Spring-Summer 2015 Newsletter

Spring-Summer 2015
Upcoming Buckhorn HOA Events
SAVE THE DATES
 Buckhorn Bunny Bonanza: Saturday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m. at
Buckhorn Park
 Annual Membership Meeting: Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. at
Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club
 Buckhorn Community Garage Sale: Friday & Saturday, May 1 and 2
 American Flags at Your Mailboxes:
Memorial Day weekend
 American flags will be placed at Buckhorn’s four entrances on
Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veteran’s Day
Articles In This Issue
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Annual Buckhorn HOA Membership Meeting
American Flags Placed at Each Resident
Buckhorn HOA Upcoming Events
Buckhorn Park Has Many Activities Available For Your Family
Buckhorn HOA WINS $2,500 Grant for Park Adult Exercise Equipment
Dues Are Due. Thanks for Your Payment!
E-mails to Residents from Buckhorn HOA
GO HILLSBOROUGH Meetings & Initiative Update
Household Hazardous Waste
New Traffic Concerns
Sheriff’s Department Update
Summer Heat and Your Pets
Tips on Telephone Courtesy
Citizen Patrol Program through Sheriff’s Office
Let’s Overcome These Issues
What To Do In An Interaction With Law Enforcement
You Need To Be A Vigilant Resident
Official publication of the Buckhorn Homeowners Association Board of Directors
www.Buckhorn.Us • PO Box 1586 • Valrico FL • 33595 • [email protected]
Spring-Summer 2015
Raising your taxes and fees - to improve transportation.
NOW IS THE TIME TO GIVE YOUR INPUT.
DECISIONS WILL DETERMINE
HOW OUR TRANSPORTATION ISSUES WILL BE RESOVED OVER THE NEXT 10-30 YEARS.
The Policy Leadership Group for the Transportation for Economic Development initiative’s
Hearings are being held around Hillsborough County to decide the future of our roads, bus
services, light rail train, bike trails, and sidewalks.
This is a cooperative called the Transportation for Economic Development (TED) initiative
and is led by all seven Hillsborough County Commissioners, the mayors of Plant City, Tampa
and Temple Terrace, as well as the chair of the HART bus board, and is referred to as the
Policy Leadership Group.
The website for this group is: http://GoHillsborough.org/
Funding/Revenue/Tax choices to fund this initiative could include:
• User-based fees such as tolls, gas taxes, and revenue sharing from transit oriented
development
• Developers’ fair share contributions
• A reliable funding source, such as a sales tax may be needed.
Hillsborough County tax referendum to raise Sales Tax, etc.)
(This will likely be a
Here is where to make your opinions known. What do you want for you and your family?:
Apr. 2 - Exploring Options: Telephone Town Hall
Toll Free Number: 877-229-8493 PIN: 110301
Apr. 14 - Making Choices: Brandon
Bell Shoals Baptist Church
2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon, FL 33511
May 4 - Making Choices: Telephone Town Hall
Toll Free Number: 877-229-8493
PIN: 110301
May 11 - Finding Consensus: Brandon
Bell Shoals Baptist Church
2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon, FL 33511
May 21 - Finding Consensus: Telephone Town Hall
Toll Free Number: 877-229-8493 PIN: 110301
Spring-Summer 2015
Buckhorn Subdivision
Community Garage Sale
Buckhorn will hold a Community Garage Sale on Friday &
Saturday, May 1 & 2. The Buckhorn Homeowners
Association will advertise the garage sale in area
newspapers and will post signs at the entrances of
Buckhorn. You just need to place your items for sale in
your driveway or yard, post a sign at your property, and
hope for a great sale. Great garage-selling to you!
Goodwill Donation
Truck at Buckhorn
County Park on May 2
from Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Spring-Summer 2015
BUCKHORN HOA
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
EVERYONE SHOULD ATTEND
Tuesday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m.
At The Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club
Join us for an interesting and informative meeting during which we will be giving away some door prizes!
Here are the topics to be covered at the meeting:
1. Election of Buckhorn Homeowners Association Board of Directors (If you are interested in volunteering
for the board, please let the current Board know in advance so we can brief you on the Board’s
activities, work involved, and responsibilities. Send a note of your interest to [email protected]
2. Speaker: Hillsborough County District 4 Commissioner Honorable Mr. Stacey White
Bring your questions.
