The Kings Point Master Association has been working with Michael Owen for several years—first while he served as our district representative and now in the Florida House. Throughout that time, he has remained responsive to the concerns of our community and engaged on key issues that matter most to our residents. Most recently, the Master Association arranged for Representative Owen to speak directly at a Master Board meeting. This was a valuable opportunity for residents to ask questions, express concerns, and contribute to shaping the future of local policies and priorities.
Growth and Infrastructure at the Forefront Florida House Representative Michael Owen recently visited Kings Point to speak directly with residents about the current legislative session, local concerns, and key issues impacting the area. Representing District 70— which includes Riverview, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, and parts of Manatee County—Owen offered both transparency and commitment on a wide range of topics.
Owen made clear that growth and infrastructure remain the district’s top priorities. With new developments straining roads and emergency services, he emphasized the challenge of securing funding to keep up. “We’re baking the budget right now,” he said. “I’m fighting for road projects here, but as a freshman, it’s been a bumpy road.”
Though decisions are largely driven by senior legislators, Owen is actively working to ensure Kings Point and surrounding communities are not overlooked.
Strong Opposition to Golf Course Development
State Representative Michael Owen Visits Kings Point
Owen addressed widespread concerns regarding the Live Local Act, a law that gives developers more freedom to bypass local zoning to build affordable housing. He was especially critical of a nowremoved amendment that would have allowed golf courses to be redeveloped without local input.
“I committed to the people in this district that I would never support that,” he said. “I was one of only three no votes on that legislation.”
He pledged continued resistance to the development of golf courses within Kings Point and surrounding areas, citing residents’ home values and community planning.
Budget Responsibility and Tax Relief
Turning to tax policy, Owen warned that if Florida doesn’t rein in spending now, the state could face a deficit within a decade. He voiced strong support for limiting state expenditures and prioritizing essential infrastructure over recurring funding for non-essential programs.
He also discussed efforts to reform property taxes, especially for senior communities like Kings Point. Owen supports reducing the
Commissioner Chris Boles Engages with Master Association
Hillsborough County Commissioner Chris Boles, who currently holds the District 6 at-large seat, recently met with Kings Point Master Association General Manager Shawna Deiulio to discuss several pressing issues facing the Kings Point community.
Commissioner Boles, a former Battalion Chief with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, brings a strong background in public service and a hands-on approach to local governance.
Last month, Commissioner Boles visited Kings Point to meet directly with the Master Association Board. The meeting focused on a number of key topics impacting the area, including the upstream development along Cypress Creek and its potential environmental effects, possible grant opportunities to support community enhancements, traffic concerns
along SR-674, longstanding issues on 36th Street, and the future of the closed golf courses.
In a show of genuine commitment, Commissioner Boles also took the time to personally visit Cypress Creek to observe the erosion and overgrowth issues firsthand. His willingness to see the conditions for himself reinforces his dedication to addressing community concerns.
Commissioner Boles and his aides took detailed notes during the meeting and expressed a strong interest in following up on each of the items discussed. He assured the Board that he would look further into the concerns raised and report back with findings and next steps.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Boles expressed enthusiasm about returning to Kings Point in the near future to host a public meeting where he can hear directly from residents. His ongoing engagement reflects a commitment to open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving for the benefit of Kings Point and the surrounding community.
school millage portion of property tax bills and is reviewing ways to provide targeted relief without increasing other taxes.
“I don’t want to raise taxes to replace other taxes,” he stated. “I took an oath not to raise taxes for any reason.”
Insurance Reform Still In Progress
Owen, a real estate attorney by profession, backed the state’s recent tort reform legislation intended to cut back on frivolous lawsuits and reduce skyrocketing insurance rates. However, he acknowledged frustration that premiums haven’t dropped as hoped.
“I just got my bill — it went up $700,” he said. “We need real stabilization from insurance companies.”
He also called for renewed efforts to protect seniors from medical malpractice exclusions in state law.
