Article Courtesy of The Tampa Tribune
By LAURA KINSLER
Published March 27 2008
CORY LAKE ISLES - Developer Gene Thomason had 60 days to turn over his company's financial records. As expected, he waited until an hour before the Tuesday afternoon deadline.
Attorney Mark Basurto predicted the last-minute compliance. He said Thomason's lawyers produced five boxes of documents dating to 2002.
Basurto represents eight Cory Lake homeowners who sued their property owners association for access to the records to see how Thomason has been spending homeowner assessments. He said the boxes appear to contain financial statements, ledgers, invoices and payments for the operations and maintenance of the upscale community.
The lawsuit played a key factor Tuesday morning when the Cory Lake Isles Community Development District board appointed Madeline BackesÖ to an open supervisor's seat.
Backes, a retired Boeing executive, holds a degree in finance. Board Supervisors Jane Taggart and Suzanne Manzi cited Backes' financial background as the deciding factor.
"She's the piece of the puzzle this board needs," Manzi said.
But homeowners in the audience, many of whom are financially backing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, saw the move as another power play by Thomason and his hand-picked board. They accused supervisors of keeping the seat open until they could persuade one of Thomason's friends to apply. Backes is recording secretary for the property owners association and her husband, Mel, serves on the board along with Taggart and supervisor Roger Brown. She applied for the CDD seat after the January deadline. A few audience members booed when she was sworn in.
The seat had been vacant since October, when Thomason's son, Cory, resigned. The board decided not to fill the seat at two subsequent meetings despite having four applicants who applied before the January deadline. Two of the applicants are plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Another is a vocal critic of the board. The fourth applicant is a retiree who said he has a background in real estate.
The board interviewed three applicants in person and one, Dan Morford, on speakerphone. Manzi repeatedly questioned Morford about the lawsuit.
"Do you believe as a named plaintiff in a lawsuit with the POA that you are in any position to collaborate with the developer?" she asked.
Morford defended the decision to sue, saying it forced the board to be more responsive to residents and comply with open records laws.
"There is more openness, and that is partly a result of the homeowners pushing back," he said.
Applicant David Burman said Cory Lake residents are confused about the different responsibilities for the property owners association and the community development district board of supervisors because the same people control both. Brown, who serves on both boards, said it was a valid point, but he still voted for Backes.
Taggart said she hopes the other applicants will run for the three seats that come up for election in the fall.
Thomason, whose seat will be on the November ballot, has slowly relinquished control over some day-to-day operations in Cory Lake Isles. The development district will seek bids this year for a new landscaping contractor. On Tuesday, the board voted to hire Wackenhut Security to take over operations of the two gatehouses.
The Wackenhut contract will cost homeowners nearly $16,000 a month more than with Thomason's company, but it includes a roving patrol officer eight hours a day and a more sophisticated system. Guards will keep a computer record of visitors' driver's licenses, and cameras will photograph every vehicle entering and leaving the neighborhood.
The board will seek bids for security when the Wackenhut contract expires at the end of the fiscal year.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Developer files for bankruptcy, CDD community
Article Courtesy of The Daily Commercial
By DAVID DONALD
Published October 30, 2008
LEESBURG -- Arlington Ridge residents are confident that, after the community weathers its bankruptcy proceedings, things will return to normal.
"Everybody's is a little upset," said Art Miller, who's lived in the retirement community since 2006. "I think it's fine. I don't see a problem. They're going to reorganize. It's just one of those things that happens."
Arlington Ridge LLC, owned by St. Petersburg-Based development company Blair Communities, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 8 in the United States Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida.
Blair Communties is one of the largest developers of active adult communities in Florida, according to the company's Web site. The company was founded in 1986. It's also the developer of Lake Griffin Harbor in Leesburg; Bear Creek in Ormond; Cypress Lake in Lakeland; Hyde Park in Winter Garden; and Strawberry Ridge in Valrico.
A spokesperson from Blair Communities could not be reached for comment.
Under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a corporation or partnership does not put the personal assets of its stockholders at risk; it prepares a plan of reorganization to keep the business afloat and agrees to pay its creditors over time.
Bankruptcy records show Arlington Ridge LLC owes more than $20 million to Wachovia Bank and $12 million on bonds issued by the Arlington Ridge Community Development District.
The retirement community is a fledgling community development district, or CDD, a type of governmental body that can issue bonds and offer services as run by a board.
Because the community is still in the early stages of building homes, it relies heavily on the developer to help pay debt and the operation of its golf course, restaurants, retail shops, club house and other amenities, said Chuck Adams, the CDD's district manager.
Adams said because the developer is filing Chapter 11, the district would have a cash-flow problem for a while. The CDD will have to dip into its savings to pay bills.
"We're obviously going to reduce costs and services in the short-term so those assessments we collect from homeowners meet (current) expenses," Adams said.
Homeowners already living in the development should be fine if they keep paying their property taxes, he said.
A restaurant and an ice cream shop at the development have already closed; an activities director was let go.
Fearing a bankruptcy may sully the community's reputation; residents are banding together to fill their neighbors' needs.
"This all happened so fast," said Kelly. "We're all learning as we go what the needs and desires are of all the residents. There's a lot of talent here."
Residents are volunteering to help run amenities and clubs in the community, said Hellen Kelly, who's lived in the community since 2006 and learned about the bankruptcy a month ago.
"We're all concerned," she said. "It was a shock to everyone. We all love living here."
By DAVID DONALD
Published October 30, 2008
LEESBURG -- Arlington Ridge residents are confident that, after the community weathers its bankruptcy proceedings, things will return to normal.
"Everybody's is a little upset," said Art Miller, who's lived in the retirement community since 2006. "I think it's fine. I don't see a problem. They're going to reorganize. It's just one of those things that happens."
Arlington Ridge LLC, owned by St. Petersburg-Based development company Blair Communities, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 8 in the United States Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida.
Blair Communties is one of the largest developers of active adult communities in Florida, according to the company's Web site. The company was founded in 1986. It's also the developer of Lake Griffin Harbor in Leesburg; Bear Creek in Ormond; Cypress Lake in Lakeland; Hyde Park in Winter Garden; and Strawberry Ridge in Valrico.
A spokesperson from Blair Communities could not be reached for comment.
Under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a corporation or partnership does not put the personal assets of its stockholders at risk; it prepares a plan of reorganization to keep the business afloat and agrees to pay its creditors over time.
Bankruptcy records show Arlington Ridge LLC owes more than $20 million to Wachovia Bank and $12 million on bonds issued by the Arlington Ridge Community Development District.
The retirement community is a fledgling community development district, or CDD, a type of governmental body that can issue bonds and offer services as run by a board.
Because the community is still in the early stages of building homes, it relies heavily on the developer to help pay debt and the operation of its golf course, restaurants, retail shops, club house and other amenities, said Chuck Adams, the CDD's district manager.
Adams said because the developer is filing Chapter 11, the district would have a cash-flow problem for a while. The CDD will have to dip into its savings to pay bills.
"We're obviously going to reduce costs and services in the short-term so those assessments we collect from homeowners meet (current) expenses," Adams said.
