On July 10th, the Kings Point Master Association held its first quarter meeting where Shawna Deiulio, the General Manager, delivered the quarterly report for April through June, detailing the activities and upcoming plans for the community.
Irrigation and Maintenance
During the first quarter, the team completed 968 work orders, down from 1300 in the previous quarter. They also handled 342 monthly inspections, processed 83 alteration requests, and managed 24 emergency calls, all answered within 15 minutes. Significant repairs included 42 mainline breaks, 41 valve replacements, 13 lateral line breaks, and 8 pump replacements. Notably, Baseline components, covered by a 10year warranty, saved $35,106 in replacement parts this quarter, mirroring last quarter’s savings.
Tree roots, particularly from oak trees, continue to be a significant challenge, causing about 70% of lateral breaks. Despite the SWFWMD’s water restriction limiting watering to one day a week due to severe water shortages through September 1st, Kings Point’s Baseline Smart Irrigation System has exempted the community, allowing a two-day watering schedule.
Pattern and Coverage final inspections were completed for Cambridge H, I & J, Andovers, Bedfords, Dorchesters, Fairfield A-D, and Gloucester A-K and
Committee Update: Disaster Planning
Acting on a recommendation from the Disaster Planning Committee, the Master Association recently purchased and installed Starlink satellites at the master office and acquired a mobile unit to provide temporary internet access to residents in case cell and internet services are disrupted after a hurricane. The committee is also developing a logistical plan for Starlink usage. Additionally, a new radio tower is expected to be installed in August, which will enhance the disaster radio program’s reach and provide a separate channel for management and vendors. Plans are also underway to implement an Amber alert-style system to notify residents and to prepare educational e-blasts for the season.
General
P. Inspections are pending for Fairfield F, G, & H, Gloucester L and N. The crew is currently working their way through the rest of the Cambridges.
Through negotiations with suppliers, the Master Association saved $237,422.89 on three hubs, along with $19,241 in rebates. These rebates have not been updated in four months, so significant increases are expected in the next report.
Other Repair and Maintenance Activities
The team removed 14 trees, raised tree canopies above master roads and sidewalks, pressure washed the gate house, painted the gazebo at Hassell Park, replaced annual beds, completed quarterly sidewalk pressure washing, repaired 4 drains, filled 19 potholes, cleaned up the
The Strategic Planning Committee is collaborating with the Master, Federation, Vesta, First Service, and the COA to create comprehensive onboarding and educational materials for residents. These materials will consolidate information from each entity into a single resource. The committee is also monitoring external impacts from nearby growth and development, and they are conducting a community-wide survey to gauge the expectations and needs of current and potential residents. Additionally, they are evaluating the costs and benefits of implementing solar energy solutions. However, current advisories suggest that the cost of solar technology will not be low enough to benefit the community for a few more years.
closed golf courses, repaired 10 street signs, and significantly reduced sidewalk repairs with only 2 this quarter. Community reporting of vendors parking on sidewalks has been invaluable in maintaining these areas.
Upcoming Projects
•Landscape Beautification:
Final designs for the front gate, medians up to Hammersmith, Hassell Park, the Roundabout, and Vilmont Greens islands are being prepared for community input.
•Light-Up Crosswalks:
Two light-up crosswalks are being tested at Kings Blvd and Falcon Watch. If successful, additional installations at busy crosswalks will be considered.
•Closed Course Leases:
Efforts to extend leases on closed courses are ongoing,
The Pond Committee’s “Adopt a Pond” initiative is in full swing. Pond 106 has been planted with over 4,000 plants, thanks to donations from residents and the Hillsborough County Adopt a Pond program. The southern end of Pond 1 has also been planted. Next quarter, Ponds 115, 19, and 24 will be planted. Ponds 1 North, 3, 5, 14, 28, and 38 are currently with the county’s design committee, while design work for Ponds 108, 139, 140, and 153 has been completed. Interest in the program is growing, with several other associations wanting to join.
although progress is slow.
•2024 Paving Project: This project is paused pending a claim with FCC to mill and repave roads damaged by hydraulic oil spills. Success could fulfill the paving contract obligations and potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars.
•Private Website: A passwordprotected website is being developed for association boards to access Master documents.