Addressing Kings Point’s Environmental and Traffic Issues Owen spoke about the Kings Point community’s concerns over Cypress Creek and the impacts of development on local water flow. He is working with County Commissioner Christine Miller to
In 2025, Southshore Hillsborough County is one of the fastest-growing regions in the area—and with that growth comes a sharp increase in water demand. New housing developments, population expansion, and commercial growth are placing added pressure on the local water system.
Meeting Southshore’s Needs Tampa Bay Water, in partnership with Hillsborough County, is taking proactive steps to ensure Southshore communities have a reliable water supply. Projects like the relocation of a booster station in the Balm Grove
July 2025
pursue state-matching funds for restoration projects.
Traffic congestion, particularly on SR 674 and I-75, was another key issue. While large-scale road expansions require federal assistance, Owen is pressing for short-term solutions and applying for “mega-grants” for long-term infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: Fewer Laws, More Accountability
Owen noted that this year’s legislative session will likely see fewer bills passed, partially due to earlysession immigration legislation and extended negotiations. But he welcomes a leaner approach. “Sometimes I think we pass too many laws. I’d rather focus on enforcing good ones and cutting unnecessary regulation.”
He also addressed the limited role federal funding currently plays at the state level but emphasized continued efforts to secure transportation grants where possible.
Staying Engaged and Committed Owen concluded by reinforcing his role as an accessible representative for Kings Point. “I’m your voice in Tallahassee. I’m the guy who shows up to your HOA meetings,” he said. “I’ll keep showing up and fighting for this community.”
area are underway to improve water pressure and prepare the system for future growth.
Conservation and Restrictions
To help manage this rising demand, Hillsborough County is promoting water conservation. Residents and businesses are encouraged to use water-saving devices and attend educational workshops. Water restrictions may also be implemented during high-demand periods to help preserve supply.
Investing in the Future
Infrastructure upgrades and system expansions come with rising costs. As a result, the county is adjusting water and wastewater rates to support ongoing maintenance and improvement projects needed to serve growing areas like Southshore.
Staying Prepared
While water supply remains stable for now, environmental factors like drought can impact long-term availability. Responsible usage and forward-thinking planning are essential to keeping water flowing smoothly across Southshore.
The function of these ponds is quite simple. Hold the water that falls onto Kings Point in place. They are not recreational ponds but basically catch basins for rain water conservation. As a side benefit, these ponds provide much needed habitat for several varieties of fish, birds, and alligators. In addition, Kings Point undeveloped land provides habitat for foxes, racoons, opossums, squirrels, deer, and the endangered Gopher tortoise.
Approximately 40% of retained stormwater is filtered through the soil and substrate helping to replenish the aquifer that supplies water for life functions like drinking and bathing. As we all know, Florida is very much dependent on rainfall to ensure the aquifer remains at a manageable level. The Storm Water and Pond Management Committee is committed to ensuring our ponds remain healthly in order to facilitate clean water is available for generations to come.
The Storm Water and Pond Management Committee is comprised of 7 highly motivated individuals from the Kings Point Community. This year we have planned and executed a number of projects throughout our little slice of paradise. Just recently, we have placed trail cameras around Kings Point in specific locations in
Did you know there are 87 Storm Water Ponds in Kings Point?
By: Steven Ashton, Chair Stormwater & Pond Management
order to identify exactly what kind of wildlife is living in this area. As soon as the photos are compiled, we will post them on the Master Association Web Site for all to see.
In order to accomplish this herculean task, we have projected to perform pond maintenance on multiple ponds each year for the next several years. These ponds that will be planted with both terrestrial and aquatic plants. These plants will help to filter water draining into the ponds, help prevent shoreline erosion, and add nesting areas for wildlife. In addition, the terrestrial plants at the pond’s edges will provide flowers for our pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
As a bonus, we have several What is a Littoral Shelf?
