Bellalago Beacon | May/June 2021

BEACON VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 3 | MAY/JUNE 2021

WWW.BELLALAGOHOA.COM

MAY/JUNE 2021 | BELLALAGO BEACON

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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M M U N I T Y M A N AG E R

Practice Good Driving Habits

BY YESENIA VÉLEZ, LCAM, COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER

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n this edition of the Beacon, we would like to take the opportunity to discuss driving. It may sound boring and comical, but this last month we saw several questionable drivers that made us think, “Where did they get their driver’s license?” Below is an actual picture taken in our community with a vehicle on the wrong lane.

Good driving is based on practice and being alert at the wheel.

When driving, you must make sure that nothing interferes with your ability to see the road, react to situations or operate your vehicle properly. You must look down the road, to the sides and behind your vehicle and be alert for unexpected events. Be aware of what is going on around you and do not take your eyes off the road for more than a few seconds at a time. Do not have objects inside your vehicle that might interfere with your ability to drive safely. This might include objects that obstruct your view of the road or mirrors.

Bad Driving Habits Good drivers develop habits that focus their full attention on driving. Some drivers can develop bad habits that can be very dangerous when driving. Some bad habits that take your attention away from driving are: • Driving ill, upset or angry.

• Driving while eating or drinking.

• Driving while adjusting music.

• Driving while calling, answering or talking on the phone.

• Reading while driving.

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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M M U N I T Y M A N AG E R

Getting Ready to Drive Before you start your engine: • Make sure all windows are clean. Remove anything that blocks your view of the road.

• Adjust the seat so you can reach all controls.

• Adjust the inside and outside rearview mirrors. You should not have to lean forward or backward to use them.

• Lock all car doors.

• Put on your safety belts. Ask all passengers to do the same.

• Make sure your car is in park or neutral gear before starting the engine.

Never move your car until you have looked in front, behind and to the side for pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Then, signal and pull into traffic when safe.

Defensive Driving Defensive driving means doing all you can to prevent crashes. As a defensive driver, you will “give” a little. You will change your driving to fit the weather conditions, the way you feel, and the actions of other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Follow These Steps to Avoid Crashes: 1. Look for possible danger. Think about what might happen. If there are children playing by the road, plan what you will do if one runs or rides into the street.

2. Understand what can be done to prevent a crash. See the defensive driving tips which follow, as well as handling emergencies.

3. Act in time. Once you have seen a dangerous situation, act right away to prevent a crash.

Defensive Driving Tips if You’re About to be Involved in a Crash: • It is better to swerve right instead of toward oncoming traffic to prevent a crash.

• Hitting a row of bushes is better than hitting a tree, post or solid object.

• Hitting a vehicle moving in the same direction as you are is better than hitting a vehicle head-on.

• It is better to drive off the road, than skid off, when avoiding a crash.

• It is better to hit something that is not moving instead of a vehicle moving toward you.

When You Back Up Check behind your vehicle before you get in. Sometimes children or small objects cannot be seen from the driver’s seat. Place your right arm on the back of the seat and turn around so that you can look directly through the rear window. Do not depend on your rearview or side mirrors, as you cannot see directly behind your

vehicle. Reverse slowly, as your vehicle is much harder to steer while you are backing up. Whenever possible, use a person outside the vehicle to help you back up.

Avoiding Rear-End Collisions Many crashes happen because one vehicle runs into the back of another one. Here are some things you can do to lower the risk of someone running into the rear of your vehicle: • Check your brake lights often to make sure they are clean and working properly.

• Know what’s going on behind you; use your rearview mirrors.

• Signal well in advance for turns, stops and lane changes.

• Slow down gradually. Avoid any sudden actions.

• Drive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit). Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving too fast.

• To avoid striking the vehicle in front of you, keep at least two seconds following distance.

Basic Driver Improvement Any driver can take a basic driver improvement course. The course teaches ways of keeping crashes from happening. One driver can sign up, or a group can ask for a class. Consult your yellow pages under, Driving Instruction, for the location of the schools.