Community Updates
Michael Owens resigned as the District 4 Hillsborough County Commissioner to run for the Florida House. Governor DeSantis has appointed Christine Miller as his replacement. Christine will visit Kings Point in the upcoming weeks to familiarize herself with the community and get and understanding of the needs of our residents.
For those interested in staying informed about the Master Association’s activities, board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month in the theater. Workshops occur on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays at 9:30am in the North Forum, and roundtable discussions take place on the last Wednesday of each month in the Ripple Room. Updates are also available on our website and Facebook.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support and participation in maintaining and improving our community.
The Landscaping Committee is finalizing designs with the landscape architect to revamp several key areas, including the front gate, medians on Kings Blvd from the entrance to Hammersmith, Hassell Park, the roundabout at the Kings Extension, and the two islands on Vilmont Greens. Each area will have three design options. Once the designs are ready, they will be presented to the community for input. Posters of the designs will be displayed in the clubhouses, and surveys with photos will be distributed to gather residents’ feedback.
Your Master Association is thrilled to announce a significant new project that will generate substantial income for our community. We’ve secured a lease agreement with Diamond Communication to install a cell tower on our property, ensuring a steady revenue stream for years to come.
The agreement includes a 40% gross revenue share of all carriers and subleases, with a guaranteed minimum of $1,200 per month for the first carrier or sublease. Depending on the number of carriers, we could earn up to $5,000 per month. This equates to an impressive annual income that could reach $60,000.
Each carrier is expected to pay between $2,500 and $3,000 monthly, with our community earning 40% of this revenue. Over the 40-year lease term, this could amount to as much as $3.5 million, with a 2% annual escalator.
The cell tower will be located at the back of our property near the garden, within a 60’ x 60’ lease area compound. While the exact height is yet to be determined, it is likely to be around 150 feet and will be a monopole type tower. This strategic location was selected to minimize any visual or physical impact on our daily lives
while maximizing the benefits.
In addition to generating substantial revenue, the new cell tower will significantly enhance cell service throughout our community. This improvement will address existing spotty areas where cell service is weak, ensuring better connectivity for most residents.
One immediate benefit will be for our irrigation technicians, who often face challenges due to poor cell service. Currently, they often have to take manual photos and notes during irrigation inspections and then drive back to the maintenance yard to connect to the internet, manually uploading the photos and notes into the inspection software. With improved cell service, they can upload data in real-time, increasing their productivity and efficiency.
The lease agreement is currently with our attorney for a thorough review to ensure that all aspects of the project protect and benefit our community. Although we do not have a precise timeline for the project’s completion, we are committed to keeping residents informed every step of the way. Once the project is approved, the Master Board will explore the best ways to utilize this new income to enhance our community.
This new cell tower lease exemplifies your Master Association at work, diligently seeking opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all residents. By accepting this lease, we can generate substantial income that will be reinvested into our community, ensuring a vibrant and thriving environment for everyone.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community!
By: Master Deputy Jeffery E. Merry Jr.
Following the legendary Willie Sutton principle, fraudsters go “where the money is”. Investment fraudsters know this and set their sights on the retirement accounts of seniors, because they have accumulated more than younger investors.
Investment frauds have several synonymous terms including stock fraud and securities fraud. By defi nition these are all the deceptive practice in the stock or commodities market that induces investors to make purchases or sale decisions on the basis of false information. The various types of investment fraud include dummy corporations, microcap fraud, pump and dump schemes, boiler rooms, ponzi schemes, unlicensed brokers, unlicensed investment products, and unscrupulous brokers. These frauds cost investors billions of dollars that they will not get back. There is no insurance or backup for investment accounts and products. The most famous ponzi scheme purported by Bernie Madoff defrauded investors out of an estimated 64.8 Billion dollars.
The fraudsters use fi ve main persuasion techniques to induce investors into purchasing various products. First is Social Consensus, where they say everyone wants it so you must
The Master Association is pleased to announce the approval of drilling two new recharge wells to support our community’s irrigation needs. This decision was made during the board meeting last month in response to the failure of existing recharge wells servicing Southampton 1 and 2, as well as Lyndhurst.
