Bellalago Beacon | Spring 2014 by Overflow

BEACON VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2014

WWW.BELLALAGOHOA.COM | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

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

Reflection BY MANDY MORGAN, LCAM, CMCA, AMS

AS I SIT BACK AND THINK ABOUT MY TIME AS YOUR COMMUNITY MANAGER HERE AT BELLALAGO, IT’S AMAZING TO SEE WHERE WE ARE TODAY VERSUS A YEAR AGO WHEN I TOOK THE POSITION.

am truly blessed to work in such a great community and to work with such dedicated people. I firmly believe Bellalago is one of, if not the best, family communities in Kissimmee. We have made great strides over the last year. Our attendance at events has grown, our community is selling homes again, and our staff is eager to be of service to you. We have had a great response on painting and power washing roofs. Our violation numbers are down! Our foreclosures are down and recovery of bad debt has been great. As I reflect on the past year and look forward to this year, we will continually find ways to improve our service.

BELLALAGO BEACON | SPRING 2014

This year has gotten off to a wonderful start; we had a great Valentine's Party for our adult residents. The welcome center was transformed into a scene from Paris, complete with the Eiffel Tower and the street café feel that made for a great romantic evening. The food was wonderful, the entertainment was awesome, and you, the residents, helped to make a memorable evening for all that attended. March kicked off our first ever Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration. What an amazing turnout! The beads were flowing and New Orleans would have been proud. I am sorry I missed it, but look forward to the next event. We have some exciting changes to our senior staff members. Many of you have

been at Bellalago for a number of years and know Jamar Edge. Jamar started his career with Solivita and Bellalago as a Lifestyles Attendant. He has made a great contribution to the community. It is with a heavy heart, as well as with great pride, to announce Jamar has been promoted to a Community Manager with AAM and will be leaving us to start his next chapter. Jamar will be heading to our newest location in Daytona Beach. We wish Jamar the very best for a successful career. We are sad he is leaving Bellalago, but he is still a part of our AAM family, so I am sure you will see him popping in from time to time to give us a “Wobble” or “Electric Slide.”

Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintentional consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful. - Margaret J. Wheatley More exciting news is the promotion of Doug Gilbert. Doug has been your Fitness Specialist at Bellalago and has shown he has the skills, drive, and determination to fill Jamar’s shoes. Doug will be our Facilities Operations Manager effective April 1st. Doug has been shadowing Jamar for the last few months to prepare him for his next role. As we continue to grow and offer some great programs for the residents of Bellalago, we also knew it was time to step up our Lifestyles Program and are equally as excited to welcome Kelsi Clonts as your Lifestyles Activities Coordinator at Bellalago. Kelsi comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and has been getting her feet wet as Lifestyles Attendant at Solivita. Kelsi’s primary role will be your social life at Bellalago. For anyone that attended the Valentine's and Mardi Gras events, you already had the opportunity to experience the great qualities Kelsi brings to us. If you see Doug or Kelsi around the community, please congratulate them. I am extremely happy to have them as my support in the community; I couldn’t do my job without their assistance. We have many great events planned for the run up to summer, our BellaPallooza is going to be HUGE! We are combining three events into one amazing day. So save the date, Saturday, April 12th from 9am to 2pm. We will have an Egg Hunt, Carnival, Craft Fair, and Health Fair. Plus entertainment and food trucks. Come on out; you won’t want to miss this great day. We are expecting large numbers, so mark your calendars and come ready for a fun Bellalago day.

On the facilities side, we've had a few maintenance days over the last few weeks and will have more in the coming months. I want to thank you for your patience. From time to time we do need to close the Amenity Centers down. We try, when possible, to schedule this outside of regular opening hours, but sometimes this is not possible. The tiles at the Isles of Bellalago pool have been repaired/ replaced and the fitness center has a nice new floor for you to dance and workout on. The bathrooms have been steam cleaned as well and the HVAC vents have all been cleaned. We are working on proposals to get the tile in the Bella restrooms regrouted and looking like new. Again, we will try to keep the disruptions to a minimum and we apologize in advance for any inconvenience we may cause as

we work to improve the facilities for your future enjoyment. I will be planning a coffee talk in June (date to be announced). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached via email at mmorgan@aamfl.com or by phone at 321-332-1875. I am happy to set up an appointment to meet in person at your convenience, if required. Thank you for making my first year at Bellalago a great one. My team of dedicated staff and I look forward to being of service to you all.

