Dogs and Cats At Large

Question:
My neighbor's pets are always on my property. I don't own any animals, and don't want my neighbor's pets on my property. Will the Hillsborough County animal ordinance protect me and my property?

Answer:
Excluding public right-of-way on an owner's private property, no dog or cat shall be allowed to stray, run or go, at large upon any public property or street, sidewalk, park, or on the private property of another without the consent of the property owner. Any cat routinely outdoors while not under direct control must be sterilized. This will better protect the private property rights of our citizens who do not want dogs or cats on their property. It will help reduce problems that can result from outdoor pet cats indiscriminately breeding. It will also likely result, over time, in a higher percentage of pet cats being kept indoors; thereby reducing the health and safety risks to which outdoor cats are exposed.

VIOLATIONS: Dogs and cats at large as prohibited by Section 10.

FIRST OFFENSE - $100 Fine

SECOND OFFENSE - $200 Fine

THIRD OFFENSE - Mandatory Court Appearance

To report a violation call Animal Services 813-744-5660.


SECTION 10. CONFINEMENT TO PROPERTY; DOGS AND CATS AT LARGE; EXCEPTIONS

Excluding public right-of-way on an owner's private property, no DOG or CAT shall be allowed to stray, run or go, AT LARGE upon any public property or street, sidewalk, park, or on the private property of another without the consent of the property owner.
Any CAT that is outdoors while not under DIRECT CONTROL must be STERILIZED.
Any DOG or CAT that is on private property without the consent of the property owner or resident may be captured in a humane trap or otherwise HUMANELY confined. PERSONS capturing AT LARGE DOGS or CATS will be responsible for the humane care of the ANIMAL until the captured ANIMAL is turned over to the DEPARTMENT, other humane organization, or licensed wildlife trapper. A PERSON shall not entice a DOG or CAT to become AT LARGE for the purpose of trapping or apprehending when that DOG or CAT would otherwise not be AT LARGE.
No PERSON shall under any circumstance TETHER or otherwise CONFINE any ANIMAL in a manner that is injurious to its health. In order for a dog or cat to be allowed on a public street, road, park or other public property, excluding public right-of-way on an owner's private property or unless otherwise specifically permitted, the dog or cat shall be under the direct control of the owner or keeper, except while hunting pursuant to permit or during a legitimate obedience demonstration, show, trial, training exercise, competition, show and/or match or educational program, so long as proper precautions are taken by the owner of the dog and/or sponsor of the event to insure the safety and protection of both the public and other animals

Grills in a Small Community

Just within the past few days, several issues have surfaced involving outdoor grills. Apparently there are no current rules or regulations involving the use of grills on your home site. There are, however, restrictions regarding changes to your unit. Any changes outside of your unit require a permit from the association. If you install concrete or patio blocks on your site, you require a permit. If you paint your exterior, you require a permit. No work is allowed to begin until the permit is posted on the building or in a window. Violations will be addressed by the manager. Fines may be imposed, or the unit owner may be required to make corrections or changes.

Cooking on Balconies

The Florida Fire Prevention Code prohibits any cooking on a balcony of an apartment or condominium. The only exception is for electrical cooking appliances such as electric ranges or electric grills.

Storage of L.P. Gas or Gas Grills

The Florida Fire Prevention Code also prohibits the storage or use of L.P. gas in quantities greater than 1 pound above the first floor in any apartment or condominium. Therefore, L.P. gas grills cannot be stored on a balcony. It is important to note that L.P. gas cylinders cannot be stored inside the residential unit or anywhere above the first floor.

Please report violations to any Board member or to the manager.


Regarding the use of grills, we hope that all outdoor cooks take into consideration their neighbors' rights, health and well-being. Smoke should not bother your neighbors. Grills should not be positioned under windows, or too close to any structure.

Be a good neighbor. This community has a history of camaraderie and good neighbors. Let's keep it up.

The Privilege of Ladies

Any calandar year which is divisible by four is a designated leap year, and it contains an extra day that is added to the end of the month of February. The celebration of each leap year is strangely observed only on that 29th day of February. Today.

Legend has it that this day marks the Privilege of Ladies, the time-honored folk tradition which allows a female to either propose to or ask to date any unmarried man of her choosing. This privilege is claimed by some to have its roots back to St. Patrick, when St. Bridget complained about her inability to request a man's company. He proposed an option for every seven years, but she negotiated it to four.

