New and Long time residents alike get confused about the entities that govern here in Kings Point. Questions come up like, Where do I get my guest passes?, Who handles irrigation issues?, or Where can I sign up for local transportation? To help clear up the confusion, here is some information that might help.
Master Association “The Master” Managed by Artemis Oversees: Master Association Business: Contracts, Planning & Budgeting Insurance: Master Association Coverage Road Maintenance: Roads/Streets, Paving, Signage & Medians Lakes: Ownership, Maintenance & Weed Control Irrigation: Pumps, Wells, Irrigation Lines, Loop System, Recharging of Lakes Drainage: Storm Drains, Pipes, Lake Level Control/Flow Bridges: Cypress Creek Golf Path, Kings Vehicle and Pedestrian
Navigating the Entities of Kings Point
Bridge, KPW Bridge Closed Golf Courses: Maintenance, Cart Paths, and Lakes Landscape Maintenance: Master Owned Common Areas
Federation of Kings Point ‘The Federation”
Manged by FirstService Residential. Oversees: Federation and Association Business: New Resident Orientation, Rule Enforcement, Resident Assistance Services, Contract Administration, Budget Prep Group Insurance: Deductible Fund, Liability, Condo – Exterior Property, Fidelity Bond,
Introducing Enumerate: A Secure Platform for Board Members
The Master Association is rolling out a new, password-protected platform called Enumerate to provide board members with secure access to important documents and videos that were previously unavailable on our public website. This system enhances transparency while maintaining confidentiality, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view sensitive materials.
Enumerate will serve as a centralized location where board members can access meeting minutes, unredacted videos, irrigation inspections, financial reports, and other essential documents. By moving videos to this platform, the Master Association ensures that vendors and contractors do not have access to internal discussions, allowing for more open and candid conversations within the community.
Each board will have access to the Master Association’s materials, and if an individual board chooses, they can also use the
site to securely share documents and information within their own association. This flexibility provides an additional layer of organization and communication tailored to each association’s needs.
To ensure all board members are comfortable using Enumerate, the Master Association will hold a training workshop once registrations are complete. The goal is to familiarize users with the platform’s features and ensure they can navigate and utilize the system effectively. Once board members are trained and the system is fully implemented, registration will open to residents, expanding access and increasing the platform’s benefits across the community.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in how information is shared and secured, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and confidentiality. More details will be provided as we move forward with the rollout.
Government Day – Driver License Services & More!
The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, in collaboration with the Master Association, is bringing Government Day to Kings Point! This event is open to all Kings Point and Sun City Center Area residents and offers a valuable opportunity to access key county services.
•When: March 12th, 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM
•Where: Veterans Theater, Kings Point North Clubhouse
Driver License & Vehicle Services On-Site:
•Renew or update your driver’s license or ID card (preregistration required; details TBD)
•Change your address
•Vehicle registration assistance
Learn About County Services & Wellness Programs Representatives from Veterans Affairs, Emergency Services, Senior Services, Public Works, Social Services, and more will be available to answer questions and share information. Residents can also learn about wellness programs and the many county resources available to support a healthy and active lifestyle.
Our District Commissioner, Christine Miller, may also attend.
Directors & Officers, Water Utility Bond, & Umbrella Lawn & Maintenance: Lawn, Plant Bed, Trees, Bushes, and Hedges Service Contracts: Spectrum, Pest Control, Recycle – Waste Removal, landscape, Insurance, Vesta
Land Trust (resident owned amenities excluding golf courses) Managed by Vesta. Oversees: Community Amenities: North and South Clubhouse, Recreational Facilities, Pools, Courts Clubhouse(s) & Recreational Programs: Fitness Programs, Entertainment, Community
Residents of Kings Point are likely to see Florida Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) around our ponds and wetlands, especially now, as we are well into their nesting season, which runs through the spring and summer months. These large, grey, heron-like birds are easily recognizable by the red bald patch on their heads and their distinct rattling call.
