2nd Annual Disaster Planning Workshop: Strengthening Community Preparedness
The 2nd Annual Disaster Planning Workshop, a collaborative effort of the dedicated members of the Disaster Planning Committee, recently took place in Kings Point, bringing together over 200 attendees from various associations. This event reinforced the community’s commitment to disaster preparedness and safety, with representatives from key entities providing valuable insights and covering essential topics to equip residents and board members with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate through emergencies effectively. Countless hours of hard work and expertise from committee members and consultants were poured into crafting the workshop’s content, ensuring that attendees received comprehensive insights and practical guidance on disaster preparedness.
Speaker Highlights and Key
Discussions:
Shawna Deiulio - General Manager, Master Association: Shawna welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of association emergency plans, outlining key components that are essential to include. She underscored the Master Association’s role in ensuring community safety and minimizing risks, highlighting proactive measures such as regular infrastructure inspections and collaboration with local officials.
MaryAnn Meeker - Committee
Chair: MaryAnn provided a historical overview of the disaster planning committee and delved into the importance of sheltering options during disasters. She discussed the county’s provision of various emergency shelters and shared insights on preparing for shelter conditions. She also shared valuable
Exciting news ripples through our community as we embark on a transformative journey towards environmental stewardship with the launch of our Adopt-a-Pond initiative! We’re delighted to announce that Pond 1 has taken the plunge, adorning its south end with newly planted aquatic vegetation. Thanks to the unwavering support of Hillsborough County and the Master Association’s dedicated pond committee, this endeavor promises to usher in a greener, more sustainable future.
information on preparing for shelter stays, including essential supplies and guidelines.
Debbie Lauber - FirstService General Manager: Debbie outlined FirstService’s commitment to resident safety and property protection during emergencies. She detailed the company’s emergency response priorities and procedures, emphasizing the importance of communication with residents and proactive damage prevention measures. Debbie also highlighted residents’ expectations from their boards and vice versa.
Pete Doxee - Vesta Chief of Security: Pete shed light on Vesta’s role in securing trust properties and amenities before, during, and after natural disasters. He provided insights into Vesta’s emergency protocols, including gatehouse operations and property assessments.
Shirley Bardell - Federation Director: Shirley addressed storm debris cleanup procedures and insurance processes, offering practical guidance for associations. She highlighted the Federation’s
initiatives to fund clean-up efforts and underscored the importance of timely damage assessment and reporting. Attendees learned about insurance coverage considerations and the role of unit owners in poststorm recovery.
Rob Davies - Master Pond Committee Chair: Rob educated attendees on evacuation and flood zones, emphasizing the significance of understanding local risk factors. He clarified distinctions between hurricane watches and warnings, empowering residents to make informed decisions during emergencies.
Mike Bardell - SCC Emergency Squad Chief: Mike provided critical guidance on making the decision to stay or go in the event of a storm and outlined comprehensive disaster preparedness strategies. He covered essential supplies, communication protocols, and post-storm safety measures. Attendees received practical advice on staying safe during and after a storm, emphasizing the importance of adherence to local officials’ directives in both scenarios.
Under this program, Hillsborough County provided all of the plants at no cost and has pledged to monitor the progress of these plants over the next three years, ensuring their vitality and robust growth. With the plants already nestled into their new home, courtesy of Solitude Lake Management on the early morning of April 16th, our pond ecosystem is primed for growth. Challenges may arise, but with consistent care and nurturing, we’re poised to witness Pond 1 flourish like never before. The plants provided were carefully selected to maximize ecological benefits. Among them are Pickerelweed, Duck Potato, Golden Canna, Spikerush, Blue Flag Iris, and Muhly Grass, many of which boast colorful flowers that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of our pond. In addition, the inclusion of a Red
Maple and Bald Cypress tree will not only beautify the landscape but also contribute to shoreline stabilization and pollutant filtration
Residents of Gloucester P, residing along the south end of Pond 1, have already witnessed the transformation, as the newly planted aquatic vegetation graces their shoreline. This area, approved by both the county and the Master Association, serves as a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Dr. Sandy Yosha - Pet Veterinarian: Dr. Yosha addressed pet management considerations during disasters, emphasizing the importance of planning for pets’ safety and wellbeing. She provided insights into pet-friendly shelters and highlighted the challenges faced by pet owners during evacuations. Additionally, she shared valuable tips on preparing pets for emergencies, ensuring their inclusion in family disaster plans.
