Are You Prepared?
It’s been a few years and I have a feeling that we may be due for a storm. You know my ban on the “H” word during this time of the year but as you read this article it is peak season and I’m a little nervous this year.
I am a Miami native and September baby who gave up my birthday parties when the guests of honor became Betsy, Donna and Cleo (yep…I am old if I remember these storms!) and I can tell you that you should be stocked up NOW. Be sure you have plenty of bottled water, batteries and non-perishable food to get you through.
I recall after “H” Jeannie and Francis, I had owners calling me and threatening me that I needed to get their power back on. One man in Thurston actually told me, “it has been a week and all my neighbors have power. Go drive around and find someone who can turn on my power”. Wow! I know it is always MY fault but I don’t have any connections with the power gods. You should ensure that you can survive for weeks after a storm.
By the way, once the coolness from the storm blows through, it tends to be hot (remember, no A/C) but they do sell battery power fans. You can also get generators installed that will run your whole house. ARC approval is required for the large generators but it is an easy process. It is a lot less expensive to have one installed now as opposed to after a storm (humans tend to be reactive instead of pro-active so be pro-active and have the generator installed before a storm hits).
Remember, complete before-during-after storm info can be obtained on this site (right hand column).
Houses and Roads and Turnpikes, Oh My!
I mentioned this last month but as a reminder, the POA Board is carefully monitoring proposed development in any area that has the potential to effect PGA residents. For example, the Vavrus property (west of Bee Line Highway) has the potential of bringing commercial development and hundreds of cars traveling (or possibly thousands if developers have their way since they are in business to build and sell the maximum density).
Why do you care what happens “out there”? The only way to and from the site is via Northlake and PGA Blvd (which would need to be widened). Think about how many people drive and come and go from your home or community every day (i.e.: you, your family members, contractors, visitors, housekeepers, etc.) and multiply that by the number of homes and businesses and it is a mental traffic jam. The Board (and of course your elected City officials) are aware of this and are monitoring to be sure all such concerns are addressed before any construction starts.
In other traffic news, I’ve received a few calls about the Jog Road tie in to the Turnpike (i.e. the road the county is building directly opposite the PGA gate to Northlake Blvd). The question seems to be how it will impact PGA residents. I’ve used the crystal ball and really don’t see a lot of people needing it to “cut through”. After all, anyone going to PGA Blvd isn’t likely to exit at Bee Line then drive through PGA National. It is faster and makes more sense to go to PGA Blvd. The only thing I can foresee is a delay at the traffic signal as PGA residents wait to leave the community but I guess we will all have to wait until the road is open.
Break ins
While the infrequent problems continue to be mostly items stolen from unlocked cars, there have been a couple attempted break-ins recently. There have been a couple instances of people knocking on the front door and when there isn’t an answer, they break in the back. This is happening during the DAY when people have all kinds of workers outside. Pay attention to your home and your neighbors. Don’t assume it is a legitimate worker.
How can you tell? Well, if you hear glass breaking or you call your neighbor after seeing a “worker” go to the back of their home and your neighbor doesn’t answer the phone …might be a break in, right?
The best way to protect your home is to get glass break sensors installed by your alarm company and, hey big clue coming…. SET your alarm!
The majority of owners don’t set their alarm and many don’t even lock their doors or they leave windows open. If you are guilty of this just get ARC approval for a sign and put one outside inviting the criminals to help themselves.
Fun Stuff
You know it is painful for me to be serious for so long so here is a fun reminder that I also mentioned last month. The Annual Art Festival and Craft Fair held each year on a Saturday in December will now be a TWO day event in January. We know December was a good gift time (and those who buy my jewelry as gifts will have to see me at the City’s event Dec 6 and 7) but the Special Events Committee responded to feedback from artists and attendees and agreed to give January a try.
The POA event in Masters Park will be January 18 and 19 so if you have a crafting talent or if you are already a successful artist why not sign up to participate? The applications are now available here on this site – or you can note the day and join us to shop for reasonably priced amazing hand made items.
Have a good month…..hope to be writing to you in October with no storms sidetracking us!