Post-Tropical Storm Cleanup

Storm Cleanup – the neighborhood campaign will take time and be multi-faceted:

  • Roadways – are Seminole County responsibility and it will take a while for them to mobilize.  Downed trees and street debris have been partially cleared to allow traffic.
  • Landscapers – our contract landscapers plan to bring a crew out Sunday 10/2 with a truck and chipper to begin clearing common areas, street medians and village entrances. The plan is to gather, shred and remove as much debris as possible.  The crew will be back for weekly services and clean-up.
  • Open Space – several issues have been reported with downed or leaning trees on former golf course property that our Open Space Committee will evaluate and address.
  • FEMA – there were FEMA debris pickups along roadways after previous storms but only after several weeks.  We will have to see what options become available.
  • Volunteers – anyone who wants to “volunteer” can help by consolidating roadway or common area debris at curbside for pickup by our landscapers, County or FEMA crews.  If you volunteer, please wear protective gear and work safely.

Guidelines for Residents – please review and observe the following:

  • Storm and landscaping debris on lots should be collected, bundled and piled at your curb for scheduled Landscape Waste Collection on Wednesdays.
  • Residential storm debris should NOT be relocated onto community property where it damages landscaping, delays mowing and may create extra removal costs.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Community Brick Wall Repairs

Residents will notice that sections of our community brick walls are being repaired and reinforcements installed by Rock Solid Masonry of Sweetwater.  Work will be in progress for several months.  In most cases repairs are needed due to roots from nearby trees distressing the cement footings and wall structures.  Where possible, the roots will be trimmed to preserve the tree.  In some locations, trees in contact with the walls need to be removed from community property.  Nearby homeowners are requested to remove any personal items from construction areas and to control household pets during the work.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Neighborhood Hot-Topics

Bear-Resistant Trash Containers – our community is in the 4th year of mandated Bear-Resistant Trashcan use. Lockable containers are required for food-contaminated household refuse in SPCSA villages since we are located in Seminole County’s high-traffic “Bear Management Corridor”.

Containers only work if lids are properly closed and latched. Occasional lubrication of the metal locking mechanism (i.e. WD-40 spray) is necessary for proper operation. Unlocked or overstuffed containers left outdoors greatly increase the chance of a potentially hazardous bear encounter on your driveway or in your garage. Please maintain and properly use your bear-cans so the animals look for food somewhere else!

Play Structures/Basketball Goals – SPCSA deed restrictions have always specified that game & play structures and basketball goals must be ARC-approved and located at the side or rear of properties. Portable or roll-away equipment may need to be stored when not in use, depending on the specifics of your lot/driveway configuration and ARC approval.

Permanent placement of sports nets, goals, swings and portable basketball goals in front of homes is not approvable, and goals must be kept in “like-new” condition. If you have questions please review association Resolution 08-01 in the “Documents” pages of this website and observe the deed restrictions out of respect for your neighbors.

 

Looking For A Webmaster – our association’s website has been designed and supported for 5 years by a highly talented professional who is now moving on to other work. As a result, SPCSA is looking for a community volunteer or web professional experienced with “WordPress” programming and maintenance. Interested individuals can “Contact Us” using this website or email president@sabalpoint.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Recent Resident Concerns

Are Golf Carts Legal On Sabal Point Roads?

In our view, the answer is generally “No”.

Golf Carts and “Low Speed Vehicles” (LSVs) are covered by a variety of Florida Statutes and Seminole County Code. Most of these rules prohibit operation on public roads except under limited conditions and with certain roadway designations, posted signage, and vehicle safety equipment.

Golf carts are four-wheeled vehicles designed primarily for use on golf courses with a maximum speed of 20 mph. LSVs are four-wheeled vehicles whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour, but not greater than 25 miles per hour.

Florida Statute 316 states in part: operation of a golf cart upon public roads or streets of the state is prohibited except:

  • On County or municipal roads that have been “designated for use by golf carts”.
  • To cross public roadways in clearly marked areas where there is a golf course constructed on both sides of the roadway.

While some Central Florida communities like “The Villages” have made golf carts street-legal, Sabal Point’s public roads are not designated or marked for golf cart use.

Florida Statute 320 states that LSVs may be operated by licensed drivers only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less and the vehicle is insured. Vehicles must be equipped with the following safety equipment:

  • Headlamps;
  • Front and rear turn signals;
  • Stop lamps;
  • Tail lamps;
  • Reflex reflectors, red – one each side and one on the rear;
  • Exterior mirror on the driver side and an interior rear-view mirror or exterior mirror on passenger side;
  • Parking brake;
  • Windshield;
  • Seat belt for each designated seat; and a
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN).

In addition, the 85-acre “Sabal Point Commons” community property is posted with usage restrictions including “No unauthorized motor vehicles”. The only vehicles currently authorized include those of certain officers, employees, land and waterway service providers and association vehicles.

Families with privately-owned golf carts or similar vehicles can legally use them on their own property, or on other private property with permission from the owner, and with operators who are at least 14 years old. Golf cart operation on public roads or posted common areas is not legal. Violations can be reported to the association or the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at 407.665.6650.

Can Neighors Let Pets Poop On My Lawn?

Again, the answer is “No”, residents must properly control their pets. Dog and cat owners have responsibilities both under Sabal Point deed restrictions and Seminole County Codes, Chapter 20, Ordinances Pertaining to Animals. Highlights include:

  • Pet Waste – it is illegal for owners to leave pet waste on sidewalks, common areas or on private property of neighboring homeowners. Pet Stations with plastic bags and receptacles are provided along Sabal Palm Drive to facilitate collection and safe deposit of pet waste.
  • Leash Laws – all dogs and cats must be kept on a leash when not on their owner’s property. Carrying a leash while your dog runs free is not an option. Leash laws are in place for the safety of your pet and animals owned by other neighbors, as well as protection of walkers, bike riders and joggers in our community.
  • Barking Dogs – Seminole County Code Section 20.19 Noisy Animals specifies limits for leaving dogs or other animals outside, allowing repetitive barking, howling or screeching, and outlines methods of filing complaints with Law Enforcement or Animal Control authorities.

Residents can report violations by obtaining the name and address of non-compliant pet owners along with the date and time of specific violations. These may be reported to SPCSA via Sentry Management or to the Seminole County Sheriff’s non-emergency number at 407.665.6650.

Please be a good neighbor and responsible pet owner and follow community rules.

 

Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Meetings

Beginning last September, SPCSA’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is now holding twice-monthly meetings to review and disposition resident requests for exterior changes or additions. In addition to the current ARC Reviews at monthly SPCSA Board Meetings, the ARC will also convene at 9:30 AM on the first Thursday of each month at the association’s Maintenance Building located at 397 Sabal Palm Drive. Meeting reminders will be posted in the community at least 48 hours in advance. Owners are welcome to attend, ask questions about possible projects or to appeal any prior requests that may have been “Denied”. Please explore the Architectural Review section of this website for guidance on when approval is required and what information should accompany ARC Requests.