3. Award the Buckhorn College Scholarship to the Buckhorn resident high school senior(s).
4. Review of the past year and thoughts on the next year.
5. Safety & security update for Buckhorn
6. Questions & Answers
PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING
Do business with Buckhorn neighbors! Look for their business
cards at http://www.Buckhorn.Us/inbiz.html
UPCOMING EVENTS
BUCKHORN HOA SPONSORED EVENTS FOR OUR RESIDENTS

BUCKHORN BUNNY BONANZA Easter Egg Hunt, Games, & Refreshments:
 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 4
 At Buckhorn County Park
 2605 Green Valley Street in Buckhorn

Buckhorn Homeowners Association Annual Membership Meeting
 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 7
 At Buckhorn Springs Country Club
Spring-Summer 2015

Buckhorn Community Garage Sale
 Friday and Saturday, May 1 & 2
 Goodwill will be at Buckhorn Park from Noon to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday

American Flags at Your Mailboxes
 Memorial Day weekend

American flags will be placed at Buckhorn’s four entrances on Memorial Day, July 4 th,
and Veteran’s Day

This fall there will be Buckhorn HOA’s Halloween-At-The-Park event, Santa Claus
Parade, and Holiday Christmas Lights Judging Contest.

Recycling Event: Buckhorn HOA is also trying to organize a paper document
shredding and metal recycling event in 2015. It will depend on dues monies received
and overall expenses.
AMERICAN FLAGS PLACED AT EACH RESIDENCE
Each year volunteers from your Buckhorn HOA place American flags near your
mailbox/driveway on Memorial Day weekend. Please ensure your flags stay in good shape
and allow them to be displayed throughout the year. Flag Day (June 14), July 4 th and
Veterans Day are particular examples of other important days that deserve our attention and
proper display of our nation’s flag. We are very fortunate to live in a country with its rich
heritage of patriotism and freedom that was not granted but was earned.
The flags really make a great sight when you drive down the street. We have had a lot of
positive comments from resident and visitors alike through the years about Buckhorn’s flag
program.
Spring-Summer 2015
SHERIFF’S OFFICE LAUNCH NEW APP TO GET TIPS
The Sheriff has launched a new cell phone App called Tip 411. It is available for FREE by
your service provider on your I-Phone or Android Smart-phone. Simply go to your provider
and get the App called HCSOSHERIFF and download it to your phone. Your tip goes to the
Sheriff’s dispatch center which is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is a very good way to anonymously notify the Sheriff of unusual things going on or
repetitive things happening, e.g., a residence that has several cars going to it every
Wednesday morning between 9 and 10 a.m. and the drivers go to the door for 30-60 seconds
and then return to their cars and drive away. This may indicate hand to hand drug deals.
You may even notice it is the same or mostly the same cars each time. You can use the App
to notify the Sheriff and you can even attach photos or videos. This is the type of information
the Sheriff’s Drug Squad will carefully observe and follow-up on during their investigation.
Another example is someone who parks every day too close to a STOP sign and fire hydrant
(less than 20 feet away). Again, use the App to notify the Sheriff, provide a photo if possible
and a Deputy will be in touch with the vehicle’s driver.
Always use 911 to report active crimes in progress and the non-emergency number, 2478200, to report crimes such as your bike has been stolen or someone has sprayed graffiti on
the side of a building.
Note that even if you have removed the land line from your home but you have a household
phone plugged into the active phone jack, you can still call 911 anytime. This a great feature
for your children or an elderly person who may not have a cell phone can still reach 911 in a
timely manner. Be sure they know this and keep some of your old household telephones
plugged into the jacks.
BE VIGILENT, CURIOUS, SUSPICIOUS AND ACT ON YOUR OBSERVATIONS IMMEDIATELY
Spring-Summer 2015
WHAT TO DO IN AN
INTERACTION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
You never know when it may happen, being in a vehicle accident, as a witness to an event or
seeing flashing red/blue lights in your rear view mirror but you need to think about how to
properly react. We have heard quite frequently in the press lately about how law
enforcement needs to have more sensitivity training, cultural differences training, etc. We
have not heard how WE AND OUR YOUTH should react in situations with members of law
enforcement. The following are some common sense tips to consider that will make the
interaction go as smoothly as possible. In most cases the average citizen is probably in for
no more than a warning or a traffic citation at most…not an earth shattering event, however,
deciding to run on foot or in a vehicle, endangering lives and property because you state that
you “were scared” is not an acceptable reason to create a situation that can easily become
an earth shattering event.
