EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2010, THERE IS A NEW LAW UNDER FLORIDA STATUTES 720, WHICH GIVES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS THE RIGHT TO COLLECT RENT FROM TENANTS OF OWNERS WHO ARE BEHIND IN THEIR ASSESSMENTS.

GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE:
Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club has decided to install Champion Dwarf using the no-till process. From start to finish the renovation will take about nine weeks. Unfortunately or fortunately the only date available for the install was July 1st, which meant that we would have to start prepping the greens beginning June 11, requiring the course to close June 17, 2010 and will hopefully re-open August 21, 2010 (weather permitting). We apologize for the short notice and inconvenience to anyone that planned the course this Summer. Although this was not planned, we feel that this renovation will have a positive impact on the course and everyone that plays Southern Dunes.

Security Bulletin
We will be changing the code to the entrance gates (front & Rear). All remotes will need to be re-programmed by bringing the remote to the Association office located at 1603 Forest Hills Lane between 10AM & 2PM Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays.

Owners, have you thought about changing your lock box codes lately?
Police tell us that you should change your codes several times a year or more!

The Gate officers have stopped several cleaners and landscapers with Mexican licenceses, which are not valid in the U.S.A.! They have been refused entry to the property, due to the fact that if they get into an accident, the association would be liable.

Safety Bulletin:

Lake Joe should not be used for fishing or swimming do to the fact that there are 6 foot and 8 foot alligators in it! The Lake also has poisonous snakes. The land around the lake is still owned by Park Square Homes.


WATER INFORMATION:
POLK COUNTY HAS LIFTED THE ONE DAY A WEEK FOR WATERING
IF YOUR ADDRESS ENDS IN AN ODD NUMBER - YOU CAN WATER ON WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY
IF YOUR ADDRESS ENDS IN AN EVEN NUMBER - YOU CAN WATER ON THURSDAY & SUNDAY
YOU CAN NOT WATER BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM
 

Hurricane Preparedness

By Bill Quinlan

The hurricane season is already upon us, having officially started June 1, and will be with us through November.  Experts don’t completely agree on what we can expect but some think the season will be the busiest since 2005.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting that eight to fourteen tropical storms (winds of at least 39 miles per hour) will strengthen to hurricane force, that is, 74 or more miles per hour.

There is a 45 percent chance that one or more hurricanes will come inland in peninsular Florida or somewhere else on the East Coast, according to experts at Colorado State University.  This likelihood is nearly half again as great as has been the average for the past century.

Discretion being the better part of valor, it behooves Southern Dunes homeowners and renters to be prepared.  There are quite a few things one can do well in advance of a hurricane that could make a critical difference.  Secure anything in your yard that can become a projectile such as lawn furniture, signs, etc. Trim trees close to your house. A spokesman for the American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region says it’s important to stock up on items you may not be able to purchase once a storm hits.

The Polk County Emergency Management Division suggests that residents have a survival kit composed of these items:

Food & Water  Canned goods and other non-perishables are important to have on hand.  High-protein foods are good.  At least one gallon of drinkable water per person per day for at least three days is recommended.  One-hundred gallon containers can be purchased and filled with a hose.

Battery Operated Items  Flashlights, extra batteries and a battery operated radio can come in handy.  Candles are a fire hazard and fire personnel may have an especially hard time responding during a storm.

Baby Needs  Those with infants and other children at home should be sure to remember blankets, plenty of diapers, special foods and medicines.

Sleep Items  Blankets, sheets, pillows and sleeping bags will be a godsend if one evacuates to a shelter, or even to someone else’s home.

Entertainment  Books, playing cards, games, magazines, toys, and coloring books and crayons may help one avoid becoming stir crazy.

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Personal Items  Personal hygiene items, sanitary supplies, written prescriptions and medications and spare eyeglasses will be needed if one leaves home.  Experts recommend storing cash, credit cards and extra sets of keys in a waterproof container.

First Aid Kit & Other Items  A well-stocked first aid kit could be critically important.  Tools, garbage bags and duct tape can come in handy.  One expert suggests having cash or travelers checks on hand because credit cards may not work if the power is out.

Seniors may face special challenges.  Hope Jones at Polk County Elderly Services suggests keeping on hand at least a three-day extra supply of prescription medications.  She says this can be arranged with one’s doctor or pharmacist.  A phone with a cord is necessary if the power is out or the cell phone signal is lost.  Special transportation arrangements to a shelter or elsewhere can be arranged in advance by calling (863) 534-5600.  Avoid scams by asking those offering to do clean-up and repair work if they are registered with the State and by checking them out at www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr.  Let a friend or family member out of the area know where you are.

Social Media  Staying in touch through social media can help too.  Those on Twitter can follow events and warnings in Polk County by searching for PolkCountyFL.  As was the case last year, Tweeters can post articles, breaking news and emergency alerts at theledger and at ledger911.  The Polk County Sheriff’s Office uses Twitter (PolkCoSheriff), Facebook, and MySpace (http://www.myspace.com).

Shelters  According to Polk County emergency officials, shelters should be one’s last option.  The other four options, in order of priority, are: (1) stay at home; (2) stay with a friend or relative in a safe and secure place; (3) evacuate the area; and (4) evacuate to a hotel or motel.  There are 41 locations designated as shelters in the area.  To confirm that a shelter is open, call (863) 534-0321 or (866) 661-0228; or tune in to a local television or radio station.  Special needs shelters exist at the Haines City Adult Day Care Center, the Lakeland Adult Day Care Center, and the Polk County Health Department Bartow Specialty Care Unit.  Pre-registration is unnecessary but recommended; to pre-register, call (863) 534-5600.  Shelters at Alta Vista Elementary School in Haines City, Lake Region High School in Eagle Lake, and Philip O’Brien Elementary School in Lakeland are pet-friendly.

A mutual agreement was made between the Southern Dunes Board and the Golf course to put a Radar unit out on Southern Dunes Blvd. for people to see just how fast they are traveling and to get them to slow down to the 30 MPH speed limit.