MANDY MORGAN 321-332-1875 mmorgan@aamfl.com

SPRING 2014 | BELLALAGO BEACON

D E PA R T M E N T A R T I C L E S

Spring is Here! FA C I L I T Y P H O N E NUMBERS BEL L A L AG O Amenity Center

407-933-3010

Security Main Gate

407-846-3014

IS L ES OF BEL L A LAG O Amenity Center

407-343-9175

Security Main Gate

407-846-1451

HOA COM P L I A NC E COORDI N ATO R Gloria Hernandez

321-332-1876 ghernandez@aamfl.com

M EMB ERS H I P COO R D INATO R / LE ASE A P P L I CAT IO NS Giselle Rodriguez

407-846-4358 grodriguez@aamfl.com

H O U R S O F O P E R AT I O N BELLA L AGO AM EN IT Y C E N T E R Monday - Friday

6am - 9pm

Saturday & Sunday

8am - 8pm

BY DAVID SMITH, DIVISION PRESIDENT OF AV HOMES, INC.

ime sure does fly by with the first quarter of the year on its way out. Since the new year, we have welcomed several families to our little piece of paradise. New neighbors are popping up in Paradiso and Nautic Isle every month, so let’s give them a warm introduction to our stunning community. The first day of spring was on March 20th, which made way for sunny afternoons! The average temperature of the lake should be somewhere in the mid-80s bringing out boaters and lake aficionados. It’s time to shake the dust off the floats and gas up for the weekends! Lake Toho makes up so much of what we love about Bellalago, second only to you, the residents. In addition to beautiful homes with classic lakefront living, our neighborhood events really set us apart from other communities. The experts behind these brilliant occasions is the creative Lifestyles Team. They always put their best foot forward and coordinate fantastic events. A crowd pleaser was

the adults-only red and white themed Valentine’s Day dinner by candlelight glow. For the young adults and children, Lifestyles keeps the events upbeat and I have no doubt they have exciting plans up their sleeves just in time for spring, so stay tuned! Did you miss out on some of those events? The ticket to staying informed is becoming a frequent face in the sales center. The friendly staff and associates have all the latest news on anything and everything Bellalago from events to special home promotions. We’ll also be rolling out some stunning new home designs that you’ll want to make sure to check out. Friends make great neighbors so please bring them by so we can give them the grand tour! It’s been a great start to the year and with things heating up on the lake, it’s only going to get better!

DAVID SMITH 863-427-7000

IS L ES OF BEL L A LAG O A M EN I TY CE NT E R Monday - Friday

6am - 9pm

Saturday & Sunday

8am - 8pm

P OOL H OU R S Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday

Dawn - Dusk 8am - Dusk

SUN SET TERRAC E G R ILLE Monday Tuesday - Thursday Friday & Saturday Sunday 4

BELLALAGO BEACON | SPRING 2014

CLOSED 12pm - 9pm 12pm - 10pm 12pm - 8pm

Yard Decorations Welcome spring time! This is the time of the year that we like to spruce up our yards. It is so much fun to walk around Lowe's and Home Depot and look at all of the pretty yard decorations. Please remember that you need to get approval for any yard decoration that you would like to place in your yard. You can apply through the Bellalago HOA website (www.BellalagoHOA.com) or you can contact Gloria Hernandez (ghernandez@aamfl.com) or Dotti Pleitgen (dpleitgen@aamfl.com) and ask us to email the application form to you. The Compliance Department would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter.

SPRING 2014 | BELLALAGO BEACON

D E PA R T M E N T : FA C I L I T I E S & O P E R AT I O N S

Community Updates for Spring BY JAMAR EDGE

e are approaching my favorite time of year and I’m excited. If you’re anything like me, you’ve had enough of the cold weather. Florida born and raised does not prepare you for cold weather over extended periods. So if the sunshine would like to stay, I’m all for it. The team has a lot of activities planned for the community now that we are warming up; its going to be an exciting time in Bellalago!

