BEACON VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 5 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
» In case of a lightning/thunderstorm, the slide will close when an alert indicates lightning close to a 15-mile radius, then an announcement will be made by staff to close down and lock the gate. Once the storm approaches within a 10-mile radius the pools will close until the storm has passed. Pools and slide will re-open 30 minutes after the last lightning notice.
E
» All residents and their guests will be required to get out of the pool, spa, and slide area.
Myth: Cars are safe because the rubber tires insulate them from the ground.
Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago have guidelines in place that are aimed primarily for the safety of our residents. To better understand how it works please read our procedures below.
DAILY OPERATIONS
MYTH & TRUTH
Lightning Safety Rules
Written by YESENIA VÉLEZ, LCAM, DIRECTOR OF CAM OPERATIONS – CENTRAL FLORIDA
Truth: Rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. Cars are safe because of their metal shell and steel frame. Convertibles, however, are not safe.
» Throughout the shift, an alert will notify staff of weather forecasts that may impact operations that day.
» If in doubt, remember “When thunder roars, go indoors!”
» Once the staff receives the notification from the detection system, the team will alert the residents and their guests on the deck to pick up their belongings and evacuate the premises
safely due to the weather. The staff will close all pool umbrellas, arrange the furniture, and pick up trash.
very year, lightning strikes and kills people on or near bodies of water. Summer is the peak season for outdoor and water-related activities, and when most lightning deaths and injuries occur. Vulnerable locations include beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. While every state has reported lightning-related fatalities, the highest numbers are reported in southern states bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
» All areas will be reopened when weather clears.
» Pools are open from dawn to dusk, as posted on the rules sign.
» All staff are to check the weather alert system in all facilities each day.
» Staff on duty will post a “Pool Closure Notice” on the grounds.
2BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT |
BELLALAGO ACADEMY
Truth: Lightning often strikes outside of the rain area to as much as 10 miles (even greater distances in exceptional situations).
If this means taking a little longer to pick up your child, please understand, child safety needs to be the priority. Due to the increasing issues we are having at this drop off/pick up location, we are going to be making some changes to the traffic flow.
3BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT |
YVelez@Evergreen-LM.com877-221-6919
Truth: Heat lightning is a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for the thunder to be heard. The lightning hazard increases as you move toward the storm and eventually the thunder will also be heard.
School Drop Off and Pick Up
The green blocks in the image above indicate the crosswalk areas where walkers will cross the street. VÉLEZ
There will be no through traffic during the 30-minute window for drop off or pick up. Cars will line up on the right side of the street for drop off/pick up. Cars can line up on the right side of the road only. Pick up/drop off will be on Weatherfield Drive only. Walkers will be released and able to cross the road at the top of Weatherfield/Winding Trail or Weatherfield/Greencrest Court. The street will be closed to all through traffic until the last child has been picked up. The rover will block access with his vehicle and control foot traffic at the crosswalk.
Truth: Lightning-strike victims carry no residual electrical charge. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid.
Myth: Lightning-strike victims are electrified and should not be touched.
CrosswalkPickup
YESENIA
Pick Up Zone
Myth: Heat lightning occurs after very hot summer days and poses no hazard.
for Pedestrians Crossing
We will continue to review and make changes where needed. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.
The blue line in the image above, indicates the car line. Traffic will stay in line and pick up children once on Weatherfield Drive, then exit into the left lane and leave. The street will still remain one way as before.
Myth: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.
