www.kpmaster.com
The Kings Point Master Association is pleased to report a productive and transformative first quarter, marked by the successful launch of our in-house irrigation team. Now 90 days in, the team has made major strides in reducing backlogs, addressing system issues, and improving transparency.
Since taking over, the crew has cut a backlog of over 400 open work orders to just 30 on average. Monthly inspections have resumed for all 114 associations, and a dedicated crew is correcting dripline issues in the Upper Loop. The team includes 11 staff members, with one additional wire technician being hired.
Compared to the previous contractor, the new team has nearly doubled the completed work. They’ve handled more mainline repairs, valve replacements, wire fixes, and lateral line breaks. Highlights include replacing a 75HP pump at the Canterbury station, repairing a cavitating well, replacing 14 control boxes and 13 breakers. The Baseline warranty saved the community nearly $11,000 this quarter alone.
Upcoming projects include float switch replacements, pump station electrical reviews, installing rain sensors, OSHA and Baseline training, and rolling out new inspection software.
The team has also responded
Every year in Kings Point the Master Association (under the guidance of the professionals) assess the roads in our community. That assessment determines which roads are in the worse condition and based on those findings, the Master Association develops the paving schedule. This year’s schedule is set to begin on August 11th, 2025.
Although we will make every effort to stick to this schedule, please understand that paving is a fluid process and that weather or other conditions could affect the timeline. Any and all updates regarding the paving project will be sent to the Association Presidents & posted to the LED signage at the front gate.
The Master Association recognizes that road maintenance can sometimes be a difficult experience for residents. We will do all we can to make it as “painless” for you as possible. Since you will not be able to drive on your section of road on the day of paving, we are offering full time golf cart transportation during the entire duration of this project. This information will be provided closer to the time of the paving. This information will also be posted on the LED signage along with the daily schedule. The roads included in this year’s paving project are listed below. You can also see all the paving information online at kpmaster.com/paving.
Kings Blvd (Partial)
New Windsor Loop
Staffordshire Lane
Tremont Greens Lane
2201- 2215 Canterbury Lane
1802-1806 Foxhunt Dr
Halmrock Place
202-212 Gloucester Blvd
Strong First Quarter for New In-House Irrigation Team
to concerns raised by a former Board President. Many of the issues—such as vegetation overgrowth, float switch failures, and inconsistent drip coverage— were already being addressed or have been scheduled for repair.
Pump station maintenance is underway. Updated maps have allowed crews to begin clearing access areas. Float switch repairs are expected to be complete by August 1. The team is working with Baseline to automate rain delays and is actively correcting drip installations.
To improve communication, daily irrigation outage updates will be posted on our new secure website soon. Emergency hand watering continues when needed and is fully documented in the Upkeep system.
A new resident-led irrigation committee is being formed. Members will be trained on Upkeep and Baseline work and assist with reviewing procedures, performing field checks, and recommending improvements. The Board is also considering outside audits to ensure quality and transparency.
Cross-training across technician roles is underway. Staff receive competitive pay, health insurance, and retirement benefits. New Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on industry best practices will help ensure long-term consistency in inspections, repairs, and safety.
The Master also completed extensive general maintenance this quarter, including 33 tree removals, 2 bench replacements, annual bed refreshes, sidewalk
Important Things To Know:
If you plan to use your car on your day of paving, it must be moved before 7:30 am to one of the designated parking areas.
Be aware that the product we are applying will cause permanent damage to your shoes, clothes, and vehicles if not properly cured. We will have each section barricaded off until the section is ready to be opened. Please be cautious while walking or driving around the construction zones. DO NOT WALK AROUND, MOVE OR TAMPER WITH ANY OF THE CONES OR BARRICADES. These are set up for the protection of the crew, you as a resident, and the product being put down.
Is it normal to see small tire marks once traffic is on the newly paved road for the first time?
This is normal and nothing of concern as more traffic will compact these tire marks down.
Is there anything I can do to help eliminate tears in the new asphalt? Yes. To help eliminate tire tears in the
new asphalt, please make sure that we do not turn the tires of vehicles, whether it is a car, golf cart, RV, or motorcycle, on the new sealer while stationary. This is the biggest cause of tire tears on new asphalt and cause damage that would require repairs to the new asphalt.
Why is sand spread over the top of my new road?
The sand helps protect it and keeps scarring to a minimum. Within a few days, general use and weather will clear the sand away.
What should I expect from the first few days of traffic?
During the first few days you may see some tire impressions, wheel marks and scuffing. You may also experience “power steering tears”. These markings occur when tires are turned in a tight radius on fresh pavement. In time, these areas will smooth and flatten with regular traffic.