Pardon Our Dust As many of you have seen, we have been quite busy doing some sprucing up in our facilities. Our goal is to ensure our facilities are “show ready” at all times. 6

BELLALAGO BEACON | SPRING 2014

We just recently completed a major tile cleaning project for both our facilities. If you frequent our fitness classes, you will see just how great our new Aerobics Studio floor looks. The Isles of Bellalago pool has received some much needed tile work that was completed this past February. These are just a few improvements that have been planned for the year, so expect us to continue our dedication to ensuring our facilities are top notch and beautiful.

New Staff On another note, I would like you to assist me in welcoming a few new members to the Bellalago Team. As some of you

know, we’ve brought on Activities Coordinator Kelsi Clonts, whose sole focus is to provide you with an exceptional activities program that will be the envy of any community out there. So, next time you’re attending an event, take the time to get to know her. For those of you who frequent the facilities, I’m sure you’ve seen a couple of new faces behind the desks. I’d like for you to give a warm Bellalago welcome to Jose Chapparo, Christopher Bartholomew, and Mauricio (Maurice) Grannadis. These gentlemen have all hit the ground running and I anticipate great things from them.

10 Life Changing Tips

Goodbye It is with great sadness that I have to say the words that follow. My time in this beautiful community has come to an end. This will be my last article as your Facility Operations Manager. I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a part of your family. My time here has been filled with successes, challenges, and unforgettable memories that I shall cherish for the rest of my life. I think back to 2007 when I first came to Bellalago as a Lifestyles Attendant. For those who were here at that time, I’m sure you will agree that the community had its “challenges.” I took a short hiatus from the community only to jump at the chance to come back. The potential this community has is unlimited and I wanted to be a part of the new era. Looking back at where the community was and, in contrast, where it is now, I will say that this community has transformed into one of the best Florida has to offer. Since joining the Bellalago family a second time around, I’ve seen improvement on all fronts that I contribute to the hard work put in by staff as well as the pride and passion residents have for their community. The community is looking better every day and we have seen a huge spike in attendance for the Lifestyles events. I’m sure you noticed that we have begun to sell homes at a tremendous rate and the forecast looks good going forward. I’m sure I will not stay away and will be back from time to time to join in the fun with AAM. So, its not really goodbye so much as it is I will see you again sometime.

I WILL LEAVE YOU WITH THESE TIPS INSPIRED BY DEEPAK CHOPRA.

Nothing is Impossible You must find the place inside yourself where nothing is impossible.

Embrace the Unknown Even when you think you have your life all mapped out, things happen that shape your destiny in ways you might never have imagined.

Go With the Flow Don't try to steer the river.

Live a Conscious Life The way you think, the way you behave, and the way you eat can influence your life by 30 to 50 years.

JAMAR EDGE 407-933-3010 jedge@aamfl.com

Let Go Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask yourself if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.

Find Your Purpose There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.

Embrace Stillness In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. Let Go of Your Ego If you want to reach a state of bliss, go beyond your ego and the internal dialogue. Make a decision to relinquish the need to control, the need to be approved, and the need to judge. Those are the three things the ego is doing all the time.

Embrace Your Relationships Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution.

Tap Into the Power of Living in the Moment As I get older, I see the future diminishing. I realize there’s never a point of arrival. Having that realization throws you into the richness of being in the present moment. And in that richness, there are infinite possibilities.

