2020 Issue 3

WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG

MAY • JUNE 2020

NORTHDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER NCA Deed Restriction Committee Report To paraphrase a popularly circulating Facebook post, I feel sorry for all the guys who told their significant others that they would help around the house or complete neglected projects when they “had the time.” Well…we certainly have the time now!! In my case, what started with the periodic weeding of our garden to “just clean things up a little” has morphed into pressure washing our house, driveway and sidewalk plus putting down new mulch, trimming shrubs and staining our driveway and pool deck (…and that’s just outside)!

All joking aside, a great deal of work had been done in Northdale prior to the stay at

home order from the Governor. As I take walks or drive around our community, it is quite apparent that people are using this time to continue to improve their properties. (In February, before the stay at home order was released, our friend from Canada marveled at how neat and well-kept he found Northdale.) Please keep up the great work! If anyone is dealing with a hardship in maintaining their property, please contact their Village’s Board Member.

with owners who have refused mediation.

To repeat from the last paragraph, keep up the great work!

As a simple fix for your property’s appearance, please remember to place your trash and recycle containers behind a fence or in your garage. They need to be out of sight between pick-up days. Also, do not park cars on the lawn. With families staying at home now, this is a deed restriction that gets overlooked. These actions cost nothing to complete but make The Deed Restriction committee, with things look neater. agreement from the rest of the Civic Please, everyone, stay safe, stay healthy Association Board, has suspended and use this time to reconnect with your neighborhood inspections until further families and, with careful social distancing, notice. This does not mean that people your friends. should stop making improvements to their Thank you, properties. There still are 2 pending court Tom Murray cases involving totally neglected properties Chairman, Deed Restrictions Committee

Annual dues are $50.00. Please make your check payable to the Northdale Civic Association.

Interested in joining the Northdale OWLS? Find a registration form at WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG. The $15 annual OWLS’ dues are included with your NCA membership.

Mail Payment to: Northdale Civic Association, 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!

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER It was heartbreaking for me when we made the decision to cancel the annual Easter Egg Hunt and the annual Northdale Family Fun Festival & Parade due to the coronavirus. So many hours had already gone into the planning for both events. I’m sorry that many children that look forward to the egg hunt will be disappointed.

Thousands of dollars in festival table sponsorships had already been raised and since has been refunded. It may not be widely known, but the money raised from festival sponsorships goes back into our community. We’ve supported the Gaither High School Music Program, the Gaither ROTC Program, the Claywell Elementary Art and/or Music Programs and provided a scholarship for a Gaither student. In addition, the festival funds have been allocated for significant upgrades at the Northdale Park Recreation Center. It saddens me to know that we will not be able to provide that support this year. I want to emphasize that we have never used membership dollars to put on this annual party; we rely solely on table sponsorships.

I wanted to share a couple of observations I’ve made since I’ve been able to get out and walk the neighborhood of late. For far too many months I hadn’t been, due to foot problems and other excuses. On my walks I noticed vast improvement in the maintenance and appearance of many homes. Whether due to the enhanced deed restriction enforcement, or homeowners just sprucing up with home improvement projects long on their to-do lists, the efforts are making Northdale look oh so good. I’m aware that there are some homes that still fall far short of the upkeep and standards we desire. Only with increased membership support are we going to have sufficient funds to pursue these owners through the long and expensive process to gain compliance. Currently the number of membership homes is 799. That amounts to about 30 percent participation. To all the

homeowners that support our efforts to improve the community, I say thank you! We couldn’t manage without you.

In recognition of the hardship that is being felt by so many due to the pandemic, the NCA is foregoing the expense of printing and mailing a second notice to homeowners that did not respond to the invoice they received in January. However, if you can afford the $50.00 annual dues, it would be greatly appreciated. We provide easy payment on-line at www.northdale.org, or return the form in this issue with your remittance.

The Northdale Civic Association Deed Restriction Survey is still available from the front page of the community website, www.northdale.org. We welcome your input and promise that every submission is reviewed and appreciated. If you have suggestions to improve it, please send me an email.

Like us on Facebook to keep abreast of what’s happening in Northdale. We invite residents to attend NCA Board meetings. Once Northdale Park Recreation Center is open to the public again, they’ll be held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, except in December.

Meetings begin at 7 P.M. at Northdale Park in the Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room.

My hope is that life will soon get back to normal and we’ll be able to pursue many of our daily activities. Please stay safe and be well .

