News of www.newsofkingspoint.com
January 2013
Tis the Sea-Sun for Santa in Short Pants Story by NOKP staff, Photos by Adam Porter Shorts in December? You better believe it, honey. Even Santa had short pants on when the time came to deck the halls and line up for the 2012 Christmas Cart Parade. This year’s theme was “Tis the Sea-Sun,” and the residents of both Kings Point and Sun City Center came out in force to celebrate. There were boats and sleighs, dolphins and reindeer, elves, choirs, guitar pickers and the occasional mermaid. What a party! Even the weather seemed to cooperate with the theme. It was toasty. Spectators lined the parade route in golf shirts and plaid shorts. More than a few mentioned that they wished they brought water. But, despite the unseasonable heat, everyone kept a smile on their face. After all, this was the Christmas cart parade, and there was much to see and tons of fun to be had. And certainly a lot of colorfully decorated carts to see. The official count was 160, but there
were a handful of late entries. Whatever the final tally, the line of carts stretched more than a half mile long. “I have to give everyone credit.” Said Judy Pyle, “They all did a great job, and there were some carts that were really elaborate.” One of those elaborate creations belonged to Ron and Linda Ringenback. Ron, a retired engineer, designed and built a cart decorated with dolphins that actually moved when the cart was rolling. As he cruised by the onlookers on the parade route, the dolphins leapt out of the water alongside his cart. Ringenback said his creation included over 90 square feet of plywood, dozens of screws, aluminum rods, steel bars and PVC along with 75 feet of garland, gallons of paint and two four foot photographs of real dolphins. “This took me over 100 hours of labor and lots of cash, but I sure think it will be a crowd pleaser.” Ringenback said. One bittersweet moment in the morning came when Ann Marie Leblanc, this year’s Grand
Even Santa wore shorts this “sea-sun”.
Marshal, was recognized for her tireless support of and work in her community. As she accepted her recognition award, Leblanc announced that she would be moving away from Sun City Center. This wonderful lady will surely be missed. After the parade residents stuck
around to party in the carnival atmosphere of the Winter Festival. Attractions included a live band, vendors, games, yummy fair food and a classic car show sponsored by Minto. “Elvis” and “Marilyn” were also on hand for dances and photos.
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Ribbon cutting celebrates King’s Point history • Gazebo is the first step in Heritage Park project By NOKP Staff Perhaps you have noticed it as you passed, a bright and shiny new gazebo just off Kings Boulevard. The blue-roofed wooden structure is just the first step in a larger park development project that will celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Kings Point community. The construction of benches and walkways will begin in 2013. Florida-friendly plants and trees will be planted along the walkway to provide beautiful, shady spots to relax, chat with friends or simply enjoy one of those trademark gorgeous Florida days. Set directly in front of the gazebo is a monument plinth. The monument, bearing the name “Kings Point Heritage Park,” also lists several important dates in the history and development of the Kings Point Community. The community certainly has grown through the years. Kings Point was incorporated in July 1972. Andover A through E were started in 1973 and a team of 8 oversaw the project. The first residents closed on their home on June 13, 1973. The streets
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Millie Aumack, COA Vice President, cut the ribbon to officially open the gazebo to the public.
was completed. By 2008, Kings Point had grown again, numbering 5,200 homes and 109 associations. Residents and local officials Connie Lesko, Debbie Caneen and Rosie Korfant were on hand to witness gathered in November to the ribbon cutting ceremony. dedicate the gazebo and were unfinished and there was and the I-75 interchange was celebrate the 40th anniversary sand, not grass, as far as the finished. Four years later, the of Kings Point. Millie Aumack, eye could see. But people saw Federation Board was formed. COA Vice President, recently the potential, and 100 pioneer By the year 2000 there were celebrated her 95th birthday. It residents moved in. 4,000 units in Kings Point, and was fitting that, when the time The year 1982 was a real Kings Point Blvd. reached the came to cut the ribbon, she watershed for the community as length it is today. The following was the one holding the scissors. Continued on Page 5 South Bay Hospital was opened year the South Clubhouse
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Debbie Caneen 33573 .................... 15 - 19 Faith Bulletin......... 20 & 21 Bulletin................... 22 - 27 Contract Bridge............ 29 Crossword & Sudoku.... 29 Solutions to Puzzles....... 31
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