SPRING 2014 | BELLALAGO BEACON

D E PA R T M E N T : R E C R E AT I O N S

New 2014 Guest Passes BY DOUG GILBERT

ith the winter months and cool weather behind us, many will seek to cure themselves of their cabin fever by coming out and enjoying the Amenity Centers with their families and friends. Last year a new guest pass system was introduced to the community, which was used for your guests to allow them access to the club facilities. Four guest pass cards worth 40 guest punches were distributed to each home. Once those four cards were used up, guests of yours would need to pay a $5 per person fee, per day they use the club facilities or you may purchase an additional guest card for $50. The cards that were issued last year do not roll over, therefore we have begun issuing new guest pass cards for 2014. Just like last year, each home in the Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago communities will be issued four complimentary guest pass cards (40 guest punches). Each time you bring a guest to use the club pools, the Lifestyle Staff will punch a square on this card. Punching one square allows one person to use the club pools, per day. Residents do not need to accompany their guest to the club facilities; however, 8

BELLALAGO BEACON | SPRING 2014

you will still need to complete a Guest Waiver for your guest prior to them using the club facilities. Guest Waivers can be downloaded from www.BellalagoHOA.com or you may fill one out at either Amenity Center. Guests must be 18 years or older to use the facility alone.

Remember the Following: •

• •

A pass is only necessary if guests are going to use the amenities. If guests are visiting your home or having lunch/dinner at The Grille, they do not need to use the passes. Guests must have their guest passes with them at all times when using the club facilities. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult resident or an adult guest with a guest pass. Number of guests at one time, per household is eight (8) guests. Guest pass cards will not be punched for gym use; however, residents are still required to complete a Guest Waiver form for their guests.

• •

Homeowner assumes responsibility for the actions of their guests. While you are out-of-town and relatives/ guests will be using your home, please send an email to me at dgilbert@ aamfl.com, giving permission to issue guest passes. Include the guests' first and last names, dates of their stay, and indicate who is an adult or youth.

Hey Batter Batter! Do you prefer swinging for the fences or swinging for a hole-in-one? The Lifestyle Staff is looking to gauge the community interest in these two recreational activities: softball and golf. If you are interested, contact dgilbert@aamfl.com with your name, address, age, email address, and which activity you are interested in. You may also stop by the Bellalago Amenity Center and leave your information.

DOUG GILBERT 407-933-3010 dgilbert@aamfl.com

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

3 USEFUL TIDBITS

COMMUNITY CHANNEL

Residents of the Bellalago and Isles of Bellalago communities have the ability to see what is going on in the community day or night through our TV Channel by keying in channel 98.1 with basic Bright House cable or channel 732 with your Bright House Digital Box.

RESIDENT EVENT REQUESTS

Residents have the privilege of scheduling parties at the Isles of Bellalago pool. Events must be scheduled before using this area by filling out a Resident Event Request Form, which can be picked up in the Amenity Centers. Forms need to be returned no later than two weeks prior to the event. A deposit is required. For more information and event rules, contact Liz at epayne@ aamfl.com or call the Amenity Centers.

Hello Bellalago! BY KELSI CLONTS

ello everyone! My name is Kelsi Clonts and I am your new Lifestyles Activities Coordinator here at Bellalago. I graduated from the University of Central Florida in December 2011 with an Event Management Degree. Since I graduated, I have been planning and running events for different companies. I started my career with AAM at Solivita as a Lifestyles Specialist before I accepted the job of Lifestyles Activities Coordinator at Bellalago. I come from a large extended family; however, my immediate family is small, which consists of my mom, my dad, my little sister (who is actually taller than me), and our dog Mendy (a stubborn

dachshund). I enjoy playing sports and being outdoors. My office is located at Solivita in the Lifestyles Department above the Marketplace Bistro. If you would like to introduce yourself or need anything please email, call, or come stop by! I am really looking forward to working with my new coworkers and all the wonderful residents here at Bellalago!

KELSI CLONTS 863-614-0197 kclonts@aamfl.com

Advertising Space Coming Soon! Beginning in the summer newsletter, we will have advertising spaces in the back of the publication. The addition of the

NUISANCE ANIMALS

If the animal is a domestic or feral animal, such as dog or cat, it is best to contact the Osceola Animal Control Hotline at 321-742-8000. If the situation involves a wild animal, such as a raccoon, possum, armadillo or snake, consult the Florida Wildlife Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list of Nuisance Wildlife Trappers that operate within your county. Most trappers will charge a fee for their services. For more information, visit myfwc.com.

advertising program will help offset the costs involved in creating and printing the newsletter for our community. More details regarding size, cost, and deadlines for the advertisements will be available soon.