When can I drive on my street after it is paved?
The indication that it is safe to use
pressure washing, 7 pothole fills, 8 sign repairs, 6 sidewalk repairs, 3 drainage repairs, 2 sections of fence replacement on 36th Street, and golf course cleanup.
Our new pond maintenance vendor, Advanced Aquatics, has treated all ponds for weeds and algae. Several ponds already show visual improvement. In August, ponds 1, 5, 24, and 25 will be planted in coordination with Hillsborough County and the Pond Committee.
The 2025 paving project will run August 11–18. Affected associations will receive notices. Road striping is also planned to improve safety. Additional updates include: progress on extending the closed golf course lease, a delayed cell tower project now scheduled for late 2026, TECO pole hardening in progress, pending permits to clear Cypress Creek, ongoing stormwater system evaluations, and potential traffic safety improvements.
Most Board Members are now enrolled in Enumerate, our new communication platform. A resident rollout is coming soon. An Upkeep and Irrigation Workshop will also be hosted to help Board Members and Points of Contact better understand these systems.
The Master Association thanks residents for their continued support as we work to modernize and enhance essential services across Kings Point.
the street again will be that the street closure barricades have been removed. After laying the asphalt several processes need to take place to cure the new surface, including cooling of the new asphalt which usually takes 3-4 hours. Please do not drive, walk, ride a bike or otherwise travel on the new road until the barricades are removed.
I have an appointment or event on my scheduled day of paving. What do I do?
We are offering full time golf cart transportation during the entire duration of this project. The point of contact for this service will be provided at a later date.
If I plan to use the shuttle when do I have to have my car parked in one of the designated parking areas?
If you plan to use your car on your day of paving, it must be moved before 7:30 am to one of the designated parking areas. After calling transportation, they will pick you up and return you to your home. If you need to leave, call transportattion once again and they will return you to your car.
What happens if I have an emergency during paving?
Ambulances, firetrucks and police vehicles will be able to get through the construction in the event of an emergency. Will my irrigation run while my road is being paved?
No. Your irrigation will be suspended during the milling and paving. Normal cycles will resume the following day. Irrigation inspections and work order requests will also be suspended during this time.
KINGS POINT PAVING PROJECT 2025
The Master Association is excited to announce the launch of KP Alerts, Kings Point’s official emergency notification system. This new platform is designed to deliver real-time alerts during urgent situations, directly to residents via email, text message, and phone calls to landlines.
Our First Alert: Monday, July 1st
On Monday, July 1st, the KP Alerts system was activated for the first time in response to the forecast of heavy rain and the potential development of a tropical system over the upcoming weekend. The alert went out across all registered communication methods at approximately 11:26 AM. Residents who registered their cell phone number received a brief text message from the number 38726. Due to the strict character limit in text messages, the name “Master Association” was not included, allowing space for the essential weather information to be delivered.
At the same time, a more detailed email version of the alert was sent to all registered email addresses. This message included expanded context, weather expectations, and general guidance. The system also issued
In an increasingly digital world, financial scams are evolving in sophistication and frequency. From grandparent and romance scams, impersonation fraud to crypto investment fraud, millions fall victim each year. While the financial losses often make headlines, 62 Billion dollars lost by seniors in 2024 alone, the psychological and emotional damage remains largely invisible—silently eroding victims’ mental well-being, sense of self, and trust in others.
The Immediate Psychological Impact
When someone realizes they’ve been scammed, the initial reaction is often disbelief. The human brain is wired to trust social cues and patterns, and scams expertly exploit these instincts. Victims report feeling:
•Shock and Confusion: Many struggle to comprehend how they were deceived, especially if the scam was prolonged or emotionally manipulative.
•Shame and Self-Blame: Victims often internalize the crime, feeling foolish for not having “seen it coming.” This shame can be so intense that many never report the scam or even tell family members.
•Anger and Helplessness: Realizing that someone preyed on their trust and vulnerability can trigger deep anger—toward the scammer, themselves, or even institutions they feel failed to protect them.
Florida’s August heat can be dangerous—not just for people, but for pets too. With temperatures regularly climbing above 90°F and humidity making it feel even hotter, pets are at serious risk of overheating. Knowing how to protect them during these hot summer days is essential for their safety and well-being.
Pavement and asphalt can become dangerously hot, often exceeding 130°F during peak sun hours. This can cause painful burns to your pet’s paws in just seconds. A simple way to test the surface is to press the back of your hand against it for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too
KP Alerts: Our New Emergency Notification System and Why It Matters
automated phone calls to landlines for those who registered a home phone number.