School Gate
Start of Car Line for
Alteration Without Prior Approval 3 Damage to Sidewalk 6
Friendly Reminder 439
Paint House Requirement 1 Parking/Vehicles 1 Wash Tile Roof 1
Alteration Without Prior Approval 2 Damage to Sidewalk 24 Exterior Cleaning/Maintenance 92 Exterior Decoration(s) 2 Garbage Receptacle/Waste 62 Install Prohibited 6
Alteration Without Prior Approval 1 Clean Shingle Roof 1 Damage to Sidewalk 3
Paint House Requirement 1 Parking/Vehicles 18 Play Equipment 2 Wash Tile Roof 12
Irrigation Maintenance/Repair 7 Items Left Out 1
Road and Traffic Regulations 2 Wash Tile Roof 2
Installed Required Approval 5 Landscaping 26 Landscaping Self Help 1 Mailbox 3
PHONE NUMBERS
Center Security Main Gate 407-846-3014407-933-3010ISLESBELLALAGOOFBELLALAGO
ViolationComplianceReport
Paint House Requirement 6 Parking/Vehicles 33 Pets/Animals 2 Play Equipment 7 Prohibited Vehicles 1 Sign(s) 6
Exterior Cleaning/Maintenance 221 Exterior Decoration(s) 1 Garbage Receptacle/Waste 67 Install Prohibited 8 Installed Required Approval 9 Irrigation Maintenance/Repair 5 Items Left Out 40 Landscaping 213 Landscaping Self Help 22 Leasing/Occupancy 4 Mailbox 3 Nuisance 1 Paint 7
Void 157
Installed Required Approval 3 Irrigation Maintenance/Repair 2 Items Left Out 14 Landscaping 49 Landscaping Self Help 8 Leasing/Occupancy 1 Lighting 1 Nuisance 1 Other 1 Paint 2
Exterior Cleaning/Maintenance 13 Garbage Receptacle/Waste 4 Installed Required Approval 3 Landscaping 14 Leasing/Occupancy 3 Mailbox 1 Paint 1
First Notice of Violation 218 Damage to Sidewalk 9 Exterior Cleaning/Maintenance 69 Garbage Receptacle/Waste 20 Install Prohibited 5
Nuisance 3
Total 1,668
Wash Tile Roof 31
Landscaping 25
Landscaping Self Help 6 Leasing/Occupancy 3 Lighting 1
Paint 1 Paint House Requirement 4 Parking/Vehicles 2 Play Equipment 1 Wash Tile Roof 6
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER* Hours Vary Daily *Please refer to the Weekly Lifestyle Newsletter for Recreation Center hours, as they are subject to change. Lifestyle Director Kaylee Febles Evergreen-LM.comKFebles@
Amenity
Paint 1
Installed Required Approval 1 Irrigation Maintenance/Repair 2 Items Left Out 21 Landscaping 122 Landscaping Self Help 2 Leasing/Occupancy 1 Nuisance 13 Paint 1 Parking/Vehicles 67 Pets/Animals 2 Play Equipment 4 Sign(s) 4 Wash Tile Roof 11
Paint House Requirement 1 Parking/Vehicles 1 Wash Tile Roof 2
Paint House Requirement 3 Parking/Vehicles 62
Pets/Animals 4
BELLALAGO BEACON
Resolved 711 Damage to Sidewalk 24
Amenity
Center Security Main Gate HOA ADMIN CONTACTS 407-343-9175407-846-1873 VP of Lifestyles, Branding & AmyCommunicationsMallinder Evergreen-LM.comAMallinder@ HOURS OF OPERATION BELLALAGO & ISLES OF BELLALAGO AMENITY CENTERS Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday 6am - 9pm 8am - 9pm POOL HOURS* Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday *Subject to change. Check boards at each pool. Usually Dawn - Dusk 8am - Dusk HOA ScottManagerBrown Evergreen-LM.comScottBrown@863-777-9188 Membership Evergreen-LM.comBellalagoLeases@407-343-9175 Evergreen Customer Service 877-221-6919 Director of CAM Operations Yesenia Vélez Evergreen-LM.comYVelez@ HOA Account Issues & Irrigation Work Orders Customer Care CustomerService@877-221-6919Evergreen-LM.com Compliance Manager Jose Chaparro Evergreen-LM.comJChaparro@ Facilities Club Manager Doug Dingee Evergreen-LM.comDDingee@ Below you will find a report for Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago that details the violations that have been issued between June 16th and August 5th, which total 1,668. Anyone can contact us directly to address any concerns they may have.