Eileen Bishop - KP Radio Club: Eileen introduced the Disaster Radio Service offered by the KP Radio Club, providing residents with a vital communication lifeline during emergencies. Attendees learned about the availability of handheld DRS radios and their role in facilitating communication when traditional means fail. Eileen emphasized the importance of being prepared with alternative communication channels.
Additionally, Jeff Merry, Hillsborough County Sheriff Master Deputy, and Tim Broad from Security Patrol provided insights into their roles before, during, and after the storm.
Overall the 2nd Annual Disaster Planning Workshop was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of all involved. As we continue to refine our disaster preparedness plans, we invite all residents to join us for a Disaster Planning Symposium on May 1st at 9 am in the theater. Representatives from various essential entities, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, CERT, South Shore Hospital, Sun City Emergency Squad, Security Patrol, Samaritan Services, TECO, and more, will be present to provide valuable insights and resources. Let’s work together to ensure the safety and resilience of our community.
A heartfelt thank you to Georgina Smith, esteemed pond committee member and Rob Davis, committee chair, for their tireless dedication to this initiative. Collaborating closely with Sarah Usewick, Senior Environmental Specialist from Hillsborough County, they’ve played a pivotal role in bringing our Adopta-Pond vision to life. This initiative reflects our community’s dedication to nurturing our natural resources, and we look forward to providing further updates on this exciting project!
Additionally, the Master Pond Committee is already in talks with Hillsborough County to extend this program to other ponds within our community, ensuring a greener future for all.
Embarking on a Greener Future: Pond 1 Launches Adopt-a-Pond Program
Blue Flag Iris
Golden Canna
Avoid the Romance Scam
By: Master Deputy Jeffery E. Merry Jr. - Community Resource OfficerAs you know, the residents of Sun City Center are continually victimized by scammers. These fraudsters prey on our residents just because of their age. Con artists seek out seniors for a variety of reasons, number one being their access to money in their retirement accounts.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Romance Scams accounted for more monetary losses than any other scam in 2021.
Earlier this year, Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about fraudsters digitally altering checks, commonly called check cooking. This complex process involves fraudsters taking photos of stolen checks and using digital tools to alter critical information, such as the payee’s name and the amount, and then cashing the forgeries.
Recently, AGl Moody’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit assisted law enforcement in an investigation involving a Tampa man who manipulated checks. The fraudster stole more than $50,000 from victims and now faces 30 years in prison.
AG Ashley Moody said, “Fraudsters are now digitally altering stolen checks to fill their own bank accounts
And the losses are expected to be higher in 2024, with over triple the number of cases since 2016. For those victims over 70, the median loss was over $10,000.00.
These scammers find their victims on social media sites, such as FaceBook, Instagram, Plenty of Fish, Meet me.com, just to name a few. They build trust and create the illusion of an actual relationship by chatting several times a day and crafting their stories and answers based on information obtained from the victim themselves. Then comes the request for money.
The scammers often say they:
· Work on an oil rig
· Are in the military
· Are a doctor with an international organization
They ask for money to:
· Pay for a plane ticket or other travel expenses
· Pay for surgery or other medical expenses
· Pay customs fees to retrieve something
· Pay off gambling debts
· Pay for a visa or other official travel documents
The scammers will ask for the money to be loaded onto gift cards, deposited into mysterious bank accounts, and purchase bitcoin.
NEVER send money or gifts to someone you have not met in person.
If you suspect a romance scam:
· Get a second opinion
· Stop all payment methods
· Stop all communication with the person. Block all communication methods with the person
· Report the person to the social media site
· Report to the Federal Trade Commission
· Report to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
If you have any question, comments, or concerns, please contact Master Deputy Jeff Merry at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Sun City Center Substation, 813-242-5515.
Digital Check Manipulation Scheme Warning
www.myfloridalegal.com
while draining those of the victims— like a Tampa Bay resident who stole more than $50,000 before our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit caught up with him. Although scary, staying informed will help Floridians avoid falling victim to digital check manipulation schemes.”
The crime begins when a fraudster gains access to legitimate checks, often stolen from mailboxes. This allows fraudsters access to checks with authentic watermarks that banks use for verification. Armed with the stolen check images, fraudsters use graphic editing software to alter crucial details, such as the payee’s name, the payment amount and other important information. After the digital alterations are complete,
Pet Disaster Prepardness
By: Sandra Yosha, DVM, PhDMay is hurricane awareness and disaster preparedness month. Kings Point does a great job of raising awareness for this important topic and what can be done before, during and after a major storm. The basic questions to ask yourself are: Do I stay or Do I evacuate? Am I in a flood or mandatory evacuation zone.? Am I prepared to leave or stay?