During this time, pairs of cranes build their nests within marshy freshwater wetlands, using sticks, grass, and moss to form a twofoot-wide nest. Typically, they lay two eggs per season, and both parents take part in nest-building, incubating the eggs, and raising their young. The average egglaying period in Central and Southwest Florida falls between late February and early March, with incubation lasting 29 to 31 days. Once hatched, the chicks
March 2025
Activities, Pool-Related Programs Security-Transportation: Buses, Entrance Gates, Security.
Condo Owners Association “COA” Managed By Volunteers. Oversees: Administrative Services: Faxing, Copying, Stamp Purchases, Notary (By Appointment) Buy/ Sell: Manages Bulletin board, sell personal property, wanted, show tickets, and condos for sale/rent Monetary Assistance: Grants for KP clubs and organizations only, sponsors motorized scooters Equipment/Park: Reservations for Charles Hassell Park, Air Compressor, Wheelchairs, Walkers, Canes, and Crutches Recreational: Library, Bingo Machine Rental Other Services: American Flags, Annual Shred day, Annual Social for members.
remain with their parents for 9 to 10 months, learning how to forage and survive in the wild.
If you come across a nest, please do not disturb it. Sandhill Cranes are protected under Florida law, and it is illegal to feed or harass them in any way. These birds are omnivores, feeding on seeds, grains, berries, insects, worms, small reptiles, amphibians, mice, and crayfish. Unlike herons, they do not hunt fish but can often be seen rooting around in shallow wetlands and open fields for food.
As you enjoy the beauty of these majestic birds around Kings Point, remember to observe from a distance and respect their nesting areas. By doing so, we can help protect them and ensure they continue to thrive in our community.
Pastries & Coffee will be provided
Like dogs and cats, viruses come in many varieties, but all viruses require specific host cells to reproduce. Some viruses infect few host species (herpes), but others can infect a wide range of animals and people (rabies). The body’s immune system must eliminate them after either natural exposure or after vaccination. Viruses can be spread by contaminated food, water, or waste, by contaminated air (cough, sneeze) or by contact with skin or wounds (bites, scratches). Viruses mutate (change), so if they mutate and can no longer infectthat is a good thing. But mutations can also increase the species that it can infect successfully, and that is what is happening with “bird flu” virus.
“Bird flu” or Avian Influenza Virus was first identified early this century when it started killing birds, as the name suggests. Like other flu viruses, it mutates quickly. Symptoms in birds include low energy, purple swollen areas, reduced egg production, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, incoordination, seizures
The Master’s Stormwater and Pond Management Committee also is sponsoring a fundraisers this winter, a Carnival Fun Fair, 12-3 on March 10. $15 Tickets are available through the Box Office. The March 10 Fun Fair Carnival has greater capacity, and game prizes every 45 minutes. Get your tickets, have fun and help support our healthy ponds initiative.
The Kings Point Master Association and Clublink share responsibility for ongoing management and compliance of 87 ponds and infrastructure in our stormwater system with Federal, state and local laws and regulations. There are 53 acres of ponds on the property with supporting weirs, storm drains and piping.
The stormwater system was designed and constructed during the development of Kings Point to retain a certain volume of water to reduce downstream flooding, decrease downstream sedimentation, filter out pollutants and provide a diverse wildlife environment with the primary role of filtering storm water before entering our drinking water aquifer.
Both the Master and Clublink have contracts with pond management companies to provide remediation of invasive species and algal
WHAT IS AVIAN OR BIRD FLU?
by Sandra Yosha DVM, PhD
and often sudden death. Sadly, it can kill an entire flock very quickly. It infects wild birds (especially migratory birds) as well as poultry, and has now been diagnosed in cats, dogs, cows, goats and
people. It has been in the news lately because very large flocks of poultry have died, which reduces egg and poultry production, decreases availability and consequently increases prices. It
Why a Kings Point Ponds Fundraiser?
blooms while encouraging the growth of appropriate species to filter the stormwater and provide habitat for wildlife.
