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   Volume 1                                                                                                      2010 Winter Issue

 

This issue of The Southern Dunes Sun is the first in a series of quarterly newsletters. Bill Quinlan has agreed to serve as Editor.
 
Bill owns and resides year-round in his home on St. Augustine Boulevard in Southern Dunes. His extensive journalistic experience includes current assignments with The News Chief in nearby Winter Haven and The Reporter here in Haines City.

The feature story in this issue is intended not only to remind one of the myriad of regulations we all live under but also to clear up confusion over Homeowner Association and City regulation. Because Bill is a recent graduate of the Haines City Citizen Academy, he is uniquely qualified to write this story.

Look for information in future editions on amenities and other supports available in the community. Among other things, the next edition will cover the critically important issue of how foreign visitors can get and pay for emergency health care.

Bill Grobasky, President. Board of Directors
Southern Dunes Master Community Assn., Inc.

RE: Florida Public Service Rates: Thank you all for your letters and calls regarding the Public Service Commission in reference to the rate increase of 33% that has been defeated.

Regulations – Written By Bill Quinlan

Homeowners and their renters and guests are subject to regulation. The Southern Dunes Master Community Association, Inc. and the City of Haines City regulations both are designed to protect property values and make the community a safe and peaceful place in which to live. Violations put one at risk of potentially heavy fines and liens on property. The Association and the City are required to give timely notice before imposing penalties.

The Southern Dunes developer formed the Association in 1993. Its purview excludes the golf course and the apartment complex just outside the main gate. Only homeowners are Association members. Regulations are promulgated in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions adopted in 1993, and in Rules and Regulations adopted in 2008.

Owners, renters and guests are also subject to City regulations.

These apply city-wide and are not intended to single out Southern Dunes. Code Enforcement Officers patrol Southern Dunes. Warning notices on front doors that fines will be levied if violations are not corrected have been placed there by the City, not the Association.

This article is not intended to definitively cover this complicated topic. Residents and absentee homeowners are cautioned to consult appropriate authorities when in doubt.

Property Modifications The Association regulates the exterior of all private property. No building, fence, mail box, walk, pool, enclosure, or other structure (including antennas, aerials and storm shutters) shall be erected, moved or modified without prior approval. Plans must be submitted to the Association’s Design Review Committee. All movable structures (for example, basketball backboards) must be placed on the side or rear of the dwelling when not in use.

Building permits are required in some cases, including structural repairs, re roofing and some plumbing and electrical work. The City Building Department enforces these regulations.

Property Maintenance The Association requires that all exterior structures be kept in good condition. Landscaping must be weeded, watered and trimmed. Dead or badly damaged grass, shrubs or trees must be replaced with similar healthy items. Exterior paint, roof, gutters, downspouts, walls, swimming pools, and other exterior surfaces must be kept in good repair. The Association may maintain private property that is out of compliance, and impose special assessments in order to collect expenses.

The City has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code. Among other things, lawns must be mowed to a height not to exceed twelve inches; swimming pools must be fenced in; unlicensed, abandoned and inoperable vehicles are prohibited in open areas; broken windows must be repaired; and trash is prohibited in open areas.

Trash and Garbage Removal The City picks up trash and recyclables, including newspapers, cans, and glass and plastic bottles. Pick-ups are on Friday mornings except on holidays. The City provides free containers which must be placed at the curb but not before 6:00 pm the prior evening. Containers may not be left in the open after midnight on pick-up days. The Association and the City prohibit accumulation of lumber, metals, bulk materials, or trash except for building materials during construction.

Security The Association operates the main entrance gate around the clock, and conducts roving patrols. The remote-controlled side entrance gate is not the Association’s responsibility; however, reports of gate malfunction will be conveyed to the responsible party by the officer at the main gate. Homeowners are issued stickers that are valid indefinitely; visitors and renters are issued temporary passes. The City Police Department enforces the law in Southern Dunes and patrols the area.

Fire and Rescue The City Fire and Rescue Service responds to fires and other emergencies. It enforces regulations governing structural and other hazards. Its regulations cover fire alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinklers and standpipes, heating and air conditioning equipment, cooking equipment, and electrical wiring and related items.