To learn more about the upcoming advertising opportunities, please contact: bellalago@overflowdesigngroup.com.

SPRING 2014 | BELLALAGO BEACON

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

New Classes BY ELIZABETH DECKARD

pring is always an exciting time of year and we are excited about the upcoming events for the spring and summer, as well continuing to improve the programming and facilities you use. The year has started off well with fitness classes and center usage. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year will hold. In February the Aerobics Studio got a facelift with a lovely new floor, and starting this month, we are going to put that floor to even more use with the addition of four new classes to the current schedule. We will be adding an Aqua Zumba class at the Bellalago pool, Cardio Kickboxing, and Bokwa to the evening class schedule, and an early morning Boot Camp for the early risers who like to get things done before work. The other classes will stay on the schedule and with the same instructors, but you will also see some new faces with the addition of the new classes. To get a sampling of what the classes will be like, we will be offering 20 minute demos of each class during the BellaPalooza event on April 12th. We will rotate through each class a couple of 10

BELLALAGO BEACON | SPRING 2014

times from 10am-12pm, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if you miss the first round of demos. A schedule will be posted in the Amenity Centers prior to the event, so keep your eyes out for that as well. BellaPalooza is going to be huge! Bring your family and friends and make the most of the Saturday affair. From 9am2pm there will be fun for all ages. 9am kicks off the Easter Egg hunt and the rest of the event opens at 10am. With health fair vendors, crafters, spring carnival events and more, it should be an event to remember and one that can involve everyone. With summer fast approaching, keep your eyes out for announcements on special programming for the kids and some for the adults too over those summer months. I have another reminder as the warmer weather approaches. Heat in Florida is no joking matter. Children are still developing their thirst mechanism and older people have a weakened thirst mechanism, so they are the most susceptible to dehydration and overheating and usually need to be reminded to take a drink. By the time you feel thirsty you are already

partially dehydrated. Often, with kids especially, hydration is the last thought as they are wrapped up in whatever they are doing. Be sure to bring along plenty of fluids to whatever event you are attending. If higher intensity activities are involved over prolonged periods of time, drinks like Gatorade (or other brands) are recommended to keep the electrolytes balanced in the body. The body loses sodium and potassium as you sweat, so adding in a sport drink of some kind, in addition to water, can help balance that out. If you prefer a more natural method of rehydrating, by mixing a couple of tablespoons of orange juice with every 8oz of water you drink, it will provide the same effect (and is more cost effective) of a typical sports drink. A combination of plain water and sports drinks are the best way to stay hydrated without over doing it on the sodium, sugars, or artificial sweeteners found in the sports drinks. If you are dealing with someone who may be overheated or dehydrated, get them in the shade, apply some cool compresses if you have them, get some fluids down them as soon as possible, and of course, call for help if their condition worsens. We, as a staff, look forward to a fun and safe start to the summer.

ELIZABETH DECKARD 863-496-3522 edeckard@aamfl.com

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

STRENGTH TRAINING BALLS AND BANDS: This innovative class

will use resistance bands and Swiss balls to challenge your stability and core strength, and give you an incredible total body workout! POWER HOUR: This total body conditioning

workout strengthens all your major muscle groups by utilizing barbells and weight plates for squats, lunges, presses, lifts, and curls, as well as targets all areas of the abdominal muscles to tighten, tone, and strengthen the core. TRX

STRAPS

AND

STICKS

FUSION

TRX training uses tools and movements that challenge the entire body in every plane of motion. This class combines the TRX Suspension Trainer and the TRX Rip Trainer in one full-body workout combining bodyweight exercises, rotational movements, and heart pounding cardio. Class will alternate between circuit and rep based formats. Weather permitting, class will be held outdoors. BOOTCAMP:

BODY ALIVE: This is a fitness series

designed for all fitness levels. The goals of this class are to train the body to move more efficiently, increase core strength, improve flexibility, and to develop speed, power, and agility.