The Master Association recognizing the need for more attention to the stormwater system, established a committee about four years ago to study all aspects of the stormwater system and make recommendations. The Master collaborates with Hillsborough County Adopt a Pond Program for technical assistance, designs and in some cases free plants to implement stormwater best management practices.
The Committee has sought and received over $10,000 in grants and donations to date to assist in planting efforts. Florida Power and Light, Florida Audubon and Eagle Audubon Societies, Love Your Lakes and Tampa Bay Estuary Program and neighborhood donations have aided this effort. We are working on additional applications for 2025-2026
Raising money for the stormwater management assist in the grant application process for matching funds. This way we can leverage greater funds for the efforts of the Master to achieve best
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month, observed every March since 1987, honors the significant contributions of women in history, society, and culture. The observance began as Women’s History Day in 1978 in Sonoma, California, later expanding to a week in 1980 with the support of President Jimmy Carter. By 1987, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month, recognizing the achievements of women across generations.
Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month Write a Letter – Take a moment to express gratitude to a woman who has inspired you, whether in
your personal life or a public figure. Your thoughtful gesture is sure to be appreciated.
Reconnect Over a Meal – Having a meal together is a chance to spend some one-on-one time with the lovely ladies in your life and is a great way to reconnect and remind them how much they mean to you.
Learn More About Women’s History – Visit a museum or check out a special exhibit dedicated to women’s contributions.
Watch an Inspiring Film or Documentary – Streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu offer a variety of films that highlight the achievements and stories of remarkable women.
Take this opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the impact of women who have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations.
is also of concern because it can now infect some pets, food animals and people. Fortunately, unlike birds, other animals and people recovered. The path of infection is from wild bird to bird and then to other animals or people that are exposed to infected birds that are sick or dead. Fortunately, the risk of spread of bird flu from pets to people and is extremely low.
“Bird Flu” has been found in Thailand, Germany, Poland, South Korea, the Arctic and Antarctic and in the U.S. Fortunately, the risk is very low for inside pets, backyard and leashed dogs, and pets that do not have direct contact with wildlife. Symptoms are similar many to other diseases, but, if you or your pet has been in contact with or sick or dead wild birds, then you should contact your veterinarian and/or your physician to confirm the diagnosis and you can report that information to USDA or local wildlife authorities. Also note, that people or pets that consume raw or undercooked meat or raw milk are at higher risk. Cooking/ pasteurizing kills the virus.
ponds slope down to the water so that height would not impede views.
management practices for our stormwater system and compliance with a variety of Federal, state and local mandates
We hope you join us at our event!
Some of our ponds are 50 or more years old, some only 20. The older ones, many on the old golf course, have eroded banks where depths at creation of 8 feet and more are now sometimes only 6 feet or less. In addition the shelves lining the ponds which were designed to be about 4 feet before plunging to greater depths, some 18’, are now almost universally 6’.
This erosion is causing a multitude of problems, most especially less Stormwater retention capacity. In addition, mowing to the edges is sharply reducing wildlife habitats for bird, butterflies and fish.
Some residents express concern that they not have to sacrifice pond views in order to employ best practices for Stormwater safety. Pond committee members share those concerns and seek solutions for best balance. Currently proposed is to leave a buffer zone around the ponds of 6-18”. That would filter water entering the ponds and prevent erosion. Most
As for plantings in the ponds,the emphasis is twofold: contracted removal of invasive species like Torpedo grass from the expanding underwater shelves and around inlet and outlets. And planting wildlife friendly and often flowering plants on those underwater shelves within a foot or two of the pond edge. The plantings are being designed by Hillsborough County Adopt-A-Pond program, at no expense tour unit owners.
