THEFT IS NOT FUN
We are again experiencing items being stolen from cars. In almost every case, the car is left open and valuables are taken. I never understood why anyone would leave valuables in a car (and especially an unlocked car) but it is happening. The truly amazing thing is that some residents have seen someone suspicious near their car in the middle of the night or early hours of the morning then found something minor missing from their car and they didn’t report it to anyone.
Please, if you see suspicious people, call security or the police! Although Elite Security cannot act as a police officer, they do work very closely with them. They have a lot of good tools such as infrared cameras and heat sensors and if contacted early, catching the “bad guys” is a very real possibility.
THE PLACE IS CHANGING
As I write this article the POA Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”) just finalized the agenda with a record 102 items! Thank you to all the people who are following the rules and making the required application for any outside work/changes.
We know it is a pain and that the rules are great when they don’t make work for you but those rules are what allow a 30+ year old community to hold or increase property values and compete with newer communities. I’ve often said I wish I had more “before and after” photos to show how much has been done over the past 16 years to improve and upgrade the appearance of PGA National.
Again, a big, fat, thank you to those who work so hard to keep their own property maintained (and upgraded) and for your understanding that the we at the POA office (you know, us meanies who make you submit all that paperwork) are just doing our job and looking out for your community.
TRUCKING RULES
Yes, this is about trucks. As you know (or maybe you don’t) the POA rules for the past 30 years have allowed trucks to be parked outside any time except when you are probably sleeping (ie between 2:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.). The amended rules (mailed with the Annual Meeting notice in December) will change the rule resulting in trucks being prohibited from midnight to 6:00 a.m.
Please note that these rules will not go into effect until they have been recorded by the Clerk of the Court. I will update you via my article once everything is finalized.
The rule will also now allow trucks that have a factory finished custom “topper” over the bed, with windows around all sides, to remain outside. These “toppers” result in giving the truck the appearance of an SUV. A camper type topper will not be permitted, nor will a flat cover over the truck bed. Any question regarding what is permitted should be directed to the POA.
Please be aware that there is, and will remain, a separate provision for commercial vehicles. Any vehicles having commercial lettering, equipment etc. will continue to be prohibited after regular work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
FUN IN APRIL
On Saturday, April 25th the POA will hold the Annual Children’s Party in the Park from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in Masters Park. As always, there are lots of rides and carnival type games (with prizes) as well as hotdogs, hamburgers, popcorn, cotton candy and more. This event is for PGA National residents and their guests only. In March we will mail postcard reminders to all homes in PGA and, if you want to purchase a food pass, you will need to do so before the event.
PROJECTS AROUND PGA
I know you’re starting to think I’m making it up, but the POA really is going to be renovating the Northlake entry landscape. The Maintenance Committee and Board of Governors have been working with the landscape architect and the City to finalize plans and get approvals. Surveys needed to be compete and we are finally at the stage where work can start soon. The work will be done over the summer months and the guardhouse stone work will also be completed
around the same time so that by the time next winter rolls around, the Northlake entry will be beautiful! Thanks for your patience.
LEAVING SO SOON?
Although it is still cold “up north” and I expect our seasonal residents will be sticking around for a while, I wanted to include some reminders for those getting ready to leave for the summer:
1. Newspapers: Nothing says “come break in” like newspapers piling up outside. Please remember to discontinue service.
2. Lights: Leave some exterior lights on and have your “house sitter” or a friend replace bulbs as needed. If you don’t have timers on some of your interior lights, you can buy inexpensive timers to automatically turn on/off lamps in your absence to give the appearance the home is occupied.
3. Air Conditioner: Under no circumstances should your turn off the a/c! It is amazing how fast mold will take over your home in Florida’s warm, muggy environment. Instead, set the thermostat at approximately 80 – 85 degrees and set the fan on “automatic”. If you have a humidistat, follow manufacturer’s directions.
4. Food: Don’t leave perishables in your refrigerator.
5. Water: Shut off water to your unit if possible. This should be done a few hours before you leave then after it is off for an hour, check for leaks. If you don’t turn off the water, have your friend or house sitter run water in the sinks and flush the toilets periodically to keep internal components from drying out and causing odors.
6. Toilets: If you use bluing containers in the tank, remove them. They are caustic and may cause damage to the components in the tank when the blue water sits without flushing.
7. Hurricane Protection: The POA does NOT allow shutters to be installed/closed unless you have accordion shutters or clear panels. You should store all patio furniture or accessories that may become projectiles during high winds. If you don’t have the type of hurricane protection that can be installed/closed for the season, be sure you have someone who can install storm shutters once a hurricane warning is issued.
I’ve rambled on enough – with humor, I make my closing statement: To our seasonal residents, I hope you have a wonderful summer. To our year-round residents, it’s time to go out to the restaurants!
Wishing all of you a happy, healthy summer.