STORMS:
As evidenced by the number of shutter applications being submitted to the POA Architectural Review Committee, it is obvious that it is time again to start making sure your property is protected from storms. (Sorry, but for the next few months I am not permitted to use the “H” word so I will simply say “storms”).
If you plan to install hurricane shutters of ANY type, approval is needed from the POA Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”). Contact JoAnn at 627-2800 for information regarding what type of shutters are permitted in your community and to find out about the application procedure. Most of the local shutter companies are familiar with the submittal procedure.
In addition to shutters, you should be stocking up on batteries, water, and similar items NOW. If you wait for storm warnings, you will likely discover that what you wanted is no longer available. Supplies disappear off the shelves the moment a storm-watch is issued. Elsewhere on this website you will find helpful information for storm preparation. If you prefer, you can also pick up a copy in the POA office.
THEFT:
Storms are not the only thing that could result in loss of property. It is an unfortunate fact that you must also protect your property from “crimes of opportunity”. While PGA National is privileged to be a “safe” community, there are still a number of thefts. Typically, this is due to carelessness: people leave valuable items in plain view in their vehicle and don’t even lock the door! Wackenhut Security is currently operating the “smart car” program where they make a visual inspection of parked cars to see if there is evidence of valuable items left in sight (and then contact the owner if anything is seen) but they can’t be everywhere so secure your property!
LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS? OH MY! How about Dogs, and Gators and Birds?
I don’t know if you realize how fortunate you are to be surrounded by so much wildlife. Although you may be frightened (and therefore you should respect) by that alligator sunning on the lake bank, and although owners should keep their pets on a leash, these ‘critters’ are out and about. You should never, ever, for ANY reason feed the alligators since they quickly lose their fear of humans and this is when tragedies occur.
As for the other wildlife, such as raccoons, opossum, foxes, rabbits and everything in between, leaving food out for the “neighborhood cat” (or even your own dog in your back yard) attracts other wildlife to the area. The “critters’ were here long before the homes were built but you can live peacefully with them. Simply be aware of your surroundings. Hiring a “trapper” will likely get rid of your cash before you ever get rid of all the animals so most associations do not provide this service. Simply stay out of their way and don’t “invite” them on your property by leaving food sources out for them. If an animal is aggressive or acting “strange” call Animal Control or Wackenhut Security.
As I repeat in almost every issue: WATCH YOUR SPEED. Those beautiful Sandhill Cranes (the BIG birds with the red crown) tend to “blend in” with the color of the street and they don’t just get out of the way. The only thing worse than watching an animal get hit and suffer to the end would be if it was a human. Keep that in mind when you are rushing to wherever and slow down!
HELP…I’M FLOATING AWAY!
This is rainy season. When it rains, the water flows into the lakes/canals via a special drainage system and there are FIVE pumps that pump the water west, out of PGA National. When it has bee pouring for an hour without stopping, the water will rise. It is not likely it will come into your home (I hope) and the moment the weather takes a break, you will see the standing water recede very quickly. Please don’t call the POA to tell us you have standing water in your driveway or on your lot when it just stopped raining. As silly as that sounds, you would be surprised.
In addition to the main drainage system, PGA is designed with swales (in front and behind homes) designed to hold water. I said designed to hold water….meaning you WILL have standing water; however, as stated above, as soon as the rainfall slows down, the water goes down. Please be patient.
HAVE WE BEEN NAUGHTY OR NICE?
In the current issue of C.A.N. you will find a ‘PGA POA COMMENT CARD”. The Board of Governors would appreciate it if you would review it and give your comments/suggestions. Your input is truly appreciated…whether your comments are good or bad!
THANK YOU