Parking and Other Vehicular Restrictions The Association prohibits on-street parking that restricts the flow of traffic or could inhibit emergency vehicles, and overnight parking of commercial and recreational vehicles, including motorcycles and boats. The Association appreciates compliance with the posted 25 mile per hour speed limit. The City prohibits on-street parking of inoperable and unlicensed vehicles.

Pets The Association requires that pets be kept on leash while on common property and that their feces be picked up.

Signs and Decorations The Association prohibits signs that are no larger than two by three feet. Holiday decorations are permitted but must be removed within fifteen days of the holiday. City regulations prohibit signs larger that one square foot size.

Upcoming Presentations for Southern Dunes Residents

The Association is sponsoring two one-hour City of Haines City presentations of special interest to residents. Both will be conducted at the Southern Dunes clubhouse at 1603 Forest Hills Drive. Questions from the audience are welcome. Further details follow.

Crime Prevention Wednesday,
February 24, 7:00 p.m.

Code Enforcement Wednesday,
March 24, 7:00 p.m.

 

Key Contacts

Southern Dunes Homeowner Assn.
(863)419-0642 barbarar@donasher.com
Managing Agent Barbara Reitz

Southern Dunes Security Gate
(863) 422-2038
Site Supervisor of Security Mike Molnar

City of Haines City City Hall, 502 E Hinson Ave., Haines City, Fl 33844, (863)421-3650,
 www.ci.haines-city.fl.us
Mayor Joanna Wilkerson,
City Manager Ann Toney-Deal

Haines City Building Division (863)421-9934 Building Official Bill Nolen

Haines City Code Enforcement Division
(863)421-9935 Compliance Officer Steve Hunnicutt

Haines City Fire and Rescue Services
(863)421-3612 Chief Lon Cheney

Haines City Police Department (863) 421-3636 Chief Richard Sloan


Write to us The Southern Dunes is a publication of the Southern Dunes Master Community Association, Inc.. The Sun welcomes letters to the Editor, which should be submitted to Bill Quinlan at 1603 Forest Hills Lane, Haines City, Fl. 33844 or Barbarar@donasher.com

The Southern Dunes Ladies Luncheon will
be held the 3rd Friday of each month at 12 noon at the Southern Dunes Country Club. All women who are seasonal or permanent residents are welcome to attend. The luncheons will start in October '09 & continue till May '10, resuming again the following Oct.'10 on the 3rd. Friday


Don't forget about our Valentines' dance on Saturday, Feb 6th from 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.!


Try to wear red, pink or white!

Dance Connection presents Ballroom Dances at the beautiful Lake Ashton Health and Fitness Club located at 6052 Pebble Beach Blvd. Winter Haven, 33884. (Directions attached)
The attire is very dressy. The cost is only $ 8 per person. Bring your own beverage (alcohol or non) plus your favorite snack.
Get ready to dance the night away from 7:30 til 10 pm to the great D. J. sounds and your favorite requested hits.
Dances are held every 1st Saturday of each month unless posted. Tell your friends about us. The more, the merrier! Everyone is invited! Studio's, instructors, advanced dancers, Beginners, freestylers, on lookers. If you just want to listen to some good music and have fun with people who enjoy the same. Oops! Did I leave anyone out? Didn't mean to. You're invited too! For more information call Debbie at (863) 299-8834. See you there!!
Directions:
From rifle range rd. (Snively ave.)-turn east onto Eloise loop rd, turn south (right) onto CR 653, go 1 1/10 mile, Lake Ashton guard gate is on left.
From hwy 27-turn west onto Thompson Nursery Rd., turn south (left) go 1 1/10 mile, Lake Ashton guard gate is on left.
After turning into guard gate clubhouse will be straight ahead. You may park on the south side of the clubhouse.


Dear Owners:

If you lease out your home, please be sure that a copy of the Rules & Regulations of SOUTHERN DUNES in placed in a conspicuous place in the home. The conduct of your tenant is your responsibility.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The Board of Directors

 

Welcome     About Southern Dunes     Important Phone Numbers     Board of Directors     Advertise Here
Newsletter     Calendar of Events     Rules & Regulations     Security Notes     Contact Us


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