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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)
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