"Beating a Dead Horse"

In an effort prevent these weekly rentals and additional problems and concerns someone is requesting the following. A current comment under the Weekly Rentals post is asking for the formation of Committees to assist our management team/board members and possibly lighten their work load....or responsibilities, however you want to look at it. Also, the hope is by creating several committees, focused on specific projects, this will also create some transparency between the association and the owners. Without revealing too much information, recorded in the minutes dating back to 6/30/2014 was a request for the formation of a committee to handle the fining process. This committee was to be made up of three (3) owners (volunteers), non-board members, to handle this process. Who volunteered? Who's on that committee? That answer falls under the topic of transparency, which was also requested by the owners at the same meeting, recorded in the same minutes, under OWNER COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION. The point we are trying to make is, unless the process and culture change, what the commenter is hoping for is NEVER going to happen. Most of what you ask for is falling on deaf ears.....and please, PETA members, the heading is an Urban Phrase and found in the Dictionary of Idioms so please don't comment on that.

Weekly Rentals?

The following was posted on the Island Cove website in Feb 2014 as a reminder to owners regarding the rental policy:

Recently a request was made on a social media site for an Island Cove condo to be rented for one week.  All owners should be aware that the Island Cove by-laws specifically state that all rentals MUST BE FOR A MINIMUM OF 30 DAYS.
Owners should be aware that failure to comply with this regulation  will subject the renter to eviction and a fine to the owner of the unit.
This is not a Property Manager or Board Association decision but strictly the requirements for compliance of the Island Cove docs.  We appreciate all owners and renters complying with this regulation.  

Apparently not everyone complies to this regulation.....attached is a rental offer from www.floridarentalgroup.com for a unit by the week.  

Too bad we don't have someone looking into this kind of thing. 

MEETING UPDATE!!!

The following was forwarded to us by one of the Four Horsemen:

"I may be missing the area in the blog to create a new post,so I am posting this under Grill Update. This just in....Carol's secretary was delivering the First Notice of the Annual Meeting this morning. The meeting will take place at the IC clubhouse on March 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. This is a Saturday so for any full time owners who work, you can attend the meeting. There will be an annual election of officers. Three positions are available, so get your "Notice of Intent to be a Candidate" in by February 3, 2015. Of course the letter does not say what two board members are staying (we know Dan has another year) and what three members terms are up. Maybe that is in the new docs from a year ago that were not combined and published yet (at least that was my understanding, but I am a new owner) or you have to guess. Anyway, start paying your favorite person with drinks now and get them to sign the Notice of Intent to be a Candidate. Maybe Horseman -S or J or P ? Best, Four Horsemen- M"

Good Luck to all those willing to throw their hat in the ring! 

Grill Update!!!!

Someone commented to the post regarding recent observations for which we are grateful because we did neglect to include that the owner WAS reimbursed for the purchase of the grills by Island Cove.  Included in the comment was the fact that the credit card limit on the card used by Island Cove is $1800 which was not sufficient enough to cover the expense of the grills. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT!!!! For 4 years we waited for the grills after the survey only to find out now that the reason was because of a credit card limit. So, if I understand this correctly the grills  NEVER would have been purchased had this owner not led the initiative because nothing was being done to either increase the limit or find other funds. The author of the comment included that he/she would have gladly funded the grills with the use of their card, as would any one of us, we just had no idea that was the underlining issue. Again NO communication, let me say that again NO communication. By the way, an unemployed teenager with no job experience and no job history can obtain a credit card with a higher limit then $1800. To the commenter, we say THANK YOU, thank you for bringing this to our attention and shining a light on a glaring problem.

College Football Championship Game

As painful as this is I must congratulate the Ohio State Buckeyes and Urban Crier, sorry Urban Meyer, on winning the 2015 college football championship. The Buckeyes (14-1) won their eighth national championship while denying Oregon (13-2) their first title and ended Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota's Heisman Trophy-winning season on a losing note. The Buckeyes coach won his third national championship after winning BCS titles at Florida in 2006 and 2008.  With absolutely nothing positive going for the state of Ohio, and it's residents, this at least gives them a reason to smile and show off their one tooth. 

Q:  Why do Ohio State students have TGIF on their shoes?
A:  Toes Go In First! 

Recent Observations...

There was a comment to a previous post asking that some of the recent changes/improvements be listed on the blog....to that we respond. One obvious addition to the "Cove" are the barbecue grills that have been installed near the pool. This is where we would normally extend a heartfelt thank you to our board members for responding to our wishes and installing the grills. Unfortunately, it was the concerted efforts of several owners, one in particular, who financed the purchase of the grills and orchestrated their installation. Sound right to you? Not to us!!! There in lies one of the biggest obstacles facing progression/change at Island Cove. In APRIL 2011 a survey was sent out to owners and the following question was asked:

ISLAND COVE ENHANCEMENTS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE AROUND THE COMPLEX ARE: the following is a list of responses in order of preference 1 to 6.

_302_ Gas or charcoal grills located strategically around the complex
_255_ Various walkways to access the sidewalks around the canals
_280_ Have the pool and spa open beyond dusk
_143_ Remove the front entry gate and implement a guard station at front of complex 
_177_ Add janitorial and/or property manager for at least 1⁄2 days on the weekends 
_152 _Consider a better means to launching kayaks into the canals 

There were more responses to this single question then there were to any of the others in the survey and yet it took almost 4 years to install grills and only because an owner worked tirelessly to accomplish it.

The same post goes on to state that we need to be more informed and a time table is needed for the rest...well the aforementioned grill installation is an example of why that is not going to happen. Then we say let's start asking questions...to whom? when? where? Here's a question "Do YOU know when the next meeting is?" I, an owner, asked a question and was told that's none of my business...as an owner, what could I possibly ask that is none of my business? I'm not giving up, I'm getting angry, I just don't know which one is worse.

THIS JUST IN!

STOP $&@?!$@ with the chairs!!!!!!

Once Again We've Been Asked Back

After a several month absence we've been asked to resurrect the blog...to be honest we understand the desire to have a forum to discuss Island Cove going-ons, especially since the actual website only gets updated twice a year. With that being said it is with some reluctance that we attempt this again, mainly due in part to the fact that obtaining ANY information is virtually impossible. One of our very own found this out the hard way when he accepted the role of "Community Liaison" only to       realize the only information that was going to be released was the weather report. This individual is highly regarded and a well respected member of our community and although we commend his efforts we have to fault his naiveness to actually thinking this was possible.....(stay strong my friend!). In an effort to help our friend and with some trepidation here we go......but as we see it, it can't be any worse then that useless rag of a website we are currently relying on...(and we PAY for that).  To our 2 readers/followers we say, we will try our best and be prepared, "it's about to go down!"

New Gate!!!

It's our understanding that the gate has been repaired and will be fully functional very soon. However, there was one alarming remark in the Island Cove website that pertained to the cost of this repair. Under the heading "New Gate Installed" it states "The old motors were slightly damaged....." and  "Part of this cost for these new motors will be covered by the party who destroyed the old gate." PART.....who is going to cover the other PART. I don't know about you but I pay for what I damage, not for what somebody else damages. Anyway, keep checking your mailboxes!!! ......If anyone has photos of the new gate, please post. 

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!!