Safety Belts The driver and front seat passenger must wear seat belts. This seat belt law applies to passenger cars manufactured beginning with the 1968 model year, and trucks beginning with the 1972 model year. It is unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle in this state unless every passenger of the vehicle under the age of 18 is restrained by a safety belt or by a child restraint device, regardless of seating position. If the passenger is 18 years of age or older and fails to wear a seat belt when required by law, the passenger will be charged with the violation.

The Law Exempts the Following from Seat Belt Requirements: • Any person certified by a physician as having a medical condition that causes the seat belt use to be inappropriate or dangerous.

• Employee of a newspaper home delivery service while delivering newspapers on home delivery routes.

• School buses.

• Buses used for transportation of persons for compensation.

• Farm equipment.

• Trucks of a net weight of more than 5,000 pounds.

• Motorcycle, moped, or bicycle.

Continued on Page 4

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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M M U N I T Y M A N AG E R

Yesenia’s Article Continued from Pages 2-3

The law requires every driver to properly secure children five years of age or younger in child restraint devices riding in a passenger car, van, or pick-up truck, regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in this state. Infant carriers or children’s car seats must be used for children three years old and younger. For children ages four and five years, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat or a seat belt may be used. All infant carriers and car seats must be crash-tested and approved by the U.S. Government.

What is the Best Child Seat?

• The one that fits your child.

• The one that fits your vehicle.

• The one that you will use correctly every time.

For more information on the best child seat, please visit: www.fhp. state.fl.us/html/CPS and obtain information on occupant protection and child passenger safety news.

In a crash, you are far more likely to be killed if you are not wearing a safety belt. Wearing shoulder belts and lap belts make your chances of living through a crash twice as good.

In a Crash, Safety Belts: • Keep you from being thrown from the vehicle. The risk of death is five times greater if you are thrown from a vehicle in a crash.

• Keep you from being thrown against parts of your vehicle, such as the steering wheel or windshield.

• Keep you from being thrown against others in the vehicle.

• Keep the driver behind the wheel, where he or she can control the vehicle.

SAFETY BELTS SAVE LIVES! Wear a lap belt around your hips, not your stomach. Fasten the belt snugly. Only wear a shoulder belt with a lap belt. Don’t just use your safety belt for long trips or high-speed highways. More than half of the crashes that cause injury or death happen at speeds less than 40 mph, and within 25 miles of home.

Protecting Children ALL CHILDREN 5 YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER MUST USE A RESTRAINT DEVICE WHEN RIDING IN A MOTOR VEHICLE. The number one killer of young children in the United States is traffic crashes in which children were not restrained at all. Over 90% of the deaths and 80% of the injuries in car crashes could be prevented by using crash-tested child restraints. Children should be secure in the rear seat. Never secure a child in the front passenger side, especially if your vehicle has an air bag.

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Leaving Children Unattended or Unsupervised in Motor Vehicles Do not leave children unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle, and never leave a child unattended for any period of time if the motor of the vehicle is running or if the health of the child is in danger.

WARNING: WHEN IT’S HOT OUTSIDE, DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED! On a hot summer day, the interior of a car can get dangerously hot.

One study found that with the windows up and the temperature outside at 94 degrees, the inside of a car could be 122 degrees in just half an hour, or 132 degrees after an hour.

Speed Limits

Speeding causes many crashes. More drivers are convicted of speeding than any other offense. To avoid being fined or involved in a crash, obey the speed limits. Speed is very important in a collision. If you double the speed of a car, you increase its force of impact four times. If you triple the speed, the impact is nine times as great.

25 MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGNS IN BELLALAGO AND ISLES OF BELLALAGO ARE POSTED IN THE COMMUNITY.

YESENIA VÉLEZ 877-221-6919 YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com

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PHONE NUMBERS Evergreen Customer Service

877-221-6919

BEL L A L AG O

Below you will find a report for Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago that details the violations that have been issued between February 25th and April 12th, which total 1,172. Anyone can contact us directly to address any concerns they may have.