Specifically for pet owners— our pets require some extra preparation and consideration.
1. If I stay what do I need for our pets to take care of them?
2. What do I need to have if I choose to evacuate?
3. Where would I go if I do leave? Where would they go?
All of these questions and more will be addressed at the Disaster Preparedness seminar hosted by Kings point on May 1st.
There are special considerations for both staying and going with your pets but the main theme is: make your decision early and have what you need in place and ready for either situation. That can include pet medical records, medicines, rabies vaccines, crates and travel and restraint devices and special diets, kitty litter, water, food and stress control. The other important piece of information is that many shelters do not allow pets and even if they do, you might not be in the same room with them.
Stay safe and make preparations early. We all hope that a major storm will miss us, but we should plan and be prepared for worse-case scenario.
funds directly deposited.
fraudsters create counterfeit checks to closely resemble legitimate ones and use the counterfeit to withdraw funds from unsuspecting individuals’ accounts.
AG Moody’s CFEU charged Tampa resident Donald Johnson for operating a check cooking scheme. According to the law enforcement investigation, Johnson stole checks from mailboxes of local businesses and then altered the registered agent names of the businesses to the defendant’s own name. Johnson then endorsed the checks as if originally meant for Johnson and proceeded to defraud local banks by cashing the checks. Since Johnson appeared as the registered agent of the businesses, the check could be cashed and the
AG Moody offers the following tips to help Floridians avoid falling victim to digital check manipulation:
Secure Mailboxes: Check mailboxes regularly and talk to trusted neighbors to help keep a watchful eye to help prevent the theft of sensitive documents, including checks;
Monitor Accounts: Constantly monitor bank and financial statements for any unauthorized or suspicious transactions;
Check for Unusual Delays: Beware of unexpected delays in receiving mailed checks, as this could indicate potential tampering or theft; and Consider E-Checks: use e-checks to make payments online, rather than risk using a physical check. Report check manipulation schemes to local law enforcement.
Practicing frugal habits can help you spend less, save more and reach your financial goals faster. But what does it mean to be frugal, exactly? How do you do it? And most importantly, where should you start? We’ll consider what a frugal lifestyle looks like and which thrifty habits may work best for you.
What Does “Frugal Living” Mean?
If you were to ask 10 people what it means to live frugally, you’d probably get 10 different answers, ranging from never buying anything to being an extreme couponer. The word “frugal” just means using money and other resources economically. So, frugal living is being wise with your money, time and other resources—which can look different for everyone.
1. Choose quality over quantity
Living a frugal lifestyle means approaching your spending a little differently. And one of the most impactful shifts is to focus on the quality of your possessions rather than the quantity. Purchasing higherquality clothing, furniture, appliances and so forth often means they will last longer. And replacing your things less often means spending less and saving more money in the long run.
2. Prioritize value over price
One of the misconceptions of frugal living is that you should always buy the cheapest item, no matter what. But similar to focusing on quality, living a frugal lifestyle also means prioritizing value over price. So when you spend—whether on physical items or services—focus on what you get for your money instead of just the cost.
Prioritizing value can mean paying up front for a full year of an online subscription rather than going for the monthly rate because the annual price is the better deal. It might mean shopping in bulk and spending more initially for a lower per-item price.
3. Use credit wisely
Frugality is all about living below
Looking for a captivating dinner conversation starter this month? Let’s dive into the common threads between May’s major holidays: Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. Beyond the initial “M,” there’s a profound connection.
your means. So if you use credit, use it for convenience rather than to purchase things you can’t afford and rack up overwhelming debt.
4. Declutter regularly
A hallmark of the frugal lifestyle is only to purchase—and keep— what you need. One way to ensure this is to declutter your belongings consistently. Keeping your possessions organized and decluttering often will help you know exactly what you have. This way, you can avoid buying duplicates and notice if you’re accumulating too much of one thing. To put this habit into practice, consider purging quarterly or at another regular interval. Or adopt the “one-in, oneout” rule: If you buy a new item of clothing, you get rid of one item of clothing.
5. Use a budget to guide spending
Being frugal is all about using your resources wisely and living within your means. One of the best ways to ensure you spend your money consciously is to create a budget and establish limits for each category. If you tend to associate budgeting with restriction, shift your perception to thinking about a budget as a plan for your money. Budgeting is about making intentional spending choices.
6. Know the difference between wants and needs
It can be easy to get caught up in consumption. But if you’re adopting a frugal lifestyle, it’s crucial to understand the difference between your needs and wants. For example, purchasing a well-made winter coat is a need, but buying a designer coat is a want.