FLEXIBILITY YOGA FLOW: Designed to actively improve

flexibility, strength, and balance. Poses will flow from one to another in conjunction with breathing. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. This class incorporates breathing, good posture, and slow movements to improve balance and coordination. YOGALATES:

YOGA BEAT: A fusion of yoga and dance

AQUA

performed to rhythms of multi-cultural beats, this class is set to challenge strength and balance while creating more flexibility.

AQUA FITNESS: An excellent, low impact

CARDIOVASCULAR STREET BEATS: Unique and different from

every other workout you’ve tried before! This class combines the energizing beat of the drum and the music of the streets that will get your feet stomping and your body moving! CARDIO BALLROOM: Partner-free, dance-

based fitness class that brings you easy, fun dance moves from Cha-Cha-Cha, Disco, Jive, Merengue, Paso Doble, Quick Step, Salsa, and Samba. This class will help you stay fit, learn to dance, and have a great time. ZUMBA: “Exercise in Disguise,” this dance-

cardio and strength workout for people of all fitness levels. This class utilizes water weights, aqua gloves, and pool noodles to achieve a unique total body workout. Swimming is not required.

SPECIALTY CLASSES T-FITMIX: An energetic class that exposes

your teen or tween to a variety of fitness class styles. It allows them to interact with their peers while getting fit and having fun in a safe environment! No adults allowed! For ages 11 to 18 years old. Must have adult consent if under 18. YOUTH JUJITSU: For children ages 6 and

up. This class is an excellent balance of mental and physical techniques using the discipline of martial arts.

based fitness class incorporates Latin and International music and dance. It offers a balanced blend of cardio and muscle toning benefits.

Current Class Schedules are Posted in the Amenity Centers and on the BellalagoHOA.com Calendar SPRING 2014 | BELLALAGO BEACON

F E AT U R E D A R T I C L E

Alligators Live Among Us BY JANNELL MCDONALD

ow much do you know about Florida alligators? We have all seen a Florida alligator at least once. Some of us have seen them a little closer than others. They have a tendency to pop up in the least likely of spots. Or so we think. An alligator’s natural habitat can be found anywhere there is a body of water. That’s right; anywhere there is water! As we have planned our communities and shifted dirt from one area to the other, created rain runoff areas, picked beautiful lakefront properties to build your home, shifted the dirt to level the property, and created your Amenity Centers, boating areas, and lake access areas, we have essentially invaded their natural habitat. Alligators are cold blooded animals. Due to the nature of how their bodies maintain temperature, they must have ways to heat and cool their bodies throughout the day. An ideal area for an alligator to populate is one with a sunning bank, a pond, stream, lake, and a food supply. Sound like a familiar environment? 12

BELLALAGO BEACON | SPRING 2014

Why Not Get Rid of Alligators? They are huge scary reptiles that just look creepy. Their powerful jaws are full of teeth, their skin looks slimy, and they hide in the mud! It is because they are a “keystone” species in their ecosystems. Just as lions are the kings of the jungle, in many cases, the alligator is the king of the swamps. They are usually the top predator in their area only to be surpassed by humans. They are naturally thinning the population of other animals and keeping a balance within that ecosystem. Without this thinning, the food availability for the other species and the plant life balance could throw off the supply and demand within an ecosystem. That being said, though alligators hunt for food, they are opportunists. They will eat anything available to them, including, fish, frogs, birds, turtles, insects, snakes, small mammals, other alligators, deer, and wild hogs. Once the prey is caught, it is typically swallowed whole. They typically will not physically go into a new area to find one

type of food. Alligators can use their jaws to break bones and turtle shells if needed. They also have a flap in the back of their throats that covers their airway to allow it to scoop water animals, like fish, without the water going down into their lungs. Have you ever heard of alligators living in the sewers? You won't find many in New York, but in Florida it is a possibility! You know that picture you created in your head right now of an alligator in a dark sewer tunnel? Did you know that is very similar to their natural dens? Alligators are natural burrowers. They create Gator Holes where they burrow into the earth and create “holes” that will fill with water during wet seasons and retain water during dry seasons providing for water storage for their ecosystem when water may not be readily available otherwise. They also create big caves and tunnels under the surface of the water where they can hide their stockpile of food, rest, and reproduce. These can be tall enough to keep an air pocket for the alligator to breathe and deep

