Historically,theMasterAssociation BoardandtheFederationBoard havefacedchallengesinworking together effectively. Since at least 2019, these two governing bodieshavebeenatodds,often clashing publicly and rejecting ideas simply because they originatedfromtheotherboard. This discord culminated in two lawsuits, which, thankfully, have since been successfully settled. The turning point began with changes in leadership. Under the stewardship of Jim Gundry, President of the Federation, and Jim Haggerty, President of the Master Association, the boards started to bridge their differences, gradually improving their relationship. This positive momentum has continued and strengthened under the current leadership of Master Association President Chris Robinson and Federation President Diane Daniels. Together, they have made a commitment to foster collaboration, holding quarterly meetings to address community concerns and work towards solutionsthatbeneÞtallresidents.
Joint Efforts for the Community One of the most promising developments is the agreement to tackle key community projects collaboratively:
A New Era of Cooperation Between KP Governing Boards
•FrontGateVisitorLaneExpansion: Thisinitiativerequiresaneasement fromtheFederationtotheMaster Association,aspartofthenewlane wouldencroachontrustproperty.
•Back Gate Automation: Plans for an unmanned, automated gateatthebackentrancerequire an easement from the Master Association to the Federation.
•GolfCartTrafÞcRerouting:Efforts to improve safety by rerouting golf cart trafÞc away from the Kings and Clubhouse Drive intersection also depend on an easement from the Federation to the Master Association.
•DisasterPlanning:Bothboardsare workingtogetherwiththeDisaster Planning Committee to enhance preparedness and response efforts, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
These projectsexemplify the new spirit of cooperation between the boards, highlighting their shared commitment to making Kings Point a great place to live.
AMonthlyJointTownHallMeeting
In a groundbreaking move, FederationPresidentDianeDaniels has invited Master President Chris Robinson to host monthly joint town hall meetings. These
Government Day Comes to Kings Point! The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’sOfÞce,incollaboration with the Master Association, is excitedtobringGovernmentDay to Kings Point! This special event isopentoallKingsPointandSun City Center residents and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the many services available from the county.
When: March 12th, immediately following the Master Association Board Meeting, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Where: Veterans Theater at the Kings Point North Clubhouse.
Representatives from various county departments will be available to speak with you one-on-one, share valuable information about their services, and answer any questions you may have. This is your chance to connect directly with local agencies and government services, all in one place.
Some of the featured services and departments include driver license and ID card assistance,
where you can change your address, renew your license, and even get your license onsite (pre-registration is required— registration info TBD). Vehicle registrationassistance willalsobe available, along with information from Public Works, Veterans Affairs,SeniorServices,Emergency Services, Parks and Recreation, AgingServices,SocialServices,UF/ IFAS Extension, and Cybersecurity Services, just to name a few.
In addition to these services, attendeescangatherinformation about wellness programs and resources offered by the county. Many residents are unaware of the wide array of services available to them—this event is a great opportunity to become informed and take full advantage of these offerings.
Government Day is a unique chance to engage directly with local government representatives and learn how their services can beneÞt you. Whether you need assistance with ofÞcial documents, want to learn about community resources, or simply
wishtostayinformedaboutwhat yourcountyhastooffer,thisevent has something for everyone.
The Master Association is proud to partner with Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County Tax
Radio Tower Installed: A Milestone for Disaster Preparedness
The long-awaited radio tower for the Radio Club has Þnally been installed, marking a signiÞcant step forward in our community’s disaster preparedness efforts. Originallyscheduledforinstallation the day Hurricane Milton struck, the process faced delays due to health issues with the installation team. Despite these challenges, thetowerisnow fullyoperational andreadytoenhancetherange ofourantennas.
This tower will play a critical role in disaster planning, providing
a dedicated communication channel for management and vendors if cell towers go down during emergencies. Plans are underway to establish protocols for utilizing the radios during disasters, as well as educational initiativestoinformresidentsabout theprogram’svalue.
Residents will soon have the opportunity to learn more about affordable $15 handheld radios and how they can be used to stay informed and connected in emergencies.
February2025
sessions will provide residents with a platform to ask questions and address concerns without being redirected to separate board meetings. Representatives from both boards, along with their general managers, will be available to answer questions and provide support. This uniÞed approachaimstocreateamore transparent and resident-focused governancemodel. TheTownHall meetings are scheduled the Þrst Tuesdayofeachmonth,from10:00 -11:30amintheVeteransTheater.
EnsuringLong-TermCooperation
Whilethisneweraofcollaboration is cause for celebration, both boardsrecognizetheimportance of sustaining this progress as leadership changes over time. Residents are encouraged to support candidates who prioritize cooperation and are willing to set aside personal agendas for the greater good of Kings Point. This newfound partnership marks aturningpointinthegovernance of our community. By working together, the Master Association and Federation Boards are creating a brighter future for all residents. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and make Kings Point an even better place tocallhome.
