Sun City Center Emergency Squad Celebrates 60 Years of Service to the Greater Sun City Center Area
On March 13th, the Sun City Center Emergency Squad marked a significant milestone as it celebrated 60 years of dedicated service to the residents of Sun City Center. The commemorative event, held at the Sun City Center Community Hall, saw an impressive turnout of over 200 attendees eager to honor the squad’s rich history and invaluable contributions to the community.
The celebratory gathering was a testament to the deep appreciation and esteem in which the Emergency Squad is held by the residents it serves. Attendees were treated to delectable pastries from Moreno’s Bakery as they gathered to pay tribute to the dedicated volunteers who have been the backbone of the squad for six decades.
Volunteers were recognized and honored with commemorative pins, highlighting their unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to serving the community in times of need. The event was graciously hosted by the current Chief of the Emergency Squad, Mike Bardell, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all present for their continued support and solidarity.
Distinguished speakers, including Hillsborough County Commissioner Michael Owen and representatives from State Representative Vern Buchanan’s office, took the stage to laud the squad’s remarkable
achievements and pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of Sun City Center residents.
A captivating presentation chronicling the illustrious history of the Emergency Squad was delivered, offering attendees a glimpse into its humble beginnings and transformative journey over the past six decades. Established in 1964, before the completion of I-75 and the construction of South Shore Hospital, the squad has been a steadfast guardian of the community, providing essential emergency services long before the establishment of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
In its early days, the “ambulance” used by the squad was none other than a modified hearse—a poignant reminder of the squad’s humble origins and pioneering spirit. Despite facing numerous
Navigating the Night: A Closer Look at Overnight Street Parking
In our quiet neighborhood there lies a unique challenge that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late: overnight street parking. As residents retire to their homes for the night, the issue of parking on the narrow roads within the associations becomes more than just a convenience problem—it becomes a matter of safety and accessibility.
In Kings Point, the narrow streets can present a significant challenge at night, particularly for emergency vehicles. Decades ago, recognizing the potential hazards posed by parked vehicles on these narrow streets, the Master Association took proactive measures to help ensure the safety of residents by implementing regulations prohibiting overnight parking on Master owned roads. This important rule was designed to facilitate unimpeded access for emergency vehicles, ensuring swift and efficient response times in times of crisis. It’s not merely a matter of convenience; it’s a vital measure aimed at safeguarding the well-being of all residents within the community.
While the Master Association has a no overnight parking policy on its roads, individual associations within Kings Point may have their own rules regarding overnight parking. However, it’s essential for residents to recognize the broader implications of their parking choices, especially in relation to emergency vehicle access. Emergency situations can arise
at any time, and when seconds count, every obstacle in the way poses a potential risk. Ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars rely on unobstructed pathways to reach those in need swiftly. With parked cars lining the streets, the margin for error narrows significantly, potentially delaying response times and putting lives at risk.
Associations may permit overnight street parking under certain conditions, but it’s crucial for residents to exercise caution and consideration. Parking on narrow streets should be discouraged, particularly in areas where emergency vehicle access may be compromised.
Ultimately, the issue of overnight street parking in Kings Point is more than just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of community safety. By adhering to established regulations and prioritizing accessibility for emergency vehicles, residents can play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of their neighborhood. Together, we can navigate the challenges of overnight parking and uphold the safety and security of our beloved community.
challenges and obstacles along the way, the Sun City Center Emergency Squad persevered and continued to expand its services to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Beyond its core ambulance services, the Emergency Squad plays a pivotal role in disaster planning and coordination, emergency communications, and community education. From providing crucial hurricane preparedness initiatives to offering lifesaving STOP THE BLEED training and fall prevention education, the squad remains at the forefront of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Sun City Center residents.
The 60th-anniversary celebration served as a poignant reminder of the Emergency Squad’s enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and resilience. As the squad
looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the community with unwavering dedication and compassion, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and community solidarity that defines Kings Point and Sun City Center.
In reflecting on the milestone achieved, one cannot help but be reminded of the profound impact of the Emergency Squad’s work and the invaluable support it provides to residents in their times of greatest need. As the squad embarks on the next chapter of its storied history, the Sun City Center community stands united in gratitude, admiration, and unwavering support for the indispensable service it provides.
As spring break arrives and summer approaches, residents of our community eagerly anticipate visits from children and grandchildren. With the warmer weather, families often take to the streets in golf carts to enjoy the sunshine and scenic views. However, it’s essential to remember Florida’s new golf cart law, which went into effect last year.