enough for the entire length of the gators body. These later become homes for other aquatic life after an alligator has moved to another location. Since the year 2000, there have been 120 known unprovoked alligator attacks and 12 that resulted in a fatality due to alligator drowning, blood loss, or infection of the wound. There has not been a recorded fatality due to an alligator in the State of Florida since 2007. In 2013, the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) received 14,917 nuisance alligator calls resulting in 8,053 nuisance gator removals. Generally, an alligator may be deemed a nuisance if it is greater than 4 feet in length and the caller believes that it poses a threat to people, pets, or property. To report a possible nuisance alligator, you should call toll free 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) for it to be evaluated or removed. In the State of Florida, you must obtain a permit and carry specific licenses to hunt or harvest an alligator from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. If a complaint meets the criteria, SNAP will issue a permit to a contracted nuisance alligator trapper authorizing the removal of the animal. Complainants must be able to grant legal access to the property on which an alligator is located. But, in the case of private property or publicly managed property, such as an HOA community, the HOA manager or legal representative of such must give consent for them to enter the property for the removal.

when the eggs hatch. Alligators do stay with their young. If you encounter a nest and were to remove the eggs, a mother alligator will look for them! This is very important to remember this after hurricanes and rough storms! Never ever feed an alligator or swim or wade in the waters they are known to live in, especially at dusk or night when they naturally feed. When humans feed alligators, it causes the alligator to lose their natural fear of humans and to associate humans with a food source. Anything fed to an alligator changes the alligator’s natural behavior. It doesn’t matter if it is human food or raw meat. If you see someone feeding or harassing alligators, please report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888404-FWCC. Feeding alligators is against the law and is, therefore, punishable. It is very important to keep children and pets away from the water’s edge. Do not allow dogs or children to swim or explore waters that a known alligator inhabits. Specifically in areas with signs warning you of an alligator’s presence or that is posted with no swimming /fishing signs. An alligator’s prey selection is usually based on size and opportunity and less likely on the recognition of a specific type of animal. Smaller pets and children are easier targets and resemble other smaller prey.

Alligators are not slow moving animals! They can chase you if provoked. They have sharp claws and powerful tails to help them move and attack. If you encounter an alligator, run away. If anyone ever told you to run in a zigzag pattern, don’t. That is a myth that will actually slow you down when you are trying to get away! More often than not, the alligator will run from you first. A non-nuisance alligator will be just as afraid of you as you are of it. Make sure that as you move away, the alligator will not be cornered by the direction you take. This could provoke a scared alligator. If you question whether an alligator within your community is a danger, please contact your HOA manager and SNAP to have it evaluated. Remember, most of the time those alligators found within the community are just as scared of you as you are of them! Most of the time they will go out of their way to avoid you or the area you are in. In the case of large alligators, they have grown that big by staying away from people or they would have been removed before they grew so big!

JANNELL MCDONALD 863-427-7135 jmcdonald@aamfl.com

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Alligators No one wants to encounter an angry alligator! You need to stay alert in areas where you are sure an alligator inhabits. They like to stay under the surface of the water and therefore are not readily spotted. During breeding season, alligators can become even more territorial while mating, making a nest, protecting the eggs, and hatching. Mating season usually lasts from the end of April until the end of September

SPRING 2014 | BELLALAGO BEACON

EVENTS: LIFESTYLES

Every Month April-June

VOLLEYBALL

Mondays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center "Bump, Set, Spike!" We bring the beach to Bellalago for a game of volleyball! Two teams of two players or more on a sand court divided by a net. First team to 21 wins! SOCCER

Tuesdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center Calling all soccer lovers! The object of the game is to score goals by kicking or heading the ball into the opponent's goal. Come play an adrenaline-filled, heart-pumping, game of soccer! FLAG FOOTBALL

groups (0-5 years, 7-9 years, and 10+ years). Lifestyles has heard the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance. After the Easter Egg Hunt, let the fun begin with the Carnival and Health Fair. Food trucks will be selling their specialties and the Sunset Grill will be whipping up something special. DJ Penny will be mixing the beats with her amazing talent and love for music! If you are interested in being an arts and crafts or Health Fair vendor, please contact the Activities Coordinator at kclonts@ aamfl.com. FREE entrance. RAIN OR SHINE. Bellalago amenities will be closed until 2pm. Easter Egg Hunt starts at 9am. Carnival and Health Fair will be open right after the Easter Egg Hunt until 2pm. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND GUESTS OF ALL AGES WELCOME.

