.

As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference. Never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people and activities. Remember to close your garage door when not in use and always set your alarm when you leave your home.

One last thing. If your bar code is more then five years old or looks a little worn and faded, head over to the POA Office for a replacement. This will save you time at the gate.

Security Director’s Report – December 2019

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I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

Remember to submit a Property Check form if you have plans to travel out of town. Make sure all your doors and windows are secure when you leave your home. Your peace of mind is what’s important.

As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference. Never hesitate to call security at (561) 627-1600.

If you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people and activities. Remember to close your garage door when not in use and always set your alarm when you leave your home.

Happy Holiday Season from Allied Universal!!!

Security Director’s Report – November 2019

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As you all know, PGA National is vastly unique compared to the surrounding gated communities. Not being a 24-hour gated community makes us susceptible to the threat of crime. Criminals are actively seeking communities to target. Groups of thieves are traveling from other counties to commit residential and vehicle burglaries. In the past two months, we’ve had one vehicle stolen and one home burglarized within PGA National.

This isn’t an attempt to scare anyone, but rather a time to remind you that crime does happen here. So far this year we have experienced eleven residential burglaries and several vehicle burglaries in our commercial areas. When criminals are canvassing an area in search of their next target, open garage doors and leaving valuables in plain sight in your vehicles increases your chances of becoming the victim of a crime.

As homeowners and board members there are a few counter measures that you can subscribe to that will increase the level of safety in your community as well as at your home. Surveillance systems are one of the biggest deterrence to crime and a great asset to a community. Installing cameras that will capture vehicles entering and exiting your community along with signage, will greatly reduce the likelihood of your community becoming the next target of criminals. Communities could also install cameras around the pool area that would monitor activity throughout the community. Installing a home security camera system is another great idea. These added tools could greatly assist the police department with their investigation.

Your peace of mind is what’s important and the previously mentioned measures can help immensely. As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference. Never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people and activities. Remember to close your garage door when not in use and always set your alarm and lock your doors when you leave your home.

Property Manager’s Report – October 2019

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THOSE “D” NAMES!

As soon as I found out that storm name started with a “D” I knew we should be concerned. But someone was looking out for South Florida!  Our thoughts and prayers go to those who were not so fortunate.

Thank you to all the residents who took action early to secure their property.  I drove through all communities a few days before we were expecting the storm and found that most residents and their associations had taken the necessary action to secure personal items and install storm protection.  A big thank you to your Board members and property manager for their efforts in contacting owners and preparing common areas.   It was a good “test run” for all of us.

As a reminder, Plywood and plain (unfinished) metal panels may only be installed at the issuance of a Hurricane Warning and must be removed no later than seven days after the storm passes or the ‘all clear’ is given.  As of this writing, there are still homes with metal panels and/or plywood over windows so if you are one of them, please make arrangements to immediately remove the panels or wood to avoid fines or other enforcement action. 

MONEY, HONEY

Wanted to give you a quick reminder that if you haven’t sent your payment to PGA POA, you are very late and the account is about to be referred to collection.  The annual assessment is due each year on July 1st.  Final reminders are currently being mailed and any unpaid accounts will be referred to collection by November 1st so if you aren’t sure whether you owe PGA POA just give us a call at 561-627-2800 and we will let you know.

In addition to the regular maintenance expenses, the POA has “Long Range” plans that are budgeted over several years.  The irrigation pumps are quite dated and before beginning plans for landscape enhancements in Masters Park, the ‘ellipse’ (f/k/a the traffic circle) or PGA Blvd frontage, the irrigation pumps all need to be replaced.  Work on the first three pumps is beginning immediately and when complete, the system will be fully automated so that if there is a broken line or any other malfunction, a text alert is sent.  Gone will be the days of running a zone to see whether coverage is proper. 

Before the major re-landscaping projects begin along the PGA Blvd frontage or the ellipse, the POA will provide renderings and information to all residents.  These projects are still a couple years away due to the approvals required and infrastructure needed before the improvements are noticeable, but work is beginning! 

A CHANGE TO GATE ACCESS

PGA POA only has access control after 9:pm but The Island, Preston and the Eagleton/Championship communities have access control 24/7.   We recently discovered that the access system has the ability to text you an alert when your guest arrives at the gate, provided that your cell phone is listed on your contact sheet.  You can “opt out” of this service at www.gateaccess.net where you will need your 5-digit access code and user name (main contact phone number) to log in.  At the bottom under “Contact info” there is a place to disable the service.   If you don’t know your access code, come by the POA office with a photo ID and we will provide you with your code.

To keep the data in the gate access system accurate, please go to the gate-access.net site and if any changes are needed, call the POA so we can update the records.  Also, if your license plate number has changed, please remember to let us know.

HALLOWEEN

It’s almost that time for Ghosties and Ghoulies and things that go bump in the night. It is often a time of mischief so if you see suspicious activity on Halloween or anytime, call PGA Security (51-6274-1600).   October 31st falls on a Thursday so the POA staff will be dressed appropriately for the fun and, of course, there is candy in the lobby to stop by for a laugh and something sweet.  You’re never too old to enjoy your childhood!

Security Director’s Report – October 2019

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We got lucky and Hurricane Dorian spared us, but remember we are in hurricane season which does not end until December 1st. As a reminder making early preparations is a key to being ready for any impending storm. Early preparedness also increases your peace of mind during a storm. While stocking up on water, food, and other storm supplies. Agencies like the National Hurricane Center, Solid Waste Authority or websites like www.ready.gov/hurricane offer additional safety information and tips. The more information you have, the more prepared you will be.

Also, if you have travel plans, be sure to submit a “Property Check” form so that security can check your residence while you are away. As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand. Together we can make a difference, never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600. Report all suspicious people and activities. Remember to close your garage door when not in use and always set your alarm when you leave your home.

Security Director’s Report – June 2019

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Well it’s Summertime again, so let the summertime fun begin. The kids are out of school, time for weekends at the beach, fishing trips and family vacations. As you head out to enjoy yourself and have fun in the sun. Here are a few things to think about.

If your plans include going away this summer, now is a good time to make sure your phone numbers and emergency contact information are up to date in the ABDI system. You can contact the POA Office for assistance at 627-2800. Also, remember to pick up and submit a “Property Check” form. Security will conduct a weekly property check of your home while you are away. Property Check forms can be obtained and drop off at any gatehouse. You can also fill out the form online at www.gateaccess.net

Another good idea to think about is the installation of some sort of surveillance system. Whether it’s a popular doorbell camera or a full home security system, your peace of mind is what’s important. Also, before you leave make sure that all your doors and windows are secured. Remember to set your alarm.

As always you are encouraged to never hesitate to report all suspicious vehicles, person(s), or activity to security at 627-1600. Any information on the person(s) involved or vehicle description will be helpful. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.