The Adopt a Pond program is gaining momentum, thanks to the combined efforts of Hillsborough County and the Master Association Pond Committee, chaired by Rob Davies. This initiative is designed to enhance the natural environment and improve water quality in our community ponds.
Under this program, Hillsborough County provides all plants at no cost and has pledged to monitor their progress over the next three years, ensuring their vitality and robust growth. Stormwater, which collects chemicals from yards, sediment, trash, and other pollutants, poses a significant threat to water quality. The plants introduced through the Adopt a Pond program are intended to mitigate these effects, help with shoreline erosion, support local wildlife and pollinators, and create an attractive asset for the community.
Pond 106 is the second pond to participate in the county’s Adopt a Pond program. Initially, Rich Tomaski, one of the project leads, was vociferous in his opposition to the idea. However, after being educated on the intent and outcomes of the Adopt a Pond program, he became one of its biggest supporters and even helped lead the project. Rich’s dedication resulted in Pond 106 receiving free designs, over 4,000 plants, and funding to accomplish
this monumental project at no cost to Kings Point. The project was also led by Paul Hubert, a member of the pond committee, who learned about the County Adopt a Pond program through a pond committee seminar presented by Troy Green and Ivie Metzen back in January of 2022. Together, Rich and Paul dedicated countless hours to the project’s success.
They secured a $3,200 grant from the Florida Lake Management Society for labor to plant the vegetation. Hillsborough County’s Adopt a Pond program provided designs and plants valued at approximately $4,500. Additionally, the removal of
America’s top retirement spots for 2024 have it all—nice weather, access to urban centers, and close proximity to medical centers. And on top of that, they’re affordable.
This year, Sun City Center, FL, comes in at the top spot, according to the Realtor.com® annual rankings of America’s best retirement towns. This community—which came in third last year—has the magic combo that aging populations prioritize: a warm beach and a big city nearby.
“This top-ranking retirement town, on the south side of Tampa, offers buyers easy access to the beach and to the amenities and resources of the large metro area,” explains Hannah Jones, economic research analyst at Realtor.com. The same is true of the other topranking retirement towns, which include Green Valley, AZ, King City, OR, and The Villages, FL.
There’s a good reason why the 55-plus community of Sun City Center just 30 minutes outside Tampa has jumped to the top
spot for retirees looking for somewhere new to settle down: Residents who relocate here can ditch many of the trappings of their pre-retirement life, including their car and their lawn mower.
Irma Sanabia, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, says this Hillsboro County community is completely accessible by golf cart or scooter.
Another benefit of retirement living here: You won’t be faced with some of the higher costs that Florida residents see when they live elsewhere. For instance, Sun City Center boasts lower homeowners association dues than many other places in the state, which lowers the overall cost of living for its residents.
“A lot of people are moving up from Southern Florida because of the price of the HOAs down there,” Sanabia says. “The senior community here at Sun City Center has better control over HOA fees, which they are able to keep lower.”
torpedo grass, necessary for preparing the pond for planting, was funded by donations from Inverness and Fairbourne individual homeowners, totaling $2,800. The planting for Pond 106 took place in May, with plant choices including golden canna, pickerelweed, duck potato, blue flag iris, and jointed spike rush. These plants not only improve water quality but also provide habitats for local wildlife and attract pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of the area.
The Master Association played a role by providing supplemental irrigation and coordinating with the county. Special thanks to
continue serving.
This departure left a vacancy on the board, which we have filled after thorough discussion. To ensure fairness and continuity, the board decided to appoint the individual with the next highest
Clublink for granting permission to move forward with this project.
Phase 2 of the project includes the installation of an aeration fountain and the introduction of additional fish species, as suggested by fish biologists, to complement the new aquatic plants. Grant applications have been submitted for this phase, and work is expected to start in early fall 2024.
Pond 1 South, which borders Gloucester P, was the first pond to be planted under this program. It is progressing beautifully, and we will provide updates on its development soon. Pond 19, bordering Oxford 1 and 2, is currently being scheduled for similar improvements. This initiative showcases the positive impact that community collaboration can have on our local environment. We look forward to continuing these efforts and seeing the lasting benefits they bring to our community.
votes from the last election. We are pleased to announce that George Cordelli has been voted in as the newest board member.
George is a former Master Director with extensive experience in infrastructure and the inner workings of the Master Association. He previously served as the Engineer in Charge for the New York Department of Transportation. We are confident his vast knowledge in paving and infrastructure will bring valuable insights and dedication to our board. Please join us in welcoming George Cordelli! We look forward to working with you.
Storm Drain Initiative
The Master Pond Committee will soon be installing colorful stickers on our storm drains to promote pollution prevention. These stickers, along with door hangers explaining more, will help educate our community about the importance of keeping storm drains clean and free of pollutants.