 Follow the instructions of the Deputy, you will have time to learn why you are being
approached after the Deputy has the situation under control.
 Demanding to know immediately why you were stopped and declaring that you know
your rights is not setting a good tone for the conversation that will ensue.
 Keep your ID with you when away from your home.
 If you are in a vehicle, stay in it. Let the Deputy approach you when he is ready. He
may be checking your license plate or seeing if the car is stolen prior to coming to your
door.
 If you are driving a vehicle, pull over in a location that is safe for you and the Deputy,
e.g. a well-lighted parking lot or side street. If no location is close at hand then slow
down and turn on your flashers to acknowledge you are going to comply and proceed
to a good location. Explain immediately why you did not pull over in a timely manner to
alleviate any ideas the Deputy may have. If the vehicle is not a marked patrol car you
can make a quick call to 911 to verify that you are in fact being pulled over by a
Deputy.
 Immediately lower all your windows so the Deputy can easily see you and your
passengers as he approaches your vehicle.
 Make sure you and your passengers put down anything in your hands and keep your
hands in a position to be easily observed. A cell phone can easily be mistaken for a
gun in a low light scenario. If you are stopped at night turn on your interior lights.
Spring-Summer 2015
 Notify the Deputy if you need to reach into your clothing/purse for a driver’s license as
well as if you need to open the console/glove box to get your vehicle registration and
proof of insurance.
 IF YOU HAVE A CARRY PERMIT FOR A WEAPON AND IF IT IS ON YOU OR IN YOUR
VEHICLE NOTIFY THE DEPUTY AND TELL HIM WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHERE IT IS
LOCATED. If you do not notify the Deputy and he sees it as a result of you reaching
into your wallet or glove box he can only assume that you’ve INTENDED TO HIDE THE
WEAPON. It is best to tell the Deputy immediately upon your verbal contact with him.
It is on a case by case basis as to what the Deputy may do upon the notification. In
minor interactions, the Deputy may thank you for the notification and tell you not to pull
the weapon out. However, in a tense situation the Deputy may ask you to hand him the
weapon and he will return it to you at the end of the interaction. Reaching into your
clothing, under the seat, in the console/ glove box, or into a computer/messenger bag
without notifying the Deputy or asking for permission can quickly lead to great deal of
excitement that could easily be misunderstood by the Deputy. Deputies are not mind
readers but they are constantly observing your body language and based on their
training and experience “THEY REACT TO YOU AND YOUR BEHAVIOR”.
 Do not use foul language, threaten, confront or attempt to walk or run away, it will only
get worse for you and may add charges to you.
 Be respectful, truthful and courteous and you may catch a break.
 Law enforcement is there to SERVE AND TO PROTECT. They want to be helpful and
you can help them do that. They do not want to take you to jail for no or a flimsy
reason. It takes undue time and they are out of their patrol zone…not to mention the
paperwork and the scrutiny that will follow.
 Remember, the Deputy wants to go home to his family too. An uneventful contact is in
everyone’s best interest.
 Please review these points with your youth so that they will know how to react if ever
stopped by a law enforcement officer.
Spring-Summer 2015
CRIME ALERTS & INFORMATION
E-MAILS TO RESIDENTS
FROM BUCKHORN HOA
ARE YOU REGISTERED?
The Buckhorn Homeowners Association has begun sending e-mails to
Buckhorn’s residents about crime alerts, events coming up in Buckhorn,
community updates, and other topics.
If you have not yet received an e-mail from Buckhorn HOA, please check your
spam filter. If our e-mail(s) are not there, then send us your e-mail address and
we’ll make sure you are added to our system.
Send your e-mail address to:
[email protected]
We are sending the e-mails to you through a confidential e-mail service called
Constant Contact. You can opt out of receiving our e-mails at any time.
If you have any requests for ideas to be e-mailed to Buckhorn residents
(nothing business or commercial related) please let us know at
[email protected] .
CRIME?
SEE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS?