Homeowners already living in the development should be fine if they keep paying their property taxes, he said.
A restaurant and an ice cream shop at the development have already closed; an activities director was let go.
Fearing a bankruptcy may sully the community's reputation; residents are banding together to fill their neighbors' needs.
"This all happened so fast," said Kelly. "We're all learning as we go what the needs and desires are of all the residents. There's a lot of talent here."
Residents are volunteering to help run amenities and clubs in the community, said Hellen Kelly, who's lived in the community since 2006 and learned about the bankruptcy a month ago.
"We're all concerned," she said. "It was a shock to everyone. We all love living here."
CDD
Community Development Districts are getting more and more popular among politicians, developers and the whole connected industry. Local politicians love them, figuring they get all the future property taxes without having to invest anything. Developers can create their own little kingdoms without being supervised. They can write their own ticket and make huge profits without any big risks to them. The public bonds will finance all the necessary investments and if financial losses can't be avoided the homes of the people are the collateral for possible losses. Miscalculation from developers can be covered with money from the homeowners.
As in most cases the idea behind creating Community Development Districts is really good. But lack of supervision from the government agencies, which initially created these communities within communities, and the lack of enforcement of the existing Statutes, has definitely made many people think twice about the advantages of these developments.
As in most cases the idea behind creating Community Development Districts is really good. But lack of supervision from the government agencies, which initially created these communities within communities, and the lack of enforcement of the existing Statutes, has definitely made many people think twice about the advantages of these developments.
Thousands of shoes snarl Miami traffic
Thousands of shoes were dumped on the Palmetto Expressway causing significant traffic delays in Miami, …
MIAMI – State troopers are looking for a charity to take thousands of shoes that were dumped on a Miami expressway, tying up rush hour traffic. Lt. Pat Santangelo says the Florida Highway Patrol received a call about the shoes Friday morning.
Santangelo says he's not sure where the shoes came from. There were no signs of a crash and no one stopped to claim them. He says he hopes someone will take them because he doesn't want to send them to the dump.
Workers using a front-end loader and a dump truck were able to quickly clear at least one lane by sweeping all the shoes to shoulder, but delays were expected until they could all be removed.
MIAMI – State troopers are looking for a charity to take thousands of shoes that were dumped on a Miami expressway, tying up rush hour traffic. Lt. Pat Santangelo says the Florida Highway Patrol received a call about the shoes Friday morning.
Santangelo says he's not sure where the shoes came from. There were no signs of a crash and no one stopped to claim them. He says he hopes someone will take them because he doesn't want to send them to the dump.
Workers using a front-end loader and a dump truck were able to quickly clear at least one lane by sweeping all the shoes to shoulder, but delays were expected until they could all be removed.
Friday, January 2, 2009
This is Florida, home of developers, screw the residents
Task Force of Florida= A group of our finest customer satisfaction experts that are
highly trained in listening to thousands of complaints from residents all over the state and then doing absolutely nothing about it. This is Florida, don't expect a Lawyer or any one to help you, no lawyer in the county wants to fight your developer in court. You are on your own, even your friends will abandon you. This is a known fact, not friction and the state of Florida does nothing to help. You have travel 180 degrees from the north law to Fraud sunny Florida in the south.
highly trained in listening to thousands of complaints from residents all over the state and then doing absolutely nothing about it. This is Florida, don't expect a Lawyer or any one to help you, no lawyer in the county wants to fight your developer in court. You are on your own, even your friends will abandon you. This is a known fact, not friction and the state of Florida does nothing to help. You have travel 180 degrees from the north law to Fraud sunny Florida in the south.
Dept of Business & Professional Regulation DBPR
A USELESS STATE AGENCY AND A DISMAL SECRETARY:
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
January 2, 2009
Dear Governor Charlie Crist, Dear Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Dear Senators, Dear State Representatives, Friends and Members,
when Charles W. Drago was appointed Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation many of Florida's citizens hoped that he would bring the much needed changes everybody was hoping for. Rumor had it that his background "law enforcement" would help him bring this department back on the right track. But hope quickly turned into utter disappointment when Florida's citizens had to realize that he was just another bureaucrat, whose main interest was to keep business as usual, ignoring the many problems Florida's citizens are facing when dealing with this useless state agency.
Please read my opinion about this "disastrous" agency:
http://www.ccfj.net/CCFJDBPRuseless.htm
"On the Road to Better Business" turned out to be just a joke, a waste of money and resources. Example: A condo owner went to see Secretary Drago, but was warned by an investigator not to complain about him or he would ignore the filed complaint. The condo owner complained anyway, the Secretary made some empty promises he never followed up on and the investigator made his "promise" true.
Quite a few citizens complained about the DBPR staff -- others couldn't because all appointment slots were already filled. But Secretary Drago ignored these complaints of his "customers" anyway -- and added insult to injury when he wrote in his newsletter about the great changes that came about when listening to Florida's citizens (quote): "It takes great people to affect change, and we’re fortunate to have a wonderful team."
Secretary Charles W. Drago is just another DBPR Secretary living in a dream world! Florida's citizens can only hope that Governor Charlie Crist will quickly take action and appoint a DBPR Secretary willing to do the job. Florida's citizens already suffer from a bad economy and a non-existing real estate market. We don't need a dysfunctional government agency like the DBPR!
NO WONDER THIS STATE IS CONSIDERED IN THE NATION AS "FRAUD FRIENDLY FLORIDA!"
We always hear the excuse that cost has to be kept low in the interest of Florida ’s taxpayers. The DBPR is not financed by general tax funds -- actually general tax funds profit from the money licensees and consumers are paying in special funds -- and especially so-called trust funds. Let's make it very clear -- the trust is long gone, together with the money that has been misappropriated for purposes other than protecting consumers and regulating professions!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!
Jan Bergemann, President
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
January 2, 2009
Dear Governor Charlie Crist, Dear Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Dear Senators, Dear State Representatives, Friends and Members,
when Charles W. Drago was appointed Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation many of Florida's citizens hoped that he would bring the much needed changes everybody was hoping for. Rumor had it that his background "law enforcement" would help him bring this department back on the right track. But hope quickly turned into utter disappointment when Florida's citizens had to realize that he was just another bureaucrat, whose main interest was to keep business as usual, ignoring the many problems Florida's citizens are facing when dealing with this useless state agency.
Please read my opinion about this "disastrous" agency:
http://www.ccfj.net/CCFJDBPRuseless.htm
"On the Road to Better Business" turned out to be just a joke, a waste of money and resources. Example: A condo owner went to see Secretary Drago, but was warned by an investigator not to complain about him or he would ignore the filed complaint. The condo owner complained anyway, the Secretary made some empty promises he never followed up on and the investigator made his "promise" true.
Quite a few citizens complained about the DBPR staff -- others couldn't because all appointment slots were already filled. But Secretary Drago ignored these complaints of his "customers" anyway -- and added insult to injury when he wrote in his newsletter about the great changes that came about when listening to Florida's citizens (quote): "It takes great people to affect change, and we’re fortunate to have a wonderful team."