Under this law, individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from operating golf carts on roads or streets unless they possess a valid learner’s permit or a valid driver license. While it may seem like harmless fun for the kids, allowing underage individuals to operate golf carts poses serious safety risks and is against the law.
Violations of the new law may result in a non-criminal traffic infraction, with fines of up to $108. It’s crucial for residents to familiarize themselves with this legislation and ensure compliance to protect the safety of our community and visitors alike.
As we welcome our loved ones for visits during spring break and summer, let’s prioritize safety and adhere to the guidelines outlined in Florida’s golf cart law. By doing so, we can enjoy our time together responsibly and avoid unnecessary risks on our roads and streets.
Original SCC Emergency Squad The original “ambulance”A recent article covered how you can have a beautiful landscape while maintaining a lazy gardener lifestyle. This one explains the limitations to lazy gardening.
Mulch: It takes a little work to put it down, but it saves a lot of time and effort in the long run. Mulch regulates soil temperature, adds organic nutrients, inhibits weeds and retains soil moisture. Pine bark, pine straw/ needles, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and leaves are good options. Cypress is not because when cypress stands are cut down for use as mulch, the habitat of native birds and animals is destroyed.
Fertilizing: First and foremost, read the fertilizer ordinance for your county so you know when you can fertilize. Use slow-release fertilizer. To be really lazy, don’t fertilize until you are sure of light rain for activation. Water-based fertilizers leach through the soil after rain or irrigation.
Why Prune? Reasons to prune include training the plant to grow in a certain direction and improving health by removing diseased stems, creating better air circulation. Pruning increases flowering, allowing for bigger fruit on some types and
Is your medicine cabinet full of expired drugs or medications you no longer use? Your medicine is for you. What’s safe for you might be harmful for someone else. Keeping unused, expired and unwanted prescriptions and medications in your home can have tragic consequences. The best way to dispose of your expired, unwanted, or unused medicines is through a drug take back program. One of the most successful drug take back programs is Operation Medicine Cabinet, right here in Sun City Center. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Home Instead Senior Care Brandon partnered to start Operation Medicine Cabinet in 2006. It gave local residents a way to safely dispose of these types of drugs and avoid the potential for self-harm. Kristi Campbell, founder of Home Instead Senior Care Brandon, and then Community Resource Deputy Robert Thornton, started the program. Too many people in Sun
Dog Park Etiquette -
Limitations to Lazy Gardening
By Lynn Barber, FL-Friendly Landscaping TM agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hills. County
more abundant foliage. It can restrict growth and keep the plant in the boundary of available space. And, you can remove dead flower heads from a plant to encourage further blooming.
War on Weeds: A weed is the wrong plant in the right place, right plant/ wrong place, or a plant with nine lives. Using mulch (depth 2-3 inches after it settles) helps. If you chose to fight the weed war, you can cover weeds with newspapers to smother them and/or point, aim, and squeeze with an environmentally-
friendly weed killer spray.
Pests: Biting, Sucking and Chewing! We have aphids, caterpillars, slugs, snails, scale and spider mites. Less than one per cent of all bugs are bad bugs. “When we kill off the natural enemies of a pest, we inherit their work,” said entomologist Carl Huffaker. The first step, however, is to properly identify the insect to be sure it is a pest versus a beneficial insect. If you must, use a non-chemical and least toxic product. Spot treat plants as needed, not the entire landscape.
Operation Medicine Cabinet
By: Master Deputy Jeffery E. Merry Jr. - Community Resource Officer
City Center were making medication management errors and ending up in the hospital. Another reason for the collection is the improper disposal of drugs when folks flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash. This contaminates our public water supply and county landfills.
On Friday, April 5, 2024, from 8 a.m. until noon, current Sun City Center Community Resource Deputy Jeff
By: Sandra Yosha, DVM, PhDParks are areas set aside for socialization, recreation and exercise. Parks often have designated areas for younger, smaller children who are accompanied by a responsible adult. While there are many similarities between parks and dog parks, there are also important differences.
Dog Parks can be public or private. Private dog parks may have different rules than public dog parks, but all follow state, county and local laws and regulations, which commonly include a leash requirement and current rabies vaccination. Most dog parks have additional rules meant to keep pets and owners safe, such as fences, separate areas for smaller dogs and larger dogs. Most require dogs to be accompanied by a responsible adult who is expected to provide supervision and control their dog’s behavior, to clean up after their pets, and there can be other rules for parasite control etc.