CALL THE SHERIFF FIRST
BUT, ALWAYS NOTIFY BUCKHORN’S
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH AT [email protected]
Spring-Summer 2015
BUCKHORN WINS $2,500
BUCKHORN HOA TO INSTALL EXERCISE
EQUIPMENT AT BUCKHORN PARK
Hillsborough County awarded the Buckhorn Homeowners Association $2,500 to help in
buying and installing adult exercise equipment at the Buckhorn County Park in our
subdivision in 2015.
It will require approximately $1,000 in funds from Buckhorn Homeowners Association, and
volunteer man hours from our residents to complete, plus help from the Hillsborough County
Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department.
Parents can exercise while their children play on the jungle gyms, etc.
Included will be:
 Two – Exercise Bikes
 One – Leg Press Trainer
 One – Ski Walker Aerobic
We give special thanks for the $2,500 funding which comes from the Hillsborough County
Board of County Commissioners, funding from the Children's Board of Hillsborough County
and the Frank E. Duckwall Foundation within the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay.
Spring-Summer 2015
BUCKHORN PARK IS AVAILABLE
FOR YOUR USE & ENJOYMENT
Spring and summer is a great time to enjoy our local county park. Buckhorn
County Park is located on the north side of our neighborhood at 2605 Green
Valley Street. It is open from sunrise to sunset each day. Local volunteers lock
and unlock the driveway gate daily. Other volunteers keep dog pot bags in the
three bag holders for your pets’ convenience. It is against Hillsborough County
ordinances to fail to scoop your pets’ poop anywhere in the county. Your pet
must be leashed at all times.
The park has play areas including slides, stairs and tunnels for your young
children. In addition there is white sand for them to play in and three benches
for parents to observe their children. A one-third mile asphalt walking/jogging
track is available with two different benches on the back side for rest. Three
exercise stations are also located along the path. It is a good place to aide in
your rehabilitation if you are recovering from illness or surgery to help you build
your strength.
A basketball court with two goals gets good usage. Two movable soccer
goal/nets are in a large grassy area that is used for soccer, football and cricket.
A three hole ball toss is also popular. We have also installed a nine hole
Frisbee golf course that is great for family use (your little ones can throw balls
instead of Frisbees). Moreover, there is a beach sand (36 cubic yards worth)
volleyball court.
Two covered shelters with tables are available along with three tables located
under trees. Seven trash barrels are located throughout the park. It is a great
place for your small child’s birthday party. Unfortunately, no electricity is
available; however, some parents have brought small generators along to solve
that issue.
Please advise your youth who go to the park without you to properly dispose of
their trash. Also, golf carts and ATVs are not allowed on county roads,
sidewalks, parks or any other public property.
Spring-Summer 2015
COUNTY’S HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM
Recent changes in the County’s program make it easier for residents to get rid of hazardous
waste items. The County has four Community Collection Centers (CCC). The new changes
allow you to take up to 10 one gallon paint containers or 5 five gallon paint containers per
month to the CCC. No aerosol paints or chemicals will be accepted at the CCC. You must
take your photo Id.
Another change is that the CCC will now be able to accept household electronics along with
appliances, furniture, lead acid batteries and tires. In this case, you must take your photo ID
and Property Tax Receipt containing proof of the County solid waste tax assessment.
The two CCCs closest to Buckhorn are near Alderman Ford Park, 9402 SR 39 in Lithia and at
6209 CR 579 in Seffner near the Lazy Days RV Center and Gator Ford just north of I-4. They
are open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm.
The County also has three Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection locations that
operate only on select Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you have household products
containing hazardous ingredients labeled with words such as poison, danger, toxic,
flammable, corrosive and reactive, then you must dispose of these types of products at the
HHW. There are two HHW locations closest to Buckhorn. One is at the 6209 CR 579 in
Seffner and it ONLY operates on the THIRD Saturday of each month. The other is at 13000
US Highway 41 in Gibsonton and it ONLY operates on the SECOND Saturday of each month.
Again, you must take your photo ID and Property Tax Receipt.
For more information visit the County website at: www.HillsboroughCounty.org/SolidWaste
or call (813) 964-2769.
Spring-Summer 2015
NEW TRAFFIC CONCERNS
There are new ongoing traffic concerns for Buckhorn residents. Please use extra care in the
following locations near our neighborhood.
