March 2020 Newsletter - Rotonda Sandsrotondasands.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/March... · 3/3/2020 · Latest Mosquito Control Information Resulting from the overwhelming number

www.rotondasands.com March 2020 Newsletter

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Sands SunOFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF ROTONDA SANDS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, INC.

Announcing the new Rotonda Sands

Newsletter

The Board of Directors of Rotonda Sands Conservation Association and the Management group of Grande Property Services would like to announce our new Community Newsletter, Sands Sun! You’ll find it in your email inbox on a monthly or less frequent basis (depending on content generation).

Moreover, the most exciting feature will be the complete digitization (PDF’s), and distribution (email and website) of all the content. This will save significant money vs the current printing methods.

Newsletter and Wildlife and Social committee’s are up and working, other committee’s will follow once we have interested volunteers. Residents are welcome to provide information for future content, and volunteers are encouraged and welcomed to participate!

Navigation is pretty simple:• Mostly follows a newsprint column format, reading down from left and

continuing on right• Sections are titled in the upper right of banner on each page• ‘Hot’ issues or information are either in red or bolded • Website or email links are highlighted in green• First pages will be Board information, Committee updates follow, then

community or resident generated information last

The Sands Sun will be sent monthly, and with an updated website soon, it will be available there as well. Enjoy the first edition, and again we encourage volunteers to participate in our committees.

http://www.rotondasands.com


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*** Breaking News *** Fire Scorches the Sands!

Monday morning the 24th around 11:30 am, fire erupted at a construction site on South Brig Circle. Propelled by over 30 mph wind gusts it cut a mile plus long path North through the most populated areas of the Sands. At over a half mile wide in areas, it burned over 220 acres.

Forty residents (almost a third of the Sands homes) had to evacuate for several hours while three helicopters, dozens of fire trucks, and several Forest service Brush trucks battled to bring the fire under control.

Forest service will investigate what caused the fire at the construction site. WHEN the investigation is complete, it will be posted on their server, and Insurance companies should have procedures in place to access this and move forward for their customer’s claims. Residents should contact their insurance, have damage inspected, get necessary estimates, wait for the investigations completion, and stay in touch with insurance agent to insure the follow through on damage liability is satisfactorily resolved.

Englewood Fire Control District and Boca Grand Fire Department along with Manatee and Lee Firefighters battled to finally stop the spread and save homes. Amazingly, no homes were lost, but many did have some damage, Two firefighters suffered minor injures. Finally, FP&L worked through the night replacing damaged poles and lines. By morning, all power had been restored.

FIRE UPDATE!



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FIRE UPDATE!



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FIRE UPDATE!



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Board of Directors

President Mark ClabaughVice President Bill LomaxVice President Kevin CoteSecretary John ZinkTreasurer Darlene Brooks

The Board of Directors’ meetings are open to the membership. Dates and times of meetings can be found on our website www.rotondasands.com.

Meetings are typically held the 3rd Wednesday of each month with Neighborhood watch starting at 10:00 am and the Board meeting promptly following at 10:30 am at the Association office. Summer schedules may change.

*** Utilize the Website*** Remember to utilize the website for important information (e.g., read the monthly meeting minutes once approved by the board). www.rotondasands.com

Stay Informed with Email Updates

The Association Board of Directors and Management are requesting the members please provide the Association with a current email address. Email may be used to communicate additional newsletters updates about the community, concerns in the area, and decisions being made or considered by the Board. Owners who do not provide an email address may miss out on important community updates. Your email address will only be used by Management to send you information about the Rotonda Sands community and will not be shared or distributed to anyone.

If you would like to add or update your email address on file, please contact the Management office at 941-697-9722 or you can email your information to [email protected].

REMINDER: The annual meeting for the election of Directors of the Rotonda Sands Conservation Association, Inc. will be held on March 18, 2020 at 10 AM in the Association management office at 3754 Cape Haze Drive, Rotonda West, FL 33947.

VOTING: The election may be conducted by written ballot, said ballot has been provided in the second notice of election recently mailed. Members will be entitled to the votes assigned to their lots/units.

*** Election of Directors ***

Annual Member Meeting The 2020 Annual Meeting of the Rotonda Sands Conservation Association will be held March 18, 2020, at 10 AM in the Association management office at 3754 Cape Haze Drive, Rotonda West, FL 33947.The main order of business will be to elect the Board of Directors. The Association by-laws provide for up to five directors with staggered terms. The election will fill only those seats for which the term of office is expiring. This year three directors will be elected for two-year terms to fill vacancies on the Board.