Happy Easter!

Wednesdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center "Hut 1, hut 2, HIKE!" Ready for a non-physical approach to the game of football? Flag football is a modified form of football in which ballcarriers are downed by pulling off a marker, or flag, loosely attached to a belt, rather than by tackling. It's tons of fun and best of all, you don't need any pads. Come join the Lifestyles team in a fun gridiron battle! BASKETBALL

Thursdays • 5pm Bellalago Amenity Center "Slam Dunk!" Show your basketball skills and learn some new ones with your friends! Choose teams (3-on-3 or 5-on-5), beat the buzzer, and go for the win! Join us for a fun game of basketball.

April BELLAPALOOZA SPRING FAIR

Saturday, April 12th • 9am-2pm Bellalago Amenity Center What better way to introduce the spring than the Spring Fair with arts and crafts vendors, carnival games, and to top it all off, a Health Fair! This event will have something for everyone. We will start with an Easter Egg Hunt that will be separated into three age 14

BELLALAGO BEACON | SPRING 2014

May MEMORIAL DAY BARBECUE AND FLAG CEREMONY

Monday, May 26th • 9am-2pm Bellalago Amenity Center & Pool Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while protecting our great country. In honor of our fallen soldiers, we will conduct a flag ceremony at Bellalago which will begin at 9am. Following the flag ceremony, come join us on the pool deck for an old fashioned barbeque bash with music, games, and fun for all ages. This event will require purchasing tickets in advance from the Lifestyles Team. Bring your family and friends for a wonderful day out in the sun. This is a chance to mingle with your neighbors and to remember and honor our fallen soldiers. Event is $8 per adult and $5 per child, 10 and under. Pool will be open only to residents who have purchased tickets in advance. Pool will reopen at 2pm for open swim. Isles of Bellalago pool will still be available for open swim. RESIDENTS ONLY. PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE. Tickets will be available at both Amenity Centers on April 1st.

June SPLISH SPLASH POOL PARTY

Saturday, June 7th • 11am-2pm Bellalago Amenity Center Pool Fins up Bellalago! Let’s have some fun in the sun and bring the Caribbean to Poinciana with a Jimmy Buffet style pool party. With catered Caribbean style food, drinks, and relaxing music, how can you go wrong? This event will require purchasing tickets in advance from the Lifestyles Team. Get ready to relax, catch some rays, and enjoy the music and food. Event tickets are $10 per person and $5 per child, 10 and under. Pool will be open only to residents who have purchased tickets in advance. Pool will reopen at 2pm for open swim. Isles of Bellalago pool will still be available for open swim. RESIDENTS ONLY. PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE. Tickets will be available at both Amenity Centers on May 1st.

KID'S CORNER

Need some fun activities to do with the kids this spring? Well, then you'e in luck! We are truly blessed to have the talents of Liz Payne on our staff at Bellalago. What Liz can do with an empty toilet paper roll, paper scraps, and some sticky tape is simply amazing. We have two kinds of events for two age groups - Little Tykes for our 2-5 year-olds and Kids Crafts for children 6 years and older. Times and dates are detailed below.

LITTLE TYKES (2-5 YEARS) Mondays at 10am Bellalago Amenity Center April 14th May 5th June 9th

KIDS CRAFTS (6+ YEARS) Saturdays at 2pm Bellalago Amenity Center April 12th May 3rd June 14th Liz will be offering several craft days over the next few months. All supplies are provided so come on out, bring the kids, and see what she’s making. Your kids get to create a masterpiece of their own and all the mess is at our house and not your own!

SPRING 2014 | BELLALAGO BEACON