 Bloomingdale Avenue during the continuing construction of the Walmart which is
scheduled to open in the spring of 2016. An exit/entrance will also be constructed onto
Lithia next to the Subway. It will be a right turn only for outbound and inbound traffic.
 The intersection at Culbreath/Bloomingdale Avenue is scheduled for upgrades to
assist in handling the traffic generated by the Walmart.
 Bloomingdale Avenue during the final phases of the construction for the County Fire
Station #7 which should be completed by September.
 Lumsden at Durant will be the site for 292 Mediterranean style homes ranging in price
from $250,000 to $500,000. Construction will be ongoing for two /three years
depending on the economy and market conditions.
 The intersection at Lithia/Lumsden/Durant is scheduled for a dramatic upgrade to
improve traffic flow and safety. Unfortunately the County has postponed the work
pending more studies.
From time to time the sheriff may be watching for speeders in these construction zones.
Lumsden currently has signs indicating speeding fines are doubled when workers are
present.
Spring-Summer 2015
SUMMER HEAT AND YOUR PET
We certainly feel the heat and humidity of the summer and so do our pets, especially dogs.
Hazards of summer include the following:
Heat risks – Cats take good care of themselves in finding cool spots to nap, however, dogs
do not. Never leave your dog in a car alone. Even with the windows cracked (lame excuse) a
dog will lose its ability to cool itself in a very few minutes. Your dog can have seizures or die.
It is not worth it to endanger of the pet you love. Limit exercise to the cooler early morning or
late evening to avoid the heat of the day. Watch for signs your dog his having trouble: glassy
eyes and frantic panting. Your dog will do its best to keep up with you so you are the one
who needs to ensure your animal is safe from heat danger.
Remember that older, obese and short -nosed dogs are less heat tolerant, therefore, they
need constant access to shade and clean cool water. Also, your swimming pool can provide
heat relief for some dogs but it can a great danger for old, blind or obese dogs. Never force
your dog to enter the pool.
Poisons – Automotive coolant is deadly even in small amounts, so clean up all fluids
completely and store the products carefully. Cleaners, solvents, paints, pool supplies, etc.,
need to be properly secured from your pet.
Escape risks – Many dogs like to greet other pets and people. They will take advantage of
loose boards in a fence and doors or fence gates that do not close well to get out. Often, we
find that lawn service companies do not take the time to make sure the gates to fenced back
yards are closed properly. If you have a dog door to your back yard or if you simply let you
dog into the back yard, they may disappear because the gate is left ajar. Always put your pet
in a secure area in your home when you have service workers at your home doing work until
they leave and remember to check doors and gates to make sure they are fastened.
Collar - Be sure you put your County ID tag and another tag with your contact information on
it on your dog’s collar and make sure they wear it. Too often house dogs get out and have no
tags to assist in returning them to their owner in a timely manner. Having your dog micro
chipped (about $30) is also great. Any vet or groomer with a micro wand can read the info
and help to return the dog to its owner.
Heartworm risk – Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, Florida’s state insect, which
pick up the microscopic heartworm larvae when they draw blood from an infected animal.
Spring-Summer 2015
They share the parasites when they bite your dog. Once in your dog, the larvae make their
way to the heart where they grow to be 9 to 14 inches long, dozens and dozens of them. This
blocks the flow of blood causing severe damage and eventually death with very expensive
vet bills along the way. You won’t notice anything until your dog begins coughing at night
and after any exertion along with a general loss of healthy condition. The damage is severe
by then and other organs like the kidneys and liver will have been compromised too.
Preventive care is the key with monthly doses of medication which is very successful in
keeping your dog safe. See your vet and use the preventive meds on schedule.
Leash - It is a County ordinance that you are required to ALWAYS keep you dog on a leash
when it is outside unless it is in your fenced yard or controlled by an electronic fence. Verbal
control is not acceptable. We have folks who allow their dog to run loose at Buckhorn Park
or on the golf course. We had 4 dog on dog attacks last year in Buckhorn resulting in one
dog’s death and several thousand dollars in vet bills in other cases by unleashed dogs. This
is in violation of the ordinance and some folks have been cited by the authorities who have
been observing the behavior. Fines up to $500 as well as a trip to Dog Court officiated by a
County Judge could be in your future if you do not follow the law.