Amenity Center

407-933-3010

Attorney Final Notice of Violation

12

Garbage Receptacle / Waste

Security Main Gate

407-846-3014

Clean Shingle Roof

2

Items Left Out

2

Exterior Cleaning / Maintenance

5

Landscaping

42

Garbage Receptacle / Waste

1

Mailbox

1

Install Prohibited

1

Nuisance

1

Landscaping

2

Paint

1

Leasing / Occupancy

1

Paint House Requirement

1

Attorney Notice of Violation

45

Parking / Vehicles

7

Clean Shingle Roof

2

Sign(s)

3

Damage to Sidewalk

2

Wash Tile Roof

16

Exterior Cleaning / Maintenance

6

Resolved

659

Exterior Decoration(s)

2

Clean Shingle Roof

29

Garbage Receptacle / Waste

6

Damage to Sidewalk

2 93

IS L ES OF BEL L A LAG O Amenity Center

407-343-9175

Security Main Gate

407-846-1873

HOA ADM I N N U M B E R S

2

Community Association Manager Yesenia Vélez

877-221-6919 YVelez@ Evergreen-LM.com

Installed Required Approval

1

Exterior Cleaning / Maintenance

Landscaping

17

Exterior Decoration(s)

26

Lighting

1

Garbage Receptacle / Waste

107

Facilities Club Manager Doug Dingee

877-221-6919 DDingee@ Evergreen-LM.com

Mailbox

1

Install Prohibited

Paint

1

Installed Required Approval

2

Parking / Vehicles

5

Items Left Out

14

Wash Tile Roof

1

Landscaping

167

First Notice of Violation

34

Landscaping Self Help

11

Clean Shingle Roof

2

Leasing / Occupancy

2

Exterior Cleaning / Maintenance

7

Lighting

1

Lifestyles Director Amy Mallinder

877-221-6919 AMallinder@ Evergreen-LM.com

7

Fitness Director Giselle Rodriguez

407-943-4068 GRodriguez@ Evergreen-LM.com

Exterior Decoration(s)

1

Mailbox

9

Install Prohibited

1

Nuisance

13

Items Left Out

1

Paint

Compliance Manager Jose Chaparro

877-221-6919 JChaparro@ Evergreen-LM.com

Landscaping

10

Parking / Vehicles

Landscaping Self Help

1

Pets / Animals

6

Nuisance

3

Play Equipment

13

Membership

407-343-9175 BellalagoLeases@ Evergreen-LM.com

Parking / Vehicles

7

Prohibited Vehicles

1

Wash Tile Roof

1

Sign(s)

10

Friendly Reminder

240

Wash Tile Roof

23

HOA Account Issues & Irrigation Work Orders Customer Care

877-221-6919 CustomerService@ Evergreen-LM.com

Clean Shingle Roof

2

Sent to Attorney

2

Damage to Sidewalk

1

Exterior Cleaning / Maintenance

1

Exterior Cleaning / Maintenance

31

Landscaping

1

Exterior Decoration(s)

4

Void

73

Garbage Receptacle / Waste

21

Exterior Cleaning / Maintenance

9

Items Left Out

9

Garbage Receptacle / Waste

21

Landscaping

80

Install Prohibited

1

Landscaping Self Help

6

Installed Required Approval

2

Leasing / Occupancy

2

Items Left Out

2

Mailbox

2

Landscaping

17

H O U R S O F O P E R AT I O N BEL L AL AGO & IS LE S O F BELLAL AGO AM EN IT Y C E NT E R S

2 121

Nuisance

6

Landscaping Self Help

4

Monday - Friday

6am - 9pm

Parking / Vehicles

67

Leasing / Occupancy

1

Saturday & Sunday

8am - 8pm

Pets / Animals

2

Nuisance

1

Play Equipment

1

Parking / Vehicles

7

Wash Tile Roof

6

Play Equipment

2

Prohibited Vehicles

2 1

P OOL H OU R S * Monday - Friday

On Hold Extension Requested

Usually Dawn - Dusk

Saturday & Sunday

8am - Dusk

*Subject to change. Check boards at each pool.