The littoral shelf (or littoral zone) refers to the shallow near-shore area of a body of water where sunlight reaches the bottom, allowing aquatic plants to grow. The name comes from the Latin word for “shore”. This region serves as primary habitat for aquatic plants and functions as a nursery ground for a variety of species. It also provides food and shelter for wading birds, fish, turtles and invertebrates. Littoral shelves are crucialcomponentsofhealthypond ecosystems, hence are protected by law in many parts of Florida.
A reminder that summer poses several pet risks for those who are new to the area and for all pet families in this area. Storms, heated cement, and hungry alligators are just a few.
STORMS -- Dogs can be stressed during storms (and fireworks) so make sure you have tools and medicines available to reduce anxiety. Also, review hurricane/ disaster preparedness for pet families so that you can prepare to either stay or evacuate.
HEAT - Temperatures here can be brutal and lethal in this area. Short nose pets cannot handle the heat and hot sidewalks/cement and closed cars are dangerous for all pets this time of year. Remember that their paws burn easily.
ALLIGATORS --DO NOT WALK NEAR ANY PONDS WITH YOUR DOG EVEN ON A LEASH. I still see people who do not recognize the danger. Alligators will not attack anything
The roots of aquatic plants in the littoral shelf help stabilize the shoreline and prevent erosion, which is critical for maintaining both water clarity and depth. The plants filter out pollutants from the water that ultimately drains into our streams, rivers and baysparticularly water generated from storms. These plants also absorb excess nutrients from fertilizers like nitrogen and phosphorus, helping to prevent water quality issues in ponds such as algae blooms, foul odors and excessive mosquitos. Many fish species, especially in their early life stages, rely on the littoral shelf for shelter and food. Protecting this habitat ensures healthy fish and bird populations.
Littoral shelves with thriving aquatic plants can greatly enhance the beauty of a pond, provide food and habitat for wildlife and increase property values. A balanced, healthy pond or lake will require little maintenance and few, if any, chemicals.
partners in this endeavor.
Hillsborough County Adopt a Pond program have been working with us over the last 3 years providing free aquatic plants, and designs for planting our ponds. Our local Eagle Audubon chapter has donated $4,000 to our cause. The Tampa Bay Estuary program has donated $3820 from Tampa Bay MiniGrant which is funded by citizens who buy Tarpon Tags for their vehicles. The Kings Point Master Association provides us with an annual budget, and fundraisers this year have contributed approximately $4,000 to our funding.
As you may or may not know, much of South, Central Florida including Kings Point has been in a drought, resulting in low pond levels. Due to these levels and
We are pleased to welcome Advanced Aquatic Services, Inc. as the new pond management provider for the Kings Point Master Association. A family-owned and operated company founded in 1991, Advanced Aquatic Services specializes in complete lake and waterway management— and they bring decades of expertise to our community.
With a local office in Ruskin, their team offers a comprehensive range of services, including pond maintenance, erosion
ASK THE PET VET
By: Sandra Yosha, DVM, PhD
taller than they are long and a dog on a leash is very tempting. They are very fast --and even people have been killed trying to rescue their dogs from them. They eat more during the hot months--so do not tempt them.
LEASH WALKS - Dogs that are following golf carts—this is generally not a safe practice. In general, harnesses are safer than collars and either can attach a name tag or GPS tracker tag. The types of harnesses and collars that you can use can vary according to size and temperament of the dog. Please read about leashes and collars to determine safe practices for your pet.
MEDICATIONS AND VACCINES
This section is not specific for summer. There are so many choices for both medication and vaccination. NONE of them are 100 % safe and effective and
the requirement to place aquatic plants in the water 1 to 2 feet from shore, as designed by Hillsborough County Adopt-A-Pond, the pond levels have to rise to the normal shoreline prior to planting. We estimate the new time frame to be sometime in August of this year.