This successful first use of KP Alerts demonstrated just how vital and effective the system can be when it comes to timely, clear communication during potentially hazardous conditions.
If you believe you registered but didn’t receive a message— especially by text or email—please contact Cheryl at the Master Association for assistance:
*813-812-7580
*Cheryl@kpmaster.com
Why Every Resident Should Register Emergencies rarely come with a
warning—which makes having fast, accurate communication absolutely essential. KP Alerts is the Master Association’s way of making sure every Kings Point resident gets the information they need, when they need it most. The system is especially valuable during Florida’s unpredictable weather. From tropical systems to sudden downpours and flooding, KP Alerts will keep you informed with real-time updates so you can prepare and stay safe.
But weather is just one example. KP Alerts is also used to communicate critical updates like utility outages, water shut-offs, and boil water notices. Knowing about these events ahead of
The Hidden Wounds: The Mental and Emotional Trauma
By Master Deputy Jeffery E. Merry Jr.
Long-Term Emotional Consequences
The psychological damage does not end once the scam is over. Victims frequently face prolonged emotional turmoil, including: 1. Anxiety and Paranoia Many victims develop heightened anxiety, particularly around finances or digital interactions. They may avoid online banking or become suspicious of legitimate communication. Some develop full-blown paranoia, convinced that everyone is trying to take advantage of them.
2. Depression and Isolation
The aftermath of a scam can be emotionally isolating. Feelings of guilt and humiliation may cause victims to withdraw from social circles. Depression can set in, especially if the financial loss derailed life plans—such as retirement, education, or buying a home.
3. Post-Traumatic Stress
Certain scams—especially those involving emotional manipulation, like romance scams—can cause symptoms similar to PTSD. Victims might experience flashbacks, insomnia, nightmares, or panic attacks. The betrayal cuts deep when the scammer poses as a trusted friend or romantic partner.
The Unique Trauma of Romance and Trust-Based Scams
Romance scams are particularly cruel. Victims often invest months or years into what they believe is a real, loving relationship. These scams blend emotional and financial exploitation, creating a complex trauma similar to that seen in emotionally abusive relationships. When the deception is exposed, victims grieve not only the financial loss but also the emotional attachment and perceived future with that person. The pain can mirror the devastation of a divorce or death—except that it’s laced with betrayal, making healing even more complicated.
Why the Stigma Matters
One of the greatest obstacles to recovery is stigma. Society often ridicules scam victims, portraying them as naive or greedy. This judgmental lens prevents people from coming forward, denies them empathy, and obstructs access to support systems.
The truth is that scammers are professionals. They are skilled at manipulating emotions, exploiting vulnerabilities, and mimicking legitimacy. Their victims are not “stupid”—they’re human.
Paths to Healing
Recovery from scam-related trauma is possible, but it requires acknowledgment, support, and sometimes
Protecting Pets from the August Heat in Florida
hot for your pet. Try to schedule walks early in the morning or after sunset, and walk on grass or shaded paths whenever possible.
Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle, even for a short time. Within minutes, the temperature inside can rise to deadly levels— even with windows cracked. Each year, hundreds of pets suffer and die from heatstroke caused by being left in cars. If you see an animal in distress inside a vehicle, call authorities immediately.
Signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke in pets include excessive
panting, drooling, red or pale gums, vomiting, disorientation, or collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cool, shaded area, offer small amounts of cool water, and seek veterinary help right away.
To help your pet stay cool, ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water. Use fans or cooling mats, and keep them indoors during the hottest hours of the day. For outdoor pets, provide plenty of shaded areas and consider adding a misting system or pet-safe kiddie pool for relief.
time helps you avoid last-minute stress and unnecessary disruption.
If a road is unexpectedly closed, there’s a downed tree, or some other safety hazard arises, an alert through this system means you can adjust your route and avoid dangerous or blocked areas.
In more serious situations— like a security issue or active threat—KP Alerts ensures you receive instructions immediately and directly from the Master Association. It’s a tool designed for your protection.
You can choose how you receive messages: via text, email, phone call, or all three. This flexibility ensures that even if one method fails or is delayed, you’re still connected.
And while KP Alerts is about your individual safety, it also contributes to the safety of the community. Being informed allows you to help your neighbors, especially those who might not be as techsavvy or might miss a message.
Most importantly, KP Alerts gives you peace of mind. You’re not relying on social media rumors or waiting for word-of-mouth updates. You’ll get trusted, official information—direct from the source.
professional intervention. Steps toward healing may include:
•Therapy: Especially traumainformed therapy, which can help process shame, rebuild self-esteem, and work through emotional triggers.