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Compliance Team Violation Report

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107

Clean Shingle Roof

6

Suspended Privileges

Damage to Sidewalk

1

Wash Tile Roof

Exterior Cleaning / Maintenance

24

Total

3 1,172

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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M P L I A N C E

Volunteer Committees

BY JOSE CHAPARRO, LCAM, CMCA, COMPLIANCE MANAGER

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ommittees are a group of unit owners, or board members, that are appointed by the board of directors.

The role of a committee is providing recommendations to the board of directors on whatever topic is assigned to that committee. Committees exist to serve the board of directors and to assist it with its duties and/or responsibilities.

Rules Enforcement Committee The Rules Enforcement Committee, or better known as the “fining committee,” is required in order to be able to levy fines imposed by the board of directors. The only role of this committee is to preside over the “violation hearing” and determine whether to confirm or reject the fine or suspension suggested by the board.

Architectural Review Committee The ARC (Architectural Review Committee) responsibility comes from the associations CC&R’s. One of the main functions of the ARC committee is to help maintain property values. The authority to regulate a homeowner’s right to make improvements or modification from their property derives for the governing documents. Rules concerning ARC standards and guidelines are enforceable based on the contractual relationship between the HOA and its members.

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Other Bellalago Committees There are a few other committees in Bellalago including Advisory Committee, Landscape Committee, and Security Committee. All committees are made up of volunteer members of the community (homeowners) to assist board members for the benefit of the community. Generally, they gather information, assess problems and recommend solutions to the board. It is important to understand that committees do not have the power of the board of directors, except for a couple of limited circumstances, committees do not take final action.

If you are interested in getting involved with the community and would like to apply to any of our committees, please reach out to me (contact information below) or the Community Manager, Yesenia Vélez at YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com for guidance and application.

JOSE CHAPARRO 877-221-6919 JChaparro@Evergreen-LM.com

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D E PA R T M E N T : F I T N E S S & W E L L N E S S

Farmer’s Market ARTICLE BY GISELLE RODRIGUEZ, FITNESS & WELLNESS DIRECTOR / PHOTOS BY ABEL TO CAPTURE

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want to start off by saying how exciting it has been these last few months to slowly start bringing back activities to our community! As we continue to move forward during these times, we hope to see more residents participating in the wonderful things we have ahead. We continue to take precautions and practice social distancing.

Lastly, we thank each of the small businesses for agreeing to participate in this event. Although, we didn’t know what kind of response we would receive, they still signed up and prepared to serve our community with excellence. I honestly couldn’t provide an estimated number of residents that would be in attendance and that was a risk they were willing to take.

On March 27th, we launched a test run of a small Community Farmer’s Market! With that being said, a big thank you to each and every one of our residents that joined us on that beautiful Saturday morning. It was overwhelming to see the love and support given to each of the small businesses.

Thankfully, the response and participation was great and three of our seven vendors SOLD OUT that morning! We now have a better idea of what to expect and what the residents are looking for. This will now allow us to better prepare moving forward. We hope that our community will continue to show love to these small businesses as we continue to grow this market with your support!

Many of these small businesses started their companies when COVID hit because their jobs were affected in some way during the pandemic. Please know that with your purchases, you have helped so many families. I continue to hear great feedback about how wonderful the vendors felt to be providing their services to our community and how welcomed they felt by each of you that attended!

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GISELLE RODRIGUEZ 407-943-4068 GRodriguez@Evergreen-LM.com

D E PA R T M E N T : F I T N E S S & W E L L N E S S

Fitness Class Schedule

Current Class Schedules are Posted in the Amenity Centers and on the BellalagoHOA.com Calendar

AQUA FITNESS

HATHA YOGA

Monday-Friday • 11:15am • Bellalago Pool A low impact cardio and strength workout for all fitness levels.

This class utilizes water weights, aqua gloves and pool noodles to achieve a unique total body workout. Swimming is not required.

Monday at 10am • Thursday at 9am • Isles of Bellalago Focuses on form and alignment of the body. This class is designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and bring peace to both the body and mind. This class is great for beginner to intermediate levels (levels 1 and 2).