Due to support from our Kings Point Community, many of our associations have spent hundreds of volunteer hours gaining community approval for this project and are actively involved in the planning process. During this time of lower water levels, the ponds are being treated for both invasive plants and fish that can disrupt our ecosystems and are contrary to Florida Friendly Guidelines. Advanced Aquatics, the new pond contractor, is addressing these issues with a very active and talented team of specialists.
Our goal is to plant every pond in Kings Point, ensuring clean water, wildlife habitat, and Florida Friendly guidelines continue to be a vital part of maintaining a healty Kings Point ecosystem. Community involvement is key to employing Best Practices for our ponds ensures lasting beauty as well as the life safety provided by healthy ponds. Thank you, Kings Point for your support!
remediation, water testing, native plantings, nutrient deactivation, and installation of fountains and aeration systems. They also provide environmental consulting to support the longterm health and beauty of our natural water features.
Leading the efforts in our community is an experienced environmental consultant who brings over 15 years of industry knowledge. His career has spanned roles from technician to district manager, and he holds multiple professional certifications, including an Aquatics License, Public Health License (mosquito control), BMP Certification, and a Florida Master Naturalist designation. He also holds an A.S. in Fisheries Science.
We’re excited to partner with a provider so committed to both environmental stewardship and aesthetic excellence. Welcome to Kings Point and thank you for helping us keep our waterways beautiful and thriving.
NONE of them are 100 % harmful. Everything is based on risk vs benefit basis and is PET SPECIFIC.
VACCINES The only vaccine that is required by law in this (and most of the US) is the rabies vaccine because it is FATAL to people and most mammals with no known treatment or cure— but the vaccine provides good prevention. Other vaccines are available to prevent other serious/ lethal infectious diseases—which are determined between you and your veterinarian based on risk vs. benefit.
MEDICATIONS These are provided to treat or prevent diseases. NONE ARE 100% safe and effective NONE ARE 100% bad or harmful. I saw a recent comment that one dog did tolerate a particular medication and then warned all people to avoid that medication for all dogs. That is simply not true. Some
medications are removed from the market when they cause more problems than they solve. Consider this—MANY people are allergic to penicillin, and THEY should not get it, but penicillin and its derivatives are safe and effective for many people. Many people are allergic to peanuts or other specific food items, and they should avoid it but peanuts are safe for most people. It is always sad and scary if your pet does not tolerate a particular medication or vaccine and when that happens there are treatments for the reactions and then that pet should never receive that medication or vaccine again. But that does not necessarily mean that other pets cannot safely use it. That should be left up to each individual pet parent and their veterinarian.
PLEASE DO NOT ADVISE PEOPLE ON WHAT MEDICATIONS/ VACCINES THEIR PET SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT HAVE.
By Lynn Barber,
Plants that Love Wet Feet
Many of us are hoping our rainy season will get started very soon, and it has and will continue! We can capitalize on our upcoming moisture by planting lovely perennials that like to have wet feet. Yes, I really do know that plants do not have feet, but as you can imagine, I’m referring to their roots! Five of my favorites include Swamp hibiscus, Cardinal flower, Muhly grass, Swamp sunflower and Wiregrass. These plants thrive in low areas of your landscape that retain water.
Swamp hibiscus, Scarlet rosemallow, Hibiscus coccineus, native to Florida and the southeastern U.S., produces amazingly beautiful red flowers. We have this plant on the bank of our lower pond in the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, located in the courtyard of the Extension office. This plant can reach a height of 15 feet.
Muhly Grass, Muhlenbergia capillaris, a native plant, reaches a height of 3-5 feet and spread of 2-3 feet. It prefers full sun and can tolerate extreme drought and flooding. Muhly Grass has narrow foliage and produces pink fall flowers. This grass can be used as a
‘Pig
border, accent, in mass plantings and as cut flowers.
Swamp Sunflower, Helianthus debilis, another native, reaches a height and spread of 2-4 feet. It is fast growing, prefers full sun and attracts butterflies and birds. It is a perennial that produces yellow/ brown fall flowers. Plant in mass for a large pop of color and interest.