Recharge wells play a crucial role in maintaining the water levels in our irrigation ponds. These deep wells extract water from the aquifer and pump it back into the irrigation water source, which, in our case, are the community ponds. This process ensures a steady supply of water for irrigation, particularly during dry periods when rain alone is insufficient to maintain pond levels.
Many of our associations rely on nearby ponds for their irrigation needs. When the water used for irrigation causes the pond level to drop to a pre-set threshold, a recharge pump activates. This pump draws water from the recharge well and refills the pond to an acceptable level. This cycle of drawing and replenishing water continues as needed to sustain the irrigation
requirements of our community.
The failure of the recharge wells servicing Southampton 1 and 2, as well as Lyndhurst, has significantly impacted our ability to irrigate effectively. Without functional recharge wells, we would have to depend solely on rain to refill the ponds, which is often inadequate. This would severely limit our irrigation capabilities and could lead to drained ponds and parched landscapes.
The board’s decision to approve the drilling of new recharge wells is a proactive measure to ensure our community’s irrigation needs are met. These wells are permitted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), ensuring they comply with all regulatory standards and are safe for our environment.
The new recharge wells will provide a reliable source of water, allowing us to maintain our beautiful landscapes without interruption. This investment in our infrastructure demonstrates the Master Association’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of our irrigation systems.
have it. Second is Phantom Riches, where they dangle the prospect of tremendous wealth. Third is Source Credibility, where they make you believe they are in a position of high authority such as President of the investment company. Fourth technique is Reciprocity, where they do you a perceived favor in exchange for your favor to make the purchase or sale. Fifth is Scarcity, where they make you believe it is a rare commodity so it has to be valuable.
To prevent becoming a victim of Investment Fraud:
• Reduce your exposure to sales pitches
• Use care at free lunch/dinner seminars
•Avoid high-risk investments
•Develop a refusal script
•Be an informed investor
•Look for the persuasion techniques
•Don’t be afraid to hang up the phone
•Check out the broker and products on FINRA.org
•Carefully review your statements
For more information, go to SaveandInvest.org.
If you feel you are a victim, have any questions, or concerns, contact Community Resource Deputy Jeff Merry, 813-242-5515.
The Adopt a Pond program continues to make significant strides in improving our community’s retention ponds. Pond 115, located in Inverness Greens, is the third pond to be planted as part of this initiative. This cooperative effort included Inverness residents, with Kenna Westerman as the project lead, Anne Whitehall from the Master Association Pond Committee, representatives from Hillsborough County, and external partners Solitude Pond Management and RSS Field Services.
We were informed by the county that the pond needed to have Torpedo grass removed before any plantings could take place. To address this, the Eagle Audubon Society of Sun City Center applied for a $1,000 grant in the spring to support the removal and subsequent planting efforts. The grant was received in June, and by July 1st, invasive Torpedo grass was removed by workers from Solitude Pond Management.
On Wednesday, July 3rd, RSS Field Services used plants supplied by the Hillsborough County
Adopt A Pond Program to plant Pond 115. The planting included native species such as Golden Cana, Blue Flag Iris, Pickerelweed, Duck Potato, Spike Rush, Softstem Bulrush, and Swamp Rose Mallow or Crinum Lily. The grant money, along with contributions from residents, covered the total labor costs, while the plants were provided free of charge by the Adopt A Pond program.
Designs for the pond were provided by Hillsborough County, which will monitor the progress over three years and supply replacements for any failed plants as needed. This ongoing support ensures the long-term success and health of our ponds. We are excited to continue growing this program and encourage any interested associations to participate. If your association would like to get involved, please contact the Master Association Pond Committee Chair, Rob Davies. Your participation helps us create a healthier and more beautiful community for all.
Bromeliads, members of the pineapple family, Bromeliaceae, are beautiful flowering plants. Florida has 16 native bromeliad species and two natural hybrids. Ten of the 16 native bromeliad species are on the threatened or endangered list. Threatened means the species is at risk to become endangered. An endangered species is at risk of becoming extinct.
Bromeliads are great plants for those of us that are lazy gardeners. They can be used as houseplants, in containers in your yard or part of your landscape. Bromeliads are known for their colorful, long-lasting flowers and amazingly colored foliage. You may not know that Spanish moss, ball moss and pineapples are all bromeliads.