Secretary Charles W. Drago is just another DBPR Secretary living in a dream world! Florida's citizens can only hope that Governor Charlie Crist will quickly take action and appoint a DBPR Secretary willing to do the job. Florida's citizens already suffer from a bad economy and a non-existing real estate market. We don't need a dysfunctional government agency like the DBPR!
NO WONDER THIS STATE IS CONSIDERED IN THE NATION AS "FRAUD FRIENDLY FLORIDA!"
We always hear the excuse that cost has to be kept low in the interest of Florida ’s taxpayers. The DBPR is not financed by general tax funds -- actually general tax funds profit from the money licensees and consumers are paying in special funds -- and especially so-called trust funds. Let's make it very clear -- the trust is long gone, together with the money that has been misappropriated for purposes other than protecting consumers and regulating professions!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!
Jan Bergemann, President
LAKE ASHTON ROADS ARE SINKING
As you know, Core samples were never done. They did BORE but they did not CORE to get samples, in other words they drilled into the roads to get samples and placed it into a plastic bag. The bag is then seal for later testing. What a joke.
The testing were done by Florida Testing & Environmental in Lakeland Florida and completed its evaluation on July 7, 2008. Tel 863-648-1000 They said they will answer any question arises from their report.
They did a pavement evaluation report on site drainage features and presence of underground sanitary/storm drain pipe lines, visual inspection of pavement structure. 72 core boring samples were taken to determining the thickness of various components, Asphalt concrete wearing surface, base course, stabilized sub grade and density test.
The typical pavement section requires 1 1/2 inches of asphaltic concrete surface, 6 inches of base course and 8 inches of stabilized subgrade, total design structural of number of 2.18 What ever that means???? and a required field density of 96.0%
This report is 90 pages long.
They used a drill bit 3 inches in Dia to go down 6 feet with wash water or drilling fluid. The sampler is seated 6 inches into the bottom of the test hole and then advanced an additional 18 inches, blows are applied until 24 inches of penetration is reached. This sample is removed and place in a plastic seal bag.
The structural standard penetration test are the results of 140 lb hammer falling 30 inches driving drill rods attached to a standard 2 inch sampler
This whole testing was a big joke because it was not done correctly and since this was a community the City Inspector of Lake Wales need not to inspect the roads while they were being build. What a hog wash. Who collects the Taxes?
They said that the foundation soil; beneath the pavement stucture consist of well compacted granular sands and don't exhibit consolidation settlement characteristics.
Just look at most of the sewer hole covers, they are 1 to 2 inches above the surface of the pavement. You can't tell me that the covers are rising. The road is sinking you idiot. Do you need my glasses?
The testing were done by Florida Testing & Environmental in Lakeland Florida and completed its evaluation on July 7, 2008. Tel 863-648-1000 They said they will answer any question arises from their report.
They did a pavement evaluation report on site drainage features and presence of underground sanitary/storm drain pipe lines, visual inspection of pavement structure. 72 core boring samples were taken to determining the thickness of various components, Asphalt concrete wearing surface, base course, stabilized sub grade and density test.
The typical pavement section requires 1 1/2 inches of asphaltic concrete surface, 6 inches of base course and 8 inches of stabilized subgrade, total design structural of number of 2.18 What ever that means???? and a required field density of 96.0%
This report is 90 pages long.
They used a drill bit 3 inches in Dia to go down 6 feet with wash water or drilling fluid. The sampler is seated 6 inches into the bottom of the test hole and then advanced an additional 18 inches, blows are applied until 24 inches of penetration is reached. This sample is removed and place in a plastic seal bag.
The structural standard penetration test are the results of 140 lb hammer falling 30 inches driving drill rods attached to a standard 2 inch sampler
This whole testing was a big joke because it was not done correctly and since this was a community the City Inspector of Lake Wales need not to inspect the roads while they were being build. What a hog wash. Who collects the Taxes?
They said that the foundation soil; beneath the pavement stucture consist of well compacted granular sands and don't exhibit consolidation settlement characteristics.
Just look at most of the sewer hole covers, they are 1 to 2 inches above the surface of the pavement. You can't tell me that the covers are rising. The road is sinking you idiot. Do you need my glasses?
LAKEASHTON LAKE DISAPPEARED
Received a letter from William Follet Dated May 23, 2008 accusing me of drawing water from Lake Ashton. Yes, the lake has been moved to my back yard. What in hell are wrong with some of the HOA members? Is Joe Hunter and George Flint pushing their limits on them. Where are their brains, in the drawer. The lake is owned by the state! Am I going to drain it dry? What were they thinking. Can't park your Pick-up in your own driveway. Can't smoke outside the clubhouse entrance. Is there anything we can do? Can't fish off the bridge? Parking pick-up trucks in your own driveway was rule unreasonable by a Tampa Judge last month. I wish placing for sale signs in garages was place before the judge but the Lake Ashton Management never file the papers to appear at the court hearing. Everyone of the residents in every community must wake up and see what is going on and take a active role in their community. Make no bones about it.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
LAKE ASHTON MANAGEMENT WILL NOT TURN OVER RECORDS
FS 720.303(4)(j) requires that all "Accurate, itemized, and detailed records of all receipts and expenditures" are part of the public records of the association, accessible to homeowners on request. So, if the association is not using Monopoly money to pay its employees, the records of wages and other benefits paid to employees are clearly part of the financial records open to the homeowners.
We all want to see all of Lake Ashton Management complete records, not just the cover sheet, but they keep giving us the cold shoulder and a deaf ear. What are they hiding if they are doing no wrong. Why are they not answering us and avoiding us. We have tried many times but to no avail. The CDD committee and home owners want answers and the records. What is the developer hiding if he has done no wrong. Are we paying for some of the developer bills? If you got nothing to hide than hand over the records Mr Developer ASAP.
The State Attorney General Bill McCollum was notifly of your actions.
We all want to see all of Lake Ashton Management complete records, not just the cover sheet, but they keep giving us the cold shoulder and a deaf ear. What are they hiding if they are doing no wrong. Why are they not answering us and avoiding us. We have tried many times but to no avail. The CDD committee and home owners want answers and the records. What is the developer hiding if he has done no wrong. Are we paying for some of the developer bills? If you got nothing to hide than hand over the records Mr Developer ASAP.
The State Attorney General Bill McCollum was notifly of your actions.
Empty houses mean higher fees for deed-restricted communities
Article Courtesy of The St. Petersburg Times
By Dong-Phuong Nguyen
Published December 30, 2008
NEW TAMPA — Homeowners association fees are what keep deed-restricted communities from falling into disrepair. They pay for landscaping and upkeep, security and gym equipment.
But what happens when more and more homes go into foreclosure or enter into short sales, or when paying the fees becomes a low priority for struggling families?
The rest of the homeowners must cover the costs. And it's not just the shortfall they need to make up — a litany of items goes with it.
For a more detailed look at how this growing problem is affecting communities, consider the 1,100 households in Live Oak Preserve in New Tampa, where more than $500,000 in assessments have gone uncollected.
Recently, the homeowners association board approved a 2009 budget that increases fees by more than 40 percent — to $163.79 per household per month — to cover the bad debt and items associated with it, such as stamps and legal bills.