Collector, to bring this exciting and educational event to our community.Don’tmissoutonthis excellentopportunitytoconnect, engage, and stay informed. We lookforwardtoseeingyouthere!
Thismilestone was made possible through the collaboration and dedication of the Master Association, the Disaster Planning Committee, and the Radio Club. After a lengthy process involving funding acquisition, RFECapprovals,andovercoming installation challenges, we are thrilledtoseethisprojectcometo fruition.
Thank you to everyone involved for their commitment to making ourcommunitysafer!
Q What is an infectious (aka contagious) disease of dogs and cats?
A.Infectious(Contagious)diseases that spread from one animal to another,arecommonlycausedby viruses,bacteria,fungiorparasites thatcanspreadinair,food,water or by direct contact. Diagnosis is madebyspecialtests,bloodwork orsmearsandmicroscopicexam.
Common infectious diseases of pets include Parvo, Distemper, Bordetella (kennel cough), Feline Leukemia, and parasites. Prevention is accomplished by knowing how the organism is spread, how to avoid contact with the disease-causing agent, vaccination (when available) and the use of products that eliminate the disease-causing agent or its intermediate host. For example, dog tapeworms are spread when the pet eats a ßea, and heartworms are spread toadogorcatfromamosquito bite. Prevention can include avoiding exposure, vaccination, and cleaning and disinfecting in some situations. Treatments, such as parasite control, can limit the spread of worms, ßeas, ticks and mites.
There is a special category of infectious diseases called “ ZOONOTIC”, which is deÞned as any disease that can spread
Clearing Up Confusion on Water Shut-Off Notices
There has been some confusion regarding water shut-off notices, and we want to provide clariÞcation. These notices, which address potable water interruptions, are sent by FirstService. Typically, the shutoffs are requested because the countyneedstomakearepair,or aplumberhasrequestedtheshutofftofacilitateaprivaterepair. It is important to note that these noticesareonlyforpotablewater. FirstService holds the agreement withthecountyforpotablewater and sends these notiÞcations to theaffectedassociations.
Separately,theMasterAssociation sendsoutirrigationoutagenotices whenmainlinerepairsareneeded, pumps aredown, or similarissues arise. However, these irrigation notices are sent exclusively to associationpresidentsandboards, astheMasterAssociationdoesnot maintain contact information for allresidents.
If you have questions about potable water shut-offs, please direct them to FirstService. For irrigation-related inquiries, please reach out to your association boardorpresidentforupdates.
FROManimalstoPEOPLE. AwellknownzoonoticdiseaseisRABIES, whichisavirusthatisvirtually100% fatal with no known treatment. It is usually spread from animals to people in bite wounds, but also rarely by breathing air from bat infested caves. This virus infects most mammals, except for opossums, which seem to be naturally resistant. Vaccination preventsthespreadofthisdisease.
Somepathogens--likerabies,can infect more than one species. SOME PATHOGENS ARE HOST OR SPECIES SPECIFIC. Some pathogens do not live long in non-hostspeciesbutcancausea problemshort term. Forexample, themitethatcausesDOGSCABIES CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO PEOPLE bydirectcontactwithaninfested dog, and although it cannot survive in people long enough to reproduce and cannot be transmittedfrompersontoperson, it can survive long enough to causeintenseitchingandmakea personmiserable.
Knowing which diseases are zoonotic and what can be done to treat and prevent these diseases is important. Most pets receive at least some vaccines and parasite prevention, which can also prevent ZOONOTIC diseases from spreading to people and THAT PROTECTS THE PET AND THE PET FAMILY.
Coping with Post-Holiday Blues
The holiday season is Þlled with joyandexcitement,butonceit’s over, many people experience the “post-holiday blues.” This temporary low mood often follows weeks of celebration, socializing,andhighexpectations. Fortunately, there are ways to cope and regain balance.
WhyItHappens
The post-holiday blues can stem from emotional highs and lows, Þnancial stress, unmet holiday expectations, exhaustion, or the shorter, colder days. Recognizing these triggers is the Þrststeptowardmanagingthem.
HowtoCope
•EaseBackIntoRoutine: Gradually returntoyourschedulebysetting small, achievable goals. Prioritize self-care with regular sleep.
•Plan Ahead: Create events or milestones to look forward to. Having something exciting on thehorizoncanhelpcombatlow spirits.
•Stay Active: Physical activity is a natural mood booster. Even a shortwalkoutdoorsorfunactivities canmakeabigdifference.
•Connect with Others: Reaching out to friends or family or volunteering can reduce feelings ofisolationandprovideasenseof purpose.