Sincerely, Ann Frisbie Frisbie_annv@verizon.net • (813) 968-8460 Northdale website at www.northdale.org

SAFETY TIPS The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease which has spread throughout the world since December, 2019. The virus can potentially cause severe illness and pneumonia, especially in persons over the age of 65 or those with an underlying medical condition such as heart or lung disease. COVID-19 is known to spread primarily in the following ways. Respiratory droplets produced in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face – eyes, nose or mouth with your unwashed hands. Close person-to-person contact (six feet or less) with someone who is infected. Symptoms typically appear within 214 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Emergency warning signs needing immediate medical attention are trouble breathing, bluish tint to the face or lips, exhibiting signs of extreme confusion or lethargy, and pain or pressure in the chest. There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19 and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure. You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following these few simple recommendations: • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If NORTHDALE.ORG

• • • •

soap and water are not readily available, use a hand-sanitizer with at least a 60% alcohol content.

Avoid touching your face – eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick or showing signs of illness.

Stay at home and avoid close contact with people, especially if you are sick.

Cover your nose and mouth when around people, especially when coughing or sneezing.

In an attempt to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Hillsborough County issued a Safer-At-Home Order on March 27, 2020. In addition, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-91, outlining Safer-At-Home policies for Floridians on April 1, 2020.

Safer-At-Home means all residents are directed to stay at home, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with certain exemptions permitted for conducting essential business. A list of essential businesses and services, such as going to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, or to care for a friend or family member, etc. as defined in the Order is available at www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

Hillsborough County’s Safer-At-Home Order has been extended until April 30th and will be renewed as needed.

For additional resources and information on COVID-19, please visit www.teamhcso.com, www.hillsboroughcounty.org, www.flgov.com/covid-19, and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019nocv.

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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.

Please Note: All of the following are dependent on Northdale Park facilities being open.

NCA BOARD OFFICERS President: Ann Frisbie – Golf Club Estates 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 - 813-833-0102

May 19 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

NCA BOARD DIRECTORS Robert Demeo – Golf Club Estates III - 813-546-0873 Nelson Marcano – Bay/Levitt - 813-732-9998 Martha Hughes – Fox Hollow - 813-477-0924 Robert Mantler – Claywell - 813-843-2137 Angela Rey – The Hammocks - 813-586-0243 Raymond Powell – Silverhill - 813-264-6157 Claude Siler-Nixon – Gables III - 813-362-4667 James Salgado – Country Mill, Brentwood Park & Fairway Villas - 813-610-2115 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.

The NCA will not become involved in conflicts between neighbors, animal problems or landscape issues due to drought.

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May 12 NSTD Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

June 2 OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium June 9 NSTD Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room June 16 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room July 7 OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium July 23 Meet the Candidates Night 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium July 23 Judicial Candidates Forum 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium 5

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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.

“OWLS Are More Than Ready to Get Going Again – Are You?” May 5, Tues – In an Abundance of Caution… NO OWLS MEETING TODAY!

May 13, Wed – Port of Tampa & American Liberty Ship Tours (we hope)!

May 17, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: A Streetcar Named Desire!

May 18, Mon – Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. May 19, Tues – Tampa International Airport Tour – Lunch at Maggiano’s Italian Rest.

Jun 2, Tues – Dave DeLuca’s Rocking & Rolling at the monthly Pot-luck Owls meeting.

Jun 13, Sat – “Grape Stomping” -- The Lakeridge Winery at Clairmont.

Jun 4, Tues – Ralph Alloco singing our kind of music at the Owls monthly meeting.

Jun 14, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: “Vanya & Sonia & Marsha & Spike” Jun 15, Mon – Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy Jun 22-25, Mon/Thurs – 4 days, 3 Nights Biloxi First Class Casino Hopping.

Jul 7, Tues – OWL’S NEST SANTUARY FOR WILDLIFE presentation at Owls meeting.

These events based on Northdale Park reopening in early May. For latest updates to scheduled events and more, see Owls website at: www.NorthdaleOWLS.com Weekly Activities include: Aerobics Lite, BBOB’s (Bill’s Blooming Orchid Club), Bridge, Bing-Owl, Board Games, Hand & Foot Cards, Line Dancing, “Dress A Girl Around The World”, Kazoo Band, Mah Jongg, Pickleball, Singing Hooters, Table Tennis, Meals on Wheels Deliveries, & Yoga Got Questions? Talk to any member of the OWLS, or contact Bill Castens at (813) 833-0102

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NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT To all the residents of Northdale, the members of the Northdale Special Taxing District Board hope for your continued health, safety and, whenever possible, peace and calm during these very challenging times.