Additional information on each of these plants and more can be found at Ask IFAS plus the plant name.
There are several reasons to stop by our office. We have the eyepleasing Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, a lovely perennial garden and pollinator garden created by Girl Scouts. There is a Master Gardener on duty who can answer your questions, and you can submit a soil sample for testing at a nominal cost. Please check our calendar of events at: https://www.eventbrite. com/o/ufifas-hillsboroughextension-8606873308. If you do not live in Hillsborough County, please contact your local County Extension Service for information on programs they provide.
A sophisticated online scam known as “pig butchering” is rapidly gaining traction, leaving victims emotionally devastated and financially ruined. This elaborate scheme combines romance, investment fraud, and psychological manipulation. Scammers typically pose as friendly strangers on social media or dating apps, slowly building trust with their targets over weeks or even months—“fattening the pig”—before encouraging them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. Once the victim has deposited a significant amount, the scammer disappears, and the funds are gone for good.
The Federal Trade Commission and cybersecurity experts have issued warnings about the increasing complexity and scale of these cons. Scammers often present fake websites or apps that mimic legitimate trading platforms, complete with falsified profit dashboards and customer service agents to lure victims deeper into the fraud. Victims are often persuaded to “reinvest” or pay fees to unlock supposed earnings, further deepening their losses. Law enforcement agencies have struggled to keep up, especially as many of the operations are run by organized criminal groups overseas.
We truly live in paradise—and summer is the perfect time to explore it! Whether you’re hosting out-of-town guests or just looking to enjoy more of Florida’s natural and cultural gems, here are some incredible local destinations that offer fun, learning, and unforgettable experiences.
1.Safari Wilderness Ranch –Lakeland, FL
For a truly wild experience, Safari Wilderness Ranch offers an African-style safari adventure right in Central Florida. Located on 260 acres in the Green Swamp wilderness, visitors can tour by safari vehicle and spot a variety of exotic animals, including zebras, ostriches, camels, and fainting goats. A fan-favorite experience includes feeding grapes to friendly lemurs!
*10850 Moore Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
2. Sunken Gardens – St. Petersburg, FL
Step into a tropical oasis in the heart of St. Pete. The Sunken Gardens, one of the nation’s oldest roadside attractions, spans four lush acres filled with exotic plants and colorful wildlife. Stroll past flamingos, koi ponds, parrots, and historical architecture as you take in this century-old botanical treasure.
*1825 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
3. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – Weeki Wachee, FL
Mermaids are real at Weeki Wachee Springs! This iconic Florida destination offers live mermaid shows, a waterpark at Buccaneer Bay, riverboat cruises, and crystalclear springs for kayaking and swimming. With a history dating back to 1947, this park remains a magical spot for families and nature lovers alike.
*6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
4. Sarasota Jungle Gardens –Sarasota, FL
Get up close and personal with nature at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a 10-acre tropical sanctuary where flamingos roam freely and guests can hand-feed them. The park also features parrots, alligators, lemurs, tortoises, and beautiful exotic plants. Interactive shows and a café make it a full-day adventure.
*3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234
5. Florida Railroad Museum –Parrish, FL
Approx. 30 minutes from Sun City Step back in time and ride a historic train through the countryside. This unique experience is great for families and train enthusiasts. Special summer-themed rides are available, including kid-friendly events and seasonal excursions.
So pack a bag, grab your camera, and get out there—your summer adventure awaits!
Enjoy a Fun and Healthy Summer
Summer is the perfect time to get outside, stay active, and enjoy all the wonderful opportunities our 55+ community has to offer. Whether you love gentle exercise, social events, or exploring local spots, there’s something for everyone.
and discovering new interests. Keep your mind engaged with book clubs, hobby groups, or educational workshops. Learning something new is a great way to stay sharp and motivated.