"These are very bad times," Ellen De Haan, the board's attorney, told the more than 60 residents at the budget meeting. "And it's happening everywhere."
Residents must now shell out almost $2,000 a year in assessments — about $200 more than last year — mainly because of foreclosures and short sales. The fees will cover such items as:
• $22,500 for postage and supplies that the association is anticipating it will need for mailings and certified letters to collect the fees. In the first nine months of this year, it spent $16,700 — $7,000 more than what was budgeted.
• $42,000 in legal fees because lawyers will be busy drafting the letters to collect the fees. The board had budgeted $5,900 this year and ended up spending $34,700 through September.
• $250,000 in anticipated uncollected fees.
The board also decided to make the assessments due monthly instead of quarterly, to make the smaller, more frequent payments appear less painful.
"It's pretty steep for some people to pay on a quarterly basis," said board chairman Rick Feather, adding that late fees will not be assessed during the first quarter of 2009.
Feather also emphasized that several contracts, such as for lawn and landscaping work, were renegotiated, bringing some costs down.
But one issue that has rankled residents in Live Oak is a bulk cable deal between the developer and a cable company that charges the community $1.1-million for cable — including cable for the unoccupied homes.
Many residents who attended the meeting blasted Feather for his role in the agreement, asking for ways to get out of the contract. The contract does not expire for 11 more years. Some residents have taken their fight to the federal level, meeting with Federal Communications Commission officials earlier this year for help. The FCC has not made a decision.
"If our neighbors need food, we will gladly step up and give it to them," said resident John Cutter. "We just don't want to pay for their cable."
Another resident, Realtor Martha David, said she thought she knew what she was getting into when she moved into Live Oak, but she feels she was misled.
"(The developer) presented to us that we would be saving money and have all these extra features,' " she said. Today, 25 houses in her 125-home village within Live Oak are vacant. "Now we're paying for people that have foreclosed and people who have walked away."
De Haan, the board attorney, likened living in a deed-restricted community to establishing a business with others.
"You went into a full equity partnership with everybody who lives in this community," she said. "As homeowners, you have to make it up. You're all partners in this business."
By Dong-Phuong Nguyen
Published December 30, 2008
NEW TAMPA — Homeowners association fees are what keep deed-restricted communities from falling into disrepair. They pay for landscaping and upkeep, security and gym equipment.
But what happens when more and more homes go into foreclosure or enter into short sales, or when paying the fees becomes a low priority for struggling families?
The rest of the homeowners must cover the costs. And it's not just the shortfall they need to make up — a litany of items goes with it.
For a more detailed look at how this growing problem is affecting communities, consider the 1,100 households in Live Oak Preserve in New Tampa, where more than $500,000 in assessments have gone uncollected.
Recently, the homeowners association board approved a 2009 budget that increases fees by more than 40 percent — to $163.79 per household per month — to cover the bad debt and items associated with it, such as stamps and legal bills.
"These are very bad times," Ellen De Haan, the board's attorney, told the more than 60 residents at the budget meeting. "And it's happening everywhere."
Residents must now shell out almost $2,000 a year in assessments — about $200 more than last year — mainly because of foreclosures and short sales. The fees will cover such items as:
• $22,500 for postage and supplies that the association is anticipating it will need for mailings and certified letters to collect the fees. In the first nine months of this year, it spent $16,700 — $7,000 more than what was budgeted.
• $42,000 in legal fees because lawyers will be busy drafting the letters to collect the fees. The board had budgeted $5,900 this year and ended up spending $34,700 through September.
• $250,000 in anticipated uncollected fees.
The board also decided to make the assessments due monthly instead of quarterly, to make the smaller, more frequent payments appear less painful.
"It's pretty steep for some people to pay on a quarterly basis," said board chairman Rick Feather, adding that late fees will not be assessed during the first quarter of 2009.
Feather also emphasized that several contracts, such as for lawn and landscaping work, were renegotiated, bringing some costs down.
But one issue that has rankled residents in Live Oak is a bulk cable deal between the developer and a cable company that charges the community $1.1-million for cable — including cable for the unoccupied homes.
Many residents who attended the meeting blasted Feather for his role in the agreement, asking for ways to get out of the contract. The contract does not expire for 11 more years. Some residents have taken their fight to the federal level, meeting with Federal Communications Commission officials earlier this year for help. The FCC has not made a decision.
"If our neighbors need food, we will gladly step up and give it to them," said resident John Cutter. "We just don't want to pay for their cable."
Another resident, Realtor Martha David, said she thought she knew what she was getting into when she moved into Live Oak, but she feels she was misled.
"(The developer) presented to us that we would be saving money and have all these extra features,' " she said. Today, 25 houses in her 125-home village within Live Oak are vacant. "Now we're paying for people that have foreclosed and people who have walked away."
De Haan, the board attorney, likened living in a deed-restricted community to establishing a business with others.
"You went into a full equity partnership with everybody who lives in this community," she said. "As homeowners, you have to make it up. You're all partners in this business."
New insurance state law upset condo owners
Article Courtesy of The Palm Beach Post
By RANDY DIAMOND
Published January 1, 2009
Dick Herman may be president of the Burgundy A Condominium Association, but he doesn't like being a cop.
So you won't find the 70-year-old head of this suburban Delray Beach condo asking fellow retirees at the Kings Point development whether they've purchased insurance coverage for their units. That's despite a new state law that goes into effect Thursday requiring his and other condo associations to do so.
If his fellow unit owners do not have insurance coverage, as mandated under a 2004 Florida law, then Herman can now "force place" insurance on individual unit owners - and assess them for it.
That doesn't sit well with Herman.
"These people are our neighbors," Herman said. "The condo association is being put in a very tenuous position because the state is making us police what residents are doing."
Indeed, according to the Jan. 1 law, if the unit owners still don't pay up, associations can obtain court judgments holding owners in default and eventually take possession of their condo units.
Although the new law - passed during the spring legislative session - can pit neighbor against neighbor in some cases, state lawmakers decided that requiring insurance protects the interests of all unit owners. Too often, condo associations were being socked with the bill when damage to one unit caused internal problems in another - such as a tub overflowing and leaking into the units below.
Still, what well-intentioned legislators thought was good public policy has resulted in hundreds of complaints to state officials over the new requirements because many owners have paid off their units and don't feel they should be forced to insure it beyond the master condo policy - which they pay through their maintenance fees to cover floors, walls and roofs.
There are no official statistics on how many of the more than 1 million condo unit owners in Florida are without coverage for interior features like kitchen cabinets, fixtures and hot water heaters. But it is believed by industry observers to be widespread, particularly in retirement communities like Kings Point where most are on fixed incomes.
State Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, who spearheaded the new condo law, said it encourages owners to be responsible to cover damages to their unit and others. "If you don't insure your unit, it can create havoc," he said.
But the havoc may end up extending to the associations themselves. The state's chief condo regulator, Michael Cochran, said associations could end up getting dragged into lawsuits between owners over unit damages if they don't enforce insurance requirements.
Attorneys who practice condo law say associations can't possibly afford to "force place" insurance right now. "The law is coming at the worst possible time," Fort Lauderdale-based lawyer Donna Berger said.
