Newsletter Issue July 2014

Newsletter No 7
July 2014
Annual General Meeting
Firstly, the Board of the HOA wishes to express thanks to
everyone who attended this years AGM on 17th May.
This year was certainly one of the best ever attended AGM’s.
July 2014
Community Management
Leland Management
6972 Lake Gloria Blvd
Orlando.
32809-3200
www.lelandmanagement.com
It was particularly encouraging to note the attendance of so
many new neighbors in the community and it is hoped that
some of you will consider volunteering time and effort to
support our HOA committees, working towards improving the
community overall.
Recognition must also be given to the small number who,
although unable to attend, used the dial-in facility that was set
up to listen into the proceedings.
In the elections, Four (4) Board positions were up for reelection. Ed McSweeney and Alan Pierce were re-elected for
another term. Andy Lambe and Dave Bevan were elected to
the Board as new Directors .
A list of Directors of the board is provided on page 2.
The outdoing directors were;
1. Kevin Cobb (Treasurer)
2. Frank Treston (Director)
For many it was particularly disappointing to lose Kevin.
During his term as Treasurer, Kevin has held steady reins on
the HOA finances and was building a successful track record in
recovery of outstanding HOA dues. Without Kevin’s personal
commitment and determination, HOA finances would not be
in the sound position they are today. Hopefully, the HOA will
be able to maintain the momentum in this area that Kevin
created.
Frank is a permanent resident on Hampton Lakes and has
been a long term Director on the HOA Board. His dedication
to the HOA and the community overall has been
unquestionable during his time as a Director.
Sincere thanks and appreciation must go to Kevin & Frank
for all their past effort and dedication towards improving
the HOA and the community.
Community Manager
Angel Alfonso
email:
[email protected]
Tel: 407-781-0782
Architectural Review Board
email: [email protected]
HOA Dues email:
or
[email protected]
[email protected]
POLITE REMINDER:
Your JULY HOA fees are now
due. Prompt payments are very
much appreciated.
******************************************
Community Landscaping & Irrigation
Millennium Grounds & Water
1027 W. Lancaster Rd
Orlando
32809
Manager: Golden Begley
Tel: 407-347-5980
Email: [email protected]
All landscaping and irrigation issues including
broken sprinklers, discolored grass and pruning
etc. should be reported to Golden Begley and
copied to Angel Alfonso at Leland
Management
Highway 27 Upgrade
Work on the upgrade of Hwy 27 northwards past our
community entrance towards Hwy 192 is ongoing.
However, in the past quarter there has been little or no work
conducted near Hampton Lakes.
The primary area of construction appears to be focused on the
Hwy 27 / Hwy 192 intersection.
From the absence of work outside our community, including the
any installation work on the long awaited traffic lights, it
suggests that completing other road improvement schemes is
getting higher priority than the completion of the Hwy 27
upgrade.
This view probably connects with the reasons why the Highways
Dept revised the completion date from Fall 2015 to Summer
2016.
HOA Board of Directors
President – Bill Correll
Email: [email protected]
Vice President – Davy Walls
Email: [email protected]
Secretary – Edward McSweeney
Email: [email protected]
Director -Andy Lambe
Email:
[email protected]
Director – Jay Bowman
Email: [email protected]
Director – Alan Pierce
Email:
[email protected]
Director – Dave Bevan
(Head of Communications)
Email: [email protected]
Accident at Entrance to Hampton Lakes
On the morning of 20th June there was a fatal accident at the
entrance to Hampton Lakes.
A Clermont man named as Charles Simon was pronounced
dead at the Heart of Florida Medical Center after his motorcycle
was hit by a pickup which was crossing Hwy 27 from Hampton
Lakes to Westridge. As a result of the accident U.S.27 was
closed for about 3½ hours
Mr. Simon was a property manager with homes in our
community and those associated with him said he was an
absolute gentleman. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his
bereaved family and friends.
This unfortunate accident emphasizes the need for;
1. traffic lights to be installed sooner rather than later and
2. extra caution whenever you’re entering or leaving
Hampton Lakes.
The HOA has since, contacted FDOT to lobby for the installation of
the traffic as a matter of urgency lights. As a result of the contact the
FDOT has requested the contractor to look into how the installation
of the lights might be brought forward.
We now need your support: Contact the FDOT District 1 office in
Bartow at 863-519-2300 (main number). Ask for Traffic
Operations and call for the planned lights to be installed as soon
as possible to improve safety for entering and leaving Hampton
Lakes and Westridge sub-divisions. You can also contact;
Bill Skelton: [email protected]
Polk County Transportation Division
Tel: 863-535-2230
2
Volunteers needed for;
1. A Neighborhood Watch
Committee
2. A New Residents Welcome
Committee
3. A Social Committee
An open invitation exists for anyone to
become involved in the community. The
more that get involved the better our
community will be. Just email one of the
Board if you want to get involved.
