Ed Scobee Hospitalized

Maintenance Supervisor Ed Scobee is resting for the second night at Tampa General Hospital. What was once thought to be appendicitis may been ruled out, and the doctors are continuing to poke and prod. Ed, our thoughts and prayers are with you, speedy recovery to you!

Christmas Cruise

December 12 - 19, 2010

CARNIVAL LEGEND..7 NIGHTS..BELIZE, ROATAN, GRAND CAYMEN, COZUMEL
FROM TAMPA
ALL TAXES INCLUDED
INSIDE $506.72 (72.39 PER DAY)
OUTSIDE $559.72
BALCONY $701.72

CABINS WILL GO FAST AT THESE PRICES..CONTACT 839-6776
OR SALTYDG@AOL.COM

Regency Cove Aerial Act

Caught on camera by resident Ed Bedore. This 4 picture story needs no words.

Florida's Other Giant Oranges

If you're finding some of your favorite foliage disappearing right before your eyes, you don't have to look far to find the culprit. Its that season again. Florida's Giant Orange Grasshoppers or Eastern Lubbers are in their adult prime right now.

This gigantic, slow moving grasshopper’s bright orange, yellow and red colors are a warning to its animal predators that it contains toxins that will make them sick. If for any reason, a person refuses to heed the color warning and pick it up, the grasshopper makes a loud hissing noise and may secrete an irritating foul-smelling brown foamy spray, sometimes called "tobacco spit"'.

Lubbers lay eggs in caches of 25 to 50 in the summertime, which spend the winter underground. In the springtime, mid-March in Florida, wingless nymphs emerge and partake in a feeding frenzy. One swarm took my 15 inch Xanadu bush down to the roots this past spring. They are perhaps an inch long, black with a yellow stripe on the backs, and usually spotted in swarms. They will molt their exoskeleton at least 5 times roughly every two weeks, until they become mature and the life cycle continues again. As they mature, their bodies take on a new adult shape and coloration. Although they have small wings, they are flightless, but their large back legs allow them giant leaps of up to 20 times their body length.

These 4-inch grasshoppers are too large and toxic for most natural predators, so they don’t need to move fast. If eaten, their toxin can kill a small animal, or make a good size bird really sick. They feed on broadleaf ornamentals, orchids, and even citrus, and can really become a nuisance when swarms invade residential areas. Lubbers seem to be unaffected by most insecticides, except in the nymph stage. If they invade a garden, the best way to get rid of them is to stomp on them, or ‘hand pick’ them and drown them in a bucket of soapy water.

I have personally smashed them with a sandal and knocked them into the garden, only to find that they have dragged themselves off somewhere to recuperate. Its time for a good pair of brogans.

Sources:

Wild Florida Eco-Travel Guide http://www.wildflorida.com/

American Orchid Society http://www.aos.org/

National Night Out

27th ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
AMERICA’S NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME
Ballast Point Park
AUGUST 3, 2010
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
5300 Interbay Blvd. Tampa, FL 33611

BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND
FAMILIES
MEET YOUR POLICE OFFICERS,
FIREMEN AND NEIGHBORS!

Hurricane Cuts

Its that time of year again. Despite all regard for the recommendations from the experts at

Hillsborough County Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, Ameri Pride trucks entered the park this morning, with a crew of chainsaw-wielding workers.

I happened to be weeding on Blvd 7 when one of the men scrambled up the palm tree ten feet away from me, and he started dropping fronds. Be careful out there!

I imagine they will be here for a week, so get ready for the noise and the mess. Report any damage to your landscaping to the Office immediately.

Post Office Concerns

Many residents are complaining about the new sticker affixed to some of our mail. The sticker reads: This mail is addressed incorrectly. Your mail is being processed on automated equipment. To avoid delay or possible return of your mail, please notify the sender of your correct address.

When I went to the local post office, I spoke with the supervisor who can't seem to understand why this is happening. He claims that the stickers are being applied at the sorting station near the airport. Apparently our usual form of address isn't on their computer. I advised the supervisor that there are over 400 homes in this park, and it would be easier to change the computer. He took my name and phone number, and left it at that.