Board Information & Notices



mailto:[email protected]






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Latest Mosquito Control Information

Resulting from the overwhelming number of mosquito complaints, it’s recommended that every homeowner call the Charlotte County Mosquito Control Department (941-764-4370). The more people that call the greater chance of getting a faster field response.

This has been one of the worst years people can remember for mosquitoes this early … specifically the "salt marsh mosquitoes.”

All the info about mosquitos, what homeowners can do, and the county’s control programs can be found in the following link (https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/services/mosquitoaquatic/Pages/Mosquito-Control.aspx). On the right (under related links) you can subscribe to Treatment Alert Notifications too.

*** Additional Wildlife Notice *** Wildlife exists among us - be careful while out walking in the community. Keep yourself and your pets safe and under no circumstance feed any wildlife. Remind your family, friends, and anyone with a pet to be careful while fishing or just being by the water. Wildlife is WILD! Be aware of your surroundings.

COYOTES/BOBCATS: We are seeing increased activity in the area. If you run into a coyote or a bobcat while you’re outside, be aggressive: Act big, yell, flail, and even throw small objects to let them know they’re unwelcome in this area. Do not turn your back or run away. Always supervise and LEASH your pets, it’s the LAW. If you would like to read more on the Dog Provisions of Charlotte County, Florida please see Code of Laws and Ordinances of Charlotte County, Florida.

ALLIGATORS: Persons with concerns about an alligator should call the toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. The Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) will then dispatch a trapper to remove the gator.

Generally, an alligator may be deemed a nuisance if it is at least four feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property. Alligators removed by these trappers are killed and not relocated. FWC may request permission from the Association to enter common property. This permission has been granted and anyone may call the Management Office at 941-697-9722 to verify. For more info visit MYFWC.com/alligator.

PROTECT GOPHER TORTOISES: It is recommended that owners contact Charlotte County regarding any required permits before clearing vegetation from vacant lots. Further, lot owners are not permitted to go on a neighboring lot to clear vegetation without a permit from Charlotte County and the express written permission from the neighboring lot owner.


Association Information

https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/services/mosquitoaquatic/Pages/Mosquito-Control.aspx



http://MYFWC.com/alligator





http://MYFWC.com/alligator


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Wildlife Committee Volunteers

Charles Magoffin 19 Lateen Sail Dr.Richard Grunt 13 Sabot Ct.Cinta Basso 1 Calm Ct.Cheri Castillo 73 MastheadMark Barrett 85 Brig Circle S

Learning to live with Wildlife This newly formed group will tackle a ‘hot’ subject … Wildlife. Interest peaked when late last year a Coyote was hunted and killed, not out of necessity, but by a basic lack of understanding about how we must learn to coexist with Wildlife … the Coyote did nothing wrong.

As a result, this committee of volunteers formed and has already established connections (Rotonda West Wildlife Committee), resources (upcoming presentations from FWC-Southwest Region experts), and a series of recommendations that will be submitted to the Board for approval. More details to follow in subsequent Newsletter updates.

In the mean time, the committee will share what we believe its primary purpose is:

• Disseminate relevant information to educate residents across the range of WILDLIFE & HABITAT (FAUNA, e.g.,Bird, Fish, Reptile, Mammal), and FLORA (e.g. Grassland, Trees, Flowering & non-Flowering plants). We will communicate the facts and dispel the myths.

Florida's wildlife and human populations are encountering each other more often than ever before, and the circumstances that create nuisance wildlife situations are as varied as the environment of Florida itself.

Wildlife was here long before any of our residents … we are the encroachers, not the other way around. Let's learn to coexist by being responsible residents of this beautiful area we live.

Maybe we could learn something from these guys!


Wildlife News & Updates



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Coyotes - Myths vs Facts

Myth #1: Trapping or killing to remove from territory will reduce the population.

Fact: Removing coyotes from an area opens that location up for new coyotes to come in and claim it as their own (and there will always be more coyotes coming in to fill a void), often resulting in a short-term increase in coyotes as the territory lines are redrawn by the newcomers. Additionally, when there is less pressure from neighboring coyotes and more food available, female coyotes will have larger litters of pups, again creating a short-term increase in the number of coyotes in that area.

Myth #2: When residents see coyotes “in broad daylight” it is often assumed that the coyote has grown overly bold or is ill in some way.

Fact: It is perfectly normal for a coyote to be out during the day, as this is their natural time for hunting. If a coyote needs to be out during the day to hunt or to get from one place to another, there isn’t necessarily anything wrong or odd about the coyote’s behavior. In fact, in the spring and summer when raising their pups, coyotes need to find more food and so may be more active during the day and thus spotted more often.