HOA Website
www.hamptonlakes.org
The website provides a first stop for those
seeking guidance to deal with many
everyday community issues. CHECK IT
OUT.
Hampton Lakes on Facebook
www.facebook.com/hampton.lakes.1
Almost 180 homes in the community are
linked together through our Facebook page
Circle Lighting
After a long wait, the circle on McFee Drive has finally been
illuminated using effective landscape lighting.
Homeowner comments since installation was completed on
15th May have been very positive, suggesting the approach
into Hampton Lakes has been improved and is much more
welcoming.
The extra effort by the Millennium workforce to create the
effective and attractive landscape lighting should be
commended as a job well done.
Next Board Meetings
Times 2.00pm US (7.00pm UK)
Wednesday 16th July
Wednesday 20thAug
Wednesday 17th September
ALL Homeowners are welcome to listen into
the Board Meetings. To do so simply dial
760-569- 0800 When prompted enter access
code 352269 followed by ♯ then announce your
name once connected.
Minutes taken at each Board meeting will
be posted on both the HOA and Leland
websites once approved
****************************
Architectural Review Board Meetings
(ARB).
Times 11.00am US (4pm UK)
Friday 18th July
Friday 1st Aug
Friday 15th Aug
Friday 29th Aug
Friday 12th Sept
Friday 26th Sept
Friday 10th Oct
Memorial Day on Hampton Lakes
A small group of veteran’s in the community marked
Memorial Day (26th May 2014) by placing a wreath at the foot
of the Flag located in the community area.
A small group perhaps, but at least some recognition within
our community for the huge sacrifice that has been made over
the years by so many brave men & women.
*****************************
Local Sheriff Contact details
Jason Paquin – Detective
Central District – General Crimes Unit
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 863-297-1100
Office Fax: 863-297-1196
Emergency? Dial 9-1-1
To report a crime or if you need law
enforcement (non-emergency) dial 863-2986200 or 800-226-0344
Crime-stoppers
If you have information about a crime, or a
criminal suspect contact Heartland Crime
Stoppers and remain anonymous:
You may be eligible for a reward up to
$1,000.00. call 800-226-TIPS (8477)
For General Information regarding the
Sheriff’s office call 863-298-6200
Homeowners and residents are once again
requested to be alert and watch out for
their neighbors. Report any suspicious
activity to the sheriff.
3
2nd HOA Community Garage Sale
Following the reported success of the Community Garage Sale
in May and calls for another later in the year, the Board have
approved Saturday 6th of September 2014 for the next sale
day.
Hopefully the weather will be a little kinder for the second
one.
Basic HOA Rules Reminders
Traffic Speed within the Community
Concerns are increasingly being expressed
about the speed of some vehicles and
motorcycles travelling on roads within the
community. The speed limit is 25MPH.
The Sheriff has been alerted to the growing
problem of speeding.
Those wishing to participate should mark the date in their
calendars. Signs will again be erected at the entrance to
Hampton Lakes but it is for individuals who want to hold a
garage sale on that date to direct people to their property.
Garage Sales held on any dates other than the HOA
approved dates are in breach of HOA rules.
Help keep our community safe, if you see
speeding or dangerous driving taking place
in the community call the sheriff who is
responsible for dealing with this problem.
Parking in the Community
Several reports have been received in the past quarter about
cars being parked on grass areas, particularly outside the larger
homes where the number of guests is perhaps highest, creating
some additional vehicles.
Such irresponsible action causes damage to the irrigation
sprinkler heads located in the grass and the resulting damage
leads to the grass and plants near your home going brown or
dying. This also creates unnecessary repair costs for the HOA
Dogs in the Community
ALL dogs MUST be on a leash at all times
when out walking in the community. No
exceptions
ALL dog owners MUST clean up after their
dog.
ALL dog-owners in Hampton Lakes must
observe HOA rules on dogs.
Homeowners are therefore reminded that parking on the
grass areas in a breach of HOA rules. Please do not park on
the grass and pass this message to your guests.
Parking in the street is not a violation of HOA rules; your
vehicle should be parked heading in the same direction as the
main flow of traffic on the side of the road on which your
parked.
Tank Rd provides plenty space to let dogs
run off leash without the need to clean up
mess
Noise and General Nuisance
Car Fire on Hampton Lakes
On 24th May a car caught fire in Emeraldview Ave.
The cause of the fire is unknown but the heat generated by the
incident caused some minor surface damage to the road
around the burning vehicle.
The burnt out car was later removed.