BODY SCULPTING

Wednesday • 6:30pm • Isles of Bellalago Non-aerobic, muscle-toning class designed to define, sculpt and build lean muscle.

KICKBOXING

Friday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago High-energy workout combining martial art techniques to help build stamina, improve coordination and flexibility.

FIT KIDS

Saturday • 10am & 11am • Isles of Bellalago Join Instructor Nikki for a fun-filled Fit Kids class at 10am for ages 6-8, and 11am for ages 9-12. Parental supervision required.

FLEXI BAR

Tuesday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago A unique class format that targets strengthening muscle tissues in a simple manner. The vibration created by the swinging motion of the Flexi Bar creates a physical response deep inside the body.

SEATED YOGA

Wednesday • 12pm • Isles of Bellalago Allows participants with limited mobility to use chair for seated postures or standing postures to help increase mobility, range of motion and reduce stress.

TOTAL TONING

Thursday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago A full body workout that combines body sculpting exercises and strength training, designed to tone and strengthen all areas of body.

FLOW YOGA

Friday • 9am • Isles of Bellalago Focuses on form and alignment of the body. Designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and bring peace to both the body and mind. Great for beginner to intermediate levels.

YIN YANG YOGA

Thursday • 6pm • Isles of Bellalago Join instructor Tanya at Isles of Bellalago for an invigorating 30 minute Power Flow followed by 25 minutes of Gentle Yoga to unwind and release tension. All yoga levels are welcome!

YOGA

Wednesday • 10am • Isles of Bellalago A class that has a gentle way to improve your posture, balance, and coordination in which includes mediation and relaxation.

ZUMBA®

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday • 9am Zumba PM: Tuesday • 6pm Isles of Bellalago Fitness class incorporating Latin and International music and dance, while offering a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.

ZUMBA® TONING

Monday • 6pm • Isles of Bellalago A class for those who want to party, but put extra emphasis on toning and sculpting to define those muscles!

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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M P L I A N C E

Summer Weather Precautions

BY OSCAR GONZALEZ, ARC COORDINATOR / HOA COMPLIANCE OFFICER

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atch for signs of heat stroke in your pets during the hotter months, which include rapid panting, lots of drooling, hot skin, twitching muscles, vomiting and dazed look. Call your veterinarian if you think your pet has heat stroke, then follow one of the below first aid tips to cool your pet down: • Wrap your pet in a towel soaked with cool water • Place your pet in a bathtub with cool water • Pour cool water over your pet • Put ice-packs on the animal’s head

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water Dogs sweat by panting and through the pads of their feet which helps lower their body temperature. Since pets that are sensitive to heat may run low on fluids, you need to watch for dehydration. A quick test is to gently pinch the area between the shoulder blades.

The skin should snap back into its usual position when you let go.

Skin that stays in the pinched position for three to five seconds is a sign that your pet is dehydrated, and you will need to call your vet right away.

More Quick Tips to Keep Pets Cool • Save the walks for evening time. Sensitive paws burn easily •

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on hot pavements and at beaches.

Watch out for sunburn. Water, sand and rocks at the beach reflect sunlight and are a source of sunburn for your pet.

Shorthaired pets and those with pink skin or white hair are more susceptible to burning.

Watch eating and exercise habits. Give your pet less food

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•

during extremely hot weather. Avoid exercise or vigorous activity during the hottest part of the day from 11am to 4pm.

Never leave your pet in a parked car. When the temperature outside reaches 86°F, the temperature inside a car can reach 122°F within minutes – even with the window open slightly or parked in the shade. This is extremely dangerous to your pet! Although your pet may want to come with you, it is much kinder to leave him or her at home with plenty of fresh cool water and shade.

Rain & Thunderstorms Thunderstorms produce dangerous lightning. To stay safe, keep an eye on the sky, looking for darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder. When thunder roars, go indoors and stay there until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder was heard. Do not wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter and do not leave the shelter until the rain has ended. Heavy rains are deceptive. Keep children inside and don’t let them play in or near streams. Don’t drive on flooded roads.

