Sunday, February 28, 2010

Good News from Tallahassee

We received some great news from Tallahassee this week. The 100+ page bill (H.B.419) died in committee this week. There were over 70 pages of legislation that directly impacted Chapter 719 (Florida statutes) governed resident-owned mobile home parks. That would be us.
They wanted to limit the term of office for all directors to a two year term, among other things. I'm waiting to hear what else is in the future for us.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Save Gandy Coalition Meeting

The Save Gandy coalition is meeting at Scan Design at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 1st to discuss the latest happenings as well as the upcoming City Council meeting which will be held on Thursday, March 4th at 9:00 AM.

The Tampa City Council has no authority in this matter since Gandy is US 92 and is maintained by the Florida Dept of Transportation. Seeing that there is opposition to this proposal by the neighborhoods Mary Mulhern, the councilwoman-at-large, requested it be discussed.

Al Steenson, the president of the neighborhood association just south of Gandy, would like to see around 20 people or so at the City Council meeting next Thursday in an effort to show there is strong opposition.

The fact there are around 1,400 people who have signed a petition, and Regency Cove's voting opposed the project by 3 to 1, should be enough to show any community leader that the opposition is very real.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Golfers Breakfast Today

Wipe the sleep out of your eyes, get out of your jammies, and head over to the clubhouse for some hot coffee, a steaming breakfast, and some great conversation. The guys will be cooking from 7:30 til 11:00 am. Come on by.

St Pat's Fish Fry

Today was the first of the lenten Friday fish dinners prepared by a group of very familiar guys over at St Patrick's church. For $7, you have a choice of 3 different types of fish, and two sides, with a hunk of bread, a drink, and dessert. My battered deep-fried fish was hot and crunchy, and I got more than I could eat. Everything was delicious!
From the looks of the crowd, many Regency Cove residents know that the food is plentiful and delicious. I'll bet we packed half of that room with our park residents. It reminded me of a potluck supper.
If you missed it today, try it out next Friday. Doors open at 5:00.

Candidates Night

There are six candidates running for four board positions this year. You will have an opportunity to meet the candidates and listen to their views on Monday night, February 22, at 7pm.

Director Patti Fennessy will conduct the question-and-answer session, and is currently gathering your questions. There is a box in the office for you to turn them in.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Board Meeting Feb 17, 2010

There will be a meeting of the Board of Directors tomorrow, Wednesday, February 17, 2010, in Goodwin Hall at 2:00 pm.

Topics of interest will include Candidate's Night (Feb 22), an update from the independent seawall inspection, Personnel Policy, ByLaws changes, the 2 person per house rule, use of all available resources for meetings, the West Shore fence, and the front parking lot.

Sounds like a good meeting. Hope you can make it.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Agenda Meeting Thursday at 2:00

There's probably going to be a lot of angry people at the Agenda Meeting tomorrow. Its not like these meetings draw scores of residents. Years ago, these meetings were called "board workshops" and they were held privately and without notice. Now we post them, and a handful of truely interested residents attend. I really welcome their interest!
We will talk tomorrow about posting the meetings. Our Wednesday Agenda Meeting was posted on the Billboard out in front of the gate. It was also correctly posted on the calendar of our Outlook. Unfortunately, it was not posted on the bulletin board in the Information Room. And because of that, the date had to be changed.
My fault, I guess

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Transit Authority exaggerates support

A short video appeared on Channel 10 News the other day about South Tampa's opposition to the Gandy Overpass project. I have newspaper clippings as far back as 2002 that show Ellen Nimon and many other residents' efforts to defeat the Transit Authority's plan to build the overpass at our front door. For almost a decade, we have fought to maintain our property values here in the park.

By our not taking an official stand against the project, the Transit Authority perceived it, and loudly advertised that we were in support of it.

A resident, John Rechsteiner nailed it on the head when he was interviewed and said that this project does NOT have the support of this community. Right on, John!

See for yourself. There is a video in the upper right corner of the link below.

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=124774&catid=8

Monday, February 8, 2010

Gandy Overpass Decision

The ballots to determine the park's position on the Expressway Authority's proposed solution have been counted. Seventy-four ballots were turned in, and fifty-two were opposed to the Gandy overpass project. Three residents had no opinion, and only nineteen indicated that they favored the project. We will be sure to notify Commissioner Rose Ferlita, Councilman John Dingfelder, and Councilwoman Mary Mulhern of your opinion. Thanks for participating.