Scoop the Poop – It is also a County ordinance requiring you to scoop your dog’s poop and to
dispose of it in your garbage can. Fines up to $500.00 as well as a trip to Dog Court officiated
by a County Judge could be in your future for this infraction too. Many dog viruses are
transmitted by healthy dogs sniffing the infected dog’s poop. Be a responsible dog owner
and scoop the poop. Also, make sure any other member of your family or guest who walks
the dog knows it is their responsibility to do so too.
Fourth of July – A dangerous and scary time for your pet. Call your vet now for a RX for a
simple medication that will help keep your pet calm. Some pet lovers also believe in the
homeopathic product Rescue Remedy available in health food stores. Before the fireworks
begin move your pet to a safe, comfortable and quiet space in your home. Take steps to
insure that your pet cannot escape your home while it is excited and upset during the night
hours when the fireworks are going off.
Spring-Summer 2015
TIPS ON TELEPHONE COURTESY
Today, upwards of 40% of the phone lines in our homes have been removed in favor of the
convenience and features of the cell phone. Never the less there is still a need to know and
to use basic courtesy when using either of these telephones at home as well as at your place
of work. Rudeness is easily remembered by those who are on the receiving end of the
telephone call. Bad telephone habits are easily developed and our children and youth learn
by watching and listening to their parents use the telephone. The following tips assist in
enhancing a more courteous use of the telephone.
 Answer Promptly; delayed answering irritates your caller. Try to answer in 3 rings or
less.
 Identify Yourself on incoming and outgoing calls.
 Avoid Unnecessary Call Screening and never say “Who’s calling?” If you must screen,
ask “May I say who’s calling, please?” When you are told who is on the phone for you
by the screener always answer the phone by recognizing the caller by name.
 Be prepared, to take notes,e.g., names, callback numbers., dates, etc. and be sure the
intended person gets the note as soon as possible.
 Exude an Upbeat Tone of Voice. People would rather speak to a person with a caring
voice than to someone who has a tone of voice that is indifferent or even bothered to
answer a call.
For your place of work the following tips may be extra helpful to insure your customers
are well served by your employees/co-workers.
 Explain delays – Music on hold is a big assist, however, waiting should not extend over
60 seconds without the called party checking back with the caller. If it will take more
time to get the information required ask the caller if they can be called back within a
specified amount of time to give them the information they want.
 Analyze your terminology – avoid slang and trite speech. Remember to never say to
your caller “You’ll HAVE to…” You may find that the caller will do business somewhere
else that appreciates their business more.
 Speak Effectively – Over the telephone you are the voice of your business. A friendly,
sincere voice helps to build goodwill for you as a person as well as your company.
Avoid holding the phone in the crook of your shoulder and neck which may cause an
unclear /strained conversation. Poor quality speaker phones and Bluetooth devices
also can give an impression of poor quality to your customers. Show them that they
and their business are important to you and provide good quality communications with
them.
It all goes back to TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED and good or poor
telephone habits tell more than you may recognize.
Spring-Summer 2015
VOLUNTEER CITIZEN PATROL PROGRAM
The Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program (VCCP) is based on the concept of utilizing the talents
and skills of volunteers from within the local community as partners in public safety.
Volunteers are specially trained by the Sheriff’s Office to respond to many non-emergency
and routine calls for service that do not require law enforcement or regulatory authority.
These volunteers also perform proactive patrols and augment the “regular Neighborhood
Watch Groups” in the local community, acting as additional “eyes and ears for law
enforcement”.
Volunteers donate their time to patrol neighborhoods and respond to specific nonemergency calls for service while driving specially marked Sheriff’s Office vehicles.
Volunteers are not law enforcement officers, but are trained on how to spot suspicious
criminal activity. They also receive training in areas such as crime prevention, first aid,
traffic control and community policing. They may also conduct vacation checks, document
graffiti, assist disabled motorists, assist with road obstructions and conduct traffic studies.
To become a Citizen Patrol Volunteer you must be a U.S. citizen, be 19 years of age or older,
possesses a valid driver’s license, pass a screening test, complete a 40 hour VCCP traing
course, be willing to attend monthly meetings and be willing to volunteer a minimum of 12
hours a month. Your Buckhorn Neighborhood Watch Group is trying to get the Sheriff’s
Office to expand the Bloomingdale/Fishhawk VCCP to include our Buckhorn neighborhood.