•Focus on Financial Health: If holiday spending has you stressed, create a budget and tackle debts step by step.
Iffeelingspersistorintensify,consult a mental health professional. Takingcareofyourselfnowcanset the tone for a healthier, happier yearahead.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner in Kings Point
As a pet-friendly community, KingsPointwelcomesfurryfriends of all shapes and sizes. However, with pet ownership comes responsibility,notjustfor thecare and well-being of your animals, butalsofortherespectandsafety of your neighbors and shared spaces. To maintain a clean and harmonious environment, it is essential that all pet owners adhere to both community guidelinesandcountyordinances.
Per county regulations, all pets mustbeonaleashnolongerthan six feet when off their owner’s propertyorinpublicspaces,suchas neighborhood sidewalks, outdoor cafés, or recreational areas. Pet owners must maintain control of their animals at all times. Failure todosomayresultinÞnesstarting at$100andescalatingto$500for repeatedviolations.Ensuringyour pet is leashed and under control is not just the law—it’s a critical measure to ensure the safety of your pet and those around you.
Anyfecesleftbyapetonpublic property, sidewalks, recreation areas,oranotherperson’sprivate property must be immediately removedbythepersonresponsible for the animal. This includes our beautiful community sidewalks and greenspaces. Neglectingto cleanupafteryourpetisnotonly inconsiderate to your neighbors butalsoaviolationofthelaw.Fines may result upto$500peranimal per infraction. Fine amounts increase for subsequent offenses and may require a mandatory court appearance. Let’s all do ourparttokeepKingsPointclean
We often underestimate the power of a simple act of kindness. A thoughtful gesture, a smile, or even a small token of appreciation can ripple out, creating a wave of positivity in ourcommunity. That’s why we’re launchingtheKindnessChallenge, an initiative to encourage everyone to spread goodwill and brighten someone’s day.
Your mission is simple: perform at least one random act of kindness this week. It doesn’t havetobegrandorexpensive— kindness often shines brightest in the little things. Here are some examples to inspire you:
• Payforthepersonbehind youinlineatthecoffeeshop.
• Leaveapositivenoteona neighbor’sdoororcarwindshield.
• Volunteer an hour of your time to help a local charity or a neighborinneed.
• Compliment a stranger or thank someone who often goes unnoticed, like a grocery
and enjoyable for everyone. Wehaveobservedanincreasing number of incidents where dogs arebeingallowedtorunoff-leash ontheclosedgolfcourses.Letus remind all residents that off-leash pets arenotpermittedonthegolf coursesunderanycircumstances. This includes situations where ownersridegolfcartswhileletting their pets run freely or walk dogs on a leash while driving a golf cart. Such practices are not only a violation of community rules butcanalsobehighlydangerous for both the pet and the owner.
Allowing pets to roam freely or walking a dog while driving a golf cart poses signiÞcant safety risks. Accidents can happen quickly, and the consequences could be severe for both pets and their owners. We urge all residents to prioritize safety and abide by the rules. If you observe anyone engaging in such practices on the closed golf courses, please report the incidenttotheMasterAssociation.
As a reminder, while Kings Point is generally pet-friendly, some associationswithinourcommunity are not. Please be respectful of these pet-free areas and avoid walking your dogs through these neighborhoods. Being mindful of suchrestrictionsensuresapeaceful coexistenceforallresidents.
We all share the responsibility of maintaining a clean, safe, and respectful environment in Kings Point. As pet owners, you play a vital role in ensuring that our community remains a pleasant place for everyone. By following theseguidelines,youcontributeto the well-being of your neighbors, the safety of your pets, and the integrityofourcommunityspaces. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to responsible pet ownership. Together, we canmakeKingsPointasafeand enjoyablehomeforall.
store cashier or a janitor.
• Surprise someone with ßowers, baked goods, or even a handwrittennote. The best part of kindness? It’s contagious. Your thoughtful gesture might inspire someone elsetopayitforward,creatinga chainreactionofgooddeeds. We’d love to see how you’re making a difference! Share your act of kindness on your social media or Facebook page and use the hashtag #KPKindnessChallengetoconnect with others who are spreading positivity.Youcanalsosharestories of kindness you’ve witnessed— it’s all about encouraging more good in the world.
Together, we can make our community a kinder, more compassionateplace.So,let’sget started!Whetherit’ssomethingas smallasholdingthedooropenfor someoneorasbigasorganizinga fooddrive,everyactcounts. Let’sprovethatkindnessisn’tjusta gesture;it’samovement.Imagine howmuchbrighterourdayscanbe when kindness becomes a habit.
Are you up for the challenge? Let’s create a ripple effect of kindness that starts with you. Don’tforgettotagyourpostswith #KPKindnessChallenge, and who knows? Your story might inspire someoneelsetojoinin.