Unlike their human counterparts where children can be separated by age, size and abilities, dog sizes do not necessarily reflect age, abilities or socialization skills. Small dogs can be more aggressive and large puppies can be very active and unable to recognize threats or acceptable social dog behaviors, which can result in fights, bites and scratches. Furthermore, there are no requirements for the owners to take dog training classes, so there is a wide range of voice and other control that owners can exhibit.
Successful dog parks have rules and laws in place to govern them and a board that can oversee the rules. The most common problems center around incompatibility. Owners are expected to have adequate control of their pet and provide supervision at all times. When there is a problem, the owners should remove their pet from the dog park. Whether defensive or aggressive— fear, anxiety and aggression are stressors that are harmful to both the attacking pet and the attacked pet. It is a sign of discomfort. It also increases the stress and anxiety levels of everyone at the park. Some breeds are more even tempered than others but that is NOT necessarily related to the breed or size or age but IS related to how skillful the owner is at training them, and recognizing and monitoring their behavior. Dogs need to be taught and owners need to learn how to listen to their pets. Training is a two-way communication. Dogs are very sensitive to their owner’s and other human behavior.
Most incidents can be avoided by training (owner and dog) and supervising. When incompatible situations arise, then dogs might be able to use the park alone, avoid the parks or pursue behavioral modification and learn how to mitigate the triggers. There is no one answer but communication— dog and human—is the key to any successful relationship.
Merry will be collecting any and all unused and expired medications. This includes prescription medication, over the counter medication, pet medication, liquid medication, and sharps. Just drive to HCA Southshore Hospital, located at 4016 Sun City Center Blvd, Sun City Center, and had them your medication. It is not even necessary to get out of the vehicle. Put those drugs and drug containers
Lazy Pest Management (LPM)
Alternatives: Use two pinching fingers to squish pests; hard-spray with water; and/or prune off infested sections and place those sections in your household trash, not your yard waste which could be recycled elsewhere. For more info on nonchemical solutions, go to: ‘Ask IFAS’ Managing yard pests.
Right Plant, Wrong Place: Site conditions are very important when making plant selections. Consideration should be given to light (sun/shade), soil pH and texture, water, wind and other conditions. An invasive plant is never the right plant in any place. Not sure if it’s invasive, go to ‘Ask IFAS’ Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas. You have the ‘opportunity’ to move the right plant to the right place in your landscape or you can take the time and expense of replacing it after it dies.
Rewards of laziness: Shopping for more plants or yard art with friends?? Reading, golfing, sleeping, cooking, crafting, visiting outstanding gardens with family and friends, more gardening, attending an Extension workshop…your choice!
in a grocery bag and hand them over. Everything is accepted as is, you don’t need to remove any labels, and we don’t ask questions. It is completely confidential.
Once drugs are taken into custody, they’re boxed and officially sealed, labeled and transported to the HCSO District 2 office. They’re securely stored until they can be taken for incineration in the same manner as illegal drugs and confiscated guns. This program has kept the community safer from medication errors and actually saved lives, it has also kept drugs out of the hands of contractors, service providers and relatives who either end up personally misusing them or illegally selling them on the street. The event is open to anyone and conducted twice a year, April and December. For more information, call Deputy Merry at 813-242-5525.
Strong Hurrican Season Predicted for 2024
Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) has released its extended range forecast for the 2024 hurricane season, predicting an above-average season with 20 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes. Factors such as warm sea-surface temperatures and the current El Niño transitioning to a neutral stage by August 2024 contribute to the heightened risk.
With this forecast in mind, it’s crucial for residents to have a hurricane plan in place. Whether deciding to stay or evacuate, having a plan for each scenario is essential for preparedness and safety.
To assist residents and associations in disaster planning, the Disaster Planning Committee will host two upcoming events. On April 10th, a workshop will be held in the theater at 9:30 am, focusing on the role associations play in disaster planning and helping them develop their individual association plans. Additionally, a Disaster Planning Symposium is scheduled for May 1st at 9:30 am in the theater. The Symposium aims to inform unit owners about preparation and safety during severe storms or other disasters, as well as detailing services available (and their suspension) during such events. Representatives from various entities, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, CERT, South Shore Hospital, Sun City Emergency Squad, Security Patrol, Samaritan Services, TECO, and more, will be present to provide valuable information and resources.
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a platform for communication, information sharing, and community engagement. However, in the context of an HOA or COA, the use of social media can present both opportunities and challenges, particularly when it comes to disseminating news and information within the community.
