2019 Issue 4

NORTHDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

NCA Deed Restriction Committee Report

As of this report, many of you have received letters about Deed Restriction infractions from Merit Association ManagementPerfected (Merit). The majority of these issues were solved with a quick pressure washing, fresh coat of paint, mowing the lawn, etc. Most of you who received these letters responded in a very positive manner. If you received one of the letters and have a hardship in correcting the identified violation(s), you need to email Merit at NCA@meritfl.com and describe the hardship.

The greater focus on deed restrictions was triggered by the request of many

dues-paying members of the NCA. Whether you are an NCA member or not, you are still required to maintain your property. Some people believe that they do not need to take care of their yard or home’s exterior because their neighbor’s property is also neglected. With such an attitude, if one house in the neighborhood is in disrepair and all other homes follow suit, soon the whole neighborhood will be rundown and dilapidated. We have responsibilities as Northdale residents to maintain our properties on a regular basis. One individual’s decision to neglect their property does impact the whole area’s appearance and, ultimately, property values. As Northdale grows older, home owners need to pay more attention to details, sometimes expensive details. As a community with aging

homes, we need to be proactive.

Merit will continue to inspect and monitor the progress of all Northdale villages. However, if you have a complaint, you can fill out a form online at www.northdale.org. Click on “Deed Restrictions” in the left margin then go to “Online Complaint Form” in the middle of the page. Fill in the requested information and tap on “Submit” in the red bar at the end of the form. Your complaint will automatically be submitted to Merit.

Thank you for helping Northdale to age gracefully by caring for the appearance of your home and yard.

Thank you

Thomas Murray, Vice President Northdale Civic Association

Annual dues are $50.00. Please make your check payable to the Northdale Civic Associa on.                            Interested in joining the Northdale OWLS? Find a registra on form at WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG.

The $15 annual OWLS’ dues are included with your NCA membership

Mail Payment to: Northdale Civic Associa on, 3853 Northdale Blvd. Box 374, Tampa, FL 33624  Or, you may pay using your credit or debit card online at: WWW. NORTHDALE.ORG

Thank you for your support!

Please be aware that both safety and home security efforts need to be stepped up during the summer months when children are out of school and many families take vacations. Following are some suggested measures:

Summer safety tips: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, even if you do not feel thirsty; use adequate sunscreen and apply often; take breaks from the heat, especially midday; know and recognize the signs of heat overexposure; wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing; and always keep a close eye on children when they are near or around a pool or body of water.

While on vacation: Tell friends and family your itinerary; keep cash and credit cards in separate places; make a copy of your passport; arrange to have someone pick up your mail, newspaper, and packages until you return; stay off social media--don’t tip criminals off by sharing too much!

Residential security practices: Keep your garage door closed when the garage is not

in use; lock any doors that lead from the garage to the interior of your residence and/or set the residential alarm to chime if the door is opened; lock your vehicle whether parked at your home or away; do not store valuables in your vehicle; try to keep any valuables stored in the garage (golf clubs, bicycles, etc.) out of site by covering them or otherwise concealing them; be aware of any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity and immediately report to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch (813) 2478200.

Seconds count in the event of a 911 medical or fire emergency. It is important to have your home address number affixed to the front house structure facing the roadway, clearly visible and without obstruction. In addition, mailboxes should also be marked with the address number. If numbers are not legible or missing, please replace them.

We really do need more homeowners to join the NCA if we are going to justify the significant expense of the enhanced deed restriction enforcement efforts now

provided by Merit Management. You can pay the $50.00 annual membership (about $4 a month), on-line at the community website, www.northdale.org, or mail in the form at the bottom of this page. If you care about protecting and enhancing Northdale’s home values, please join. I thank you in advance.

The NCA meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 P.M. in the Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room at Northdale Park, except in December. We welcome residents to attend a meeting to learn firsthand what we do, share their input and ideas and get to meet the board members. Please LIKE us on Facebook, so you can keep abreast of what is happening in Northdale.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July.