"The problem is associations are already facing huge expenses foreclosing on owners delinquent on maintenance fees, and they can't afford to lay out insurance fees."
Berger wants state lawmakers when they meet in March to abandon the insurance requirements for several years, "until the economy gets better."
By RANDY DIAMOND
Published January 1, 2009
Dick Herman may be president of the Burgundy A Condominium Association, but he doesn't like being a cop.
So you won't find the 70-year-old head of this suburban Delray Beach condo asking fellow retirees at the Kings Point development whether they've purchased insurance coverage for their units. That's despite a new state law that goes into effect Thursday requiring his and other condo associations to do so.
If his fellow unit owners do not have insurance coverage, as mandated under a 2004 Florida law, then Herman can now "force place" insurance on individual unit owners - and assess them for it.
That doesn't sit well with Herman.
"These people are our neighbors," Herman said. "The condo association is being put in a very tenuous position because the state is making us police what residents are doing."
Indeed, according to the Jan. 1 law, if the unit owners still don't pay up, associations can obtain court judgments holding owners in default and eventually take possession of their condo units.
Although the new law - passed during the spring legislative session - can pit neighbor against neighbor in some cases, state lawmakers decided that requiring insurance protects the interests of all unit owners. Too often, condo associations were being socked with the bill when damage to one unit caused internal problems in another - such as a tub overflowing and leaking into the units below.
Still, what well-intentioned legislators thought was good public policy has resulted in hundreds of complaints to state officials over the new requirements because many owners have paid off their units and don't feel they should be forced to insure it beyond the master condo policy - which they pay through their maintenance fees to cover floors, walls and roofs.
There are no official statistics on how many of the more than 1 million condo unit owners in Florida are without coverage for interior features like kitchen cabinets, fixtures and hot water heaters. But it is believed by industry observers to be widespread, particularly in retirement communities like Kings Point where most are on fixed incomes.
State Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, who spearheaded the new condo law, said it encourages owners to be responsible to cover damages to their unit and others. "If you don't insure your unit, it can create havoc," he said.
But the havoc may end up extending to the associations themselves. The state's chief condo regulator, Michael Cochran, said associations could end up getting dragged into lawsuits between owners over unit damages if they don't enforce insurance requirements.
Attorneys who practice condo law say associations can't possibly afford to "force place" insurance right now. "The law is coming at the worst possible time," Fort Lauderdale-based lawyer Donna Berger said.
"The problem is associations are already facing huge expenses foreclosing on owners delinquent on maintenance fees, and they can't afford to lay out insurance fees."
Berger wants state lawmakers when they meet in March to abandon the insurance requirements for several years, "until the economy gets better."
BROWN LAWN, GO TO JAIL
Article and Video Courtesy of
MY FOX Channel 13, TAMPA
Published October 14, 2008
HUDSON - There is a large sign outside Joe Prudente's home in Hudson. It reads, "Free At Last." He put it up Sunday after spending the weekend in jail.
Prudente lives in the Beacon Woods subdivision. The community has deed restrictions requiring lawns be kept green. Prudente says his sprinkler system broke, and then his mortgage payments shot up by $600 a month.
He says he was confronted with a dilemma: keep a roof over his head, or spend the money to keep his lawn green. Prudente let the grass die. That prompted the Beacon Woods Homeowners' Association to go to court.
The association won a court order demanding Prudente green up his grass. After a long legal fight, Prudente gave up. He turned himself in at the Pasco County jail Friday
"It looks better than having someone drag me out in handcuffs," Prudente said.
The Beacon Woods homeowners' association president claims the jail term had nothing to do with the color of grass but the court order.
"We have been inundated with phone calls and emails from people who believe the issue is one of hard hearted people taking down a property owner. That is certainly not the case," Bob Ryan told FOX 13.
When people in the community heard about
Prudente's plight, volunteers got two companies to donate sod. They then went over and replaced his grass themselves. Even Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano chipped in to help.
After volunteers completed the sod-planting project, Prudente was released. But his problems aren't over. He still faces court and homeowner's association fines that he has no money to pay.
The battle has left some hard feelings in Beacon Woods. Dave Wilson, a resident, said "I think it's next to a Nazi regime here. The have more power than they really need."
MY FOX Channel 13, TAMPA
Published October 14, 2008
HUDSON - There is a large sign outside Joe Prudente's home in Hudson. It reads, "Free At Last." He put it up Sunday after spending the weekend in jail.
Prudente lives in the Beacon Woods subdivision. The community has deed restrictions requiring lawns be kept green. Prudente says his sprinkler system broke, and then his mortgage payments shot up by $600 a month.
He says he was confronted with a dilemma: keep a roof over his head, or spend the money to keep his lawn green. Prudente let the grass die. That prompted the Beacon Woods Homeowners' Association to go to court.
The association won a court order demanding Prudente green up his grass. After a long legal fight, Prudente gave up. He turned himself in at the Pasco County jail Friday
"It looks better than having someone drag me out in handcuffs," Prudente said.
The Beacon Woods homeowners' association president claims the jail term had nothing to do with the color of grass but the court order.
"We have been inundated with phone calls and emails from people who believe the issue is one of hard hearted people taking down a property owner. That is certainly not the case," Bob Ryan told FOX 13.
When people in the community heard about
Prudente's plight, volunteers got two companies to donate sod. They then went over and replaced his grass themselves. Even Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano chipped in to help.
After volunteers completed the sod-planting project, Prudente was released. But his problems aren't over. He still faces court and homeowner's association fines that he has no money to pay.
The battle has left some hard feelings in Beacon Woods. Dave Wilson, a resident, said "I think it's next to a Nazi regime here. The have more power than they really need."
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
FISHING TRIP CANCELLED, NEW DATE
Bob LeBlank fishing trip has been cancelled. Boat has engine problems. New date is Feb 10, 2009. All fisherman interested in going deep sea fishing please call Bob or sign up at the activities desk. New price will be $115.00 The fishing trip will be one hour longer. Breakfast and lunch will be serve, and they clean all your fish. What a deal. All fishermen that sign up prior to cancellation are fixed to old price of $105.00. LETS GO FISHING
DEVELOPER MUST BE LICENSED
January 1, 2009 Community Association Management firms are to be licensed. That goes as well for developers who provide management services. With the changes to 468 F.S. CAM s accept the responsibility to provide guidance and direction to an association and indemnify the client association from liability if they do not provide the proper advice.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
HOMEOWNERS DEMAND REFORMS AND ENFORCEMENT
The CCFJ Town Hall Meeting on Saturday in Punta Gorda showed once again that association problems are all over Florida, not just in the Tri-County area of South Florida. And the owners demanding reforms are not just a few disgruntled folks who are unhappy! All the town hall meetings in the last few years drew crowds between 200 and 500 owners -- depending on the area. And if a town hall meeting in a relatively small community like Port Charlotte can attract about 300 interested owners, that really means something -- according to the locals.