Many grow on trees but don’t live off of the tree, using it for support. The moisture and nutrients they need come from the atmosphere and debris in their “cups” which store and absorb water. It’s best not to put fertilizer in the “cups” because that can burn the new leaves.
Bromeliads can grow indoors as houseplants. Mine are much happier on the lanai, front porch or in the landscape. If I needed to guess, my estimated number of bromeliads is probably over 100. Many prefer part or full shade, but one of my favorites is Aechmea blanchetiana, which is a showstopper! The leaf color is yellow/orange, and it has a serrated leaf blade length up to 36 inches. The flower stalk is a red and yellow cluster of bracts.
Some use these as cut flowers indoors or on their lanai. The plant will die slowly a year or two after flowering.
These plants grow with or without soil. If you plant bromeliads in soil, it should be well drained. If the soil is too moist, there could be an issue with root rot. You will notice ‘pups’ at the base of the mother plant which you can remove and replant elsewhere.
During rain or irrigation, water can fill the bromeliad “cups,” and mosquitos will breed there. You could use a garden hose to flush out the larvae or purchase a biological mosquito control, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis), Follow the package directions for application rates and timing.
Find several bromeliads that you will enjoy in your landscape. They will reproduce and provide a beautiful display. To learn more about bromeliads, please go to UF Florida Native Bromeliads, Bromeliads at a Glance, Mosquitoes and Bromeliads, and Aechmea Blanchetiana Bromeliad.
For assistance with horticultural questions in Hillsborough County, call: 813-744-5519.
Following us on Facebook is a fantastic way to stay engaged and informed about everything happening with the Master Association in Kings Point. By joining our online community, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits and stay connected with your friends and neighbors.
One of the key advantages of following us on Facebook is receiving real-time updates. Whether it’s important announcements about road closures, utility outages, or meeting schedules, you’ll be notified instantly. This helps ensure you never miss out on crucial information.
You’ll also get updates about ongoing and upcoming projects. Be the first to know about landscaping improvements, building maintenance, and new community initiatives. Our Facebook page keeps you informed and involved in all the exciting developments in our neighborhood.
Additionally, you’ll hear about workshops, symposiums, and social events first. Our page will keep you updated on all the Master activities planned for our community, so you can participate and enjoy the events that interest you.
In times of emergency, our Facebook page will be a reliable source for information. You’ll receive timely alerts to help you
Dear residents,
The Master Association previously announced plans to host the current Hillsborough County District Representative for the Sun City Center area, Christine Miller, and her opponent, Cody Powell, to speak with our residents. Additionally, we had scheduled an event in October with Tax Collector Nancy Millan to host a government day involving various departments in the county. These events aimed to help our community build relationships with local officials, ensuring they understand who we are, what we need, and that we represent approximately 10,000 voters separate from the rest of Sun City Center.
Despite our efforts to facilitate these connections, we were informed by the Federation that these political figures cannot use the Clubhouse or any land trust-owned facility. The Federation cited rules prohibiting the use of recreational facilities for religious, political, charitable, fraternal, or civic purposes, especially close to an election. We argued that these events are crucial for our community to ensure our needs are met and our voices are heard by our district representatives. However, the Federation did not grant an exception.
Kings Point, although located in the Sun City Center area, is not part of the Sun City Center Community Association (CA). This distinction is often overlooked by politicians, leading to our community being underserved. A prime example of this was during the COVID-19 pandemic when the governor distributed vaccines to elderly communities. Sun City Center received 5,000 doses for its residents, but Kings Point was initially excluded. It took extensive efforts and legal intervention to secure vaccines for our residents, highlighting the need for better recognition of our community.
We expressed our disappointment with the Federation’s decision, pointing out that exceptions have been made for civic purposes, charitable events and fundraisers in the past. Meeting with candidates before the election is vital to ensure they are familiar with Kings Point and more likely to advocate for us once elected. Unfortunately, our discussions with Federation representatives did not result in any changes.
We are currently working to find a suitable venue outside the gates to host these important events. Our goal is to ensure your voices are heard by those who can make a difference and to let the officials know that, while they cannot speak on our property, they are welcome by our residents. We will update you with more information as it becomes available. We apologize for the inconvenience and are committed to finding an alternative solution to facilitate these important discussions.
