Isle of Pines Property Owner's Association

Hello Everyone,
Well Terry is under the weather so he asked me to do the presidents message for him so here goes.
Well it’s almost the beginning of August. It’s almost time for school to start. Please be mindful of the children that will be standing along the roads waiting for the school bus. Also please be mindful of the posted speed limits. We had a great turnout for the July 4th party. Much thanks to Shawn for coordinating the party. Also thanks to Amanda Starcher and station 77 for a great parade. Thanks also to Jesse Dance and Jon Rome for an excellent fireworks display. Also the online auction is going on right now and will end on August 19. So far we have concert tickets and airplane rides and golf packages to be auctioned off. On August 25 we will be building the small boat/ kayak rack at the park. Any Volunteers would be greatly appreciated. We also have the Halloween and Christmas party coming up (dates are under the calendar of events in the newsletter). Any help with these events would be greatly appreciated. We are able to have these events due to membership in our association so thanks to everyone who has joined or is considering joining for your support. Also please be mindful and pickup after your dogs Thanks in advance for your support of our community.
Al Eastburn
IOPPOA Vice President

Hello Neighbors,
Well it is beginning to get hot again and we have to be mindful of our surroundings living in our unique area. Many neighbors have had encounters with many venomous snakes. Please keep a close eye on children and pets as these snakes are easily camouflaged. Other animals are on the move as well, especially the alligators. Please do not feed or entice them if you are near the water. If you encounter a nuisance alligator please call 866-392-4286.
The water temperatures are rising quickly and every year we have concerns about the high bacteria counts in the lake. Moss Park no longer does bacteria tests. If we hear or any issues or concerns about bacteria or amoeba, we will notify the community.

There is also concern from others about all the shooting going on and not knowing where it is taking place. Hopefully the people that are shooting are practicing gun range safety to insure no stray bullets result in any harm to any of our neighbors. Please be considerate and try not to discharge your firearms after dark as some are hesitant to venture out on evening walks. Thank you and be “SAFE”

I personally welcome all residents to attend our monthly board meetings held the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the south park.
Stay safe and be kind,
Terry Gardner , Sr.

Hello Neighbors,
Lets start off with a very important reminder. Kids are out of school for the summer so let’s please mind the speed limit. It is 35… not 40, 45 or 50 as some do drive 50 or more. Also WILDLIFE will be very active this time of year so PLEASE be alert and safe.
It has been brought to my attention that some members have violated the park rules when reserving the park for events. Please read the rules before inviting your guest. The rules state that residents that are not members, but are eligible, are not able to attend parties or events reserved by members. I am sorry, but these are the rules and we have to enforce them.
There have also been many complaints of dog owners being irresponsible and not cleaning up after their pets.
PLEASE BE A TROOPER AND CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR POOPER!!!!!!

Thank you,
Terry Gardner
IOPPOA President

Dear Neighbors,

Happy April! Hopefully you are looking forward to the warm weather and being able to enjoy the outdoors as much as myself. Summer is just around the corner and all of us will soon be spending more leisure time at the South Park.

Please enjoy the park and also help us maintain it by cleaning up after yourself before you leave the Park. If you happen to see something that is out of order it would be great that you take the time to make it right.

I would like to thank everyone that donates their time to help with association projects. I would encourage all members to get more involved in community events and attend our board meetings and share any ideas or solutions for the upcoming events or projects being discussed.

There have been reports of people still speeding in the neighborhood and I have no solution of how to confront or stop the repeat offenders from doing so. You people that continue to speed jeopardize the safety of others and yourself as well. Your neighbors feel unsafe to walk, jog and ride their bikes or let their children out of their sight for fear of the tragic results that could come from your adolescent and immature actions. PLEASE SLOW DOWN!!!!!!

As a reminder the Board Meets the first Tuesday of each month at the South Park at 7:00pm and everyone is welcome to join in.

Thank you,

Terry Gardner
IOPPOA President

Hello Neighbors,

Let me start out by thanking all those that helped make 2017 a good year. This year with your help we can accomplish many things that will insure our community remains the best in Orange County to live in. We have had members request new ideas and the board is taking all under consideration. We are working on all safety issues first off. If you have any suggestions get with any board member or present your suggestion at one of our board meetings. We meet the first Tuesday of each month 7pm at the South Park, members and non-members welcome.

Remember kids are back in school and out early morning waiting on the bus so please drive careful and watch out for them. With the cooler weather our wild life is also active so be aware.
On another note also watch out for your neighbors walking and bicycling throughout the neighborhood.

Thank you and stay safe!