The complaints were as well the same as they are all over Florida: Money being wasted -- or even embezzled, dictatorial and/or abusive board members, community association managers and attorneys and the total lack of enforcement of existing laws. A wide majority of the participants of town hall meetings and various surveys favor a regulatory agency -- and are willing to pay for it. The results of the CCFJ HOA REFORM SURVEY mirror exactly the opinion of the participants of these town hall meetings -- or the participants of the meetings of the HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE last winter.
Everybody who thinks otherwise -- or even claims that the problems are just imagined by a very few -- is running through life wearing blinders.
These town hall meetings show clearly that reforms are wanted and needed -- Florida's citizens demand it!
nearly 300 owners attended the CCFJ Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, December 6, 2008 in Punta Gorda in the meeting hall of the Lutheran Church of the Cross. Even locals were surprised that so many interested citizens attended the meeting.
From Left: Attorney Barbara Stage, State Rep. Julio Robaina, CCFJ President Jan Bergemann, CCFJ Area Rep. Kim Jakubaitis, Mark Benson (Member of RCCAM), State Rep. Ken Roberson, State Rep. Paige Kreegel, County Commissioner Bob Starr.
A very committed panel listened to the presentations of nearly 40 members of the audience -- from reports of embezzlement to fraud and kickbacks, from dictatorial behavior and harassment to limitations of freedom of speech. Most likely caused by the specifics of this area, many demands were heard for legislative reforms to rein in the power of developers and to increase financial responsibility
It is very obvious that the bad economy clearly highlights the downfall of the association system. Instead of protecting property values -- as promised to interested buyers -- these associations turn more and more into a financial liability for financially responsible homeowners.
Representative Julio Robaina made it very clear that the legislators are keenly aware of the financial problems caused by many foreclosures in these associations. Robaina promised that a bill will be proposed ASAP -- maybe even in a special session called regarding the Florida budget shortfall -- that will deal with serious improvement in Florida's foreclosure laws for homeowners' and condo owners' associations.
A lengthy discussion covered the problem of protecting association funds against embezzlement and other criminal mischief. The sad example of the Charlotte Square Condominiums showed that a lot more needs to be done to protect the owners' money and to prosecute the criminals. It is not reasonable to expect that the owners who have already suffered serious financial losses would be required to pay a special assessment to find out where their money went, how much money actually "disappeared" and to pay for legal representation to recover minimum part of their money. Where is the accountability of the management company that the owners trusted with their money? A management company that isn't able to protect the money it was in charge of shouldn't be allowed to stay in business. More CAM regulation -- and stricter enforcement -- is needed!
In regards to many questions from the audience Mark Benson explained that as of January 1, 2009 Community Association Management firms are to be licensed. That goes as well for developers who provide management services. With the changes to 468 F.S. CAM s accept the responsibility to provide guidance and direction to an association and indemnify the client association from liability if they do not provide the proper advice.
Another serious issue: Irresponsible association attorneys. Members of homeowners' associations have no agency to turn to for help. But board members and owners have to understand that “opinions” from attorneys are not the law and not the gospel. They are just opinions -- coming without any warranty! And we all know that there are association attorneys who like to twist the statutes and are going so far as telling boards not to worry if they violate any statutes, since 95% of
all homeowners don’t have the money to fight for their rights.
The majority of complaints were exactly the same we heard all over the State of Florida , clearly contradicting the claim of special interests that real problems in associations only exist in the Tri-County area of South Florida .
The dysfunctional DBPR was again target of many complaints of the citizens. A few speakers claimed it to be the most useless Florida government agency. The citizens’ complaints didn’t agree with the new DBPR Secretary Chuck Drago’s claim in his latest newsletter that attendees of his "On the Road to Better Business" tour had great things to say about the people who work for the DBPR. Quote: "It takes great people to affect change, and we’re fortunate to have a wonderful team." Another DBPR Secretary running around with blinders who doesn't want to listen to the facts? Tallahassee must have an unlimited supply of bureaucrats who have hearing problems!
This town hall meeting showed again how important it is to create legislative reforms to protect the owners living in Florida 's associations, no matter if their associations are regulated by FS 190 (CDD), FS 718 (Condo), FS 719 (Co-Op), FS 720 (HOA), FS 721 (Timeshares) and FS 723 (Mobile Home Parks). And it surely isn't enough if the laws are changed -- without strict and fast enforcement these laws
would be useless. Florida 's owners living in associations need protection.
A large majority of the attendees -- by show of hands -- was in favor of a regulatory agency for homeowners' associations and are willing to pay for it! Representative Julio Robaina made sure that this question was answered by the people in attendance, because special interests often accuse him of trying to micromanage Florida 's associations -- against the will of the people living in these associations. For financial reasons, special interest service providers and certain board members may be against regulation, but the citizens definitely are not!
CCFJ Area Representative Kim Jakubaitis made it very clear what owners hope to see accomplished in the next legislative session (quote): "We expect the Florida legislature to safeguard our largest investment, our homes. Defend our rights as homeowners, by enacting laws that shield us from the abuses, financial and otherwise, that we currently have no protection against."
All three Florida legislators present promised their strong support for upcoming HOA Reforms to be sponsored by Representative Julio Robaina.
Representative Paige Kreegel remarked that after hearing the presentations today he wants to work closely with Representative Julio Robaina to achieve HOA Reform legislation.
Representative Ken Roberson even went a step further when he promised Representative Julio Robaina that he will definitely "Co-sponsor the HOA Reform Bill."
In his closing remarks State Representative Julio Robaina promised homeowners that"HELP IS ON THE WAY!" He will work very hard to accomplish the goals discussed in the town hall meetings and the proposals made in the CCFJ HOA REFORM SURVEY. "It is really important to protect the welfare of Florida's families living in associations. A HOA reform bill is being written and will be proposed to the Florida legislature!"
As much as we heard positive things in regard to upcoming reforms, we owners have to be vigilant and make sure that our voices are heard all the way to Tallahassee . All the owners who want the help of our legislators to create the necessary laws should never forget: These legislators need our help and support to convince their colleagues that reforms are needed.
Help these legislators so that they can help us!
The complaints were as well the same as they are all over Florida: Money being wasted -- or even embezzled, dictatorial and/or abusive board members, community association managers and attorneys and the total lack of enforcement of existing laws. A wide majority of the participants of town hall meetings and various surveys favor a regulatory agency -- and are willing to pay for it. The results of the CCFJ HOA REFORM SURVEY mirror exactly the opinion of the participants of these town hall meetings -- or the participants of the meetings of the HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE last winter.
Everybody who thinks otherwise -- or even claims that the problems are just imagined by a very few -- is running through life wearing blinders.
These town hall meetings show clearly that reforms are wanted and needed -- Florida's citizens demand it!
nearly 300 owners attended the CCFJ Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, December 6, 2008 in Punta Gorda in the meeting hall of the Lutheran Church of the Cross. Even locals were surprised that so many interested citizens attended the meeting.
From Left: Attorney Barbara Stage, State Rep. Julio Robaina, CCFJ President Jan Bergemann, CCFJ Area Rep. Kim Jakubaitis, Mark Benson (Member of RCCAM), State Rep. Ken Roberson, State Rep. Paige Kreegel, County Commissioner Bob Starr.