In many communities, social media platforms have emerged as popular channels for residents to stay informed about community events, updates, and news. While these platforms can serve as valuable tools for communication, they also pose significant risks when used irresponsibly.
One of the primary concerns surrounding the use of social media in communities such as Kings Point is the dissemination of misinformation. Unlike official channels such as association meetings or official websites, social media platforms are inherently subjective and opinion-based. Information shared on these platforms may not always be accurate or fact-checked, leading to misunderstandings, rumors, and misinformation.
Furthermore, social media operates on a “game of telephone” principle, where information
As spring blooms in Kings Point, residents are eager to bask in the warm sunshine and enjoy the natural beauty of our community. However, with the changing seasons comes increased activity among the alligator population, which finds sanctuary in many of our picturesque ponds.
Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, spanning all 67 counties and inhabiting various bodies of water. With mating season primarily occurring in May and June, followed by nesting in late June and July, alligators are already on the move in search of mates and nesting sites.
With over 100 ponds scattered throughout Kings Point, encountering alligators in our backyard habitats is not uncommon. It’s important to remember that while these reptiles may seem docile, they are wild
Cultivating Responsible Social Media Practices in Kings Point
can quickly become distorted or embellished as it passes from one user to another. What begins as a simple announcement or update can quickly snowball into a complex narrative, with each iteration adding its own layer of interpretation or speculation.
To address these challenges, it’s essential for our residents to approach social media use with a sense of responsibility and discernment. Here are some key principles to consider:
Verify the Source: Before sharing or acting on information obtained through social media, take the time to verify its source and accuracy. Look for official announcements or check the
official websites for the community.
Avoid Speculation: Refrain from engaging in speculation or spreading rumors on social media platforms. Stick to sharing verified information and encourage others to do the same.
Use Official Channels: Whenever possible, rely on official channels such as board and membership meetings, newsletters, or the official community websites for news and updates. These channels provide a direct line of communication with the community’s leadership and ensure that information is accurate and reliable.
Practice Civility: Maintain a
Spring Safety Reminder: Coexisting with Alligators in Kings Point
animals with their own natural behaviors. To ensure safety around alligators, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Respect their space: Alligators may exhibit behaviors such as sunbathing on pond banks or traveling between ponds. While it may be tempting to observe them up close, it’s important to maintain a safe distance
respectful and civil tone when participating in discussions on social media. Avoid personal attacks or inflammatory language and focus on constructive dialogue that contributes to the well-being of the community.
Educate Others: Help educate fellow residents about the importance of responsible social media use in our community. Encourage them to verify information before sharing it and emphasize the value of relying on official channels for news and updates.
By adhering to these principles and promoting responsible social media use, residents can help foster a more informed, connected, and harmonious community. Together, we can harness the power of social media to enhance communication and engagement while mitigating the risks of misinformation and discord.
OFFICIAL RESOURCES:
and avoid approaching them.
Keep pets on leashes: Pets, especially small dogs, can resemble prey to alligators. Keep them on leashes and away from pond edges to prevent potential encounters.
Be cautious with children and guests: Remind grandchildren and out-of-town guests that
Shredding Day is Tuesday, April 16 in the Parking lot beside the North Clubhouse between 9:00 AM and Noon. COA Members may sign up using SignUpGenius via your computer or stop in the COA Office to schedule your appointment and get confirmation.
If your Association has not enrolled its owners in the COA, we invite you to stop in at 1902 Clubhouse Drive, join the COA for $5.00, and make your shredding appointment.
Mark Your Calendar
COA Business Meeting
April 2, 2024 at 2pm KPNCH - Banquet Room
our community is not a zoo. Discourage getting too close to alligators or attempting to take selfies or photos with them.
Do not feed alligators: Refrain from feeding or approaching wild alligators, as this behavior can lead to dangerous circumstances and is illegal under Florida law.
Report concerns: If you encounter an alligator that seems aggressive or exhibits unusual behavior, promptly report it to the Master Association or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
By adhering to these guidelines and respecting the natural behaviors of alligators, residents and visitors can safely enjoy the wonders of spring in Kings Point. Let’s cherish our unique ecosystem while prioritizing safety and responsible stewardship of our natural environment.
COA’s services include: Borrowing equipment like wheel chairs and walkers, fax and notary services, copying, distribution of membership directories, and information about what services are available in the greater Sun City Center area.
