Long Time, No Talk!!!

I can't even remember the last time we posted anything of importance , it's been so long. That being said, we hope to get back into the game and get the blog up and running again. If there are any topics you would like discussed please comment and we will do our best to oblige.

Gate crasher caught!!!!

Well I went against my better judgement and logged onto the Island Cove website to update myself on current affairs and to my amazement there was a post regarding the gate. Sounds like there was extensive damage to the gate and several vehicles. I'm hoping the operator of this vehicle was carrying auto insurance, more importantly coverage beyond the $10,000 Florida minimum. According to Florida law if your insurance policy only offers up to $10,000 of coverage and the amount of damage you cause exceeds that, you have to pay the difference out of pocket, his pocket NOT OURS!!! 

Sorry....been busy!!!!

Haven't been able to post these past few weeks because of family matters at home......we have been preparing and sending our children off to college.  Now that one is all moved in and studying only the other remains and he's on his way to USF. Enough about that, I understand our front gate took on a new look.  Anybody willing to elaborate it would be greatly appreciated. I would venture to guess, as all things Island Cove go, it won't be repaired until the spring of 2016 and that will probably be done with duct tape and zip ties. I would hope though, with the busy season around the corner, that swift action is taken by our board members and this repair is made soon. Maybe it's a blessing, that gate was falling apart faster then our sea wall.....oops did I say that out loud???

Looks like we have a new neighbor....

Is one of Florida's most infamous tabloid fixtures, Casey Anthony, living on Siesta Key? That's the rumor that one private investigator is currently digging into.....of all places!

For those in need of spiritual guidance....

If you haven't been keeping in touch with Island Cove residents here's something that might come as of a surprise. One of our very own has become a self-proclaimed Reverend. Reverend Gerry, as he prefers to be called, is available for all of your spiritual and emotional needs. Rev. Gerry titles his current sermons "Happy Hour" and encourages new parishioners to attend. If you just need a hug or a shoulder to cry/lean on Rev. Gerry is there for whatever you need. For many of us this comes as a shock, Gerry has been called many things over the years but we never thought Reverend would be one of them.

For all of you Ford's Garage fans....

Ford's Garage gets to continue being Ford's Garage. The burger-and-craft-beers restaurant, which opened its first location in downtown Fort Myers in February 2012, has entered into a brand-licensing agreement with Ford Motor Co. It is the first restaurant to be allowed rights to the iconic blue-oval logo, as well as other of the automotive giant's brand imagery. Thank goodness because Ford's Garage sounds a heckuva lot better then _____ Garage!!!  (You fill in the blank)

Looking for the best tasting tacos of SW Florida.

Food critic Jean Le Boeuf is looking for the restaurant making the best tacos in all of Southwest Florida. The public is nominating their favorites and the highest vote getters earn a spot in the finals. JLB (or the Boofer, as he's called in the biz) will visit will top 10 vote getters and pick a winner on July 23rd. Aside from the drunken binges at 2 a.m. at Taco Bell, what is your favorite taco joint? 

To be cont.

900 jobs coming to SW Florida...

Looks like I'll be able to retire sooner then expected with hundreds of jobs coming to Southwest Florida by the end of the summer.  Alta Resources is hiring twice as many part-time employees this year as it did last year. Alta Resources handles customer service and health insurance calls for larger companies. Let's see if I meet the qualifications..... The ideal candidate will be a college student (check) who has a friendly voice (check) is computer savvy (check) and is bi-lingual (el checko). Well, based on that I like my chances. 

BREAKING NEWS TO PREVIOUS POST!!!!!!

This just in.....4 hours ago Cleveland won the unanimous backing of a Republican National Committee panel all but guaranteeing the GOP's 2016 presidential pick will accept the parties nomination in perennially hard fought Ohio. Now the "Mistake by the Lake" will be known for more then polluting the Cuyahoga River and it's sports teams...(do they still have sports teams?) "As Ohio goes, so does the presidential race," said party chairman Reince Priebus.......Oh boy!!!!!!

For Our Ohio Residents!

If you've ever googled "Ohio tourist attractions" (and why would you) you should have noticed nothing comes up or it will direct to another state, say like Michigan or Indiana. Well apparently this doesn't seem to bother the Republican National Committee as a panel is recommending Cleveland to host the party's 2016 presidential convention. The full 168-member RNC is expected to ratify the choice next month. 

