Community News Archive
- Sept 2024 Bulletin Articles December 6, 2024
- Resident Survey June 7, 2024
Thank you to those who participated in the recent resident survey.
See results summary - Annual President Report January 16, 2024
View our Annual President Report – January 2024
- 2023-Q4 Email Blast October 31, 2023
Read about the upcoming meeting & election and other key events happening in the final quarter of 2023. View the Q4 Email Blast.
- Budget October 30, 2023
View the 2024 approved budget details here.
View the 2025 approved budget details here.
- HOA Fees Due Dates – Updated December 2023 December 23, 2022
The board is aware that 2024 dues coupons are delayed. Because of this delay, the board of directors is extending the first payment deadline to January 31, 2024. Residents will not incur penalties or interest if dues funds are received by Sentry before February 1, 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact our Sentry Community Manager Marlo Sanders at:
Marlo Sanders
Sentry Management, Inc.
407-788- 6700 Ext. 51111
msanders@sentrymgt.comThank You!
- SPCSA 2023 Annual Meeting & 2022 News November 17, 2022
SPCSA will hold its 2023 Annual Membership Meeting and Election on Wed., November 15, 2023 at the SPCSA Maintenance Building, 397 Sabal Palm Drive. Election ballots will mail out in the 2nd half of Oct. Please plan to return your ballot so your vote counts.SPCSA 2022 Annual Membership Meeting and Election was held on November 15th at the SPCSA Maintenance Building, 397 Sabal Palm Drive. The meeting was attended by about 20 residents and Board members. The Board reviewed 2022 accomplishments, year-end financial position and the status of key community issues. Participants asked a variety of questions on topics including:
Vinyl Fencing Litigation – residents asked about the closure on litigation regarding unapproved vinyl/plastic fencing. The association won this case at Trial and Appeal and received $130,000 in “prevailing party legal fee recovery” in January 2022. As a reminder, all fencing and screening installations must be submitted in advance for architectural review and approval.
SPCSA’s Finances – the association’s financial status improved in 2022 with legal fee restoration of Reserve Funds. This has allowed the Board to resume important infrastructure work. A primary example is community brick wall rebuilding and repairs for approximately $200,000, which is being paid off over 3 years. Remaining Sabal Point Commons (former golf course acreage) maintenance funds are sufficient for another 3-1/2 years as expected, with expenses to be integrated into SPCSA’s overall budget in 2026.
Participants were informed of an 8.3% Annual Dues increase for 2023, about $50/year for single family owners, with the funds essential to sustaining our aging community.
2022 Tropical Storm Cleanup – questions were posed regarding the status of cleanup and costs resulting from storms Ian and Nicole. The board has authorized $29,000 for priority debris and tree clearances from community property, with another $12,000 in Open Space work to be completed through year end and billed in January, 2023. Debris collection and street clearances by Seminole County are ongoing.
Recognition for Contributions – homeowners expressed appreciation for the outstanding contributions of Jeff Shepherd, SPCSA’s Maintenance Specialist, and Bob Bruno who has served as Landscape Committee Chairman for a dozen years. Bob “retired” from the Board this September, with Joel Fairbanks appointed as replacement Director. Thank you, Jeff, Bob and Joel for your dedication to our community!
Village on the Green (VOG) Expansion – the multi-year VOG modernization and expansion project is completed, with new health and memory care facilities at high utilization. Sabal Point residents are welcome to call for a site tour anytime.
Special Appreciation – was extended to Marlo Sanders who has supported SPCSA as Community Association Manager and is leaving Sentry Management in late November to pursue other career opportunities. Marlo’s replacement is Sentry Division Manager Cheryl Drake. Thank you so much, Marlo and welcome Cheryl!
Election of Directors – the 2022 election for three Board of Directors positions was conducted with Gerry Keane and Joe St. Pierre re-elected to 3-year terms and Steve Schwartz elected as a new board member from VOG, starting in January 2023. Thanks to all SPCSA owners who voted in this election, and congratulations to Gerry, Joe and Steve!
- Post-Tropical Storm Cleanup September 30, 2022
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 July 8, 2022
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 March 7, 2021
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 pla
cement 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 June 18, 2020
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 August 24, 2019
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.