To protect yourself, experts recommend maintaining skepticism toward unsolicited online messages, especially those that quickly turn personal or financial. Always verify the identity of new contacts through independent means and never send money or invest based on a virtual acquaintance’s advice alone. Be wary of toogood-to-be-true investment opportunities, especially involving cryptocurrency, and avoid downloading unknown apps or visiting unverified investment websites.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been targeted by a pig butchering scam, report it immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and your local authorities. Early reporting can help authorities trace patterns and possibly recover lost funds. More importantly, sharing your experience could protect others from falling into the same trap.
As always, I maintain an opendoor policy. If you have any concerns, questions, or feedback, feel free to visit my office at 948 Cherry Hills Drive, Sun City Center, or call 813-252-5515.
Stay moving with activities like morning walks, yoga, or water aerobics—great ways to keep fit without overdoing it in the heat. Gardening is another relaxing way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Take advantage of nearby parks, museums, or farmers markets. Many communities host outdoor concerts, art fairs, and special summer events—ideal for meeting friends
COA SUMMER HOURS
June 1 through July 30 the COA will be open from 9:00 AMNoon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – closed on Tuesday, Thursday, Weekends & Holidays. The COA will be closed the entire month of August and will reopen September 2nd.
COA SERVICES CONTINUE: The COA will continue to provide our regular services on the days we are open, including Notary Services, Copies (also the copiers in the clubhouse), US Postage Stamps, Fax Service, Shredding Service, etc.
CALL 813-633-1710 TO
Remember to protect yourself by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and planning activities during cooler parts of the day. And don’t miss the chance to join community barbecues and holiday celebrations to connect and have fun.
This summer, embrace the season with energy, friendship, and wellness in mind. Let’s make it a memorable one!
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 the Membership fee of $5.00, and have access to all the services offered by the COA.
The Shredding in the COA is for Members’ important personal papers only - not for recycling junk, binders, cardboard, plastic, etc. The Shredding Container is kept locked, and is picked up by the Shredding Company to shred for disposal.
This month, we’re proud to recognize Teresa as our Volunteer of the Month! Originally from Booneville, Missouri, Teresa brings with her a lifelong commitment to helping others. Before retiring, she worked as a child support investigator and also flipped houses—often assisting first-time homebuyers in achieving their dream of homeownership.
Her journey to Kings Point began with a simple visit to a neighbor who had moved here. She and her husband, Huber, quickly fell in love with the community. After renting in the Bedfords for a few years, they purchased their home in Oxford II in 2016. What started as a snowbird arrangement has grown into a second home base—now they spend about nine months of the year enjoying life at Kings Point, returning to Missouri during the summer to spend time with family.
Even during those summer months, Teresa continues to give back. She volunteers at the Senior Care Center in Booneville and cherishes time spent caring for her grandchildren.
Here in Kings Point, Teresa and Huber are known for hosting the community Easter and Christmas potluck parties—events that have become beloved traditions. These gatherings, often drawing over 240 guests, are open to everyone, regardless of whether they can bring a dish or contribute financially. Teresa and Huber covered all the expenses themselves for years, recently opening the door to donations to help support the growing events. Their mission has always been to ensure no one spends a holiday alone.
Teresa’s generous spirit and dedication to community are a shining example of what makes Kings Point so special.
Pictured in the photograph left to right is Jasmin Calzada, Senior Director Nursing and Moffitt Ambulatory Clinic OPS, President of the Michigan Club, Marilyn Elliott-Enge, Paul Hunt (age 98) President Emeritus and founder of the KP Michigan Club, Renee Childs, Treasurer of the Club, Kaitlyn Gallagher, Event Specialist, and Dr. Vania Phuoc, Medical Director SouthShore. Funds were raised at the Michigan Club’s Lip Sync Fundraiser in February, which is again on the calendar for February 2026. The monies raised will be used to fund
projects at Moffitt.
