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Volume 1
2010 Winter Issue
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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. |
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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 |
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