NEWS:

• Per the Florida Statute 720.305(2), all homeowner associations need a hearing panel when it comes to progressed violations. Per this statute, this can only be volunteer homeowners who are not on the Board of Directors.

We need volunteers to compose the hearing panel. The hearing panel aids in giving unbiased decisions in the event the owner is disputing the violation and if the owner should be assessed any fines. If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to Jerilyn Smith, at Jerilyns@wcmanagement.info.

There are a few requirements of volunteer homeowners in order to be on this panel.

1.    All volunteers must be homeowners of the Twin Lakes community
2.    Volunteers can not be spouses of current Board members.
3.    Volunteers can not be delinquent in your association dues. You must be up to date and current.
4.    Volunteers can not have any outstanding violations. To be on this panel, you must serve as an example to other homeowners in the community.
5.    All volunteers would need to assemble once a month or every quarter depending on the amount of violations.

Once panel members have been selected, further direction will be provided on the frequency of meetings and how the panels will be arranged.
If you have any further questions, please call 813-908-0766.

Sincerely, Jerilyn Smith, LCAM
Westcoast Management

• Florida Fish and Wildlife recommends you should contact them at 813-558-5050 if raccoons are presenting a direct/immediate threat to safety, otherwise sick or injured raccoons can be reported to a local commercial wildlife trapper. 

FWC's biologist recommends that no one feed racoons.

Raccoons and other mammals can carry rabies, and the symptoms/clinical signs are not distinguishable from more common diseases such as canine distemper. If exposure (bites or scratches) occurs, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and seek immediate medical treatment.

Pets should be up to date on rabies and distemper (feline and canine) vaccinations, and their veterinarian should be contacted if there is any exposure (bites/scratches) to pets. In either case, the county health department should be immediately notified of any suspected exposure in people or pets.

• For the safety of all residents the board would like to share sections of 316.2074 of the Florida State Statues which covers All-terrain vehicles: (3) No person under 16 years of age shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle unless the person wears a safety helmet meeting United States Department of Transportation standards and eye protection. (5)  … an all-terrain vehicle may not be operated upon the public roads, streets, or highways of this state… (8) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318. Also note it is against the law to operate ATVs on the SWFWMD property adjacent to our neighborhood.

• Looking for work? Here is a job matching service offered by the state.

• Code enforcement can be contacted by calling (813) 929-1369. If you see a home with grass longer than 12" please call and make a complaint.