Adhere to the old adage, “Turn around, don’t drown.” Just two feet of swift water can move or float most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.

OSCAR GONZALEZ 407-750-3074 OGonzalez@Evergreen-LM.com

D E PA R T M E N T : L I F E S T Y L E S

Recent Events

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D E PA R T M E N T : F O O D & B E V E R AG E

Animals & Reservations SUBMITTED BY FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE Recently, we’ve been asked some questions, and we wanted to share the answers with the community.

in the state of Florida. So unfortunately, if your pet does not fall into the service animal category, the pet will not be allowed inside the restaurant or patio deck.

Am I allowed to bring my dog into the restaurant, or in the patio?

Do I need to make a reservation to eat at Flip Flops?

Under Florida law and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities may bring their service animals to all public accommodations, such as restaurants, museums, hotels, and stores. In order to fully understand this further, please be aware that there are two types of assistance animals: 1. Service Animal - Working animals that are specifically trained to assist disabled people.

2. Emotional Support Animal - A type of animal that provides comfort to help relieve a symptom or effect of a person’s disability.

In both Florida and ADA laws, service animals are permitted inside restaurants and/or bars, as they are specifically trained to assist with their owner’s disability. Emotional support animals, on the other hand, are not permitted in restaurants and/bars 14

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Reservations are not required at Flip Flops Bar & Grille. However, they are highly suggested, especially for parties of five or more, or on busier times during the week such as Sunday Brunch. Calling or sending us an email for a reservation can make the restaurant better prepared for the day to accommodate our guests’ needs to the best of our ability. Please keep in mind that we are still navigating these hard times and often weather changes can lead to limited seating. In these specific instances, those with reservations would take priority over those without one.

We hope these questions and answers were helpful. As always, we look forward to seeing you again soon in your neighborhood Flip Flops Bar & Grille.

Life is Better in Flip Flops!!!

D E PA R T M E N T : M E M B E R S H I P

Welcome Home! What’s Next?

BY IVONNE MARTINEZ, LIFESTYLES ATTENDANT

C

ongratulations on the purchase or the leasing of your new home! Now that you are all settled in, you ask yourself all these questions: What do you need to do in order to have access to these amenities? How do I have access to the community without having to wait in line to check in with Security? How, what, when, where, who? So many questions on your mind but we have an answer for each one, so let us help you make this process fast and simple.

When you are done signing that last document on your closing, your next step is to schedule your orientation so that we can get you set up! As a new owner you will need to have the following documents at the time of your orientation:

Once you click on the link, it will take you directly to this page and you are in control of creating your VIP guest and vendors list. At this time, you and all qualifying residents will have their picture taken for their Bellalago ID. It is important that you understand that this ID will be required at all times, as you come to use our Club facilities. Children under the age of 16 are not required to have an ID; however, if your child is between the age of 16 and 17, with your written consent, will be assigned a CONSENT ID which will allow them to use the Club facilities without the presence of an adult.

With this form of ID comes a great deal of responsibility since your child will NOT be able to sign in any other minor or adult and will be expected to follow the regulations of the Club as any other adult.

• Warranty Deed – The Warranty Deed is like the Birth Certificate of your house. According to LegalZoom, “A general warranty deed is used to transfer real property from one person to another.” As you can see, this document is what confirms that this property has been recorded under your name and it is very important that you ask for a copy of this document at the time of the closing.

• Vehicle Registration and Valid Driver License – If the vehicle that you are registering is under another person’s name, not a resident at your new home, you will need to submit a Notarized Letter from the person to which this vehicle is registered to, acknowledging that this vehicle is used as your personal vehicle.

As a Tenant, once you have been contacted by our Bellalago Membership department notifying that your application has been approved; please call to schedule an appointment for an orientation.

What to Expect During Orientation The purpose of the orientation is to give our residents important information that will guide you on the regulations and use of the facilities. You will receive a Welcome Package which includes a Quick reference of the Deed Restrictions and a New Member Handbook that will explain the check in process, general Club rules and enforcement among other valuable information that we encourage you to share with your family and guests.