- Living With Wildlife – A “Bear Aware” Community February 1, 2018
Our Community Is Going “Bear Aware”
Our Sabal Point Community is located next to major wilderness conservation areas and the Wekiva River Preserve. As a result, wildlife including bears, deer, raccoons, coyotes and other animals enter the community seeking food. Bears in particular can become accustomed to foraging in residential areas and lose their fear of human contact. Bears that have become “habituated” to humans pose a potential hazard for residents, visitors and pets, and have been involved in bear attacks on several occasions. It is in the best interests of our community and the local bear population to be “Bear Aware” residents and limit the attraction of bears.
Why Bear-Resistant Containers?Residents should not feed deer, bears, alligators or other wildlife since feeding concentrates animals and creates the risk of disease spread and reduced animal fear of humans. Bear attractants must be controlled including:
- Household refuse, picnic refuse and food waste on trash, used plates or other containers;
- Pet foods, pet food leftovers and foods in accessible storage areas;
- Bird seed in feeders or seed accumulations on the ground under feeding areas;
- Barbeque grills with food accumulations, drippings or grease traps;
- Refrigerators or freezers in garages or other exterior locations;
- Vehicles containing food, groceries, coolers or bagged garbage;
- Fruit trees (non-citrus), nut trees and berry trees or bushes.
Our homeowner association has mandated that all single-family owners in designated SPCSA villages store and dispose of household refuse and food-contaminated garbage in a lockable, 64-gallon “bear-resistant container”. These containers have been approved by Seminole County Solid Waste and Waste Pro, our waste-hauling service, and are being provided at a subsidized price of about $42.13. Other non-food-contaminated waste may be put out for pickup in regular trashcans on the day of pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I have to use the Bear-Resistant Container?
A: Yes. SPCSA’s modified deed restrictions specify that the lockable bear-resistant container must be used as the primary container for household refuse disposal once delivered by Seminole County. Other trashcans can only be used for non-food-contaminated refuse after the primary container is filled and put out for collection. Recycling bins should not contain food-contaminated waste items.
Q: How will I be charged for my container?
A: Sentry Management will be mailing affected SPCSA homeowners a payment coupon for approximately $42.13 once the containers have been delivered to individual residences, probably within the next month or so.
Q: When can bear-resistant containers be put out for pickup?
A: Bear-resistant containers may be placed at the curb the night before designated trash collection. Regular trashcans can only be put at the curb on the day of pickup. Emptied containers should be removed by sundown the day of collection and stored in a location out of sight from the street or neighboring properties.
Q: What if my family wants to purchase a second container or needs repairs or a replacement?
A: Additional containers are available from our trash collection contractor at an individual homeowner price of about $126. For details, delivery or repair information contact Waste Pro at 407-774-0800 or www.wasteprousa.com/seminolecounty/, or for more information visit: http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/news/discounted-bear-resistant-refuse-containers.stml.
Q: What if neighbors are not using their bear-resistant containers?
A: Violations may be reported by contacting SPCSA/Marlo Sanders at Sentry Management or by calling Seminole County Solid Waste Customer Service at 407-665-2260. A photo of violations with address and date information will be helpful.
Q: What if my container is damaged or won’t operate?
A: Report problems to Seminole County Solid Waste – Customer Service at 407-665-2260 or call Joshua Marshall at Seminole County Solid Waste at 407-665-2262. Containers have a 3-year warranty and can be replaced during that time.
To learn more about being “Bear Aware”, residents can visit Florida Fish & Wildlife at http://www.myfwc.com/bear or Seminole County at www.bearawareseminole.com.
Thank you for helping keep our Community safe…for Sabal Point families and neighboring wildlife!
- SPCSA Approved – Bear Resistant Containers December 12, 2017
Good news for SPCSA residents, bad news for bears! SPCSA single family villages have been approved by Seminole County to receive bear-resistant trash containers at a greatly reduced price ($42 vs. $150). The 64-gallon lockable, wheeled containers are on order and expected to be distributed to residents in early 2018. They have greatly reduced bear-encounters in other communities. There will be no additional collection surcharges and residents will be assessed for their trashcan as is done for annual dues. Watch for future postings and mailings on rules and restrictions for new container use.