Myth #3: Coyotes are a danger to humans or domestic animals.

Fact: Coyotes are not large animals and rarely pose a threat to people, especially adults. They can be curious but are also timid and generally run away if challenged. If you follow the Boards guidelines on page 5 (under COYOTES/BOBCATS) you and/or your pets should be safe.

Myth #4: Coyotes serve no real purpose in urban environment, why not total eradication.

Fact: Coyotes help maintain balanced ecosystems by controlling the populations of rodents and smaller predators, such as foxes, opossums and raccoons, which naturally occur in higher densities and can quickly overpopulate areas of habitat. Coyotes are native to North America, have been in Florida for many years, and will continue to make their homes around the state and in our neighborhood. Humans have encroached on their habituate, not the other way around.

For more valuable information specific to SWFL, visit https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/coyotes/faq/

To learn how other areas (Rhode Island) educate, go to https://www.coyotesmarts.org .

Most conflicts with wildlife can be resolved by making simple changes such as removing food attractants. Understanding wildlife behavior and their habits can help you appreciate and coexist with wildlife while reducing negative impacts.Remember that removing one animal will serve to open up territory for others to move in. Consider making simple accommodations to avoid wildlife conflicts so you can relax and enjoy the wildlife in our backyard.

Please mark on your calendar the special presentation about Coyotes and Bobcats…info is in flyer below.




https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/coyotes/faq/



https://www.coyotesmarts.org




https://www.coyotesmarts.org


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FWC Wildlife Presentation Rotonda West Community Ctr - Broadmoor Park

646 Rotonda Circle, Rotonda West Thursday, May 21, 2020 6-7:30pm

Urban Coyotes and Bobcats in Florida

Presentation By: Rhonda DouthettWildlife Assistance Biologist

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

This Wildlife presentation is the result of a joint effort of the Rotonda West Wildlife Committee and the newly formed Rotonda Sands Wildlife Committee. These groups share a common purpose to educate residents across the range of WILDLIFE & HABITAT (FAUNA, e.g.,Bird, Fish, Reptile, Mammal), and FLORA (e.g. Grassland, Trees, Flowering & non-Flowering plants).

Rhonda graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Biology and has been working with native and exotic wildlife since 2007 in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Florida. In 2011 she worked with US Fish and Wildlife on a conservation project for the Attwater Prairie Chicken. In 2014, she traveled to the eastern base of the Andean mountains in Bolivia and spent 10 days in the field with biologists working for the Wildlife Conservation Society tracking and monitoring jaguars. Rhonda joined Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 2017. In her spare time, she’s an avid football fan and enjoy gardening.



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Rotonda Sands Wildlife Committee would like to share the following invitation from our friends to the West. Great opportunity to learn about these ambassadors and their stories. I personally saw a video of an Eaglet (having had a fishhook and line removed from its beak) returned to the nest … simply amazing. Rotonda West is welcoming all the Sands wildlife enthusiast to attend this presentation on March 20 at their Community Center in Broadmoor Park, 646 Rotonda Circle.




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On April 10, many Floridians plan to celebrate Florida Gopher Tortoise Day and support conservation of this threatened species.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has encouraged Floridians to get involved in Gopher Tortoise Day since 2016 and share awareness of how people can help this species that is found in every county of the state. Communities adopting a Gopher Tortoise Day resolution this year include Alachua and Brevard counties, and the cities of Malabar, Melbourne, North Port, Palm Bay, Palm Shores, Rockledge, Sanibel and Tallahassee. In 2017, Gopher Tortoise Day resolutions were adopted by Charlotte, Collier,

DeSoto, Indian River and Sarasota counties, and the cities of Cape Coral, Flagler Beach and Venice.Anyone, or any group like a neighborhood association, can celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day and help conserve the tortoise. Go to GopherTortoiseDayFL.com for information and activities for April 10 and all year long.“If you’re a fan of the gopher tortoise, help us spread the word on conserving this threatened species, whose burrows are home to hundreds of animals, including the eastern indigo snake, gopher frog and Florida mouse,” said Deborah Burr, who heads the FWC’s gopher tortoise management program.

Rotonda Sands Wildlife Committee is working to educate residents across the range of WILDLIFE & HABITAT in our area.

http://gophertortoisedayfl.com/


http://gophertortoisedayfl.com/


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Neighborhood Watch The Rotonda Sands Neighborhood Watch program holds monthly meetings with our local law enforcement representative to discuss issues observed in the community. Neighborhood watch meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 AM (30 minutes prior to the association board meetings.). If you are interested in participating, you can attend a meeting or contact the Association office for more information.

