This month’s article is mostly about animals but for those with “In Honor Of” markers in Masters
Park, we have an update: The replacements for the stones will be installed in the next 60 days.
The stones were on the ground and constantly being knocked over and they were always
muddy. After several alternate designs for new markers that wouldn’t be moved by malicious
people, we found an engraved marker which will be mounted at a 45% angle on a post. We
appreciate your patience while a suitable replacement was found for the stones. For anyone
wanting to purchase or install a monument, please note that the program was discontinued quite
some time ago so new gardens/trees/memorials/markers cannot be purchased.
GATORS: Just a reminder that Alligator Mating and Nesting Season is here again. Use caution
around bodies of water and NEVER let dogs swim in the lakes or canals or get close to the
water’s edge. All of the water bodies are connected which means that alligators that are
normally in the western preserve can have access to any other area. Never feed them under
any circumstances. When they associate humans with food, it becomes a dangerous situation.
If the animal is aggressive, you can contact your community’s Property Manager or the FWC
Alligator Nuisance Hotline at 866-392-4286
FISHING AND BIRDS: You must have a PGA fishing license to fish anywhere in PGA National.
There are only certain areas where fishing is allowed (and never behind residences). There is
a huge concern and we need your help to get the word out aboutfishing responsibly: Someone
is either leaving line (and probably hooks) attached to fish and throwing them back in OR they
are being irresponsible with fishing line and leaving it in the water or on banks. However it is
happening, birds are getting caught in it and when they go to their nests or to roost in the trees,
the line gets caught in branches. The bird gets tangled and dies hanging in the tree and, of
course, any babies in the nest don’t survive. It is a horrible way to go and not pleasant to see!
We have found birds, including Cranes, hanging in the trees behind the office buildings along
Fairway Drive behind Glenwood. PLEASE be responsible with fishing line! As I indicated,
Sandhill Cranes were some of the species found hanging by fishing line – these birds are a
protected species and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (“FWC”) can
impose fines and jail time for injury to these birds.
While on the subject of birds, a few months ago, we printed a flyer from the FWC that explained
that feeding of wildlife of any type was against the law. A copy of this flyer is on this website. PGA POA Rules prohibit feeding any wildlife, including birds. Fines can (and will) be imposed by PGA POA and the FWC.