Stormwater pollution — caused by rain runoff carrying pollutants from our yards and streets — is easy to prevent. Remember, storm drains are only for rain, not oil, grass clippings, leaves, fertilizers, litter, or pet waste. Let’s all do our part to keep our neighborhood clean and safe for everyone.
Q. My cat howls when visiting the litter box. What is it and what can I do?
A. Cats can have many reasons for howling but if associated only with litter box activity, then a veterinary exam is needed. They can become constipated or have an irritated urinary tract or blocked urinary tract (more common in males—especially neutered males). Cats can also suffer from arthritis that can affect posturing in the litter box or even compromise getting into or out of a tall litter box. In a multi-cat household, they might be reacting to another cat or pet interrupting the litter box activity and in rare cases, the type of littler might be a source of irritation. Your veterinarian can sort out the potential causes and then recommend treatment or changes.
Q. What do I need to do to prepare my pet for summertime? Summer is here and is very hot in Florida. Besides storm preparation/ evacuation, there are 4 main issues that pet families need to consider.
A. Heat. The pavement can injure unprotected paws, so walk during the coolest hours and if they must walk in the middle of the day, then avoid the pavement and walk on grassy surfaces.
The short-nosed breeds ( i.e. bulldogs, pugs etc) are at high risk for overheating. Dogs cannot sweat (except on the bottom of their paws) so they must cool by panting and those breeds are not able to that well. So, use potty patches or pee pads inside if necessary, but they must have
Many of us, hopefully most, care if we save potable - ie., drinking - water in the landscape. About 1,000 people move to Florida daily. This will create an increase in the overall water demand, and water is a non-renewable resource. To make sure there is enough to go around, each of us needs to consider ways we can save potable water in our landscapes. Here are some examples of Florida-Friendly Landscaping TM principles and related practices that conserve water. The options below can save water, money and cost you absolutely nothing include shutting it off and a free irrigation evaluation.
Purchase drought-tolerant plants which require significantly lessto-no water after establishment. Plants need water to become established, meaning root and shoot growth. How do you know if your plants are drought tolerant? Extension offices have copies of The Florida-Friendly Landscaping
very short walks if at all during the day. Heat can be rapidly lethal to the short-nosed breeds. Parasites –worms, fleas, ticks and others—are more active during warmer months. Mosquitos transmit deadly heartworms to dogs. Other worms are found on the ground—usually in feces from other dogs or cats and wildlife. Tapeworms are transmitted to pets when eating a flea and ticks transmit Lyme and other infectious diseases. So, parasite prevention is especially important in the summer. Be aware—many over the counter preventions might be ineffective in Florida and cats can be poisoned by dog products.
Biting and stinging insects and spiders. These can be a problem in summer—especially near wooded areas. In Florida, fire ants and No-see ums are not just a nuisance- they can cause nasty red sores that itch and can become infected.
Gators and all animals that do not provide their own body heat are much more active in the summer and need to feed more. Assume they are in every pond or standing body of water and assume that they are faster than you can run. Do not walk your dog near a pond. The largest gators will attack people, but the smaller ones will snatch a pet from your grasp faster than you can respond.
Swimming pools Most pets can swim but sometimes they cannot find their way to the steps to get out—especially very young or very old ones. It is best to fence the pool or limit access when not supervised to avoid drowning accidents.
ENJOY THE SUMMER SAFELY WITH YOUR PETS.
If you drive around Sun City Center lately, you notice that there is not a real reduction in the amount of traffic and people, even though, it is not snowbird season. The population both in and around Sun City Center is growing rapidly. What once was a mostly surrounded by rural area, Ruskin, Riverview, and Wimauma, is now a bustling suburbia. Hillsborough County, specifically, ranks among the fastest-growing counties nationally, as reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal citing an 11th place ranking in growth rates.
With a demographic surge, comes increased traffic congestion, increased crime, and a stress on our community and county resources. Sheriff Chad Chronister, leading the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, has implemented diverse strategies to mitigate these issues, resulting in a recent downturn in crime rates. Nonetheless, with the ongoing population influx, a potential rise in criminal activities looms.
The growth’s impact is keenly felt within King’s Point, where recent years have witnessed upticks in theft incidents, notably including golf cart thefts. Correspondingly, law enforcement call volumes have risen, encompassing actions include removing several undesirable individuals from the premises.
In response to these challenges
and at the recommendation of the Hillsborough County Sheriffs office, King’s Point has adopted FLOCK’s license plate reader camera service company. These cameras, strategically placed, capture and analyze license plate data, providing actionable intelligence crucial for crime prevention and resolution. Recent successes include the prompt identification and apprehension of fraud suspects involved in coming to Sun City Center homes.