Terry Gardner
IOPPOA President

Dear Members,

During the December Board meeting for IOPPOA, the budget is discussed and motions are made pertaining to the stewardship of the property and the accommodation of our members. Over the last few years our budget has been running at a deficit. We have made budget cuts and have increased fund raising events. However, this year, we again face a deficit.
During our December 2017 Board meeting, the following measures were discussed in an effort to ensure our budget continues to serve our membership and our property and facilities. Your attention to the below information and consideration are greatly appreciated. We encourage all members to bring forward any suggestions and/or concerns.

Reducing Expenses:

Newsletter delivery costs have been reduced. You will now see your Newsletter in your mailbox. This change in our delivery method allows us to eliminate the plastic bags. Our Postmaster has ensured us that as a non-profit organization, we can utilize member mailboxes.

Contingent IOPPOA Sponsored Events: The Board has discussed eliminating certain annual events from the calendar if the balance in the operating account is not adequate to end the year without a deficit. The events currently being examined for possible elimination are St. Patty’s Day and Memorial Day. We also may find it necessary to reduce the budgets for the remaining events.

Increasing Income:

Membership Dues: A motion was made and carried to increase membership dues by $10/year for the new total of $135/year. All discounts still apply.
Wedding Venue: The Board has approved the use of the Park and its facilities to host Wedding Ceremonies under contract. We are hopeful that we will realize the financial benefit of this new initiative in 2018. Please tell your family and friends who may be planning nuptials in our area. (ISLEOFPINES.ORG & VENUE.ISLEOFPINES.ORG)

Thank you,
Terry Gardner

Hello Neighbors,
This will be our last newsletter of 2017. I want to begin by thanking our outstanding Team
of board members for an incredible year of hard work and dedication to our community,
as well as all the wonderful people who volunteered. You are all what makes this
neighborhood so unique and special. Myself and our community appreciate all of your
time.
Further discussions of an increase is dues to supplement fundraisers and future improvements
to our community will be discussed at our board meeting the first Tuesday in December.
We have our 3rd annual chili cook off kick off membership drive coming up in January.
This was really a fun event and should be more exciting this time around. All are welcome
to attend. Come meet your neighbors, enter your chili in the contest, enjoy some chili and
get a discounted membership. More details in this newsletter.

Thank you,
Terry Gardner
IOPPOA President

Hello Neighbors,

I don’t know about everyone else but I am ready for some cooler weather! It has been a long hot and eventful summer thus far especially with all the debris left behind from hurricane Irma. Slowly our neighborhood is starting to get back to normal as the crews continue their debris clean-up efforts.

The IOP Board wishes to receive feedback from our members about raising the yearly dues. We have not had an increase in membership dues for many years. In order to continue improvements and maintain the events throughout the year that are free to our members we feel that it is necessary to increase membership dues. Our yearly expenses have gone up and in order to not have to dip into our emergency fund set aside for any repairs to restrooms, well, septic system, boat dock or any other unforeseen events. Our operating expense will increase because we need to insure our dwelling at the South Park in which are: Bathrooms, Pavilion, Boat Dock and Well Enclosure. The increase in membership dues will be discussed at the next board meeting scheduled for Tuesday November 7th at 7:00pm at the South Park. Please join us with any suggestions or concerns.

Please be aware that the lake water level is still extremely high so please be considerate when on the lake while operating your watercraft.

On another note there have been reports of people speeding and passing the school buses. Please be considerate and drive safe.

Thank you,

Terry Gardner
IOPPOA President

Hello Neighbors,
We survived Irma!! I am so proud of our community and the way everyone rallied together to help each other!! We really need to be careful and drive safely with all the debris in the roads. It’s difficult for pedestrians to move off the road so please remember this when navigating around them.
Our potluck party was quite a success; it was great to see so many new faces! The kids had a great time on the water slide. We hope next year will be even bigger and better!!!
The lake water level is extremely high at this time so we ask if you are out for a cruise in your boat please be considerate and maintain a no wake policy close to the homes on the lake. Thank you and stay safe!
Terry Gardner
IOPPOA President

Dear Neighbors,
 
REMINDER: Kids are back in school!!! Please drive safely and keep an eye on kids at the bus stops. Please DO NOT PASS BUSES!!!!!! Parents please photograph or video any violators and report it. I am sad to announce the cancellation of the Carnival Fundraiser, but I am excited to announce that in its place, we are having a POTLUCK PARTY!! A FREE EVENT! BRING A DISH!! We will have the water slide, free hot dogs for kids, and we will still be selling raffle tickets, so bring some cash and win some great raffle items. (More details inside this newsletter) This event is open to Members, NonMembers and all guests!!!! Let’s all come together and have a great time!!! Thank you to all that volunteered and organized the Father’s Day Fishing Tournament!!! What a great event that we are fortunate enough to live in an area that can host such a unique event! Great job to all the anglers!!! Who knew we had so many big bass in our lake !!!
 
 
Thank you,
 
Terry Gardner
IOPPOA President