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Hopefully everyone enjoyed a wonderful and happy 4th of July as we remember those who made this day possible......not to brag but this past 4th was one of the best I/we have ever celebrated. If you ever get a chance to go to the "Hollar" (and you won't because you probably won't be invited) there is no better place on this earth to spend the 4th of July. Great people, great food, great music and more importantly iced cold beer!!! If you are looking for a "Hollar" type of time surround yourself with genuine, warm-hearted friends, great home cooked food (minus the nasty fish) and your favorite cocktail...then be prepared to smile, laugh and simply enjoy life the way it was meant to be enjoyed. As we here thank the wonderful and generous hosts of the "Hollar" make sure you do the same and thank those who made your 4th possible.

Took a Little Break....

As happens during most summer months life gets busy and some things seem to take precedence over others and in our case the blog suffered the most. Don't worry we are back and refreshed!!!! We are ready to entertain our two (2) followers with more sarcasm and silliness. So pull up your Jordache jeans and strap yourself in......

Look at our ranking!!

Maybe it has something to do with all cocktails I consume because my time in Florida is usually stress free.     http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5474137?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

Happy Fathers Day!!!

Wishing all the dads a very Happy Fathers Day!!

Only in Florida 2!!!

Wow!! And to think we are spending four times for our US born children to attend college. So, if I understand this correctly we are rewarding those who have broken the law by coming to this country illegally.  http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2014/06/09/florida-governor-signs-bill-that-will-provide-in-state-tuition-to-undocumented/

Only in Florida!!!

So, what are the qualifications for Congressman? http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/06/09/3446650/miller-florida-climate-denial/

Take a look at this.....

This was emailed to me by a 40 something year old friend who still hasn't moved out of his parents house so based on that it's hard to tell if this is true or him just being jealous!!! I guess if it's on the internet it must be true...http://www.addictinginfo.org/2014/05/29/companies-are-rushing-make-money-on-land-they-know-will-be-unusable-few-years/

Remembering the Fallen!!

Wishing you all a Happy Memorial Day and a reminder to please take time to honor the men and women who died while serving in the country's armed forces and those who have served and continue to serve. 

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat The soldier's last tattoo; No more on Life's parade shall meet That brave and fallen few. On Fame's eternal camping-ground 5 Their silent tents are spread, And Glory guards, with solemn round, The bivouac of the dead.

Victoria's Secret Heist!!!

A noon hour theft cost the Victoria's Secret in the Coastland Mall in Naples almost $5000 in merchandise Thursday. The manager found that 60 bras and 140 panties valued at $4,984.00 were taken. Unfortunately the store lacked video footage making it even more difficult to apprehend these offenders. Island Cove residents should be on heightened alert for any scrupulous individuals walking their pets while wearing silk panties and lace push up bras (EVERYONE is a suspect). On a side note, had this same theft occurred in the men's undergarment section the total loss would have been estimated to be $17.48. 

Boathouse opens in Cape Coral

A new watering hole is opening up just in time for your holiday weekend. Thursday marked the grand opening of the The Boathouse Tiki Bar and Grill at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. The restaurant takes the place of the old KC's Riverstop. The restaurant also offers valet service to alleviate some of the parking concerns. The best solution for that problem is to stumble in and stumble out....no driving involved!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!!

Happy Belated Birthday to one of our own...Lori Hatt turned young on May 19th and is just getting younger and younger!!! We can only assume Jerry, being the Hopeless Romantic, gave you beautiful flowers, wrote you a poem and took you to a wonderful restaurant (where the hockey game was on, of course).

Doggie Dining!

Lee County is looking into a new law that would allow you to bring your dog to restaurants, and eat with your four-legged friend outside. I would venture to guess not everyone thinks this is a good idea.    If approved it doesn't mean you'll start seeing dogs at all of the restaurants. It will be up to each restaurant to decide if it will allow dogs or not. I can honestly say I'm not a big fan of this and for several reasons. First, I'm not even sure if the owner has bathed prior to coming to the restaurant let alone his pet. There has to some sort of transfer of germs involved in this scenario. Secondly, who's to say all of these pets are going to get along......not a big fan of barking dogs at dinner. In addition I am, as are many others, allergic to cat dander...what happens then? I understand service dogs but to bring your pet to a restaurant is going a little above and beyond. 

Last Chance To Have Your Lanai Painted!!!

On the Island Cove website there is a post informing owners that this is your last chance to have your lanai painted before the painting company leaves our premises. Hell, I don't remember receiving a first chance. Anyway, a form must be filled out and the request returned to the paint company before they depart. Let's be honest, if you are not a full-time resident you do not stand a chance of being updated on any Island Cove activity.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

We would like to wish all the mothers a very Happy Mothers Day. 

Ok, where were we?

Sorry for the lack of posts but we've been busy tending to other needs.....guess there's been news on the Land Use issue, of which you can find a current update on the Island Cove website. Based on what we've read a big "thank you" goes out to all those who came out to the meeting to show support for Island Cove.....and a special "thanks" to Dan for organizing the gathering and more importantly for speaking on our behalf. If you want results you have to participate whether by appearing at the meetings or simply expressing your opinion in a letter. Thanks to all.