For issues such as excessive noise,
vandalism, rowdies, constantly barking dogs
or other common community problems,
homeowners are advised to contact Jason
Paquin at the General Crimes Unit. It would
also be helpful if you also report the problem
to the Board so they are aware. Email
[email protected]
Fishing in the Lakes
Fishing in either of the lakes is prohibited
Any damage caused to the membrane liner by
fishing hooks will result in costly repairs for
the HOA and could lead to a rise in HOA
dues.
If you see anyone fishing in either of the
lakes, make them aware of the signs and
HOA’s No Fishing Rule
4
Trash Carts and Re-cycle boxes
Local Crime Report
Using “Spotcrime” and the local Sheriff’s reports, criminal
activity has visited the community again in the past quarter.
Reports indicate that 3 properties were burglarized in the past
three months.
In a totally separate incident, 3 bicycles were taken after being
left outside a home on Bloomingdale Dr.
After a relatively quite first quarter these incidents are
particularly disappointing.
Once again focus by the criminal appears to have been on
properties without active alarms or security systems.
On a more positive note, the sheriff arrested the person
responsible for at least one of the break-ins.
Spotcrime statistics continue to suggest that neighboring
communities are suffering more frequent criminal acts than
Hampton Lakes.
That said, every burglary or theft in our community damages
the reputation of Hampton Lakes, particularly when it is
paying guests that lose items and valuables.
Recognizing the clear focus by the burglars on unprotected
properties and the fact that many owners rely on rent from
paying guests, it is difficult to understand the reluctance of
some to install alarms or other security devices in their
homes.
Basic but effective security systems can be purchased and
installed without incurring high costs and could help reduce
crime in the community.
Contact some of the security companies and get prices for
comparison. See just how little it costs for an alarm and a full
security monitoring service.
With increasing numbers of permanent residents in the
community, volunteers are also needed to form an effective
“Community Watch Committee”.
Email [email protected] if you are willing to get
involved. We need your help and support in the fight to
prevent or reduce crime in our community.
Soliciting in the Community
The Board has received reports relating to the problem of
soliciting by restaurants, food outlets and even Jehovah’s
Witnesses within the community.
Anyone being subjected to unwanted personal contact from
these food outlets or Jehovah’s Witnesses should inform them
that they are breaching community rules and ask them to leave.
If told in a strong and forceful manner that your not interested
and not to call again or you will call the sheriff they will almost
certainly leave you alone.
Highlighting the frequency of their visits to the sheriff when he
is in the community will allow him to keep a lookout and help
reduce the problem.
5
To get extra trash carts or recycle boxes
Call 863-284-4319 – provide your property
address and make a request for a cart or recycle boxes. They will be delivered FREE
of CHARGE within 2 weeks
For disposal of large bulky items
Call 863-665-1489 or 888-445-5045 to
arrange a special pick-up. They are also free
so there is no excuse for trash to be left in
bags, kerb-side in the community
Maintaining sidewalks and Driveways
Homeowners are reminded of their
responsibility to keep the sidewalks and
driveways adjacent to their homes clean
and free from black algae.
“Wet and Forget” is a great way to
keep your driveway clean and is
available from Costco or Lowes.
Alternatively, Freddy’s Enterprises
offers a reliable power-washing service.
Tel 863-439-5322 and his service has
been endorsed by other homeowners in
the community.
Lanai Repairs
Homeowners are reminded of the need
to maintain their lanai to comply with
HOA Rules.
I am happy at this time to provide
contact details for Greg Griffin. Tel
407-832-4918.
Based on other owner’s comments,
Greg seems to be very reliable and
provides a very courteous and efficient
service.
Street Light Out near you?
If you observe a streetlight not working in
the community please note the number on
the lamp-post and report the detail in an
email to Angel Alfonso at Leland
management.
[email protected]
or call him on Tel: 407-781-0782
Angel will take the steps necessary to get
the light repaired.
For those that may have missed it?
New Florida law requires car seats through age 5, making boosters a state mandate
(information below was copied from and article in the Orlando Sentinel 25 June 2014)
Until this week, Florida was one of only two states in the nation that didn't have a law requiring
car seats for kids who'd outgrown baby seats but were still too small for seat belts.
But a law -- pushed by advocates for more than a decade -- signed by Gov. Rick Scott on
Tuesday 24th June changed that, essentially mandating booster seats for children aged three to
six.
Florida had required car seats only through age three, making it "dead last" in child safety seat
laws, said Karen Morgan, public policy manager for AAA The Auto Club Group, based in Tampa.
The new Florida law requires children to remain in some type of "child restraint device"
until their sixth birthday. Depending on the child's size, that can be a booster seat, which
helps seat belts fit properly, or a bigger car seat with a five-point harness, Morgan said.