However, they need to have more volunteers to perform the necessary coverage in their
assigned neighborhoods before the Sheriff’s Office can consider our request.
If you are interested in becoming a VCCP volunteer please email us at [email protected]
with your contact information. We will coordinate a meeting with VCCP coordinators so that
each prospective volunteer can learn more about the program and its benefit to Buckhorn.
Spring-Summer 2015
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO OVERCOME THESE ISSUES
You may have noticed the following issues, or complained to the HOA reference them or you
may be one of the neighbors who falls into the affected group of these issues.
What are we referring to?
The first is the continued behavior of some dog owners who allow their dogs to run off the
leash (which is a fineable County ordinance) and the owner also allows the dog to go all over
neighbors’ front and side yards. Quite often the dog does his business and then leaves the
area along with the owner leaving behind the poop.
The second is the dog owners who allow their leashed dog to do their business but who
continue on their way without “scooping the poop” another fineable County ordinance.. Dog
owners should always display their “scoop the poop” bags so other residents can tell they
intend to follow the law and do the responsible thing regarding their dogs!
Third is the residents who mow or edge their yard and leave the clippings on the sidewalk
and in the street. The job is not complete until you properly dispose of the clippings or at
least blow them back onto your property. The street and the sidewalk is not your property.
Fourth are the few residents who continually leave their blue and green trash carts in front of
their home. Our HOA covenants require each resident to place the carts behind the front
edge of the house behind a screen of fencing or shrubbery or you can place them in your
garage.
Next, is the situation where drivers in the neighborhood do not SLOW and MOVE OVER when
they approach a homeowner or hired lawn person who is working near the driveway or curb
while doing yard work. The worker may be using loud equipment and concentrating on the
task at hand. Many drivers simply plow ahead oblivious to the tragedy that could easily
happen as they speed by mere inches from the worker. The proper action is for the driver to
SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER in the roadway. This is especially true if there is also an
oncoming vehicle. DO NOT TRY TO PASS THE ONCOMING CAR NEAR THE YARD WORKER.
It is too dangerous and only you can control this activity.
Last but not least are the few residents who insist on driving 35 to 40 mph through the
neighborhood. THE SPEED LIMIT IS 25 MPH ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT, EVERY DAY AND
Spring-Summer 2015
EVERY NIGHT. You are the only one who can control this problem. Please look at your
speedometer instead of driving through the neighborhood as a habit. We all want a SAFE
and SECURE neighborhood!
A neat and clean neighborhood is a builder of property values and neighbor respect. It is
easy to do, try it!
Texting while driving is a growing problem everywhere. Eyes taken off the road and focused
on the texting device create a situation whereby reaction time to brake or turn is
dramatically reduced. BANG!! You are in an accident!! Was the text that important?
REMEMBER: KEEP YOUR APPS OUT OF YOUR PHONE WHEN DRIVING!
YOU NEED TO BE A VIGILENT RESIDENT
The warm weather of spring and summer along with the time change combine to give us
extra daylight in the evening and can make us complacent about our surroundings. This type
of weather often lulls us to become lax about closing our garage doors and keeping our
home doors locked when we may be working in the back yard, grilling on the lanai or
enjoying our pools. Criminals know this too and they can easily enter an open garage and in
a few seconds they can steal valuable tools, bikes, generators, lawn equipment, etc.
Moreover, they can enter your house during the daylight hours or at night when you forget to
close the garage door. They easily steal your money, credit cards& checks, guns, jewelry,
computers cameras and may even assault members of your family.
In addition, always lock your vehicle doors when you are not in the vehicle. Burglars easily
look for unlocked vehicles in the day but more often at night. When you leave ANYTHING
that looks enticing they will quickly enter the vehicle and take it. Computers, cameras, GPS
devices, guns, I-pads, Cell phones, etc. are the usual items they seek. Also, they can use
your garage door opener to enter your closed garage door and steal from your garage or
Spring-Summer 2015
home. Three guns have been taken from UNLOCKED vehicles already this year in our
neighborhood. LOCK YOUR CAR!!