Plants and planting do carry costs. The ponds are owned by the State of Florida, and we have responsibility to maintain them. Forty seven of our ponds are managed by the Master Association, the rest by the golf club, Clublink. Both have pond maintenance contracts in force. Gaps in contract fulfillment are being identified and addressed.
To improve our employing best practices, the Master has a line item in the annual budget, currently $10,000 and increasing back to prior limits of $20,000 in the coming year. The Pond committee has sought to match those funds with grants and volunteer hours.
Call for Nominations: Volunteer of the Month
Do you know someone in Kings Point who goes above and beyond to help others? Our Volunteer of the Month program is a wonderful way to recognize those who make a difference, but we need your help! Nominations have slowed down, and we encourage residents to take a moment to submit deserving candidates.
Volunteers come in many forms— they may serve on association boards or committees, contribute to charity organizations inside or outside of Kings Point, or simply
be that kind neighbor who is always willing to lend a hand. No act of service is too small to be recognized!
Each month, a Volunteer of the Month is featured in this publication, and all winners throughout the year will be honored at a special luncheon in August. This is a great opportunity to show appreciation for those who make our community such a wonderful place to live.
To nominate someone, please send an email to master@ kpmaster.com with their name and a brief explanation of why they deserve recognition. Nominations must be submitted by the 15th of each month to be considered for the following month.
Let’s celebrate the dedicated volunteers who make Kings Point special—submit your nomination today!
How to Properly Submit a Work Order for Irrigation Issues
Reporting irrigation issues promptly and correctly is essential to keeping our community’s irrigation system functioning efficiently. Whether it’s an adjustment, a leak, or a more serious problem, following the proper steps ensures that your request is handled as quickly as possible.
The correct way to report irrigation issues, including adjustments, leaks, geysers, and other concerns, is to contact your Association’s Point of Contact (POC). Your POC will submit a work order request through the Upkeep system, which goes directly to the Master Association’s Field Manager. From there, the request is assigned to the appropriate irrigation technician. Our goal is to address work orders within 48 hours. However, as we transition from our Irrigation Contractor to InHouse Irrigation, some requests may take longer to complete.
POCs can track work orders through Upkeep until completion. Each time an update is made, the POC will receive an email notification. By clicking the update link in the email and selecting the Update Tab, they can view notes from the technician, including photos of the work. Work orders will be categorized as Open, In Progress, or Completed.
If you are unable to reach your POC, try contacting your Association President or another board member. If that is unsuccessful, you may call Kathy Crawley at the Master Office at 813-812-7559, and she will submit a work order on your behalf. Please note that work orders submitted this way will not receive automatic updates.
A year ago, a small group of neighbors at Kings Point came together with a simple but heartfelt mission: to help each other. What began as a handful of caring folks looking out for their friends has grown into something truly special. Thus, KP Cares was born.
Over the past year, we’ve learned a lot—about what it means to serve, to give, and to be there for one another. We’ve discovered how powerful small acts of kindness can be and how those moments of connection help create a more loving and supportive community.
Now, KP Cares is blossoming with new ways for residents to connect and care for each other. One of the most successful additions has been our Chit Chats, held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Club. These casual, friendly gatherings have quickly become a favorite among residents. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, share stories, and build stronger
If you have an urgent irrigation issue such as water intrusion, extreme flooding, or other emergencies during office hours, call Kathy Crawley immediately so a technician can be dispatched as soon as possible.
For urgent issues outside of office hours, please call the emergency line at 866-263-3988. These calls go directly to eight members of the Master Association’s Water Team. A team member will typically return your call within 15 minutes. Depending on the issue, they may be able to shut down the zone remotely or send a technician out for an emergency repair.
Emergencies include things like water intrusion into a building, water running for more than an hour, excessive flooding, and soffit intrusion. Non emergencies include broken sprinklers, small leaks, minor adjustments, etc.
The Water Team will always err on the side of caution and may shut down your zone if an emergency is reported. Keep in mind that a zone can cover multiple buildings or even entire associations.