Exterior Cleaning/Maintenance 15 Exterior Decoration(s) 1 Garbage Receptacle/Waste 1 Install Prohibited 3
Board Meeting Notice 45
Install Prohibited 1
Damage to Sidewalk 3
Installed Required Approval 2
Hearing Notice 20 Damage to Sidewalk 4 Exterior Cleaning/Maintenance 7 Landscaping 5
On Hold Extension Requested 78
Exterior Cleaning/Maintenance 18 Failure to Comply with Club Rules 1 Garbage Receptacle/Waste 10
» Residents must always bring their Bellalago ID card with them and show the ID to the Lifestyle Concierge.
» All tenants must renew their ID as they renew their Lease Agreement. An ID will only be issued to those tenants whose name appears in the Lease Agreement.
» Escorting guests and minors to the pool, then leaving them unattended (to use the restaurant or fitness facility) is not permitted. If this happens, you and your guests will be asked to leave the pool area.
» There will be NO ACCESS to any of the facilities in the Club if residents decline to show their ID.
DOUG DINGEE
FACILITIES
t is our responsibility that every resident enjoys these wonderful facilities and that we provide an excellent service. It is for this reason that we are continuously training our Lifestyle Concierges, encouraging them to improve in any areas that we feel are very important parts of the service and experience we bring to our residents and their guests.
5BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
CHECKING IN
One of the most important aspects of this continuous training is making sure that all rules are followed, not only by our Lifestyle Concierge as they welcome you to the Club, but by our residents and their guests.
» Any minor who has been given a Consent ID will not be
I
The Importance of Having Your ID
allowed to sign in any other minor or adult. This ID is solely for their access to the facilities as approved and acknowledged by their parents.
In order to make your visit an unforgettable one, we encourage you to help us comply with the check-in protocol. It’s very simple and so important that we follow it every step of the way.
» Guests must have their guest passes with them at all times when using the Club amenities.
Written by DOUG DINGEE, FACILITIES CLUB MANAGER
» If the pool is busy, a wristband may be placed on you, which must stay on you at all times while using the pool.
» Entry to the pool area must be acquired through the amenity building and you must sign in before entering the outside pool area.
» Homeowner/tenant assumes the responsibility for the actions of their guests.
Our Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago family keeps growing every day and the importance of showing your ID makes a difference. Remember that your ID is what identifies you as a resident. It is also an important tool that, in the case of an emergency, we are able to contact your family by simply using the information that your ID provides. So, let’s all have fun at our pools and fitness center and remember to show your ID!
DDingee@Evergreen-LM.com877-221-6919
» Minors between the ages of 16-17 years old can be issued a Consent ID with the approval of their parents. Parents will need to submit any of the following forms of ID (passport, school ID or birth certificate) as proof of age of the minor. A Minor Waiver will also need to be completed by the parents. This form will be available at the Lifestyle Concierge desk.
W
The plastic debris will remain either floating or submerged until someone physically comes in and removes it. The organic debris made of paper or cardboard will decay in the water, lowering oxygen levels in the water as it does, contributing to the possibility of fish dying.
Prevent Trash from Entering Bellalago Waterways
ith summer thunderstorms, we have seen in recent months that any trash dropped or thrown onto the roadways in Bellalago end up in the lakes and ponds of Bellalago. Any plastic bags, plastic bottles, paper and even cigarette butts thrown on the ground will eventually end up in the water through the storm drains.
Written by SCOTT BROWN, HOA MANAGER
There are physical dangers to wildlife in and around the lakes due to this trash as well. Wildlife can become entangled in waterborne trash or even inadvertently ingest it if mistaken for food. Trash can also cause damage to boats if the material tangles in propellers or clogs intakes. Litter has no place in our waterways.
6BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | HOA MANAGER | SCOTT BROWN ScottBrown@Evergreen-LM.com863-777-9188
Pleaseenvironment.thinkbefore
you drop that bottle or bag on the ground. It takes very little effort to make sure that your trash ends up in a garbage can and not in the lakes and ponds. Please do your part to help keep Bellalago’s water bodies free of trash.
Billions of dollars per year are spent on the cleanup of litter throughout
the United States. For litter winding up in the lakes and ponds of Bellalago, the cleanup must be done by the aquatic maintenance vendor. The cost of this cleanup is not part of their regular contract, and this is an added cost to the community. This is an unnecessary cost that is easily preventable by having consideration for the
S
At no time can security detain or arrest anyone on property. This is when law enforcement is called, and they handle that situation. Security takes the Deputies information, depending on the severity of the incident, and writes a formal incident report along with what the officer has observed. We hope this gives everyone a little insight on the differences between security and police officers.
7BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
SECURITY AND SAFETY
Written by ELETTSY JIMENEZ, DIRECTOR OF SECURITY AND SAFETY
On the other hand, police officers oversee the protection of neighborhoods, towns, and communities through law enforcement. The main separator between security guards and police officers is their duty of protecting private property versus enforcing the law.
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 explaining the main differences between private security guards and police officers.
The Agent of the Owner Powers gives security guards the power to question without probable cause, being that they are protecting private property, not public property. Security guards are authorized and responsible to keep private property and people safe from criminal, natural, or emergency hazards. In other words, to observe and report.
Difference Between Security Guards & Police Officers
FINING PROCESS
JOSE CHAPARRO JChaparro@Evergreen-LM.com877-221-6919
8BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | COMPLIANCE |
In Bellalago, the HOA typically sends a first notice of violation giving an allotted time frame (14 days) to resolve the violation. After the 14 days (with no resolution) the association follows up with a board notice giving the homeowner an additional 14 days to resolve the violation. (A fine or suspension levied by the board of administration may not be imposed unless the board first provides at least 14 days’ notice to the parcel owner.)
Violation & Fining Process
Written by JOSE CHAPARRO, LCAM, CMCA, COMMUNITY STANDARDS MANAGER
O
ur department has received many questions regarding the violation/fining process. There is a process, per Florida statutes and our CC&R’s, that gives the association the right to levy fines for non-compliance when it comes to violations. Homeowners are informed of the violation through this process and eventually lead to fines (if not resolved). Keep in mind that the process must coincide with Florida Statutes.
Per Section 720.305 of the Florida Statutes, a fine may be levied by the board for each day of a continuing violation, with a single notice and opportunity for hearing, except that the fine may not exceed $1,000 in the aggregate unless otherwise provided in the governing documents.
Once the board has imposed fines, a “Notice of Hearing” is sent to the homeowner. The hearing notice gives the homeowner the opportunity to discuss the non-compliance issue with the committee members. Failure to appear at this meeting does not prevent the committee members from approving/rejecting the fine ($100 a day, not to exceed $1,000). If the committee (by majority vote) does not approve a proposed fine, the proposed fine may not be imposed. If the proposed fine levied by the board is approved by the committee, the fine is imposed. The role of the committee is limited to determining whether to confirm or reject the fine levied by the board. The hearing is the homeowner’s only opportunity to appeal the charges imposed by the board of directors.
Please see weekly Lifestyle Newsletter or Online Calendar for the most up-to-date Fitness Class Schedule.
MONDAY » 7PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
MONDAY » 8AM » BELLALAGO POOL
9BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
VINYASA FLOW YOGA
GENTLE FLOW YOGA
Current Class Schedules are Posted in the Amenity Centers and on the BellalagoHOA.com Calendar.
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY » 9AM
Vinyasa Flow Yoga emphasizes the sequential movement between postures, coordinated with and guided by deliberate breath.