Sincerely,

Ann Frisbie

Frisbie_annv@verizon.net

(813) 968-8460

Northdale website at www.northdale.org

WHAT IS THE NCA?

The Northdale Civic Association is a volunteer organization whose mission is to make Northdale a better place to live and increase property values by enforcing the deed restrictions to which each homeowner is legally subject.

The NCA is also the organized voice of Northdale, and represents residents when issues affecting Northdale are raised by Hillsborough County, the State of Florida and other governing bodies. The NCA issues this Newsletter and organizes the following events and programs: Welcome Wagon, Easter Egg Hunt, Community Garage Sales, Family Fun Festival, Northdale Pumpkin Run, Holiday Decorating Contest, Meet the Candidates, and the Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively, Seniors). Board meetings are open to the public and held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month except December.

HOW TO JOIN THE NCA

Forms are available in each edition of the Northdale Newsletter. There are forms online at www.northdale.org.

HOW TO JOIN THE BOARD

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $50.00. All members are eligible to run for NCA Board positions in elections held each January. Elections for those positions are made by the sitting board at the monthly board meetings. The dates of those meetings are posted in the Community Calendar.

NCA BOARD OFFICERS

President: Ann Frisbie - Golf Club I - 813-968-8460

Vice President: Tom Murray - Gables I - 781-760-7959

Secretary: Chelsea Walkenhorst - Golf Club Estates II - 615-513-8026

Treasurer: Bill Castens - The Woodlands - 813-933-0102

NCA BOARD DIRECTORS

Robert Demeo - Golf Club III - 813-546-0873

Nelson Marcano - Bay/Levitt - 813-732-9998

Martha Hughes - Fox Hollow - 813-477-0924

Robert Mantler - Claywell - 813-843-2137

Bruce Poli - The Hammocks -727-424-1785

Raymond Powell - Silverhill - 813-264-6157

Claude Siler-Nixon - Gables III - 813-362-4667

Nancy Stearns - Country Mill, Brentwood Park, Fairway Villas - 813-961-4438

Jessica Watterson - Gables II - 630-569-2479

DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS

Residents may request an investigation of a Deed Restriction violation. Complaints must be in writing and submitted online to Merit Management Association-Perfected (“Merit”). Merit conducts periodic neighborhood inspections and will act on their findings when necessary.

To request an investigation of a possible Deed Restriction violation, go to the NCA website, www.northdale.org. On the left side of the Main Page, click on “Deed Restrictions”. Page down and select the “Online Complaint Form,” and fill it out with all pertinent information. You will be able to include a photo. Your form will be received by Merit.

When a violation occurs, Merit will send a letter to the homeowner(s) with a request to correct the problem(s).

If a homeowner has not corrected their violation(s) they’ll receive a second letter from Merit. Merit will complete a third inspection. If the deed restriction violation(s) remain after the third letter, legal action will be pursued. The resident will be notified of this step in a fourth letter.

Deed Restrictions for the “Villages” that make up Northdale can be found on the Northdale website. Select “Deed Restrictions” from the Main Page and click on the picture of the entrance to your “Village” (e.g. Gables 1). The Deed Restrictions will be displayed and can be printed for your records.

July 2 No OWLS

Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch

This month

July 9

NSTD Meeting

7:00 PM

Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

July 16

NCA Board Meeting

7:00 PM

Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

August 6

OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch

11:00 AM

Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

August 13 NSTD Meeting

7:00 PM

Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

August 16

Focus Group Meeting for Northdale Recreation Center

6:00 PM Northdale Park

Share your feedback on current & future park programs

August 20

NCA Board Meeting

7:00 PM

Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

September 3

OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch

11:00 AM

Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

Monthly Meetings on 1st Tues 11 AM @ Northdale Park

Our Mission is to create a growing network of co-ed seniors, to provide social activities, local events, travel, entertainment and educational seminars in common interest groups as ways to safely enjoy our lives.

the Beautiful…. OWLS Are Very Patriotic!”

Jul 14, Sun – Carrollwood Players: The Importance of Being Ernest – a classic farce.

Jul 15, Mon – Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Jul 17, Wed - Lunch Bunch, METRO DINER (Separate Checks).