You will need to complete the DwellingLive registration form so that you are able to create your guest list. Once your information is input in the system, you will receive a Welcome email with a link.

Currently Live Out of State If you live out of the State of Florida and are unable to attend an orientation, do you need to wait until you travel back to Florida to schedule an in-person orientation? Not at all! With all the technology that we have available today, we can set up a day and time and schedule a Zoom meeting. The Welcome package can be forwarded to your email as an attachment so that you have this information at the moment the meeting takes place. If you are unable to schedule a Zoom meeting, you can always reach out to me at IMartinez@ Evergreen-LM.com and we will make it happen!

Our priority is that every Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago resident enjoys their visit to the Amenity Center and falls in love with your community. We have so much to offer and we want you to be part of this. So, welcome home … sit back and relax, coffee is on us!

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D E PA R T M E N T : S A F E T Y & S E C U R I T Y

Security Guards vs. Police Officers

BY MADALYN COLON, DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & SECURITY, VITAL SECURITY

S

ecurity guards and police officers may be hard to differentiate without prior knowledge of their differences in duties, uniforms, and responsibilities.

Here is a brief outline with the differences between police officers and private security guards.

Security guards are easily mistaken for police officers because of their common uniforms, equipment, and function. However, there are several differences between private security guards and public police officers.

Security guards are authorized to keep private property and people safe from criminal, natural, or emergency hazards. Agent of the Owner Powers, give security guards the power to question without a probable cause, being that they are protecting private property, not public.

The main separator between police officers and security guards 16

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are their duty of protecting private property versus enforcing the law. On the other hand, police officers oversee the protecting of neighborhoods, towns, and communities through law enforcement.

Security guards could be armed or unarmed depending on their line of duty and qualifications. Special training is required in both instances and qualifications again vary depending on the jurisdiction in charge of defining “Agent of the Owner” responsibilities.

Security officers within a gated community rarely have a “G” license or are radar gun certified. These are items police officers are more common to carry and provide.

Citations are given by both security and police. In Florida it is illegal for law enforcement to instate a ticket quota. A ticket quota is essentially a specific number of tickets officers are required to give out within a given timeframe.

D E PA R T M E N T : FAC I L I T I E S & F I T N E S S

Project Updates

BY DOUG DINGEE, FACILITIES CLUB MANAGER The maintenance team has completed the pressure washing of the sidewalks in Bellalago.

There have been keypad locks installed at the entrances of Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago, which now will allow nonresidents to gain access.

Remember, we are in alligator mating season, so please beware.

You will see them a lot more, as this is when they will migrate to new ponds.

We have contracted a new pool vendor and are looking forward to working with them.

DOUG DINGEE 877-221-6919 DDingee@Evergreen-LM.com

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D E PA R T M E N T : F I S H I N G C L U B

New Fish Help Clean Up Lake Bellalago

BY STEVEN MORIN, RESIDENT, BELLALAGO FISHING CLUB

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ne of the challenges with managing our lakes and ponds in Florida is controlling undesirable weeds and grasses. Underwater vegetation is important in a body of water because it contributes oxygen during the process of photosynthesis, stabilizes the soil, provides protection to young fish, and helps keep the water clean. However, just like your lawn, Lake Bellalago looks best when weeds are managed. Keeping weeds and other undesirable aquatic grasses in Lake Bellalago in check takes work. It’s very important that Homeowners leave any vegetation removal to our professional water management company and are asked not to spray or remove weeds at the shoreline.

If not managed properly, undesirable weeds like Hydrilla, Milfoil, and Pondweed will quickly take over Florida lakes, making boating impossible, spoiling our view and choking out wildlife.

Basically, there are three ways to control weed growth in lakes here in Florida. Harvesting, or removing the weeds (which can be expensive), spraying them with chemicals (which can harm

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the environment) or getting assistance from nature.