TRX & WEIGHTS
Join Instructor Nikki for a fun-filled Teen Fitness class for ages 13-17. Parental supervision or consent required with ID.
TRX is a form of suspension training that uses body weight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.
MONDAY » 8PM | FRIDAY » 9AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
This is a group fitness class that includes fast-paced cardio. This highenergy workout challenges the beginner and elite athlete alike to build stamina, improve coordination and flexibility.
This class incorporates Latin and international music and dance, while offering a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.
SATURDAY » 8AM » BELLALAGO POOL
MONDAY » 10AM | THURSDAY » 7PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
This class is designed to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and bring peace to both the body and mind.
This class allows participants with limited mobility to use a chair for seated postures or standing postures to help increase mobility.
KICKBOX CARDIO
LEGS, GLUTES & ABS TONING
A full body workout that combines sculpting exercises and strength training, designed to tone and strengthen all areas of the body.
SUNDAY » 11AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
SATURDAY » 12PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
STRENGTH & SCULPT
WAKE UP ZUMBA®
YOGA
SATURDAY » 10AM & 11AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
MONDAY » 11AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
SEATED YOGA
WEDNESDAY » 12PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
TUESDAY » 6PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
A low impact cardio and strength workout for all fitness levels.
Join Instructor Nikki for a fun-filled class for ages 8+. Parental supervision required.
STRONG NATION
TUESDAY » 7PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
THURSDAY » 9AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
STRONG NationTM is a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class that moves to the music designed with short, intense bursts of work followed by a short recovery period to help burn maximum calories in a minimal amount of time. STRONG Nation classes incorporate body weight strength building moves, plyometrics and cardio for a complete workout that is synced to the music.
TUESDAY-FRIDAY » 11:15AM » BELLALAGO POOL
FIT KIDS
WEDNESDAY » 7:30PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
WEDNESDAY » 6:30PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
MIXXED FIT
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.
TUESDAY & THURSDAY » 10AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
A class that has a gentle way to improve your posture, balance, and coordination, which includes mediation and relaxation.
Fitness Class Schedule
MixxedFit® is a people-inspired dance fitness program that is a mix of explosive dancing and boot camp toning. The class is high energy and fun, with choreography that is easy to follow. You don’t have to be a dancer to love this class and get a great workout!
TEEN FIT
HATHA YOGA
THURSDAY » 6PM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
FRIDAY » 10AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
AQUA FITNESS
KIDS FITNESS GAMES
Pilates concentrates on strengthening the body through posture, balance and flexibility with an emphasis on core strength.
This class incorporates simple flowing sequences to warm up the body, as well as slower paced movements focusing on alignment.
AQUA ZUMBA
PILATES
TOTAL TONING
THURSDAY & FRIDAY » 8AM » ISLES OF BELLALAGO
| FITNESS & WELLNESS |
Back to School Bash
10BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | LIFESTYLES PAST EVENTS |
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
FALL FARMER’S MARKET
TRIVIA THURSDAYS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 » 6PM-9PM
FRIDAYS, SEPTEMBER 23 & OCTOBER 28 » 6PM-9PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH » 10AM-3PM
FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE
BELLALAGO AMENITY CENTER PARKING LOT
For more details on upcoming events, visit BellalagoHOA.com or email Kaylee Febles, Lifestyle Director, at KFebles@Evergreen-LM.com. Events and details subject to change.
THURSDAYS, SEPTEMBER 15 & OCTOBER 20 » 7PM-9PM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 » 11AM-2PM
BELLALAGO AMENITY CENTER PARKING LOT
Get creative for the Halloween season! Bring a pumpkin and we’ll provide the art supplies for you to create a pumpkin masterpiece.