Gasparilla 2010


Two hundred people were fed at the 2010 annual Regency Cove Gasparilla Celebration on Saturday, Feb 6, 2010. Countless others joined in the outdoor festivities and parade, despite the inclement weather. For months these committeemen organized and planned this gala event.
Co-chairmen Ron Jeffries (right), Mike Ross (left), and Grand Parade Marshall Chet Hindman (center), meet out at Sunset Point to assess the dangerous weather conditions. (photo Sandy Ross)












High winds and rough seas all but destroyed the historic flotilla. One hale and hearty sea captain and first mate, Ed and Dee Bedore, with an energetic Krewe ventured out into Pirates' Cove. Providing ballast and also throwing beads were John Rechsteiner, Len and Etel Helbig, Toots Gorr, and Al and Gerry Sullivan. (photo by Anna Jeffries)

Rough winds did not deter the resident band, Regency Ramblers from providing entertainment under the pavillion. Quite a few residents gathered to enjoy their music, waiting for the parade to begin. (Photo by Sandy Ross)




Resident Charlene Eddington adds some finishing touches to her grandchildrens' bikes, in preparation for the parade. (photo by Sandy Ross)










An eerie character lurks in her golfcart, awaiting the parade. (Photo Sandy Ross)

















Winners of the best decorated bike contest won a sack of gold pieces. (Help me out with names, please.) (Photo Anna Jeffries)







For the second year in a row, Chuck Davis won for the best decorated boat. Chuck organized the flotilla for the first time this year. (Photo Anna Jeffries)












We are pleased that newcomers Jerry and Barbara Williams won the best decorated golf cart. (Photo Anna Jeffries)This Fall, shortly after they bought their cart, it was used to plant palms on Pelican Point. Today they carried cash, beads, and booze, and won First Prize. (Photo Sandy Ross)


























Best Female costume Char Eddington. Best Male costume Charlie Ennis.
Best dressed couple Ron and Anna Jeffries.




The party was a blast. Jerry Chase entertained and had the dance floor filled all night. It was a success!










Friday, February 5, 2010

Gasparilla 2010



Stay tuned to the weather forecast to see what's up with the Gasparilla Flotilla and Parade. If the winds are up and the seas are rough, the boats may not go out. Weather permitting, the boats will arrive at Sunset Point at 3pm. Come to catch the beads!




The Regency Ramblers will be performing under the pavillion. Clubhouse doors will open at 4 pm.




Check the back of your ticket for the schedule.

New Candidates

Today marked the deadline for Declaration of Intent to Run as a Candidate for the Board of Directors forms to be returned to the Office. Our Gray Book dictates that after the deadline, a nominating meeting must be held within 5 days. That meeting was held today at 4:00 pm.

President Paul McCumber questioned the Board of Directors for additional nominees. He questioned the Board three times, with no response. Paul then put the question out to the membership, to call for additional nominations. Again, he requested three times, and again there were no additional nominations.

The slate stands:
Susan Dunphy
Sandy Ross
Betty Ridge
Dennis Kralick
Bob Simmons
Parker Kimball
There are four board vacancies. A Candidates' Night is being planned, and will be announced. Stay tuned.
Block Captains will be distributing packets by the middle of next week.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Fallen Hero Escort Route

Sgt. Daniel M. Angus, 28, of Thonotosassa, Fl died January 24th while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Angus was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

We are planning an escort for him and we need your support. We would like to have supporters all along the route from MacDill to the funeral home, Serenity Meadows in Riverview. Please come out and show this family your support.

THURSDAY, February 04, 2010

1400 hrs: Marine Sgt. Daniel M. Angus arrives at MacDill Air Force Base
1430 hrs. (approximate): Escort departs MacDill AFB
Ø Escort proceeds North on Bayshore Boulevard to
Ø East on Platt Street Bridge to
Ø North on Florida Avenue to
Ø East on Jackson Street to
Ø North on Jefferson Street to
Ø East on Twiggs Street to
Ø Channelside Drive to
Ø East on SR 60 to
Ø South on US 301 to
Ø East on Bloomingdale Avenue to
Ø South on Providence Road to
Ø Serenity Meadows Funeral Home
(6919 Providence RoadRiverview, FL 33578-4528)

WalMart Progress

The contractor's superintendant at the Gandy WalMart construction site sent the following email to the president of our neighboring neighborborhood association just south of Gandy.

"Good morning Al just wanted to give you a progress update as we are completing pad prep this week and we will be starting foundations next week. You can let the community also know that we will be starting with masonry walls the following week. I will do my best to send you some updates on a regular basis. "

Its almost time to sign up for the Greeter position.

Screen Calls From Callbox

Just a warning to all park residents: On Saturday night, I observed a homeless man standing at our call box, hitting numbers in an attempt to gain access. You may know of him, he stands outside St Pat's Church on Sunday mornings with a sign that reads "Homeless Vet". His name is Joe. Joe has learned the names of one or two park residents who have helped him over the years.
When I spoke to him, he said that his usual sleeping place was flooding (it rained Saturday, remember?). I asked him why he didn't go to a shelter to get out of the weather, and he said that he doesn't like the shelters because there are too many rules. Joe is a heavy drinker, and shelters don't allow alcohol.
Please be careful of allowing park access to unidentified persons who may call your house. They may mention the name of well-known residents, but don't fall for it. If they do make it into the park, please call the police and report a trespasser.
We need to work together to keep our park safe.