A very committed panel listened to the presentations of nearly 40 members of the audience -- from reports of embezzlement to fraud and kickbacks, from dictatorial behavior and harassment to limitations of freedom of speech. Most likely caused by the specifics of this area, many demands were heard for legislative reforms to rein in the power of developers and to increase financial responsibility
It is very obvious that the bad economy clearly highlights the downfall of the association system. Instead of protecting property values -- as promised to interested buyers -- these associations turn more and more into a financial liability for financially responsible homeowners.
Representative Julio Robaina made it very clear that the legislators are keenly aware of the financial problems caused by many foreclosures in these associations. Robaina promised that a bill will be proposed ASAP -- maybe even in a special session called regarding the Florida budget shortfall -- that will deal with serious improvement in Florida's foreclosure laws for homeowners' and condo owners' associations.
A lengthy discussion covered the problem of protecting association funds against embezzlement and other criminal mischief. The sad example of the Charlotte Square Condominiums showed that a lot more needs to be done to protect the owners' money and to prosecute the criminals. It is not reasonable to expect that the owners who have already suffered serious financial losses would be required to pay a special assessment to find out where their money went, how much money actually "disappeared" and to pay for legal representation to recover minimum part of their money. Where is the accountability of the management company that the owners trusted with their money? A management company that isn't able to protect the money it was in charge of shouldn't be allowed to stay in business. More CAM regulation -- and stricter enforcement -- is needed!
In regards to many questions from the audience Mark Benson explained that as of January 1, 2009 Community Association Management firms are to be licensed. That goes as well for developers who provide management services. With the changes to 468 F.S. CAM s accept the responsibility to provide guidance and direction to an association and indemnify the client association from liability if they do not provide the proper advice.
Another serious issue: Irresponsible association attorneys. Members of homeowners' associations have no agency to turn to for help. But board members and owners have to understand that “opinions” from attorneys are not the law and not the gospel. They are just opinions -- coming without any warranty! And we all know that there are association attorneys who like to twist the statutes and are going so far as telling boards not to worry if they violate any statutes, since 95% of
all homeowners don’t have the money to fight for their rights.
The majority of complaints were exactly the same we heard all over the State of Florida , clearly contradicting the claim of special interests that real problems in associations only exist in the Tri-County area of South Florida .
The dysfunctional DBPR was again target of many complaints of the citizens. A few speakers claimed it to be the most useless Florida government agency. The citizens’ complaints didn’t agree with the new DBPR Secretary Chuck Drago’s claim in his latest newsletter that attendees of his "On the Road to Better Business" tour had great things to say about the people who work for the DBPR. Quote: "It takes great people to affect change, and we’re fortunate to have a wonderful team." Another DBPR Secretary running around with blinders who doesn't want to listen to the facts? Tallahassee must have an unlimited supply of bureaucrats who have hearing problems!
This town hall meeting showed again how important it is to create legislative reforms to protect the owners living in Florida 's associations, no matter if their associations are regulated by FS 190 (CDD), FS 718 (Condo), FS 719 (Co-Op), FS 720 (HOA), FS 721 (Timeshares) and FS 723 (Mobile Home Parks). And it surely isn't enough if the laws are changed -- without strict and fast enforcement these laws
would be useless. Florida 's owners living in associations need protection.
A large majority of the attendees -- by show of hands -- was in favor of a regulatory agency for homeowners' associations and are willing to pay for it! Representative Julio Robaina made sure that this question was answered by the people in attendance, because special interests often accuse him of trying to micromanage Florida 's associations -- against the will of the people living in these associations. For financial reasons, special interest service providers and certain board members may be against regulation, but the citizens definitely are not!
CCFJ Area Representative Kim Jakubaitis made it very clear what owners hope to see accomplished in the next legislative session (quote): "We expect the Florida legislature to safeguard our largest investment, our homes. Defend our rights as homeowners, by enacting laws that shield us from the abuses, financial and otherwise, that we currently have no protection against."
All three Florida legislators present promised their strong support for upcoming HOA Reforms to be sponsored by Representative Julio Robaina.
Representative Paige Kreegel remarked that after hearing the presentations today he wants to work closely with Representative Julio Robaina to achieve HOA Reform legislation.
Representative Ken Roberson even went a step further when he promised Representative Julio Robaina that he will definitely "Co-sponsor the HOA Reform Bill."
In his closing remarks State Representative Julio Robaina promised homeowners that"HELP IS ON THE WAY!" He will work very hard to accomplish the goals discussed in the town hall meetings and the proposals made in the CCFJ HOA REFORM SURVEY. "It is really important to protect the welfare of Florida's families living in associations. A HOA reform bill is being written and will be proposed to the Florida legislature!"
As much as we heard positive things in regard to upcoming reforms, we owners have to be vigilant and make sure that our voices are heard all the way to Tallahassee . All the owners who want the help of our legislators to create the necessary laws should never forget: These legislators need our help and support to convince their colleagues that reforms are needed.
Help these legislators so that they can help us!
DUMP OFFICER
A police officer stops a blonde for speeding and asked her for her license. She replied in a huff, I wish you guys would get your act together. Just yesterday you take away my license and then today you expect me to show it to you.
HOA, CDD AND A BLONADE
They were all talking one day when the HOA said we were first in space, the CDD said we were first on the moon. The Blonde said, so what, we're going to be first on the Sun. The HOA and the CDD looked at each other and shook their heads. You can't land on the sun, you idiot! You'll burn up! To which the Blonde replied, we're not stupid, you know, We're going at night.
FISH AND MEN
Nick: How are fishermen and fish alike?
Ben: They both get into trouble when they open their mouth.
Ben: They both get into trouble when they open their mouth.
BINGO NO SMOKING AMENITY
UP DATE DEC 29,2008
Paul Pontius is not doing his job at Bingo on Monday night except calling numbers,
and then he makes mistakes. The added amenity facilities policy #11 says THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE CLUBHOUSE IS NOT A DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA. He must tell all Bingo players every Monday night about this new amenity lake Ashton law which was effective May 30, 2008. Believe me there not much you can do in this community. Don't do this, don't do that. They would need 100 policemen to enforce the amenities, and all of us would be kicked out of here. Paul, I will tell Joe Hunter about the smoking ban just like you told him about me. Monkey see monkey do.
I was sitting down facing my home last week enjoying and playing with my two cats when a golfer on the golf course drove by behind me on his golf cart and shouted "asshole". I had no idea who he was. I quickly got up ran over the bridge and down the golf course to catch the person and guess who the golfer was? None other than Paul Pontius. Is he going to disobey the amenity law by turning a blind eye about smoking at the front entrance of the clubhouse. Are some people exempt from this law? He added and sign this new amenity law. He was on the HOA committee at that time THIS AMENITY LAW WAS SIGN. And I did not know I changed my name to asshole, unless he was talking to himself.
Little did he know he was going to be in charge of BINGO just a few months later.
I am asking Joe Hunter, the community director to investigate the behavior of Paul Pontius, I don't enjoy being called an asshole, and the fact he did not notify the players at Bingo on the NO Smoking amenity law at the entrance to the Clubhouse that night. I did play Bingo on Monday night and at break time, I exit the doors of the clubhouse and saw seven smokers including one staff BINGO member smoking. The smoke was so thick, I could cut it with a knife. I got the xxxx out of there.