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER » ALL AGES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 » 8AM-5PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 » 7PM-9PM » BOAT DOCK
COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31 » ALL DAY » AMENITY CENTERS
80’S & 90’S DECADES NIGHT
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 » 6PM-8PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 » 2PM-4PM
ONSPOT DERMATOLOGY
KARAOKE
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
LUNCH & LEARN: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
September & October Events
Get in the fall season with this cooking demo! A chef will prepare different pumpkin spice inspired dishes in front of you while you enjoy them. Tickets are $15 per person.
Take it back and enjoy a beautiful fall night outside with this lawn concert. Please bring your own chairs and blankets for your comfort. A food truck and cash bar will be available for purchase.
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
BELLALAGO & ISLES OF BELLALAGO POOLS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 » 5PM-7PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 » 6PM-9PM » BELLALAGO BOAT DOCK
HALLOWEEN TREATS GIVEAWAY
LABOR DAY POOL PARTY
ONEBLOOD BLOOD DRIVE
FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE
Pick up a Halloween treat to celebrate the holiday!
COMMUNITY WIDE
MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 » 6PM-9PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 » 10AM-1PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 » 10AM-4PM
FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE
HELLALAGO
Tickets are $15 per couple and $5 per additional child. Enjoy an astronomically fun night filled with a DJ, crafts, a special guest and more!
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER PARKING LOT
PUMPKIN PAINT PARTY
11BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON MOM & ME DATE NIGHT
PUMPKIN SPICE COOKING DEMO
Welcome to Hell-alago! Enjoy a spooky night of music, food trucks, rides, games and more.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12 » 12PM-1PM
FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE
Flip Flops Bar & Grille Events
STEEL DRUMS NIGHT
12BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 LIFESTYLE
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Staying in the know is important when living in such an active community. The best way to get all the up-to-date information is by being a part of our email blast distribution. The email blasts give you current information about upcoming Lifestyle events, HOA details, and most importantly, last minute changes and updates. The Lifestyle Newsletter is sent out weekly on Mondays, with information on
Hello Bellalago!
M
KFebles@Evergreen-LM.com407-853-2255
Written by KAYLEE FEBLES, LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR
community clubs, fitness classes, the monthly calendar, and event details. The HOA email blast is sent out every week and touches on landscaping, community maintenance, compliance, and community updates. To be a part of our community email distribution, please email KFebles@Evergreen-LM.com with your full name, home address and email.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring Orlando with my husband! As a typical Floridian, I love anything Disney and quick trips to the beach. I’m very excited to be here and look forward to meeting you all at upcoming events!
KAYLEE FEBLES
y name is Kaylee Febles, and I’m your new Lifestyle Director! I was born and raised here in Orlando; a true Florida native! I join you with seven years of past event and activities experience from multiple communities in the area. I have been part of the Evergreen family for the last five years, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I strive to create new and exciting experiences for you all and hope to be a great fit here at Bellalago.
13BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 COMMUNITY CLUBS
Join the Card Club Thursdays in the Bellalago Recreation Center.
WEDNESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 7 & OCTOBER 5 » 6:30PM
The Cigar Club meets the third Sunday of every month.
FRIDAYS, SEPTEMBER 2 & OCTOBER 7 » 9AM
Join the Dominoes Club every Tuesday.
LADIES CARD CLUB
EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY » 5PM-7PM
For more details, visit BellalagoHOA.com or email Kaylee Febles, Lifestyle Director, at KFebles@Evergreen-LM.com. All clubs will be required to sign in using a Bellalago ID. If you are interested in starting a club or interest group, email Kaylee for an application.
Join the Golf Cart Club on the first Friday of every month in the Bellalago Recreation Center.
SATURDAYS, SEPTEMBER 24 & OCTOBER 29 » 9AM
PICKLEBALL CLUB
Join the Nature Club on the third Saturday of every month in the Bellalago Recreation Center.
FIREARMS CLUB
We meet to discuss our common interest in firearms; provide a venue for sharing knowledge, instruction, and activities designed to help firearms owners be responsible and proficient in their ownership and use of firearms; and to reduce the risk of accidents in their possession and use. No firearms are permitted in Club facilities.