Additionally, you can download the neighborhood watch app called “Neighbors by Ring” details at https://shop.ring.com/pages/neighbors.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips • Get a rain gauge to measure rainfall. One inch of

rain per week is generally sufficient for lawns and gardens.

• Use mulch around landscape plantings. Mulch will help eliminate weeds and hold moisture in the soil.

• Select hardy plants that don't need much water. Native plants adapt to our climate and soil, and survive well without supplemental watering.

• Water during the cool part of the day to avoid rapid evaporation.

FUN FACT! Did you know that Harness Rd has our own Equinox (Vernal & Autumnal), and you can celebrate with our southern neighbors, Mexico’s Teotihuacán, this March 20. Here’s what it looks like in the picture (right).


Community Information &

Neighborhood Watch

https://shop.ring.com/pages/neighbors


https://shop.ring.com/pages/neighbors


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Committee VOLUNTEERS Needed

ENVIRONMENTAL (proposed)• Pollinator Gardens• Healthy Ponds & Plants

NEWSLETTER• Timely communications• Time Sensitive Sharing• Hot Topics• Committee Updates

SOCIAL• Giving Back To The Community• Fun Gatherings & Projects

We have some fun ideas and projects in the works but WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you are interested in any of the above please contact the management office.

Committee Updates NEWSLETTER: Charles Magoffin has volunteered to organize and produce, but we need volunteers to help with content. Please contact Charles ([email protected]) or the Board.

WILDLIFE: Committee published its first article in this newsletter (see above Wildlife News & Updates section, top right). First meeting was held Feb 3rd and will meet the first Monday of every month. If you have questions, or more important, possible subjects of interest and pertinence for the committee, please contact any individual on the Wildlife committee.

SOCIAL: Kathy Green is organizing, and looking for volunteers, and help with a possible Facebook Group page for Rotonda Sands. PLEASE contact Kathy at ([email protected]) or the Board to help out.

FUN FACT! Did you know the Charlotte County Senior Games 5K and 10K bike time trial is in the Sands on March 22. Starts around 8:30am for the 5K with the start/finish is at Harness Rd. And Brig Circle West.


Committee Updates & News





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Residents CornerYOUR CHANCE TO BE HEARD/RECOGNIZED

As the section implies (Residents Corner), this section will be devoted to general interest topics, and any content supplied by the residents living in the Sands.

Beautification Phil & LauriePhil and Laurie Motter enjoy their morning walks around the neighborhood, especially with dogs in toe. Phil also carries a trash bag and likes to de-litter the roads’ shoulders. It has apparently inspired other walkers to do the same too. Have you noticed a difference?

Construction sites are particularly vulnerable to trash being strewn around outside their dumpsters. Phil makes a point to hit all of them as frequently as his dogs little legs hold up! Thanks you Phil & Laurie!

Palm Rescue CintaAnyone traveling down Harness Rd (our Palm lined boulevard) might have noticed a recent change … the Palm trees actually look healthy. Thanks to Cinta Basso that took the interest and time to investigate why for years the palms always looked stressed (yellow leaves) and generally unhealthy. With persistence, a recommendation to the Board and landscape contractor to use more fertilization methods.

Late last year, after just one application, the Palms turned green and have never looked so healthy and beautiful. This may well have saved some from dying, and importantly renewed the picturesque boulevard. Thank you Cinta!


Residents Corner

Ladies Walking Group My name is Kath Green. I live in the Sands at Placida at 10 Mooring Place. I wanted to see whether there was any interest in forming a Ladies Walking Group around our neighborhood The Sands at Placida. My husband does not like to walk or exercise. He goes with me occasionally if I beg hime. LOL I do not like to walk alone, but I have walked alone occasionally. I need low impact exercise and walking is a great way to do that. Please call me if you would like to walk almost any day. I am usually available between 8-9am, and between 3-6pm to walk for an hour.

If I get enough interest for our own neighborhood walking group then I could create a walking group for the Sands on Facebook! This is a great group to join if you like to walk and make new friends!

If you are interested or have any questions please call, text, or email me for more information.

Thanks much!Kathy Green

[email protected]




Documents

March 2020 Newsletter - Rotonda Sandsrotondasands.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/March... · 3/3/2020 · Latest Mosquito Control Information Resulting from the overwhelming number