The scarey thing is, that an official change of address occurred with my name at one of my financial institutions. I received a letter notifying me that my address had been officially changed to Austin, Texas. Irately, I called my son in Austin who knew nothing of the matter. Together we made a conference call to the bank and we were told that they received a notice from the post office saying that B15 Lot 20 is not a registered address, and somehow they came up with my son's address, and the post office took it upon themselves to officially change the address of my annuity. Sounds like BIG BROTHER is here. There is a computer somewhere, and it is changing our addresses to something it likes better. My new address is Lot B 1528. It doesn't even make sense! And now I am supposed to mail out a notice to all 150 in our address book. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Volunteers in the Park

Over the weekend, I saw the man with his handy screwgun repairing the loose fence boards over on Pelican Point. The rose garden crew weed and water when necessary all summer long. Just today a small group of residents weeded Blvd. 7, for several hours. They plan to work on that weeding job several more times, early in the morning. Come and help if you can.

CFL bulb warning

Email from a Chicago cop:

Here is a picture of a CFL bulb ( compact fluorescent light bulb) from my bathroom. I turned it on the other day and then smelled smoke after a few minutes. Four inch flames were spewing out of the side of the ballast like a blow torch! I immediately turned off the lights. But I'm sure it would have caused a fire if I was not right there. Imagine if the kids had left the lights on as usual when they were not in the room.

I took the bulb to the Fire Department today to report the incident. The Fireman wasn't at all surprised a d said that it was not an uncommon occurrence. Apparently, sometimes when the bulb burns out there is a chance that the ballast can start a fire. He told me that the Fire Marshall had issued reports about the dangers of these bulbs.

Upon doing some Internet research, it seems that bulbs made by "Globe" in China seem to have the lion’s share of problems. Lots of fires have been blamed on misuse of CFL bulbs, like using them in recessed lighting, pot lights, dimmers or in track lighting. Mine was not in any of those. It was a normal light socket.

I bought these at Wal-Mart. I will be removing all the Globe bulbs from my house. I have not decided yet if we are going back to incandescent bulbs at this point.

Just thought you should know.

Meeting Highlights

The officers are attempting to renegotiate the HORC notes for several of the 40 or so individuals making payments, in an attempt to lower the interest payments. Funds ($1,000) were set aside to record the loans with the county.
A new employee leasing company was contracted, with a compatible insurance benefits for our employees. Some benefits were reduced.
The Marine Committee designed a new form to approve all boats and trailers coming into our storage lot and/or docks. Apparently a few residents have slipped in several boats which are larger than allowed by our rules (max. 26 ft.). The application form will prevent this sort of misrepresentation from happening again. The maximum boat length was voted to a new 28 ft. Now everyone is legal.
Construction work has been approved for the Office, to move a door which will prevent anyone from walking into the manager or the actual office. Another access doorway will be cut through the wall further in the back.
The board approved several new renters in the apartments, and apparently will do so in the future. Gone are the days of the Resident Review Committee, and the shady approvals of a manager long ago. At least now, SOMEONE other than the manager will be overseeing new residents. That’s a good thing. We have been striving for this ever since Larry Buttelwerth sat on the board for his second term. More eyes are better, and then again there are more people to take the blame if anything goes afoul.
PARKING!!! Big agenda item. The president rewrote parts of the Rules and Regs, and then other board members made some changes. After some confusion on motions and amendments to motions, the board voted to approve the changes to parking on the common areas. Overnight parking and permanent parking in the areas around the club house and the Office is now restricted. The changes will go into effect when the new rule is mailed to all residents. I am relieved that the parking issue has finally been resolved, but there is no priority for this in July and August. The Board could have better prepared themselves for this rule change, and saved more than 20 minutes of meeting time by bringing a “refined rule” to the table. There was no reason to rush this through at this meeting. This wasn’t even on the agenda.

Board Meeting Tues

There will be a meeting of the Board of Directors on Tuesday, July 13,2010 at 2:00pm. The following agenda is posted in the Information Room:

I Opening Remarks President
II Approval of Previous Minutes Secretary
III Treasurer’s Report Treasurer
IV Budget Review Paul McCumber
V Manager’s Report Cheri Scobee
VI Road Maintenance Betty Ridge
VII HORC Notes Betty Ridge
VIII Employee Payroll & Benefits Paul McCumber
IX Marine Committee Report Patti Fennessey
X Door in Administrative Office Betty Ridge
XI Apartment Rental Approvals Paul McCumber
XII Board Approval New Residents Rose Reis
XIII Parking Paul McCumber
XIV Service Animal Form Patti Fennessey
XV Excess Employees Rose Reis

Redfish Utility Improvements

Water and electric improvements have been in the works for quite a while for the boaters with docks on Redfish Bayou. All of a sudden, the work seems to have come to a screeching halt. After the Marine Committee meeting today, several committee members questioned the manager about the delay.
Cheri's response indicated that "the electric is on hold due to conflicts between the City of Tampa and Tampa Electric." The city wants the installation one way, but Tampa Electric wants something else. The electrician appears to be caught in the middle.
The water will be put in place after the electric is okay and our crew has time in between the priority projects. It sure is tough getting caught in the beaurocratic cogs. Hang tight.