7. Be a savvy consumer Frugality is about making wise decisions with your money, time and other resources. So to make smart spending choices, familiarize yourself with the resources available to consumers. A few strategies to consider: product warranties, price match policies, price adjustments, coupons and discounts.
8. Prioritize your values
Keeping your costs low in some categories frees up money to spend in others. So, it can be helpful to identify what areas of your life you value the most. For example, if travel and experiences are important to you, you may be willing to cut back on areas that are less important to you—say, clothing and technology.
9. Audit your spending and bills annually
“Set it and forget it” is a strategy that
Honoring Mothers and Soldiers
works sometimes—like automating your savings—but if you set up your household bills and other recurring expenses without reviewing them periodically, you could be overpaying or spending money on services you no longer use. It can be helpful to assess your recurring bills on an annual basis. Review each expense to see what you can eliminate, reduce or negotiate.
10. Create boundaries for yourself
If you’re adopting frugal habits for the first time, it can be helpful to establish strategies, rules and boundaries to help you succeed. For example, if you tend to give in to impulse shopping, you can set a rule to always let your online shopping cart sit overnight. You can also unsubscribe from the emails that tempt you the most, or give yourself a specific waiting period before making purchases over a certain amount. The idea is to provide a realistic path to a frugal lifestyle and achieving your financial goals.
11. Buy used before buying new
One way to stretch your dollars further is to purchase used items as much as possible. By shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, online marketplaces and garage sales, you can get items at a percentage of their retail price—sometimes as much as 50% less.3 Or if you have a Buy Nothing or Freecycle group in your area, you can often find the items you need for free.
The Bottom Line:
Living a frugal lifestyle can require a significant shift in your habits. But reaching your savings and other financial goals faster will be worth the trade-offs and changes you make. Take it slow and be patient with yourself as you make adjustments. Consider starting in the area where you can make the biggest impact. You’ll be most successful if you develop frugal strategies there first and then move on to others once you’ve successfully made some changes.
Celebrate Moms Within Your Family: Engage your family in brainstorming ways to honor mothers, grandmothers, and influential women. From heartfelt letters to creative projects, there are countless ways to show appreciation.
Extend Gratitude Beyond: Explore volunteer opportunities or reach
Mother’s Day in America originated from Ann Reeves Jarvis’s peacekeeping efforts during the 1800s. She initiated “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to support mothers and later organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day” to promote reconciliation among Civil War adversaries. Service, peace, and mom—see how they intertwine? Embrace this month’s holidays as opportunities to connect with family and the world around you.
Following the annual Follies presentation of this year’s show, “A Blast From The Past” four groups received donations from the ticket sales. This year’s recipients of $1500 each were the SCC Security Patrol, The Disabled American Veterans of SCC the Emergency Squad and the East Bay High School Music Department. The remaining revenue is dedicated to improvements in the Kings Point theater benefiting everyone using the venue or attending its events.
The Vesta Follies is an annual musical variety show dedicated to showcasing area talent and to entertaining the public and the proceeds are spread out to benefit area organizations. This year over 1000 people were given a fun, lively performance featuring memories from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Remember the “Dating Game” and “Name That Tune”, Sonny & Cher and the Chordettes? It definitely was an event to remember! Several months of planning and rehearsals go into this highly popular annual event. Director and Choreographer, Diane LeFrancois, expresses her appreciation to the cast for their continued commitment and to the public for their support of this huge endeavor.
out to neighbors who may need extra support on Mother’s Day. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Honoring Those Who Serve: Memorial Day offers a chance to express gratitude to veterans. Discuss the holiday’s significance with your family and explore ways to show appreciation, like participating in Operation Appreciation.
Promote Peace at the Table: Keep the peace during family gatherings
COA Offering New Service
with engaging conversation starters and outdoor activities. Encourage discussions about creating peace in the world and consider volunteering.
This May, let’s celebrate the bonds of family, honor those who serve, and cultivate peace in our homes and communities.
May Volunteer of the Month - Jackie Potts
We are proud to shine a spotlight on one of our exceptional residents, Jackie Potts, as our Volunteer of the Month for May. Jackie has been an integral part of our community for seven years, residing in Gloucester K. Her commitment to service and selflessness has touched countless lives, making her a true asset to Kings Point.
Jackie’s dedication to serving her community is evident through her involvement in various roles. For the past five years, she has graciously served on her association board, alternating between the positions of treasurer and director. Beyond her association duties, Jackie serves as a receptionist with Samaritan Services, offering her time and skills for eight years to support the needs of others. Her warm demeanor and willingness to assist have made her a cherished member of the team.
