B.O.B. (Bent Oak Bear)

I just received two E-Mails concerning a Bear in Bent Oak the night of Dec. 2, this was at two different locations. Please if you see it do not get close, or try to feed it, they have a natural fear of people but if they relate people to food then that could cause trouble..... Dave

Dave,
Apparently BOB (Bent Oak Bear) was busy last night. Got a call this morning from someone on Bent Oak Court that a bear broke through the fence on Votaw, came through their yard and broke through their front fence. This was about 5:45 am she said. We will need to repair the fence on Votaw. Merry Christmas!!

Hi Dave,
Another possible sighting on Whispering Oak said they think a bear was in their trash last night. Just wanted to alert neighborhood.
Thanks,

When to Water

Here are the water restrictions for winter.... Dave Water conservation has become a critical issue in Central Florida. We all need to do our part to use water more efficiently. On February 23, 2010, in order to comply with the rules of St. Johns River and South Florida Water Management Districts, Orange County adopted Water Conservation Ordinance No. 2010-02 limiting the number of days and hours irrigation can occur each week. Outdoor irrigation is limited to 1 day per week during Eastern Standard Time (from the first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March) and 2 days per week during Daylight Saving Time (from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November). No watering is allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Water only when necessary. This ordinance applies to landscape irrigation regardless of whether the water comes from groundwater or surface water, from a private well or pump, or from a public or private utility.

This may help you

If you are having a Garage sale this fall, just let me know and I will put it on the blog, just send me something, Dave
mountainman98@gmail.com

Bent Oak Sidewalks

Hi, The board recieved a letter from Orange County concerning our sidewalks, and here it is.... Dave

Sidewalks in need of repair have been identified in the Bent Oaks PH 1-5 subdivision through citizen inquiries and further evaluation by our staff.

The sidewalk repair assessment is ongoing throughout unincorporated Orange County, and we prioritize the work in order to address safety hazards to pedestrians and to mitigate liability to the County. Sidewalk panels that are severely deteriorated or broken are replaced. In cases where tree roots raise the sidewalk panels, a few additional sections may need to be replaced in order to create a smooth transition.

Tree roots are often removed in order to construct the new sidewalk sections to the proper grade and thickness. We only remove the roots that are affecting the sidewalks to a depth of about 12-inches. This removal should not affect the stability of the trees since the main roots of the tree are not disturbed.

Please note that while we schedule the repair work, we may place asphalt patches to temporarily address any tripping hazards while we assign the sidewalk repair work to a contractor. The repair work should commence within the next couple of weeks to allow time for the utility coordination and notification to the residents via door hangers. These door hanger notifications will provide more specific information on the timeframe for the repairs.

We wanted to let the Bent Oaks PH 1-5 HOA know of this upcoming project so the residents of this community can be informed. Please let us know if any questions should arise by contacting us at (407) 836-8039.

Michael L. Baker
Assistant Project Manager
Roads & Drainage Division

Sales Tax

v 2011 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday ~ August 12th through August 14th ~ Florida law directs that no sales tax or local option taxes (also known as discretionary sales surtax) will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $75 or less, or on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less. This three-day tax exemption is in effect from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 12th through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 14th. Note that Books are NOT exempt from tax during the 2011 Sales Tax Holiday.

Vacation Hints

Here is some helpful hints for your yard if you are going away on vacation.... Dave

If You'll Be Gone for 1 Week or Less...

When you're going away for a week in the summer, your lawn won't even miss you. Lawns grow more slowly in the heat of summer, so simple preparations will do just fine. Just mow your lawn at the regular height the day before you go. If you water your lawn, be sure to water it deeply the day before you leave.

If You'll Be Away for 2 Weeks or More

Before you go, set your mower down a notch and mow it the day before you leave. When you get back, raise your mower 2 notches before you cut your lawn. Try not to take off more than on third of the grass height at a time. Also, water your lawn deeply the day before you leave if watering is not restricted. Your lawn may go dormant in hot, dry weather while you're away. Not to worry. Going dormant is a healthy coping mechanism for grass. You can water it deeply when you get back. If you'll be gone for more than 2 weeks, you may want to hire the neighborhood kid or a mowing service to cut your grass while you're away.

Fireworks

What kinds of fireworks can I use legally?The short answer: not many. Fireworks generally approved for use by consumers include sparklers; small fireworks that emit colored smoke only; and "glow worms," which burn in bright colors without exploding. The state fire marshal has a full list, including brand names, at myfloridacfo.com/sfm/sparklerindex.htm.
"These are the only items consumers without a permit can legally use," said Nina Ashley, a fire marshal's spokeswoman. Other, more high-powered fireworks are permitted only for industrial use or by professionals in public displays.
So everything else is off limits?
If it explodes, flies or lifts off, the law prohibits you from lighting it. That includes the popular Roman candles."There is no approved list of 'whiz, boom, bang or stuff that leaves the ground' for the retail public," said Bart Wright, the Maitland Fire Department's assistant chief of administration. "Florida Statute 791 is explicit about that. Consumer purchase and use of such material is unsafe, a threat and, most importantly, illegal in this state."