Back in the 1937, a footrace for Sadie Hawkins Day made its debut in Al Capp's Li'l Abner strip. Sadie Hawkins was "the homeliest gal in the hills" who grew tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courtin'. Her father, Hekzebiah Hawkins, a prominent resident of Dogpatch, was even more worried about Sadie living at home for the rest of his life, so he decreed the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, a foot race in which the unmarried gals pursued the town's bachelors, with matrimony the consequence. By the late 1930's the event had swept the nation and had a life of its own. Life magazine reported over 200 colleges holding Sadie Hawkins Day events in 1939, only two years after its inception. (Snopes.com)

The day will pass silently here in Regency Cove. Of course, it's up to you, Ladies. Have a nice day, Gentlemen!

Just For A Little Fun

I found this little game in the Southwest Airlines magazine last week. Thought I would share it with you.

Directions: Change one letter in the first word and one letter in the second word to restore each celebrity's first and last name. First one to guess them all, please post the answers in a comment. There is no prize. There's HONOR in this win.


1. BIN SPILLER


2. MATH DEMON


3. HOTLY HUNTED


4. HUGE GIANT


5. TERM WATCHER


6. WARDEN BEAUTY


7. DENIM LEAKY


8. NUDE LAD


9. TIMER FOODS


10. FELINE LION


Good luck! Let's see who guesses them correctly first.

Gandy Blvd. Improvement Open House

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold an open house to update the community on the status of the Gandy Blvd. reconstruction project, the South Dale Mabry concrete resurfacing project and the intersection improvements at Dale Mabry and Bay to Bay. The meeting will be held Thursday, March 6, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Center, 4210 W. Bay Villa Ave., located behind the Jan Platt Library. This is the special education school next to the Boy's and Girl's Club.

There will be no formal presentation, however, project information for each of the projects will be available and staff will be on-hand to answer questions. The Gandy Blvd project extends from the Gandy Bridge to Dale Mabry and involves converting the existing five lane highway with a center turn lane to a four lane divided highway with medians. The South Dale Mabry project extends from Sevilla St. to Kennedy Blvd. and involves replacing and repairing the damaged concrete roadway slabs and realigning the Bay to Bay intersection.

The open house will be held in accordance with 23 CFR 771 and Title VI and VIII of the United States Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968. Access for the disabled is offered and in compliance with 49 CFR part 27 and 49 CFR parts 37 and 38. Anyone with special needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Lori Buck at least seven days in advance at 1-800-226-7220 or (813) 975-6284, or by letter to Lori Buck at the Florida Department of Transportation, 11201 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612-6456, or by email at lori.buck@dot.state.fl.us.

Jerry Frankhouser, President Bayside West Neighborhood Association http://www.baysidewest.50megs.com/ 813-507-9664

Longest Married Couple

1965 (25th wedding anniversary)



Club Regency rocked for 4 hours Monday night celebrating the annual 50th anniversaries of its members, in pictures and songs. (See the link to Club Regency to the right)

The longest married couple (to our knowledge) in Regency Cove was briefly acknowledged Monday night in song by the 200 people who sang a romantic salute to their 'Sentimental Journey".

Mickie and Carrelton Hess, of 6 Pelican, were married on May 12, 1940 in Washington. Carrelton later completed a 30 year military career. They are warm and lovely people, very active with golf, bowling, and the Yacht Club.



When their anniversary comes around this Spring, I will present a fitting interview to all you RC Whisperings bloggers.



If you're lucky enough to see these lovebirds around the park, give them a wink or a high-five. They have been married 67 years..... my oh my! We should all be so lucky! God bless you both.

Community Association Day

CA Day is March 7, 2008 at the "Harborview Center" and it is FREE! The event runs from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, and will have many booths of firms who provide various services to resident owned communities. There are lots of give-aways, and usually an interesting session with attorneys with experience in manufactured home matters.

Please plan to attend, carpool with your neighbors or board members.

For directions go to Google Maps:
Harborview Center
300 Cleveland St.
Clearwater,FL 33755
727-462-6778

Board Passes Seawall Motions

At the meeting this morning of the Board of Directors of Regency Cove, two motions were passed which involve the seawall. A motion was presented to replace the seawall as per the recommendations of the consulting firm of Reuben Clarson. Several Directors took issue with the wording of that motion, and after a suggestion made by Ed Bedore, the wording was altered to read: To proceed with plans and actions to replace/repair the seawall as per the recommendations of......

With this rewording, the motion was unanimously passed.

The second motion was to hire Reuben Clarson to implement all aspects of the project: securing bids, advising the Board on the selection of a contractor, selecting materials, and overseeing the project. Two directors voted no (Sousa and Ross) the rest voted yes. He spoke for about 45 minutes, with a brief introduction of himself and the project, and later he answered questions asked by the residents. The questioning was stopped by the president, and several people complained about their inability to question him.