The proactive use of technology extends to real-time alerts for stolen vehicles and those linked to criminal activities or emergency situations such as AMBER and SILVER alerts. Despite its effectiveness, concerns regarding resident privacy and data security persist. However, stringent policies govern the retention and access of captured data, ensuring its exclusive use for law enforcement purposes within a 30-day retention period. Companies like FLOCK uphold comprehensive policies against unauthorized data access or misuse, reinforcing community trust in their services. King’s Point personnel will not have access to any of the FLOCK data.
In light of these developments, collaborative efforts and optimal resource utilization remain imperative to sustain Sun City Center’s reputation as a premier retirement destination amidst ongoing demographic shifts in south Hillsborough County.
When the rain arrives, consider these options!
TM Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design. This guide provides information on plant materials for Florida, and the key is useful to identify plants with high, medium, and low or no drought tolerance.
Hydrozone your plants. This means grouping your plants according to their watering needs. Again, the Plant Selection Guide will be beneficial because it shows the soil moisture needed by the plants in the Guide, from well drained to wet and four categories in between. An example of why we should hydrozone our plants would be planting an herb garden and cactus together. If you water the herbs to meet their needs, the cactus will be overwatered and die.
Plant groundcovers instead of turfgrass where turf is not purposeful. Turfgrass purposes
can include play areas for children, a pet area for dogs, putting green, etc. Groundcovers generally require less water, fertilizer and pesticides than turf. The Guide referred to above provides information on several groundcovers that will work in our area. Just note the site conditions (sun, shade, soil texture, soil pH, soil moisture) in your landscape and select accordingly. If you live in a deed restricted community, check your deed restrictions, meet with your landscape review or architectural control committees as required before making changes.
Mulch landscape beds (2-3 inches deep after settling). Mulch is beneficial because it retains moisture in the soil, moderates soil temperature, reduces runoff and erosion, improves soil structure, suppresses weeds, enhances the beauty of the landscape,
provides increased area for root growth and protects plants from lawnmowers and weed eaters. Organic mulches recommended include Eucalyptus, Melaleuca (Punk tree), Pine bark, Pine straw and Oak leaves.
Consider creating a rain garden in a low area of your landscape. This will decrease some of the stormwater runoff from your yard. Rain gardens are a beautiful landscape addition. Plant selections should include those that like wet feet and are drought-tolerant for times we don’t receive much rain. Consider using Swamp Hibiscus, Swamp Sunflower, Wiregrass and Muhly Grass. Before you purchase plants for your rain garden, determine the existing site conditions. Rain gardens installed in sandy soils only hold water for a few hours.
Bottom line: all of us have a stake in and impact the future.
Living in Florida offers us an abundance of sunshine, natural beauty, and unique attractions right in our backyard. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer looking to explore, there’s always something exciting to do close to home. From pristine beaches and scenic parks to fascinating museums and wildlife adventures, our area boasts a variety of activities that cater to all interests and ages. Here are ten fantastic things to do in our local Florida area that will make you fall in love with our community all over again. Grab your sunscreen, put on your adventure hat, and get ready to discover some of the best local gems Florida has to offer!
Explore Zoos and Aquariums in Sarasota
If you are an animal lover, the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, located in the heart of Sarasota, is the place for you. These non-profits rescue and rehabilitate exotic animals. Enjoy shows displaying animals’ agility, strength, and behaviors, and get hands-on with bear feedings and petting zoos. If you love marine life, the Mote Marine Aquarium is a must-visit. This educational exhibit showcases a diverse array of aquatic wildlife, including manatees, sea turtles, river otters, and sharks. Throughout your visit, you’ll encounter a fascinating world of creatures.
Kayak or Paddleboard in Bradenton Robinson Preserve is a dream spot for nature enthusiasts, where you can enjoy peaceful kayaking through calm waters surrounded by mangroves and bustling wildlife. Covering 682 acres, it’s got something for every kayaker, whether you’re up for
There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to severe health risks, including heat stroke and exhaustion, and even death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weatherrelated hazards. As we navigate the sweltering summer months in Florida, it’s crucial to understand what extreme heat is, how to prepare for it, and how to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses.
Prepare for Extreme Heat
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area.
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
• If you are unable to
a long adventure or just a quick paddle with the family. Kayaking here is a chill way to dive into nature and make any summer trip to Florida even more amazing.
Bioluminescent Kayaking
Head over to Titusville and hook up with the gang from A Day Away Kayak Tours for an incredible nighttime paddle trip. Any movement in the water produces a blue glow caused by bioluminescent organisms. This is a must-do summer activity in Florida! Pro tip: Keep tabs on the phase of the moon – the darker the night, the brighter the glow in the water will be.