•Support Groups: Sharing experiences with others who have been through similar scams can reduce isolation and provide validation.
•Education and Advocacy: Learning how the scam worked and sharing that knowledge can empower victims and help protect others.
Conclusion: Beyond the Balance Sheet
Financial scams don’t just drain bank accounts—they shatter lives, identities, and mental stability. The real cost is often emotional, psychological, and deeply personal. As a society, we must start treating scam victims with the compassion and seriousness we offer victims of other crimes. Only by acknowledging the full spectrum of trauma can we begin to heal the hidden wounds left behind.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a financial scam, know this: You are not alone, it is not your fault, and help is available. If you need help, or know someone else has been victimized, come by my office at 948 Cherry Hills Drive, Sun City Center, or call 813-252-5515.
Some pets are more vulnerable to heat-related illness, particularly older animals, overweight pets, and breeds with flat faces like bulldogs, boxers, and pugs. These pets should be monitored closely and kept indoors during high heat. With just a few precautions, you can protect your pet from the dangers of the summer sun and ensure they stay happy, healthy, and safe all August long.
Creating a Rain Garden
ByLynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
It’s that time of year again where we are generally fortunate to receive rain frequently. If you are looking for a way to capture rainfall when it arrives, consider creating a rain garden in a low area in your landscape or at the bottom of a downspout where water puddles. The purpose of a rain garden is to capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces (roofs, driveways, sidewalks) and allow the captured runoff water to percolate through the soil.
Rain gardens are beneficial. They decrease flooding and erosion while attracting wildlife and beneficial insects. These gardens filter runoff that would otherwise carry pollutants (grass clippings, pet waste, fertilizer) to storm drains and ultimately into Tampa Bay, contributing to algae bloom and killing fish.
To create a rain garden, first, determine the size and location. It should be at least ten feet from your foundation and in an existing low area that drains quickly after
a heavy rain. This garden should be in full sun, not within 25 feet of a septic system or well, away from tree roots, and within 30 feet of a water source.
Next and before you start digging, be sure to call 811, Sunshine State One Call of Florida Inc., for underground utility marking. Then, design the shape of your rain garden by laying out a garden hose in the manner you desire.
Select plant materials after you have determined the site conditions (sun, mature height, spread). If you install a rain garden in sandy soil, it will only hold water for a few hours. This will add to your maintenance duties which include watering, weeding, and using sphagnum/peat moss to decrease weed growth. Select plants that like ‘wet feet’ and are drought tolerant for times when rainfall is infrequent. Plant examples include Cinnamon fern, Frog-fruit, Muhly grass, Florida gamma grass, Swamp sunflower and Goldenrod.
Stop by 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, where you can see our rain garden in the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden located in our courtyard. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat!
Enumerate Platform Now Available to All Residents
The Master Association is excited to announce that Enumerate, a secure, password-protected online platform, is now officially available to all Kings Point residents. After a successful initial rollout to board members, the system is now ready to serve the entire community.
What is Enumerate?
Enumerate is a centralized online portal that gives residents access to essential community information that was not previously available on the public website. The platform is designed to improve transparency and organization while keeping sensitive documents and videos protected from outside access.
Through Enumerate, you can securely view:
•Meeting minutes from Master Association board meetings
•Financial reports and budget summaries
•Irrigation and maintenance inspection reports
•Unredacted meeting videos
•And other important internal documents
This ensures that you stay informed about the decisions, policies, and projects shaping our community— anytime, from anywhere.
Why Was Enumerate Created?
The Master Association developed Enumerate in response to the growing need for secure, easyto-use digital access to internal materials. While our public website remains a useful tool for general updates, Enumerate allows us to share more in-depth content with authorized users only, protecting
As the Chairman of the Kings Point Stormwater and Pond Management Committee and a Biologist, I receive this question quite often. I would like to explain this to everyone who has or thought of asking this question.
Algae thrives in water due to a number of factors. These include sunlight, nutrients, temperature, and pH. These factors combine to enable photosynthesis, which provides food, and allows for rapid growth.
Here is a more detailed breakdown.
Sunlight:
Algae, like plants, need sunlight to photosynthesize and produce energy. Areas that are exposed to direct sunlight exposure are prone to more Algal growth.
Nutrients:
Excess nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus act as a fertilizer, much like plants, fueling their rapid growth. These nutrients can enter a body of water through a variety of sources such as fertilizer runoff from lawns, golf courses, and agriculture areas. In addition, faulty or leaking septic systems or leaking sewer lines can cause excess nutrients to inundate a pond.