MEN’S GAME NIGHT
Test your skills and try your luck amongst your fellow residents! Soft drinks will be provided.
Each person attending will be required to sign in with Bellalago ID.
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
WEDNESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 14 & OCTOBER 12 » 5PM
FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
DOMINOES CLUB
MONDAYS, SEPTEMBER 19 & OCTOBER 17 » 7PM
EVERY THURSDAY » 1PM
GOLF CART CLUB
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
NATURE CLUB
BOOK CLUB
SATURDAYS, SEPTEMBER 17 & OCTOBER 15 » 9AM
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
BUNCO CLUB
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
Join the Bunco Club on the third Monday of every month.
BELLALAGO TENNIS COURTS
Join the Book Club on the second Monday of every month. Sign in required with Bellalago ID. No food, soft drinks only.
Join the Chess Club on the second Wednesday of every month.
EVERY TUESDAY » 6PM-9PM
FLIP FLOPS BAR & GRILLE
CHESS CLUB
MONDAYS, SEPTEMBER 12 & OCTOBER 10 » 7PM
CIGAR CLUB
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 18 & OCTOBER 16 » 4:30PM- 7:30PM
Club Meetings
BELLALAGO RECREATION CENTER
14BELLALAGO BEACON SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
emember that movie, Free Willy, from 1993? Our hero helped an orca escape captivity so he could swim free in the Pacific Ocean. What a heart-warming story. Unfortunately, we have a lot of folks in Florida who are making their own version of “Free Willy” with the wrong species.
of algae and excess fish food. In fact, he did his job so well that he grew until he was eight inches long and did not fit in his aquarium home any longer. So, his kindhearted owner took him to the edge of Lake Bellalago and set him free.
The problem is that in Florida’s sub-tropical climate, a Suckermouth catfish like this one could grow to be two feet long. If a breeding population gets established in a lake or pond, the entire food chain gets disrupted. They have a big appetite and eat our beneficial aquatic grasses, leaving shoreline open to erosion. They even dig burrows up to 18 inches under banks to lay eggs, causing the shore to collapse. Dozens of them attach themselves to the back of manatees eating the algae off their skin but hindering the manatees movement.
R
Florida is a hot bed of invasive species, many of them kept as pets and when no longer wanted, released into our ecosystem where they cause all kinds of problems. We have the famous pythons disrupting the delicate food chain in the Everglades. Tropical lionfish, who have no natural predators in the Sunshine State are destroying coral reefs in the Keys. Iguana lizards fall out of trees during cold snaps in Palm Beach and bash people in the head. We even have a colony of rhesus monkeys in Marion County that are infected with herpes and like to throw poo at unsuspecting people who get too close. Oh, and by the way, each of these invaders started out as somebody’s pet until they got too big to care for and were released into Florida’s ecosystem.
Not too long ago, John Merseal, a member of the Bellalago Fishing Club found another invader right here in our community. He caught a H. Plecostomus or Suckermouth catfish in Lake Bellalago. Now, this little guy probably started out around two inches long and was living a fine life, keeping the aquarium of one of our Bellalago residents free
Written by STEVEN MORIN, RESIDENT, BELLALAGO FISHING CLUB
Please Don’t Free Fish Into Bellalago Lakes & Ponds!
Once a breeding population of these aquatic pests has been established, removing them is very difficult and a very expensive undertaking. If you have one of these fish, or any others, that you no longer want to care for, contact a dealer or store and get advice on how to properly re-home or euthanize them. Don’t dump your aquarium into our lakes and ponds. Let’s not “free Willy” any longer. For additional information on the Bellalago Fishing Club, contact Steve Morin at morinsteven@rocketmail.com or Dave Woodruff at drwservices@gmail.com.
| FISHING CLUB |
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