July 4th

Hello, July 4th. is fast approaching and that means that dreaded word "Fireworks". I know we have had some rain lately and you may think that it is safe, but it is not. The fireworks that goes into the air are illegal and unsafe. If you find that you must send them off, how about doing your neighbors a favor and pick up the remnants from "your" firework, they should not have to do it. Please be careful!!!!!!!

Lost and found

Hi everybody, the Logas's on Hidden Pine Ln. asked me to put this on the Blog, they have lost a video tape somewhere in Bent Oak, it has there name on it, so if you locate it please contact them, they would be thankful

Info on Sludge Report

News from Andrea on Sludge Report..... Dave

www.thesludgereport.org
New information posted today. Update on Governor Scott’s final approvals. Please pass along to your e-mail circles.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSTANT SUPPORT OF THIS EFFORT.
Andrea

This time of the year

Hi Everybody, I hate to say this, but we are in Hurricane season, so here is some information for you..... Dave

NOAA Hurricane Outlook Indicates an Above-normal Atlantic Season ~ The Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1st. NOAA is predicting that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. Please see the NOAA press release to read all details. v Disaster Kit ~ Visit www.ready.gov to get tools to develop your disaster kit.

Lawn Feeding

Here is some info from Bob Christiansen..... Dave

It's Not Too Late to Feed Spring feeding helps your grass grow strong roots for the growing season
It helps replenish energy used when your grass sprouted
Feeding now helps your grass get ready for the stresses of summer heat and drought
Scotts® Southern Turf Builder® with 2% Iron feeds to thicken roots for a thick, strong lawn in summer conditions
Please remember to provide your last feeding date so we can send you the most timely email feeding reminders.

You Might Also Want To...
Spot treat weeds in your lawn with Ortho® Weed-B-Gon® Max® for Southern Lawns.

Be Careful

I got this from Andrea, be on guard.... Dave
Dave, I have been getting reports from several sources that some septic contractors in the area have been telling people absolute lies about what the law requires them to do when they are getting repairs done. One of our neighbors was told she had to install a mound to raise her drainfield. Fortunately she called me before she had the work done. Another resident in the Lake Brantley area was told the law said he had to install a performance based system. Unfortunately, he didn’t know any better, and he did. Someone in Lake County was told it was the law he had to have a pump out, again not true. There was a report in the Orlando Sentinel about a contractor illegally dumping a truck load of “stuff” on a farm in south Orlando. Everyone should get at least two quotes before having any work done, if for no other reason than to test the information they are given. While DOH has been busy figuring out ways to force these issues, they are obviously not regulating the contractors, and there are rogues out there. I will get this stuff out on the Sludge Report, but the newsletter reaches everyone and perhaps this information can go into the next issue.
Andrea

ATV,s

Hi,

I have received several phone calls and e-mails concerning ATV's in Bent Oak, here is some of the things that have happened. Let me list a few, blocking traffic, driving into peoples yards, even doing donuts in the yards, speeding, and just plain disrespectful to our residences in Bent Oak. When they are driving in the street with cars behind them, they speed up, then slow down or even come to a complete stop blocking traffic. This could cause an accident and someone could get hurt.

IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE ATV'S ON PUBLIC ROADS (AND ALL BENT OAK STREETS ARE PUBLIC ROADS!) WITHOUT VALID TAGS AND INSURANCE. MOREOVER, ANYONE DRIVING AN ATV MUST BE 16 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND HAVE A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE.

Info on septic tanks

Hi, Here is some info from Andrea.... Sending this along in case you did not receive it. Please also check www.thesludgereport.org for additional updates. Things are happening very fast in Tallahassee, but as of yesterday, there was no movement on the bills we are watching. I will let you know immediately if we need you to contact legislators over any issues. There are only three choices for our legislators – (1) repeal the inspection provisions of SB550 (HB13); (2) Repeal and replace with a different inspection program. The official bill for this is CS CS CS SB1698 which is unacceptable in its current form and waiting in the Senate Budget Committee for action and further possible amending; (3) Further delay implementation of SB550.

Possible scenarios: (1) If SB1698 is passed in its current form, without the amendment we have been working on, we will need to go directly to Governor Scott and ask for a veto. (2) If the Senate and the House cannot agree on and pass an acceptable compromise, and repeal does not happen, SB550 will be implemented immediately after session closes. At that point, we would have to work directly with Governor Scott to prevent implementation.