Jul 20-21, Sat-Sun – Mango Run, Lion Country Safari & Haunted Stay at Seminole Inn!

Aug 6, Tues – Vocal Gold performance at Owls Monthly Pot Luck Luncheon.

Aug 14 & 15, Thurs & Fri – Murder Mystery Train & Edison Ford Homes

Aug 19, Mon – Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Aug 21, Wed - Lunch Bunch, Riviera Restaurant (Separate Checks – Cash payments only)

Sept 3, Tues – Rueben Morales and his wonderful voice at Owls Pot Luck Luncheon.

Sept 4, Wed – Rays vs. Orioles baseball & dine at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill afterwards.

Sept 6, Fri – ForCare Medical Center “Buffet Lunch & Learn” of Florida Ave. complex.

Sept 14, Sat – Disco/Sock Hop in the Gym at the Park!

Weekly Activities include: Aerobics Lite, BBOB’s (Bill’s Blooming Orchid Club), Bridge, Hand & Foot Cards, Couples Dance Class, Line Dancing, “Dress A Girl Around The World”, Kazoo Band, Mah Jongg, Pickleball, Salsa Cardio Class, Singing Hooters, Strut Your Mutt, Table Tennis, Tai Chi, Technology Workshop, Ukulele Lessons, Walking Club, Meals on Wheels Deliveries, Yoga for Seniors & Laughter Yoga

For other scheduled events and more, see Owls website at: www.NorthdaleOWLS.org

Still Got Questions? Talk to any member of the OWLS, or contact Bill Castens at (813) 833-0102

“America,

NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT

The members of the Northdale Special Tax District (NSTD) would like to introduce this issue of our report by wishing our president, Nancy Stearns, a very speedy recovery!

In the upcoming months, the Northdale Special Tax District will be upgrading the wall between Braesgate Lane and Dawnview Drive on the south side of Northdale Boulevard. In addition, parts of the wall along the east side of Dawnview Drive will be renovated. Both projects could cause some minor traffic delays.

Recently, trees along Northdale Boulevard Extension were pruned, after consulting an arborist, with proper growth of the area’s landscaping in mind. The canopies of selected trees were trimmed to allow the fig vines on the walls and grass by the sidewalks to receive more sunlight. In addition, aged and unnecessary branches were removed in preparation for the potential heavy storms and hurricanes of summer.

The Board of Trustees of the NSTD meet the second Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 PM, in the Bill Castens’ Gymnasium Conference Room. Please attend and give your input. All are welcome! Bring a friend!

REMEMBER: our community’s safety often depends on your eyes and ears. Stay alert and report any unusual activity immediately to the Sherriff’s office by calling 911 or their nonemergency number 813-247-8200.

Thank you,

Tom Murray, Vice President

NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT

WHAT is the NSTD?

The Northdale Special Taxing District is a Hillsborough County dependent tax district. The District was originally set-up under a State ordinance, but in 1992 was adopted under County ordinance #92-35. The County collects the taxes for the District and provides the ordinance or regulations that give authority to the District. Funds are derived from the County non-ad valorem tax of $130 per residential unit. Residents in single family homes, along with apartments and condominiums are assessed $130. Also, all properties within Northdale boundaries including businesses and other non-profit groups are taxed based on an equitable per residential unit basis.

Northdale Special Taxing District Board of

Trustees

Nancy Stearns President

Tom Murray Vice President

Eli White Treasurer

The District is responsible for maintaining the common areas throughout Northdale. These areas include the main entrances coming into Northdale, landscaping in common areas alongside roadways and medians, neighborhood entrances, the outer surface of the block walls and along the roadside. The District also maintains selected lakes and wetland areas along the main roadways in Northdale.

Don Hachey Secretary

Angel Bustelo

Frank Giordano

Ray Klaus

Bill Castens

Earl Albright

The District is governed by a Board of nine trustees who are elected by the public or appointed by the Board. Board members must be registered voters and reside in Northdale. The trustees receive no compensation for their work. The board has hired an administrator to complete many of the day-to-day details of the District. The administrator is a sub-contracted (paid) position.