Follow Up?

So, what became of the owners only meeting held the other day regarding the upcoming Land Use hearing? What is our next course of action? Has any new news crossed the desk of our management? Why is it so difficult to obtain any information? Why is it WE (and We know who We are) have no problem posting signs and newsletters re: parking, lock boxes, signing in at the pool, door mats, window displays, screen door violators, glass bottles and food in the club house, Dixie Land Band concert, overweight...oversized fat pets and dog booboo pick up...the list goes on and on.....but the items of importance we can't or don't even acknowledge or attempt to notify owners??? Damn!! That was a long sentence...but you get the idea. Our new informational website should be Facebook under "Friends of Island Cove".....I'm done. GO HAWKS!!

Letter Completed!

Since I will not be able to attend any of the hearings regarding the land use proposal, I wrote a letter to express my concerns. I chose to take a different approach and avoid the obvious concerns/complaints......by that I mean I did not discuss ...congestion adjacent to our property resulting from these additional units, which are damages suffered alike by all property owners similarly situated. This would just be a increased traffic condition consistent with all urban living. I did not discuss flooding or other water issues....I did not discuss increased crime, noise or other nuisance issues or visual intrusions on peace and privacy mainly because I would not be able to substantiate those claims. I also did not discuss home value depreciation....basically because I am not a real estate agent. All of these concerns, I feel, would have been or could be shot down with the simplest of rebuttals. Instead I spoke of the environmental value of what those wetlands represent and it's importance to society. The number of birds is increasing, more wildlife now inhabit the area, and the vegetation is recovering. It’s becoming more natural, purer, and more pleasant. Clean air. Clean water. Too many people take these for granted and what most of us don't realize is that without wetlands, we wouldn't have either. I think you understand the path I chose to take.....be creative. Speak to what means the most to you....

URGENT!!!!

I'm assuming many of you have already received a letter from the City of Cape Coral regarding a request for a Future Land Use brought forth by Brandenburg Properties of Florida. If you have not received the aforementioned letter I will attach a copy of it to this post. The land in question is east of the Island Cove Complex or behind buildings 2,4,6,8 and 10.  Brandenburg Properties is requesting a zoning change from single family homes to multi family units thereby allowing them to construct 700 residential units. This proposal can be read in depth at www.capecoral.net/publichearing under LU13-003. Although it's lengthy reading, it would be in your best interest to look it over and make your own opinion as to whether it's a good idea or bad. As previously posted there have been several other proposals over the years to develop the land in question, fortunately none have come to fruition. There is a owners only meeting scheduled for April 30th @ 7p.m. regarding this matter ....unfortunately I will not be able to attend so if any of you are in attendance please post any information. Just FYI I will be writing a letter to express my displeasure (for lack of a better term) regarding this proposal. I will post updates and opinions over the next few days.

Great Video!

Looks like our property value just went UP^^^^^^^http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KEH1gY_SQg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

"Paradise Preserve"

We can only hope this isn't back on the table...http://www.landadvisors.com/pdf/FLLE30600-99264.pdf

Reason For Concern?

Has anyone received a letter from the City of Cape Coral regarding a public hearing to discuss Future Land use? I'm hoping they're not discussing the area across from our complex but if so this should be of major concern. If anybody has any further information regarding this could you please keep us posted.

Broken Gate??

Please tell us this isn't true.....is the gate broken again??  If so, how long has it been broke and has it been repaired yet? I don't know about the rest of you but I'm about at my wits end with this gate situation already. There has to be a better solution then these bandaid repairs we continue to make especially considering that gate is the main source of security at the front entrance. Rumor has it we've hired a new company to service the main entrance and apparently they've recommended some major changes. Attached is a photo of the proposed NEW gate...

According to the new company our old gate remotes should still work. 

What's Been Going On!!

So, has anything exciting happened in the month we've been absent???  I see there was an Annual Meeting held on April 4th and since we were unable to attend we logged on to the Island Cove website to review the minutes. WHAT!!! We have a new President?? Oh, these minutes are from October 4, 2012....maybe there's something in the News Letter section......here it is...no, this is from Sept, 2012....WOW! and to think we thought WE had some catching up to do after only a month. Anyway now that that's off our chest, give us some good news!!!! Any announcements....weddings, graduations, pregnancies...wait, you're all too old for those. How about anniversaries, birthdays...etc. Keep us posted!!!   

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Happy Easter!!! May you all have a wonderful day!

We're Back!!!!

By popular demand we've been asked to resurrect the blog....so here we are.