Paddleboard a Coastal Dune Lake In Northwest Florida? Don’t miss a chance to see one of Florida’s coastal dune lakes, which are only found in a handful of places on earth. Take a drive out to the BoatHouse at the WaterColor Inn and Resort where you’ll find a paddleboarding mecca. Take lessons with the YOLO Board crew, or get an in-depth look at the coastal dune lake ecosystem with an Eco Tour.
Dolphin Watching Tours at Madeira Beach
Nestled on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Madeira Beach is a slice of paradise with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of
marine life. A must-do? Dolphinwatching tours! Local guides whisk you away to see bottlenose dolphins up close, making for a truly playful and exciting experience. These tours, usually about two hours long, are led by friendly, experienced guides on cozy boats. Plus, some even offer snorkeling, letting you dive into the vibrant world beneath the waves.
Enjoy the Beaches at Indian Shores Indian Shores is a charming beach town on Florida’s Gulf Coast. One of the top attractions in the area is Caladesi Island State Park, a pristine barrier island accessible only by boat. The calm, shallow waters make it a dream spot for swimming and the perfect place to soak up the sun. And if you’re up for a bit of treasure hunting, hunting for shells and shark teeth on its beaches turns every visit into an exciting adventure.
Explore History in Fort Myers
Did you know that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford left an incredible legacy for the Fort Myers area, where they spent their winters? When you visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, you get a look at their winter homes as well as acres of botanical gardens, a museum, a laboratory, a Garden Shoppe (Garden Center), and a Museum Store. Another great option is Florida Native Butterfly Society, a
Preparing for Extreme Heat Source: FEMA.gov
afford your cooling costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
Be Safe During
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
• If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Wear loose, lightweight, lightcolored clothing.
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat
exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.
Signs of a Heat Stroke
• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness or confusion
If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital
nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Florida’s native butterfly species. They hand-raise every butterfly there as a part of their breeding program and have educational programs to teach others how to build butterfly gardens.
Everglades Swamp Walk
Come on in, the water’s fine! A lot of folks might think that the water down in the Everglades is like a bubbling cauldron. It’s quite the opposite – the water is cool and clear, and a swamp tour is the perfect way to see the Everglades up close and personal. Take part in a swamp walk at the Big Cypress Gallery.
Visit a Florida Spring
Florida’s got the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the world, so there’s no excuse why you shouldn’t visit at least one of them this summer. Swim, dive, tube, snorkel or just bob around in the cool, gin-clear water and forget about everything else. Getting wet in one of the many springs in the State is maybe one of the favorite outdoors activities during summer in Florida. Visit www.floridasprings.org to find the perfect spot for you.
Take a Wildlife Drive
Go birding or see the wild side of Florida on a drive at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, or on Black Point Wildlife Drive at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville. Go during the early morning or evening hours when wildlife is the most active, and you’ll see some cool stuff without ever leaving the comfort (and A/C) of your car.
immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.
Signs of Heat Cramps
• Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
• Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting
If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
COA’s Summer Hours: Summer Hours for June - July are Monday & Friday 9:00 am - Noon. They will be closed for August. No COA meetings will be held June - Septmber.
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 - July 2024
Eileen Torricelli
This July, we are delighted to honor Eileen Torricelli as our Volunteer of the Month. A dedicated resident of Kings Point for the past 3 ½ years, Eileen’s commitment to service is truly inspiring. Eileen’s motivation to volunteer is rooted in the famous words of President Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” She feels blessed and wants to share those blessings with others.
Eileen’s volunteer activities are extensive and diverse. She was recently appointed to the Health and Safety Committee at Kings Point. She played a key role in the ice cream fundraiser for the Dog Lovers Club at Jack Shack Ice Cream Store and is actively helping with the Hillsborough County School bus drive. Eileen volunteers with Vacation Bible School, the SSC singles group, and has organized fundraisers for the SSC security patrol and the SSC Emergency Squad, including 26 baskets at Replay’s Grill. Additionally, she contributes to the VA Medical Center, where she teaches gardening and art therapy, and serves as a receptionist and greeter. She also educates the community on hurricane awareness through free classes in Sun City Center, tutors local children, and supports 100% disabled veterans.
Eileen has several degrees in science and social work and teaches religious studies to senior citizens. Her past contributions include teaching garden art therapy, participating in the KP Super Bowl, collecting items for hospitalized veterans, collecting clothes for the homeless, and crafting items for residents in hospitals and nursing homes.
Thank you, Eileen, for your remarkable dedication and service to our community. You are a true inspiration to us all.