New Gate Arrives

A beautiful white metal gate was installed today at the back entrance on West Shore Blvd. The installers said it will be functional today. The company will also install a new West Shore pedestrian gate soon. Your dollars at work.

Two International Guests Come to the Cove

Jere Palmgren, a resident on Canal, will be hosting two young women from Spain for three weeks. They are arriving on July 9. Sandra (left) is 17, from Barcelona and Almudena (right) is 16, and from Madrid. They will be involved in daily English lessons and cultural activities from 8 to 5:30 weekdays at a church in St. Petersburg. The rest of the time is up to host family.

This experience is to help them learn about America. If you see the girls in the park, please make them feel welcome.

July 4 Party a Success

The formula for a good party at Regency Cove includes many volunteers, and good notice to the residents. On holiday weekends, throw in family and friends, and Regency Cove has a smashing party formula.
Tonight several board members with bunches of resident-volunteers pulled off a HOT July 4 celebration in the hall. Over 160 signed up for the free festivities. Many new faces of volunteers pitched in serving the hot dog, hamburger, and cheeseburger main course, cooked by Chuck Paramore.
Residents were asked to bring sides and desserts. Have you ever seen so many platters of deviled eggs and brownies in your life?
Brownies, cakes and cupcakes filled the dessert table, along with a selection of cut fruits. Ample supplies were available for the young and old attending.
This morning's steady drizzle paused for 4 or 5 hours this afternoon, and once everyone was safely in the hall, the sky opened up again for yet another significant rainfall. Luckily no strong winds accompanied this little tropical depression.

The music was really hot. I asked several planners the name of the group, and they all answered, " You know, that group from Chuck Davis." They sang a variety of genres, with a

visiting, outstanding female lead this

time. A little girl with a toy guitar walked up on the stage several times, practicing for her debut on American Idol in 15 years. She was adorable!
It was a great party for Regency Cove, when summers can get a little tedious. It was a wonderful birthday celebration for our great nation, and a great get-together for our wonderful community. Happy Birthday USA. Stay strong, we love you!

New Water Restrictions

Now that its raining everyday, the water restrictions have changed. Go figure.

Beginning July 1, Tampa residents and businesses will have a choice of days for watering their yards. The Southwest Florida Water Management District voted to return the region to year-round water restrictions that allow watering up to twice a week on assigned days. Although irrigation will be allowed twice a week, everyone is asked to only irrigate as
needed.

In March, Tampa updated its year-round watering restrictions and matched assigned irrigation days in Tampa with those in Unincorporated Hillsborough County.
Tampa's new year-round irrigation schedule is:
• At addresses ending in 0, 1, 2, or 3: on Mondays and Thursdays;• At addresses ending in 4, 5, or 6: on Tuesdays and Fridays;• At addresses ending in 7, 8, or 9: on Wednesdays and Saturdays;•
Irrigation between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. will remain prohibited. Micro-irrigation and other low-volume irrigation of non-turf landscaping will be allowed on an as-needed basis, with no restrictions on days or times.
The move to year-round restrictions also eliminates assigned days for vehicle washing, removes time limits on the operation of decorative fountains and lifts pressure washing limitations.
Year-round restrictions apply to the use of all water sources, except reclaimed water, inside the Tampa city limits.
These sources include but are not limited to: water provided by the Tampa Water Department, water provided by private
utilities, wells, ponds, lakes, and harvested rainwater.
More detailed information on the restrictions in place starting July 1 is available at TampaGov.net/WaterRestrictions. A
recorded summary of irrigation days is available by calling (813) 274-8032.

Jerry Frankhouser, PresidentBayside West Neighborhood Association

4th of July Party

It finally occurred to somebody that our July 4 party needs to be organized. Today is the last day to sign up for the party in the Information Room. The Board is sponsoring and footing the bill (as per the Outlook) for hot dogs and burgers on Sunday at 5:00. Thankfully the festivities will happen in the hall, and not outside in the heat and storms. SMART CHOICE!!!

Residents and family members are invited, and encouraged to bring salads and desserts to fill out the Bar B Q menu. Our residents usually respond remarkably to these sort of things. This will be a wonderful event. Hope all of you attend.