I know all of this is very complex and it has been a source of concern and worry for far too long. After three long years of our efforts and legislative activism, it’s still not over. I think we are all beginning to realize that there are very powerful special interests at work that will not allow the issue to be resolved until they have their solution in place. So far, your efforts and the efforts of thousands of others across the state have given notice we will not be run over. Time, I guess, to re-group, renew, and resolve to keep involved, as without you we will all be just another speed-bump. E-mail me if you have any questions, and pass along this information to your e-mail circles.
Many Thanks,
Andrea

Sign Stolen

Hi Everybody, Well the Homeowners Association put out signs in the retention areas and one has been stolen already. It was taken from the retention area on Hidden Pine Ln. So now the HOA will have to buy another one and have it installed..... Dave

Whats New at the Park

Hi, Here is some information on the upcoming activities at Wekiwa Springs State Park, thought you might be interested.... DaveApril 9, 2011
Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Detail: The sixth annual Wekiva RiverFest celebrates the ecological wonder of the Wekiva River Basin and the natural beauty of its underground waterways, springs, rivers and uplands forest. Held Saturday, April 9th from 10:00am until 4:00pm at Wekiwa Springs State Park, the festival will feature live-feed video to large screen monitors from Cambrian Foundation divers exploring the underground cave at Wekiwa Springs, music by instrumental guitarist and Australian Didjeridoo player Dominic Gaudious, nature hikes, food vendors, environmental exhibits, and children’s art and activities.

For this year’s Wekiva RiverFest, Friends of the Wekiva River, the Rotary Club of South Seminole, and the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve are focusing on preserving the beautiful and fragile river basin by asking homeowners to take the Wekiva Promise. The Promise asks homeowners to pledge support for the best practices of waste management, yard maintenance, and water conservation.

COST: $6 per vehicle for park entry. Free admission and shuttle to Riverfest if you park off-site at the First Baptist Sweetwater Church, 3800 Wekiva Springs Road, Longwood.

For more information visit www.friendsofwekiva.org

Your Lawn

Spring has sprung, here is some information about your lawns, hope it helps.... Dave

When to Feed Your LawnThe most important thing you can do for your lawn is to feed it. A well-fed lawn is healthier, which means it has a better root system to combat heat, cold, drought, mowing, foot traffic and other stresses. While feeding your lawn once a year will improve its condition, feeding it four times a year will make it even healthier. If you put your lawn on the regular feeding schedule outlined below, it will look lush and green, and your neighbors will turn green with envy

Early Spring (February - April)Lawns wake up hungry in the spring. Feeding your lawn in the spring strengthens roots and gets it off to a good start before the heavy growing season. If you see crabgrass, apply a combination fertilizer with a pre-emergent to control it.

More on Septic Tanks

Hi, Here is some information on the Septic Tank issue from Andrea..... Dave

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In Tallahassee, the Senate Environmental Conservation and Preservation Committee has a bill under consideration that proposes to repeal and replace the septic system inspection provisions of Senate Bill 550 that was passed last year. As you know, the DOH Bureau of On-Site Sewage rule making governing those inspections was totally inappropriate. As a result of our overwhelming opposition to these rules, our lawmakers in the November special session voted to delay implementation of the inspection provisions of SB550. This is still on the table, and legislators are beginning the process of considering what to do about the septic inspections.

The inspection provisions of this draft bill before this Committee are not acceptable in the current form. Unfortunately the committee meeting scheduled for today (Wednesday 2/9) was cancelled and rescheduled for Monday, 2/14. Homeowners and others concerned about this draft bill had planned to attend today, but cannot attend on Monday. We are sending the following information out to you so that the members of this Committee have your input before final decisions are made as to the content of this bill. We are trying to get packets of information into the hands of the committee members by Thursday and Friday, before the meeting on Monday.

THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

(1) Please call the Senate Committee members’ offices starting 2/10 Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. Tallahassee time and continuing through 2/14 Monday 2:00 p.m. There is no need to make calls over the weekend.
(2) Forward this e-mail to everyone in your e-mail circles. We must make volumes of calls to make a difference.
(3) Be courteous and cover the following points:
· Ask them to consider the information in the packet that is being hand-delivered Thursday by Ms. Sharon Glass, Santa Rosa County, as well as input provided by others that will be delivered prior to their Monday meeting.
· Ask them to only consider repealing the septic tank portion of this law and postpone creating another ordinance for septic tank inspections.
· Let them know that you do not believe that affected stakeholders have been provided sufficient opportunities for input on the provisions of this draft bill.
· Tell them you believe that they should not be authorizing FDEP or DOH rule making until ALL the tasks of the Nitrogen Reduction Studies and are completed.
· Assure them that you are following closely the actions of this committee.
Senator Dean - 850-487-5017 (Chair)
Senator Oelrich - 850-487-5020 (Co-Chair)
Senator Detert - 850-487-5081
Senator Jones - 850-487-5065
Senator Latyala - 850-487-5075
Senator Rich - 850-487-5103
Senator Sobel - 850-487-5097