Election Committee 2008

At the Board meeting today, the directors passed approval for the Election Committee for 2008. These are the good folks who will count the ballots and generally run the election on March 12, 2008. The following people comprise the committee:
Rosemary Mann
Nadine Gotschall
Leona Hackman
Sylvis Bass
Jane Mahoney
Shirley Mountford
Robert Rios
Nida Oschwald
Paul Larsen

Observer:
Eleanor Courchesne

Chair Person:
Ruth Paruszkiewicz

Assistant Chair Person:
Gloris LaDoucer

Reserves:
Claud Pegden

Ink Jet Cartridges Recycled

Please turn in your non-refilled ink jet and toner cartridges to the Office. The average value of an empty cartridge is around $2. Food For The Poor is a Catholic agency that recycles these cartridges and uses the cash to buy food, educational and building supplies for Third World countries. A mere $3 will buy 20 pounds of rice and beans, and will feed a nutritious meal to 80 children.
Check out their site and find other ways to donate:
http://www.foodforthepoor.org/

Thanks to everyone who has already donated.

Pancake Breakfast Feb 15

The Regency Cove Golf Association is sponsoring their 2008 Pancake Breakfast on Friday, Feb. 15. It will run from 7:30 am til 11:30am at the clubhouse.

For a modest charge of $3.50, fill your gizzards with savory sausage and steaming pancakes, complete with juice and coffee, tea, or milk. What a deal!

Board Meeting Feb.16

A Board meeting has been announced for Saturday Feb 16, at 10 am. It is rumored that the seawall will be discussed and voted on by the Board. This will be an information meeting for the residents, because it appears that the seawall engineer Reuben Clarson will be present to answer your questions, and so will an officer from First Community Bank.

February Potluck

FEBRUARY 18, 2008 AT 5:30 PM SHARP

An Old Fashioned Love Song is the theme of the 2008 celebration of the 50th anniversaries in the park.There has been a change and all food will be provided by our wonderful cooks: 1/4 rotisseried chicken, parsley potatoes, green beans,and a dinner roll with dessert.

Guests will pay $5.00 to enjoy this wonderful meal with entertainment. Please pay your 2008 membership to Carole Hindman before or at the potluck. All others, please wear your 2008 badges.
Our hosts are Blvds 5-7-and 11, with co-chairs Shirley Zyks and Jane Mahoney.

Bring your drinks and glasses, but coffee will be provided. The sign-up sheet will be gone on Feb 14 or when we run out of seats. Sign up today!!!

Paint Your Heart Out Tampa

Luckily there was an underwhelming response to our posting on this topic last month. After submitting a resident's name to the PYHOT commission, we learned that metal and vinyl homes are not acceptable for the program. No they will not come into our park to paint homes of needy individuals.
Of course that doesn't mean that WE can't do it. I would be very interested to learn if there is anyone in the park willing to assist a homeowner in need. Please leave a comment.

Is anyone really out there?

Candidates Night

For just under 2 hours earlier this evening, close to 200 Regency Cove residents listened to and questioned the 11 candidates running for office to fill the four Board vacancies. President Ellen Nimon chaired the event by introducing the candidates, and timing their 10 minute presentation. All of the candidates should be congratulated, first for giving of their time and running, and second, for well delivered presentations before the large assembly.

As a candidate just one year ago, I remember all too well the nerve-wracking preparation and the delivery of this short presentation.

The shareholders have an awesome task right now of sorting out the right people for the job who will represent their wishes. True democracy in action. Make sure you are careful filling your ballot and marking the envelope correctly, so that your ballot will be counted. March 12 is Election Day, bring your ballots to that meeting. They can also be handed in early to the Office.

Just a short postscript: Many of the candidates tonight stressed the need for better communication in the park. My dear neighbor Nancy shared with me the hand written resume when her husband Bob Malmquist ran for the Board in 1995. Beneath his educational qualifications, and considerable experience, he listed his "platform" ( 3 words only) "Let's improve communication!!" Some things never change.

Drivers Needed

Paid Meal Drivers Wanted for Seniors in Need

A hot meal and seniors in need--you can help bring the two together. Hillsborough County’s Aging Services Department is looking for drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors. Drivers earn $6.93 an hour for up to 18.75 hours per week. Mileage reimbursement is set at 37.5 cents per mile.

For more information on delivering meals to seniors, or if you can help, please contact Kimberly Porter, Aging Services, at 272-5160.

Gasparilla Photos

Photobucket Album

More Gasparilla Photos

Candidates Night

All residents are strongly encouraged to attend the 2008 Candidates Night event at Regency Cove, on Friday, February 8, at 7 pm. Elections will be held in March. To date there are 11 persons running to fill the four Board vacancies. All are qualified candidates. This will be an exciting election. Bring your questions to ask the candidates, to see where they stand on the important issues.

What issue do you feel is important for the candidates to address? Leave your comments below. We do appreciate knowing who you are when you comment, however anonymous comments are still accepted.