"Florida is still in the middle to the back of the pack compared to other states," she added, but the
new law is an improvement.
"We're very pleased with the Governor and the Legislature for taking it on this year, getting it
done," she said.
Scott said that as a father and grandfather he understands the importance of the issue.
"With this initiative, we are working to ensure our children travel safely and remain protected on
the road. We will continue to do all we can to keep every Floridian safe, so they can enjoy
everything our great state has to offer with their loved ones,” he said in a statement.
Advocates for child-safety seats in cars have been pushing for such a law for 14 years, citing
research that says car seats save lives.
Riding while improperly restrained is one of the reasons traffic accidents are the leading cause of
death for American children ages 5 to 14, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration.
Other states have stricter laws than even Florida's new one. Georgia, for example, requires kids
up to age 8 to be in some kind of safety seat, according to the Governors Highway Safety
Association.
The Florida Legislature passed such a law in 2001 but it was vetoed by then Gov. Jeb Bush.
AAA and other safety advocates lobbied for a similar law this year, noting that safety experts
recommend booster seats until a child is 8 or 4-foot-9.
But they faced push back. The bill that passed (HB 225) requires safety seats through age five.
Obviously this change in the Law has implications for all homeowners, long-term renters
and holiday guests with small children.
6
Property Market update
The table below is a summary of all real estate transactions in Hampton Lakes from the 1st Jan 2014.
It includes actual closed sales through to the 30th June 2014.
This table shows activity in the community so far this year.
Active
Pending
Sold
Jan
21
2
0
Feb
20
2
3
Mar
22
5
2
Apr
20
3
4
May
24
1
3
June
22
2
0
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
As of 30th June there were 22 homes for sale in the community and 12 homes have sold so far this year.
2 homes are under contract for sale (pending). The new graphs below allow comparisons to be made between the
average List and average Sale Prices
Information Source: courtesy of Bardell Real Estate
Anyone requiring having questions on the property market information above should contact Steve at Bardell Real
Estate http://www.bardellrealestate.com/
Welcome to our New Neighbors in the Community
Hans Petter Fasteng
128 Ballyshannon Drive
Jia Wang
148 Ballyshannon Drive
Affirmation Properties
106 Bloomingdale Drive
Qingji Yang
814 Bloomingdale Drive
Kevin & Joanne Nosworthy
134 Castlemain Circle
Mary & Lacey Hemenway
238 Castlemain Circle
Ryan Bérubé
178 Emeraldview Ave
Roberta Paragone
223 Julliard Blvd
Nara Lucia Michelon
302 Julliard Blvd
Janet Buckley
187 Nazha Drive
We look forward to meeting you all at some point in the future.
New Topics:
Want a day away from Mickey and his friends?
Staying relatively close to Hampton Lakes, try a visit to “Bok Tower Gardens” off Hwy 27 at Lake Wales.
http://boktowergardens.org
It’s a place of natural beauty and calm serenity, open 365 days per year. Check out the events calendar on their
website for the occasional summer musical events. Well worth a visit and offers an escape from all the fantasy
that exists in the fun parks.
“Mount Dora”, A laid-back, relaxing getaway just an hour north from Hampton Lakes, Mount Dora offers you
the pleasure of Old Florida country living. Lakes, quiet country inns, shops, an old railroad station and some
tasty dining options – all can be found in the old town in Mount Dora.
A day at the Beach perhaps?
Head west to “Clearwater” on the Gulf coast. Best Beach Town 2013
http://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/# A great beach with fine white sand and lots of space.
Spread your wings a little further? Just 30 minutes north of Clearwater you will find “Tarpon Springs” known
as the "sponge capital of the world," Visitors to the Historic District can stroll along brick streets while
browsing in art galleries, antiques stores, and specialty shops housed in buildings dating from the late 1800s. Visit
the Sponge Dock's area on Dodecanese Blvd, FL 34689 it boasts some nationally recognized Greek restaurants
and bakeries.
More info is available at http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/articles/tarpon-springs
Recipe’s & Cocktails Corner
Thanks to Alan Hopkins for this suggestion
My wife loved the Mai Tai's we had in the Rainforest Café, so much so, we spent many fun hours trying to recreate the drink
(found about 20 different recipes on the net).
We decided this recipe matched it ;
In a large glass (pint)
1 measure White Rum
1 measure Dark Rum
1 measure Grenadine
1 measure Triple Sec
Pour over crushed ice, top up with equal quantities of Orange Juice and
Pineapple Juice.
Drink responsibly, this is a very pleasant drink but contains a high level of alcohol.
Send your favorite recipe or cocktail to [email protected] and we will include it in the next Newsletter
Next Newsletter due first week of October 2014 .
8