Jackie’s compassion extends beyond our community as she volunteers with Meals on Wheels, delivering nourishment and companionship to those in need for the past three years. Additionally, for the past five years, she has served as the Sun City Emergency Squad Coordinator, ensuring timely responses and assistance during emergencies. In her spare time, Jackie dedicates herself to the Nearly New store, where she worksatthecounter,helpingraisefundsforgrantsbenefitingchildreninneed.
Jackie’s altruism extends to her church, where she volunteers as a greeter, usher, and occasionally assists with office tasks. Her involvement in various capacities reflects her deep-rooted belief in giving back to her community and serving those in need.
Inspired by her mother’s ethos of paying it forward and passing it on, Jackie finds joy in volunteering and considers it a privilege to contribute to the well-being of others. She embraces the multitude of volunteer opportunities available in Kings Point with enthusiasm and gratitude.
Please send your nomination with the persons accomplishment and contact information to master@kpmaster.com for consideration for the next Volunteer of the Month Award.
Master Maintenance Updates
Irrigation and Maintenance Repairs
Spring Blooms: Revitalizing Our Community with Color
As the warmth of spring envelops our community, it’s time for a delightful transformation in our annual plant beds. From the mailbox on Kings Blvd to the monument sign at the Kings Extension, and from the small bed at the front gate to the islands at both ends of Vilmont Greens Drive, our landscape is about to bloom with vibrant colors.
Russell Landscaping, renowned for their green thumb expertise, has been hard at work replanting
these beds with a dazzling array of flowers. Say goodbye to the fading remnants of winter and hello to a kaleidoscope of hues as we usher in the season of renewal.
Orange Marigolds, Yellow Marigolds, Dusty Millers, Red Begonias, Mix Celosias, and Assorted Pentas are just a glimpse of the botanical treasures that will grace our streets. Let’s embrace this burst of color and revel in the beauty of nature’s springtime symphony.
By: Peter Stewart, KP Tennis Club Member
Tennis that is! At 93, Jack Hardy started tennis at the YMCA New Haven CT at 10 years old and hasn’t stopped yet. Jack loves the camaraderie and exercise, still playing three times weekly with the Kingspoint Tennis Club in Sun City Center.
Jack’s dance steps are renowned and his tennis return is quick and deadly.
Jack joined the US Army in 1957, started flight school in 1959, teaching emergency flight procedures at Fort Rucker Alabama. Jack served three full years in Vietnam, flying Caribou and Huey helicopters , and played tennis with his army team. Back in the US at Ft.Benning GA. Jack raised three boys continuing his
It has recently come to our attention the alarming accumulation of garbage along closed Executive golf course. One of our residents, out of her own initiative and dedication to maintaining our community’s cleanliness, took it upon herself to pick up a substantial amount of litter, predominantly consisting of empty hard liquor and wine bottles, as well as numerous beer cans and other debris.
This is not an isolated incident. Sadly, our closed golf courses, especially the executive course have become hotspots for such irresponsible dumping of waste. The Master Association, along with other concerned residents, has been diligently cleaning up this pollution on a regular basis, filling up multiple garbage bags each time.
As a community, it’s disheartening to witness such behavior towards our environment and fellow residents. Litter not only tarnishes the natural beauty of our surroundings but also poses hazards to wildlife and the ecosystem. Furthermore, it reflects poorly on our community’s
tennis and teaching tennis to his boys. His son Peter still comes out to play with dad and club members in mixed doubles at least once weekly. For 10 years now, as a resident of Kingspoint and member of Kings Point tennis club;Jack jokes that he is finally getting the respect he deserves; staying in shape,eating healthy, enjoying wonderful fellowship and having lots of fun.
Take it from Jack; tennis at any age and despite physical challenges, can still be played and help bring health and fulfillment to a well lived life. Kings Point tennis club meets for double tennis Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings so just show up, sign up, give it a try and say hello to Jack Hardy who will welcome you personally.
image and can impact property values.
While we appreciate the resident who has been helping to clean up this mess, It’s evident that individual actions alone cannot solve this problem. We urge all residents to take responsibility for their waste and to dispose of it properly. Let us remember to respect our environment, our neighbors, and our community by refraining from littering, especially on our closed golf courses and other communal areas.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Kings Point remains a clean, vibrant, and welcoming community for all. We encourage anyone with information about individuals responsible for dumping garbage on our property to come forward and report it to the Master Association.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and your commitment to preserving the beauty and integrity of our community.