The NSTD, despite having a number of projects on hold, still has work to do. You will notice that US Lawns continues to maintain the common areas such as the medians and mowing lawns along Northdale Boulevard and Dawnview Drive. The on-going wall repair/replacement process is, at this time, one of the projects that will be resumed at a later date.

In reference to the Northdale walls, one sustained considerable damage recently when it was struck by a pick-up truck.

This wall is located at the corner of Northdale and Deep Creek. We have received the police report for this incident and are pursuing reparation for the replacement of the wall.

Due to the current state of emergency, the governor has granted permission for groups such as ours to conduct online meetings or conference calls to complete our monthly meetings. We held our first such meeting on April 14. The meetings will continue in this format as long as is needed.

Finally, the NSTD Board would like to welcome long-time Northdale resident, Ronny Garcia, as its newest member.

Ronny was sworn in during the February Board meeting. Leaving the Board is Angel Bustelo, a member for many years. We thank him for his participation on this Board and other service to our community. We wish Angel all the best in the future.

Again, be well and be safe, Tom Murray, President NORTHDALE.ORG

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Northdale Special Taxing District Board of Trustees Tom Murray President Earl Albright Vice President Bill Castens Treasurer Don Hachey Secretary Ronny Garcia Frank Giordano Ray Klaus Earl Albright Contact Information 813 381-5435 Northdale Special Tax District 3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd #301 Valrico, Fl 33596 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: May 12, 2020 June 9, 2020

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COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT MARCH 2020 Hello from sunny and very accomplished Northdale! Saturday March 14 th we completed another Community Service Event (CSE) for a neighbor in need. Mr. Jose Infiesta at 16102 Manorwood Circle. These pictures really don't do justice to the high level of energy and excitement shown by the many volunteers that showed up to help out. While this was not our first event, we definitely made an impact and my gratitude goes to the following great humanitarians that helped make this happen. Northdale Civic Association President Ann Frisbie, Treasurer Bill Castens, and board members Bob DeMeo, Alicia Moreno & Robert Mantler. Northdale residents Mike & Jayme Winter, Janet Atkinson and her son Taylor, Home Depot ASM Paul Lutz and Katie Sloan, (both have attended most every one of our CS events - and are our corporate sponsors). Paul also brought his daughter, she’s in pre-med at UCF and with a workload like she has I’m grateful for her joining in!

Country Place homeowner Lynette Mills, (I repaired her generator) and finally to the family from Lutz, that labored like animals to clean up the yard of the beneficiary, “Mike” and family. I am hoping to get their contact information to properly thank them for their help. To Portable Sanitation for their support and to Kim from our Carrollwood/Northdale Jersey Mikes on Ehrlich at Dale Mabry, my deepest gratitude for all your support! Finally, to my wife, Jennifer Cissy Harris Salgado that puts up with me when I get in these moods that I must help our neighbors - she truly understands and supports me through all the time it takes to plan one of these events! Lastly and most importantly to our neighbor, Mr. Jose Infiesta, a good man in his mid 80s that received the help he really needed. Thanks again to everyone for making a difference in the life of someone that really needed the help! We are actively seeking volunteers. Would you like to join us? Plenty of room for more! Given all the craziness of COVID-19 and all negative rhetoric around us, on this day we were one! Thanks to you all.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NORTHDALE PARK All Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Centers were closed to the public most of March and all of April (as of the printing of this newsletter) due to Covid-19 concerns. The Northdale residents missed the use of these facilities, but most understood the need as the Safer-At-Home Directive became a new way of life. In addition to DEEP CLEANING of the inside of all park facilities, a couple of other needed maintenance items for the Northdale Park were moved up in the schedule to utilize the forced downtime. First: Both parking lots were repaved, lined off, speed bump installed, and ONE WAY SIGNAGE for the front parking installed. Second: The wooden floor in the 10,000 sq. ft. gymnasium, scheduled to be refinished in December, was moved up eight months and completed in April. It is our hope Hillsborough County will reopen the parks soon, but whenever that occurs our community recreation center will be ready to go straight through the winter months. Northdale Park serves all ages (toddlers, after-school, youth, adults and seniors), and is a great Northdale asset with a great staff and we all look forward to the day it reopens.

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