Water Conditions:
Temperature: Warmer water (during summer months) accelerate algal growth.
pH: Alkaline water (higher pH) promotes algal growth
Stagnant Water: Still or poorly circulated water allows algae cells to settle and accumulate creating favorable conditions for growth.
Carbon Dioxide:
Algae utilize carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Higher levels of carbon dioxide can stimulate algal growth. Algal blooms can cause dramatic ecologic and economic damage. An example of this that affects us here in Florida is an algal bloom called Red Tide. I will discuss this and other topics in the future.
As disruptive as algae can be, there are multiple benefits to having some algae in our ponds. Algae is the base of the aquatic food web. Algae is the primary food source for zooplankton which are eaten by small bait fish and fingerlings.
Algae produce oxygen by converting carbon dioxide and water into oxygen during the day by photosynthesis. Oxygen is vital to all aquatic life.
Algae can absorb excess nutrients in the water helping to prevent nutrient imbalances which can lead to a host of other issues. In addition, algae can provide habitats for certain organisms, contributing to the overall biodiversity of our ponds.
In essence, algae are a vital part of a pond’s ecosystem, contributing to its health and balance.
the confidentiality of discussions and sensitive documents.
By moving videos and reports to this secure space, the Association can also ensure that vendors, contractors, and non-residents do not have access to internal dialogue, allowing for more open and honest communication among residents and leadership.
Benefits for Residents
Enumerate is more than just a document library—it’s a community engagement tool.
With this platform, residents can:
•Stay up to date with official decisions and actions
•Review past and upcoming projects
•Gain deeper insight into how association funds are managed
•Receive communications from your neighborhood board (if your local board chooses to use Enumerate)
As more associations adopt the platform, residents will also benefit from greater consistency in how information is shared across all Kings Point neighborhoods.
How to Register
The Master Association encourages all residents to register and begin exploring Enumerate. Whether you’re a seasonal resident or here year-round, this tool offers a reliable way to stay connected and informed.
To register, visit kpmaster.com and click the registration request
banner on the home page. Once on the signup page click the orange sign up button. Then select save and continue at the bottom of the page. Then you will enter all requested information and hit Sign Up Now. An email will be sent to you from Enumerate letting you know the account has been created. If you have any problems or don’t receive a registraiton email within 7 days, contact Cheryl at the Master Association at Cheryl@kpmaster.com.
Looking Ahead
This rollout represents a major step forward in how we communicate and share information as a community. We are committed to keeping Kings Point residents informed, engaged, and empowered through greater transparency, accessibility, and confidentiality.
We look forward to your participation and welcome your feedback as we continue to grow and improve the platform.
We’ve been in contact with ClubLink regarding the overgrown grass on the closed golf courses we lease. Due to the frequent and heavy rainfall, they’ve been unable to mow consistently. The wet conditions make it unsafe and impractical to operate mowing equipment until the ground has had time to dry, and with the ongoing rain, catching up has been a challenge.
This issue is affecting not only the closed courses but also the open ones, where maintenance is also behind. ClubLink is working to prioritize perimeter cuts— focusing first on areas directly behind homes—to help maintain a cleaner appearance where it matters most.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as they work through the weather-related delays.
Update on Golf Course Maintenance
We are proud to recognize Dave Barrett as our August Volunteer of the Month!
Dave Barrett moved to Kings Point in 2023 after relocating from Massachusetts and Maine. He and his wife originally set their sights on the Tampa Bay area and landed in Tarpon Springs, but it wasn’t long before a real estate agent introduced them to Kings Point. They quickly fell in love with the community and made it their home in May 2023.
Since then, Dave has become a vital part of the Kings Point family. He currently serves as the Point of Contact for Landscaping and is also the Vice President of the Portsmith neighborhood. His dedication to the community is clear to anyone who knows him. Dave has been a committed volunteer with the Lawn Bowling Club for the past two years and was recently crowned the Club Champion in 2025! His passion for the sport is matched only by his willingness to pitch in wherever help is needed.
In addition to lawn bowling, Dave is an avid pickleball player and is always on the move. He dedicates two days a week working with Clublink, cutting greens and tee boxes to keep the grounds looking sharp. He also lends his time and energy helping neighbors with landscaping needs and various outdoor projects. It’s not unusual to find him outside 6 to 7 hours a day, staying active and lending a helping hand.
Dave’s tireless energy and dedication to the community make him a true asset to Kings Point. Thank you, Dave Barrett, for everything you do!
July Crossword Answer