WHAT CAN YOU DO if you see/hear suspicious behavior in the neighborhood? Call 911 and
give them the information IMMEDIATELY. Try to get descriptions of the people and vehicle,
license plate, you have noticed. Be careful not to tip off the suspects that you are watching
them. Keep the Sheriff updated with the location and direction of travel of the suspects. Do
not try to scare them away because they will only go somewhere else and victimize those
folks. The Deputies will sort the entire situation out and they have the training and computer
information on the car and the people to assist them.
Also, notify your HOA via email at [email protected] IMMEDIATELY after you call the Sheriff
so we can follow the case as it develops.
BE VIGILENT, CURIOUS, SUSPICIOUS AND ACT ON YOUR OBSERVATIONS IMMEDIATELY
Buckhorn’s College Scholarships
Buckhorn Homeowners Association awards two (2) college or trades school
scholarships to Buckhorn homeowners’ children each year. The applications for
these scholarships had a deadline be received by March 1, 2015.
Certain eligibility requirements have to be met before a student can win this
scholarship. These include grade level, community service, grade point average, and
Buckhorn residency.
Eligibility requirements submitted to with the applications include:
•
A 500-word essay
•
A copy of Permanent Record Summary (Grades)
A photo ID showing her/his home address
A copy of community service hours signed by school officials
A letter of recommendation from a non-family member.
•
•
•
If you have questions, please e-mail us at [email protected] .
Spring-Summer 2015
BEST OF BUCKHORN PROPERTY AWARDS
Every quarter, Buckhorn HOA honors two homes in Buckhorn as the best kept properties in
our 652 home subdivision. These homes have great landscaping, well-kept roofs, fencing,
paint, etc., so the honor is for homes that have great images. These homeowners definitely
set the bar for all of us to admire.
Well maintained homes and properties are what keep all of our property values at their
highest. If you home has slipped in its appearance, then please take some time and try to
improve your home. We all have to work as a team to so our home investments will reward
us will the highest prices when we or families sell our homes at some point in the future.
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October - December:
October – December:
2603 Brianholly Drive
3012 Sprawling Oaks
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January – March:
January – March:
2601 Brianholly Drive
2720 Crestfield Drive
Buckhorn Spring 2015 Newsletter
Articles are written by Buckhorn HOA volunteers
for the 652 homeowners and their renters in the
‘Buckhorn’ subdivision in Valrico, Florida.
Buckhorn Estates Homeowners Association, Inc. is the legal incorporated name of the ‘Buckhorn’ subdivision. It
has no dealings with the actual ‘Buckhorn Estates’ subdivision in Valrico.
Board of Directors for 2014-2015 are:
 Kevin Dorsey, President
 Maria Singfield, Vice President
 Ken Nailling, Vice President
 Robert Brinkman, Treasurer
 Teresa Dorsey, Member-at-Large
 Carrie St. John, Member-at-Large
Key Volunteers:
 Website & Email Management:
 Buckhorn’s Best Committee Head:
Jay Braden
Ann Burg
Spring-Summer 2015
YOUR HOA DUES ARE DUE NOW FOR 2015
$30 Per Year – Lowest In The Area
All the Buckhorn HOA activities, events, purchases for Buckhorn Park, etc. are
a result of each homeowner and renter paying their annual dues of $30 per
year or $55 for two years.
Pay your dues and get a 20% DISCOUNT ON PLANTS AND/OR A 20%
DISCOUNT ON A COMPLETE LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION AT CAMARRA’S
LANDSCAPE NURSERY. YOU CAN GET A FREE AT-HOME LANDSCAPING
PLAN with the purchase of plants and installation. Camarra’s has a small
landscaping plant outlet across from Publix on Bloomingdale Avenue. They
have a nursery nearby where they grow their plants. Camarra’s has been in
business for decades in the Valrico/Brandon area.
The Buckhorn Homeowners Association is a not-for-profit corporation that
handles the concerns of the ‘Buckhorn’ only subdivision. Officers and
volunteers do not receive any sort of payment for their hundreds of hours
volunteered to make Buckhorn a great place for our families to live.
Many other subdivisions have much higher dues than Buckhorn. Here are a
few examples of other nearby subdivisions’ HOA dues:
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
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Buckhorn Preserve:
Buckhorn Groves:
Buckingham:
Bloomingdale Cove:
$285-$325
$350
$125
$130
THANKS FOR PAYING YOUR 2015
BUCKHORN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DUES!