To ensure that all board members and POCs are well-informed, the Master Association will host its 3rd Annual Irrigation & Upkeep Workshop this spring (exact date TBD). This workshop will cover:
•The basics of the irrigation system in Kings Point
•How to use the Upkeep Work Order System
•The Alteration/Irrigation Line
Check Process
•How to read monthly inspection reports
•How to request to disable water
This workshop is open to all board members and POCs, and we encourage participation from all 114 associations. Details will be announced soon—we hope to see you there!
connections with one another.
“It’s a great way to understand who we are as a community,” one participant shared. “The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and it’s been such a positive experience.”
Beyond these social gatherings, KP Cares is here to offer practical, neighbor-to-neighbor help. If someone is recovering from surgery, feeling under the weather, or needs a little extra support, volunteers are ready to lend a hand. Whether it’s taking out the trash, walking the dog, or running a quick errand, KP Cares is about making life a little easier during those times when you need it most.
In the words of a KP Cares volunteer, “It’s all about creating a loving, caring place in Kings Point.”
We believe that every small act of kindness strengthens the fabric of our community. So, if you’re looking for a way to get involved, meet new friends, or just be part of something special, we’d love to have you join us.
Come to a Chit Chat, lend a helping hand, or simply say hello— you might just find that being part of KP Cares is the best decision you’ll make this year.
Together, we can continue building a stronger, more caring Kings Point.
Time to Prepare For Spring Gardening in Florida
Lynn
Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Agent
March is ready, set…garden month in Central Florida. We’re past (hopefully) the last chance of frost and can put plans and plants into place as we recycle and redesign our landscape beds.
It’s a good time to shape and reduce the size of landscape plants. Don’t prune Gardenias and Azaleas until after they have bloomed.
Recycle your landscape clippings in your compost bin. If you’re raking oak leaves, compost or use them as mulch in a landscape bed. To learn about the do’s and don’ts of composting, sign-up for a composting workshop offered at your UF/IFAS Extension office. Every county in Florida has one! In Hillsborough County, we offer compost, microirrigation and rainwater harvesting workshops monthly from February through November. Check our calendar of events at: https://www.eventbrite. com/o/ufifas-hillsboroughextension-8606873308.
Another fun spring gardening activity is mulching. Organic mulch should be 2-3 inches deep after settling. These mulches include melaleuca (punk tree), pine bark, eucalyptus, oak leaves and pine straw. Move mulch away from the stems of your plants. It’s an excellent landscape addition because it adds nutrients to the
soil when it decomposes, retains soil moisture, reduces runoff and erosion, regulates soil temperature, improves soil structure, protects plants from lawn mowers and weed eaters, suppresses weed growth and enhances the beauty of the landscape.
Check the Central Florida Gardening Calendar, https://edis. ifas.ufl.edu/ep450, for what to plant and activities to do monthby-month. There are North Florida and South Florida Gardening Calendars, too. View the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021, for veggie planting info, soil preparation, fertilization, irrigation, pest management approaches and more.
We will be planting beans, southern peas, peppers, squash and tomatoes in March. If you like to grow your own herbs and spices, consider basil, lemon balm, mint, oregano and rosemary. Bulbs provide color, form and texture. Some beauties are Amazon lily, crinum, and agapanthus.
Let’s get outside and get our hands dirty. Offer assistance to a friend or neighbor and be willing to accept help from them. Be sure to take time for a nice glass of iced tea and a good book (gardening, of course) on your front porch, lanai or in your garden. Enjoy! Life’s too short not to garden.
For assistance with horticultural questions, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office. If you are in Hillsborough County, call: 813-744-5519. To find your local Extension office, go to: https://sfyl. ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/. More gardening information is available at: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl edu/hillsborough/. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat.
Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9th, so don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before bed on Saturday night. While we may lose an hour of sleep, the extra evening daylight means more time to enjoy the sunshine.