So, three years ago, we sought some help from nature. In partnership with Evergreen, the Bellalago Fishing Club stocked the lake and the pond near the school with 750 Triploid Grass Carp. After obtaining the required permits and recommendation on the quantity of fish to introduce from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, which were around 12 inches long, were released. Since they are a non-native species, all of the released fish are sterile and cannot reproduce. By now, they are around two and a half to three feet long, weigh from twenty to thirty pounds and eat three times their weight in the most aggressive weeds and algae each day.

We still need to do some chemical weed control because the Grass Carp don’t eat all of the undesirable aquatic plants.

However, with their help, we have less and more targeted spraying in Bellalago’s lakes and ponds. That is good for the environment and good for our homeowners!

D E PA R T M E N T : W E L L N E S S

Spa Talk: What Does Your Gut Tell You?

BY CRYSTAL BETHEA, OWNER OF RIVIERA SPA MASSAGE

Visceral Mobilization is the most powerful methodology used to free your organs!

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sk yourself ... have you ever received bodywork on your abdomen due to any complications or symptoms you’ve experienced due to surgery or ailments? No? This is why we perform abdominal/visceral mobilization massage to help restore the functions of the affected organs and the body systems.

Compared to this therapeutic technique, there is no other healthcare procedure or medication out there that can attain such a rapid elimination of venous stasis and reduction of lymph edemas. We attain this by releasing the adhesion/scar tissue that’s essentially binding through-out your abdomen.

The progression of disease and dysfunction can be attributed to the stagnation of blood to our vital organs. This slowing or stoppage of normal flow of body fluid creates a snowball effect of inflammations and abnormalities such as diverticulitis, IBS,

constipation, infertility, prostatitis, acid reflux and even low back pain. The list goes on. Once these acute inflammations linger long enough, any condition can become chronic. Those chronic inflammations, due to the lack of venous blood supply, cause binding adhesion on your organs that can trigger cancer.

It’s important for us to bring awareness to this growing problem and to educate you on this simple method we use to help with the elimination of the abnormalities above-mentioned. Always consult your physician before receiving bodywork as this can be a joint effort in the customization of your treatments. Abdominal/ visceral mobilization massage promotes arterial blood supply, which is a gold standard treatment of diseases in the abdominal cavity.

For more information, visit rivieraspamassage.com, call 407-9149168, or email info@rivieraspamassage.com.

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D E PA R T M E N T : CO M M I T T E E S

Seeking Homeowner Volunteers for Bellalago Committees

BY ABE MENDEZ, ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR

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he HOA is seeking Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago homeowners who are in good standing with the association and are interested in volunteering to serve on the following committees: • • • •

Advisory Committee Architectural Review Committee Landscaping Committee Security Committee

Committees meet monthly, except for the ARC Committee, which meets twice a month. Committee member selection will be based on the homeowner’s status with the HOA, residing in the community for at least twelve months, capabilities to meet the committee’s needs, and background experience. The HOA Board of Directors will approve all committee members. We welcome your response if you believe we need to consider creating an additional committee to meet our community’s essential needs.

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The committees provide a golden opportunity for those with specific expertise and knowledge to have a say and help our community. We have to resolve current issues and prepare for the transition of the HOA, from the developer to the homeowners, when we reach that time. We need homeowners with defined skills to step up and help launch us into an even better future.

For more information or to apply, please contact Yesenia Vélez by emailing YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com.

You can download the Committee Member Application Form on the community website, BellalagoHOA.com. From the home page, navigate to Forms > Committees > Committee Member Application Form (bellalagohoa.com/documents/committeemember-application-form) or stop by one of the Amenity Centers and pick up the form in person.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, MAY 28TH.

Advertising Information & Policy For more information on ad rates and specifications, please visit BellalagoAdvertising.com, call 813-5017220 or send an email to Bellalago@OverflowDG. com. Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago do not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers.

Advertisements in the Bellalago Beacon do not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods and services by Bellalago or Isles of Bellalago.

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1200 Lago Vista Court Kissimmee, Florida 34746 877-221-6919 www.BellalagoHOA.com