Remember - We are here for the residents in Kings Point. If your Association decided not to join the COA, individuals in those associations can join individually. Come in and pay the $5.00 annual fee and receive a membership card.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
April Volunteer of the Month - Roger Johnson
Roger Johnson has been a vital part of Kings Point for a decade, residing in Idlewood. He’s served as Vice President of Idlewood and on its architectural committee for 8 years, overseeing repairs and neighborhood aesthetics. Recently, he took on the role of President of KPW.
Roger is deeply involved in community clubs and activities. He’s a director on the Pottery Club board, assisting with fixing kilns and loading and unloading equipment, and a member of the archery and pickleball clubs, which are heavily involved in community volunteering. He also shares his musical talent as the lead guitarist and a vocalist for the blues band, Down Home, performing at community events pro bono.
In addition, Roger taught line dancing to residents for two years, fostering social connections and fitness. His commitment to community service and leadership is evident in his diverse involvements. Roger Johnson truly embodies the spirit of community advocacy in Kings Point.
Congratulations, Roger, on your well-deserved recognition! Thank you for your ongoing dedication to making Kings Point a better place for all.
Please send your nomination with the persons accomplishment and contact information to master@kpmaster.com for consideration for the next Volunteer of the Month Award.
KP Michigan Club - Spring Fling Dance with SoulRcoaster Tickets on sale Tuesdays, April 2 and 9th in NC Lobby from 9-noon. Be sure to wear your spring colors -- BYOEverything. Ice and water provided. Members $10, Non-members $12. Doors open 5:30pm, music starts at six. Our charity for the care/share is Hope for Children that operates in Wimauma. Tickets are 8 for $5--please be generous.
Kings Point Residents Honored By SouthShore Camber of Commerce
SCC Emergency Squad Chief Mike Bardell, and Assistant Chief, Medical Shirley Bardell, both longtime residents of King Point, were among a select group honored by the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce at their Monthly Chamber Luncheon on March 20, 2024. The Chamber identifies and honors area residents for their unique accomplishments and ongoing support in the SouthShore area. Mike and Shirley were honored for their work on the Sun City Center Emergency Squad.
Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks
Nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment when you get a head start on spring cleaning. If you space out your spring cleaning list over a couple of weeks, it might not seem like such an overwhelming task. The easiest way to start is to take it room by room or appliance by appliance. Whether you have only five minutes to freshen things up or you happen to have an entire weekend to dedicate to full spring cleaning days, we have the best spring cleaning tips to help you out.
#1 Organize the fridge
Large refrigerators are great for big families, but they can get cluttered fast. keep your fridge organized, remove the packaging from multipacks of drinks and single-serve yogurts, use roll-out refrigerator bins to keep small items together and, to help reduce food waste, rotate older food items to the front before adding new groceries.
#2 Keep storage spaces organized
If you use your garage or an outdoor shed as a storage space for things that don’t fit inside the house, consider adding this step-by-step strategy to your spring cleaning checklist. Start by organizing all your items into three piles: keep, donate and toss.
#3 Spray down the windows and dust the blinds
Wait for an overcast day to clean your windows, and start on the shady side of the house. (Choosing a sunny day is one of the most common window-cleaning mistakes to avoid.) “Raise blinds or shades and wash windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Then lower the blinds or vinyl shades and dust them with a duster. Finish by vacuuming the fabric shades and drapes.
#4 De-stink the kitchen sink
Got kitchen stink you just can’t kick? You might already have the necessary ingredients to freshen up your sink in the fridge right now. Try dropping a couple of lemon rind slivers into your garbage disposal, and turn it on for 15 to 30 seconds. Follow with cold water to flush out any bits of lemon rind that remain.
#5 Steam clean the microwave
Clean up those pesky tomato stains once and for all. To clean your microwave, fill a large microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and a lemon, lime or orange cut into thin slices — or several tablespoons of vinegar — and stick it inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it cool for five minutes before opening the door. Remove the bowl and wipe the inside and outside of the microwave with a sponge.
#6 Shine up pots and pans
Soften burned-on residue by adding water and dish liquid to your cookware and letting it simmer on the stove. After it’s cooled a bit, use a scrub sponge or pad to remove any remaining stuck-on bits. Ketchup (yes, really!) helps dissolve tarnish on copper pots and other copper cooking accessories. Just massage the sauce over the surface, and add a pinch of salt if you come across exceptionally stubborn spots.
#7 Bring stained cutting boards back to life
With regular use, even the best cutting boards can become stained. If you think that nasty mark on your cutting board is permanent, you could be wrong. Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to help remove food stains and smells. For extra oomph, sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first.