Sincerely,
Master Association Board of Directors
Treatment Received FDA Approval
stay safe and informed during critical situations. Moreover, you’ll have access to a wealth of resources, including best practices for home maintenance, safety tips, and more, helping you make the most of living in our wonderful community.
Getting connected is easy! Here’s how you can follow us on Facebook:
1. Open your internet browser and go to www.facebook.com.
2. If you already have a Facebook account, log in. If not, you can create one by clicking the “Create New Account” button and following the instructions.
3. Once logged in, type our community name, Kings Point Master Association, in the search bar at the top of the page and press enter.
4. Look for our official page in the search results. You’ll recognize it by our official logo and name.
5. Click on our page and then click the “Follow” button. This will ensure you receive all our updates directly in your news feed.
We encourage you to follow our page and invite your friends and neighbors to do the same. The more residents we have connected, the stronger our community will be. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay informed and engaged. Follow us on Facebook today and be part of our thriving online community!
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval to donanemab (Eli Lilly), sold under the brand name Kisunla, for the treatment of people living with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, which includes mild cognitive impairment and the mild dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease, with confirmed amyloid plaques.
The Alzheimer’s Association says the arrival of these new treatments underscores the importance of early detection and diagnosis to ensure individuals receive the most benefit.
This is the third FDA approval granted for an Alzheimer’s treatment that changes the underlying course of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association statement may be accessed here.
We have local residents and
COA’s Summer Hours: The COA will be closed for August. We reopen on September 3rd. Monday- Friday 9AM-12pm
KP COA Directory - The COA is working on the 2024/2025 COA membership directory. Current information has been sent to Member Association Presidnets for review and update (due October 16th, 2024)
Volunteer at KP COA - The KP COA provides a variety of service to COA members such as copying, faxes, bulletin board postings, free notary services, annual shredding, etc. If you would like to join the COA team as a volunteer
experts to talk about this. Here is some b-roll.
•Tampa resident Gene Anderson, who is living with Alzheimer’s and on another drug called lecanemab and Tampa resident Dr. Mack Davis III, who is living with Alzheimer’s, can both share what this new FDA approval means to them.
•Sarasota resident Scott Berkheiser, who is living with Alzheimer’s, can talk about taking the drug lecanemab and what it’s meant to him and what this new FDA approval can mean for others.
Florida is No. 2 in the nation for the number of people living with Alzheimer’s, with more than 580,000 Floridians aged 65 and older living with the disease. The number of caregivers has now grown to more than 840,000 in Florida, according to Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.
working in the COA office, call us at 813-633-1710, or stop in at 1902 Clubhouse Dr Suite B during our business hours. We are happy to have new volunteers. Look forward to seeing you soon. Remember - We are here for the residents in Kings Point. If your Association decided not to join the COA, individuals in those associations can join individually. Come in and pay the $5.00 annual fee and receive a membership card.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH - August 2024
Sandy Collins
We are pleased to recognize Sandy Collins as our Volunteer of the Month. Since moving to Kings Point from Kansas City, MO in 2016, Sandy has been an active and dedicated member of the Oakley Green Association. She began her volunteer journey as the Communication Chair, where she initiated and helped implement the association website, which she continues to administer. Her commitment to the community is evident in her roles as the Landscape POC, Liaison for the Rules and Regulations Committee, and currently, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors.
Beyond Oakley Green, Sandy is a vital member of the Kings Point Master Strategic Planning Committee and the Federation Finance Committee. She also serves as a Board Member of the Greater Sun City Center Beautification Committee. Her dedication extends to the broader community, where she has volunteered alongside other Kings Point residents at the Straz Center, ensuring the best audience experience.
Sandy’s commitment to service is rooted in her extensive volunteer experience prior to moving to Kings Point. She served on the Board of the Heartland Honor Flight in Kansas City and was an enthusiastic participant with the Kansas City Betty’s, a group that delivered USO-style shows to veterans in the Midwest. Her professional career in long-term healthcare also provided numerous opportunities to volunteer and enhance the lives and communities of others.
Sandy believes that volunteering not only benefits others but also immensely enriches her own life. “Volunteering is a gift you give to yourself,” she says, encapsulating her philosophy of service.
