What did the lake turn blue...and why does it smell bad sometimes?
We are fortunate that our lake is now very healthy due in part to our aeration system; but one of the downsides is that with very clear water, the algae on bottom grows faster with the increased sunlight that reaches it. To override this, our lake maintenance company adds a harmless coloring to filter the sunlight. The algae then dyes and floats to the top, which can cause an odor until it dries out and finally sinks.

Are there alligators in the lake?
Probably. We have seen small ones from time to time, and have had one larger one removed by a trapper in the past. We do not advise swimming in the lake, and recommend exercising care when near the edge, especially with regard to small pets.

What's happening with the grant for the 17th Street hedge project in 2010?
Grant Awarded!
Most of you know we are planning to begin a project to replace the shrubs along 17th street, and we are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a matching grant from the county to help defray our costs. We want to pass on immense thanks to both Carol Dorociak and Peggy Weissenborn for their contributions to get this done. Here are the steps you can expect as we move forward:

1) The removal of the old shrubs has been completed. A condition of the grant is that we have neighborhood-wide support in the way of volunteer hours. We will need help spraying this area to ensure any weeds and pepper trees are completely gone.
2) The next big step is bringing in more dirt and shoring up the bank with stones and vegetation, which has begun.
3) We will begin to apply as soon as possible for the next grant cycle later this year to help cover the costs of the replacement row of shrubs. This will be done as soon as possible so as to minimize the length of time without this barrier. Thanks for your patience!

We are excited about the vast improvement this will make to our neighborhood, helping all of us to maintain the value of our homes.
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What is the bubbling we see out in the lake? Can we fish in the lake?
It is not the Loc Ness Monster! That is our aeration system at work. This was installed in 2007 with the assistance of the Sarasota County Grant Program. The systems run from 8:00am to 5:00pm daily. Why do we need aeration? Click here to find out! Now that it is in place, we plan to re-stock the lake with sterilized carp, which are recommended by our Lake Management vendor and available only with a State permit. The carp help by eating much of the harmful vegetation. The goal of all this is to have a healthy, algae free lake with a minimum of chemical controls. The one drawback to this is the need to restrict fishing. Since these fish are sterile, they cannot replenish themselves and of course they must be purchased. Consequently, to deal with this and help solve the problem of outsider fishing, we will be posting a number of “No fishing permitted” signs around the lake. You are allowed to fish, but only on your own property. Walking the perimeter of the lake and fishing from neighbors' backyards is considered trespassing unless you have their permission.

We want to paint our house - Does this need  to be approved by the Board?
Oh, Yes!   Approval for this project is not difficult, unless you intend on doing an "Andy Warhol" and making your house look like a Campbell's soup can. First, decide on the color, and include a paint chip along with the Architectural Review form. Next, fill out the Architectural Review Form and turn it in to one of members of  the Architectural Committee. Formal approval is usually easy and takes no longer than two weeks.

We need to re-roof our house. What procedures should we follow?
You will need a licensed  roofing company, as a permit is required; submit a sample of the shingles to us with the Architectural Review Form.

We want to enclose our lanai; is this allowed?
A permit is required for this also, along with the Architectural Form to the Committee.

What about playhouses and yard sheds?
No outbuildings are allowed; swing sets are allowed, but subject to approval. (See Covenants and Restrictions, Page 8, Section 12- Go to Forms & Documents webpage for download)

Can we park in the street or on our grass?
We understand that you may have gatherings at your home and guests may need to park in the street temporarily, however, overnight parking in the street is not is not allowed, nor is parking on the grass. (See Covenants and Restrictions, Page 7, Section 11 - Go to Forms & Documents webpage for download)