I will be expecting an answer from Joe Hunter. This ruling must be enforced.I have not heard from you after submitting a form for a fund raising show for Give Kids the World over 3-4 weeks ago. This show could be in the afternoon like the Red Skelton Show. Are you telling me the ballroom is totally booked for 2009?.
signature EDMUND W. KING
Paul Pontius is not doing his job at Bingo on Monday night except calling numbers,
and then he makes mistakes. The added amenity facilities policy #11 says THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE CLUBHOUSE IS NOT A DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA. He must tell all Bingo players every Monday night about this new amenity lake Ashton law which was effective May 30, 2008. Believe me there not much you can do in this community. Don't do this, don't do that. They would need 100 policemen to enforce the amenities, and all of us would be kicked out of here. Paul, I will tell Joe Hunter about the smoking ban just like you told him about me. Monkey see monkey do.
I was sitting down facing my home last week enjoying and playing with my two cats when a golfer on the golf course drove by behind me on his golf cart and shouted "asshole". I had no idea who he was. I quickly got up ran over the bridge and down the golf course to catch the person and guess who the golfer was? None other than Paul Pontius. Is he going to disobey the amenity law by turning a blind eye about smoking at the front entrance of the clubhouse. Are some people exempt from this law? He added and sign this new amenity law. He was on the HOA committee at that time THIS AMENITY LAW WAS SIGN. And I did not know I changed my name to asshole, unless he was talking to himself.
Little did he know he was going to be in charge of BINGO just a few months later.
I am asking Joe Hunter, the community director to investigate the behavior of Paul Pontius, I don't enjoy being called an asshole, and the fact he did not notify the players at Bingo on the NO Smoking amenity law at the entrance to the Clubhouse that night. I did play Bingo on Monday night and at break time, I exit the doors of the clubhouse and saw seven smokers including one staff BINGO member smoking. The smoke was so thick, I could cut it with a knife. I got the xxxx out of there.
I will be expecting an answer from Joe Hunter. This ruling must be enforced.I have not heard from you after submitting a form for a fund raising show for Give Kids the World over 3-4 weeks ago. This show could be in the afternoon like the Red Skelton Show. Are you telling me the ballroom is totally booked for 2009?.
signature EDMUND W. KING
Monday, December 29, 2008
FISHING BETTER THAN SEX ?
Why Fishing Is Better Than Sex
When you go fishing and you catch something, that's good. If you're making love and you catch something, that's bad.
Fish don't compare you to other fishermen neither and don't want to know how many other fish you caught.
In fishing you lie about the one that got away. In loving you lie about the one you caught.
You can catch and release a fish, you don't have to lie and promise to still be friends after you let it go.
You don't have to necessarily change your line to keep catching fish.
When you go fishing and you catch something, that's good. If you're making love and you catch something, that's bad.
Fish don't compare you to other fishermen neither and don't want to know how many other fish you caught.
In fishing you lie about the one that got away. In loving you lie about the one you caught.
You can catch and release a fish, you don't have to lie and promise to still be friends after you let it go.
You don't have to necessarily change your line to keep catching fish.
Two Dumb Fisherman
Two avid fishermen go on a fishing trip. They rent all the equipment: the reels, the rods, the wading suits, the rowboat, the car, and even a cabin in the woods. They spend a fortune.
The first day they go fishing, but they don't catch anything. The same thing happens on the second day, and on the third day. It goes on like this until finally, on the last day of their vacation, one of the men catches a fish.
As they're driving home they're really depressed. One guy turns to the other and says, "Do you realize that this one lousy fish we caught cost us fifteen hundred dollars?"
The other guy says, "Wow! It's a good thing we didn't catch any more!"
The first day they go fishing, but they don't catch anything. The same thing happens on the second day, and on the third day. It goes on like this until finally, on the last day of their vacation, one of the men catches a fish.
As they're driving home they're really depressed. One guy turns to the other and says, "Do you realize that this one lousy fish we caught cost us fifteen hundred dollars?"
The other guy says, "Wow! It's a good thing we didn't catch any more!"
Sunday, December 28, 2008
JUDGMENT
How To Collect a Judgment In Florida
How do I Collect a Judgment?
If you win a lawsuit for money, you will get a copy of the Court's judgment stating the amount of money the losing party must pay to you. The losing party is called the judgment debtor, and you, the winner, are called the judgment creditor.
If the judgment debtor does not pay, you are entitled to get the sheriff to seize the judgment debtor's property. The seizing of property by the sheriff is called a levy. Once the sheriff has levied on the property, the sheriff will then sell it, and pay you out of the money the sheriff receives from the sale. This process is called execution. There are a number of steps you must take.
There are some kinds of property the sheriff cannot levy on. The main kind of property the sheriff cannot seize is a person's home. A person's homestead is exempt from execution. The judgment debtor may also select personal property worth up to $1,000, and one motor vehicle worth up to $1,000, as exempt property. Only people have exemptions. If your judgment is against a corporation or a partnership, the sheriff can seize all of its property. Of course, the sheriff can only levy on property the judgment debtor truly owns - not property owned by somebody else, such as leased property.
For more Info please e-mail me.
How do I Collect a Judgment?
If you win a lawsuit for money, you will get a copy of the Court's judgment stating the amount of money the losing party must pay to you. The losing party is called the judgment debtor, and you, the winner, are called the judgment creditor.
If the judgment debtor does not pay, you are entitled to get the sheriff to seize the judgment debtor's property. The seizing of property by the sheriff is called a levy. Once the sheriff has levied on the property, the sheriff will then sell it, and pay you out of the money the sheriff receives from the sale. This process is called execution. There are a number of steps you must take.
There are some kinds of property the sheriff cannot levy on. The main kind of property the sheriff cannot seize is a person's home. A person's homestead is exempt from execution. The judgment debtor may also select personal property worth up to $1,000, and one motor vehicle worth up to $1,000, as exempt property. Only people have exemptions. If your judgment is against a corporation or a partnership, the sheriff can seize all of its property. Of course, the sheriff can only levy on property the judgment debtor truly owns - not property owned by somebody else, such as leased property.
For more Info please e-mail me.
TWO SIDED VAN LOGOS
Ever notice the van parked in the sales parking lot? They use to drive in and park it. Now they back in and park it. WHY? On one side it says Lake Ashton Community. on the other side it says Vienna Square Community. The side that is facing Ashton Club Drive is none other than Lake Ashton Community. We are also paying for services at the other community. Yes we are fools and are being taken in by the developer.
LAKEASHTON GRILL
The developer runs the restaurant and what a deal he has. For $50,000 a year he has all the expenses paid in full by the homeowners of Lake Ashton, and if this is not enough, if they are in the red, we pay the loss as homeowners and if he makes a profit he keeps the money. What a deal, and what fools we are. Some people just don't get the picture like those that voted NO, they are good friend with the developer or they have trouble thinking or have a brain disorder. This is honestly at it best, a fair deal for the NO voters.
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