Contact Information

813 381-5435

Northdale Special Tax District

3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd #301 Valrico, Fl 33596

Although the District does maintain the common areas in Northdale, there are many areas that the District does not control. The District does not maintain roads, street lighting, street signs or utility lines. Also, the District does not maintain private property or enforce deed restrictions. Deed restrictions are enforced by the Northdale Civic Association (NCA). The District and the Civic Association are two different and separate bodies. The District is a public governmental body and the Civic Association is a private association of Northdale residents. Only the Civic Association has authority to issue deed restriction warnings.

rick@thefloridasolutions group.com

Tax District Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7PM at Northdale Park, Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room.

The next meetings will be held:

Although separate, the District and the Northdale Civic Association work to achieve the same goal of making Northdale a great place to live.

July 9, 2019

August 13, 2019

“Thank You” to these sponsors and all who attended this wonderful event.

 Bob Sierra Family - YMCA

 Carrollwood Area Business Association

 Claude Siler-Nixon - Catering2U

 Cricket

 John Erb’s Service Center

 Martha Hughes - Mary Kay

 Northdale Civic Association

 Northdale Park, Hillsborough County Parks

 OWLS - Older Wiser Lively Seniors

 Royal Pets

 Sprouts Farmers Market

 Tanya and Matt’s Ice Creamiest

 Walgreens of Northdale

All you have to do is use an advertiser in this issue! Yes, it’s that easy! When you need something done in your home, or any services available in this newsletter call on the advertisers that support your community newsletter!

Email ikarepublishing@gmail.com and tell us the company you used, your full name, address and phone number. Upon verifying the information, we will select a winning name at random each publication. You will be supporting your community newsletter and possibly winning $25.00!

Sponsored by:

Summer Safety Tips

School’s out and summertime is here! The Sheriff’s Office would like to offer the following tips for having a safe and secure summer:

Vacations - Don’t advertise on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, et al) while you’re away on vacation. Be sure your children don’t either! Telling everyone your house will be empty for the next two weeks lets any potential burglars know they’ve got plenty of time to steal. Whenever possible, have a relative, trusted friend or neighbor “house sit” for you or check on your house periodically to bring in mail, newspapers,

etc. while you’re gone. Make sure doors and windows are locked and (if equipped) make sure your residential alarm system is set and working properly. Hide or remove any items of value out in plain view. Secure valuables in a safe, safety deposit box, or other secure location. Make sure you can be contacted in the event of an emergency, if needed.

Children - Caution children staying at home alone to keep doors and windows locked and the alarm set. Teach your kids not to open the door to a stranger and how to call 911 in an emergency. Children should have a family member or trusted adult they can contact if they’re scared or if there’s an emergency. Cover ground rules with your children about whose home they can visit when you’re not there and establish boundaries for where they can and can’t go in the neighborhood. Daylight lasts longer during the summer, so be sure your kids know what time curfew is and to check in if they’re going to be late. Check out camps, daycares, and other summer programs before enrolling your children. Be sure background screenings are completed on individuals working with your children and there is adult supervision at all times. Be

aware of the activities and field trips offered by camps or summer programs. Make sure your kids stay hydrated in the summer heat! Swimming - Make sure young children know to stay away from pools, spas, lakes, ponds, rivers, canals, and any other body of water when there is no adult supervision. Most drowning incidents occur in residential pools when children are left unattended! Use locks or alarms to keep children from getting into pool areas undetected. Surround your pool with adequate “child-proof” fencing. According to the University Community Hospital Pediatric Care Center, unprotected pools are 83% more likely to be involved in a drowning incident than pools with complete four-sided isolation fencing. When around water, keep young children within an arm’s reach. Teach your children how to swim or how to turn over on their back to get air and how to get to the side of the pool, should they fall in. Always have rescue equipment nearby (i.e. a shepherd’s hook, throw rope, life saver, approved life preserver, etc.) and telephone 911 in case of an emergency. Save a life and learn CPR!!!

Deputy C. Depolis Community Resource Deputy