This is also a great time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors to ensure they
2025 COA Monthly Business Meetings
The next COA Business Meeting is March 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Banquet Room of the North Clubhouse. Members of the Board of Directors to fill open positions for the coming year will be elected.
KP COA Volunteers Needed
If you would like to become a Volunteer in the Kings Point COA Office, please stop in the office at 1902 Clubhouse Drive, Suite B between 9:00 AM – Noon to meet the Volunteers and fill out an application.
Shredding Day is April 29, 2025 from 9:00 AM – Noon.
are working properly. Fire safety experts recommend testing alarms regularly and changing batteries at least once a year.
As you adjust to the time change, be sure to check timers, security lights, and appliances that may not update automatically. Spring is just around the corner—longer days are ahead!
Sign-Ups for Appointments will begin in early April 2025.
KP COA Membership - if your Association did not include COA Membership Dues in your association fees for the coming year, you are welcome to stop in and pay your $5.00 Annual Dues at the KP COA office and make your appointment for shredding day.
We are delighted to recognize Greg Rabelo as our March Volunteer of the Month! Greg’s passion for music and dedication to the community have made a lasting impact on Kings Point.
As a driving force behind the KP Music Makers, Greg has inspired residents to rediscover their musical talents—whether by learning to play a new instrument or rekindling a love for singing. His generosity shines through in his many performances, including Taco Tuesdays, Saturday jam sessions with the KP Music Makers, events at Freedom Plaza, driveway parties, North Clubhouse gatherings, and even the Tree Lighting ceremony this past Thanksgiving.
Greg and the KP Music Makers don’t just bring joy through music; they also give back. The funds they collect from these performances go toward the Kings Point Music Makers Sound of Music Educational Fund, which provides grants to support local school music programs.
A former teacher, Greg is passionate about helping others—especially seniors—regain their ability to play instruments they once loved or explore new musical skills. His kindness and commitment to sharing the joy of music have enriched the lives of many in our community.
Greg first moved to Florida in 1974, settling in New Port Richey before making Kings Point his home in 2014. Thank you, Greg, for your incredible contributions to Kings Point!
December 14, Kings Point Lawn Bowling club held a fun tournament for its members. 18 pairs competed in a Long/Short jack tournament. The finals were held the following Tuesday, December 17th. In a close battle the team of Don Bowers and Dave Barrett became the champs, defeating Pearl Widder and her partner Roland Baillargeon.
Kings Point Chorus
The Kings Point Chorus presents “Play a Simple Melody,” Enduring classics from the Great American Songbook.
Save the date: April 5th at 7:00 in the Kings Point Veterans Theater.
Michigan Club of Kings Point Plans St. Patrick’s Day Dance Now to get ready for another fun day when EVERYONE is Irish! We will sell tickets for the Monday, March 17th St. Patrick’s Day Dance – Lucky Charm – on Tuesdays, March 4 and March 11 from 9am until noon in the North Club Lobby. Checks are preferred payable to KP Michigan Club. $10 for members and $12 for non-members.
Entertaining us will be Billy “Elvis” Lindsay (1/2 of the Rogue Brothers) who will be singing and playing a variety of music for our fun night.. As usual, BYOE including glasses. Ice and water provided. We will also have Door Prizes so hope you have the “luck of the Irish.”
Proceeds of the Care/Share Raffle will be Samaritans’ Services in Sun City Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Many aren’t aware but they have two transportation services -- one to take you around in town and another that goes beyond the boundaries of SCC for medical appointments only. For these outof-town medical appointments, call 813-634-9283 approximately 10 days in advance. For same day services in-town call 813633-6111 at 9 am the morning of your appointment. You must be finished with your appointment by 3pm. Thank you. Their Alzheimer’s & Dementia Auxiliary offers 60 complimentary hours of inhome respite care for caregivers whose loved ones have a doctor diagnosis. Don’t forget to bring cash and buy generously for the raffle tickets that are 8 for $5.
