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Boat Ramp Update
Good Afternoon Friends and Neighbors, hope this finds you well.
Some have asked about the status of the boat ramp assessment/repairs. I have contacted 6 marine contractors, 3 of which do not do concrete work, one came out and inspected and I am still waiting on a quote (since April 4), one I'm waiting on when they're going to be in the area and another that I should be meeting with this week. Unfortunately those that do this type of work are booked solid and apparently this isn't priority to them...with that being said, I'd like to remind everyone:
The boat ramp is for the use of Boat Ramp Club members only. Loaning of the gate key or allowing others to use the facility without a member present is prohibited. The boat ramp gate is to be secured with the lock immediately following launching or loading. Because of the type of ramp we have, power loading is prohibited, it damages the ramp. Also, please consider the size of the ramp and the size of your boat before launching. The ramp is old, narrow and somewhat compromised at the water end. Just because you can launch/load, doesn't mean it's the prudent thing to do. Especially given the availability of contractors for repairs.
Also, please be mindful of your speed as the canals are idle speed zones.
Thank you,
Mindi Hastings/Boat Ramp Chairman
Two letters from the president
Letter one:
Hello Neighbors,
In the past few weeks there has been an alligator in the canals near 19th St.
The alligator is 3-4 feet and does not show any fear of humans and jumped on a dock and approached the homeowner.
Please remember that to feed, harass or molest an alligator is illegal and is punishable by tickets and/or fines. FWC will be sending a trapper to remove this alligator.
We have a number of small children and pets in our neighborhood and need to keep them safe.
Marla Froehling has a large plastic pool float that ended up in her boat house. She has it on her back porch and said you can just come and get it. Her address is 1360 NW 19th Court.
Hope everyone is having a fun and safe summer.
Carole Carson
President
Letter two:
Hello Neighbors,
As opening day of scallop season is fast approaching I thought it was a good time to remind everyone of the rules for using the ramp.
The boat ramp is for the use of Boat Ramp Club members only. Loaning of the gate key or allowing others to use the facility without a member present is prohibited. The boat ramp gate is to be secured with the lock immediately following launching or loading. Because of the type of ramp we have, power loading is prohibited, it damages the ramp.
We would also ask that our residents be considerate when disposing of fish carcasses. Our neighborhood is quite busy these days and it seems there’s an excessive number of fish carcasses floating in the canals. As we all know, this can be unsightly, smelly and attract gators.
I would also like everyone to welcome the new members of the Board. Sharon Goncalves and Gail Kostelnick gracefully agreed to volunteer.
A couple of save the dates: the Fish Fry is October 23 and the Christmas Party is December 11. Hope you can join us, after last year I think we all need a party!
Hope you have a fun and safe summer,
Carole Carson
President
A Check to The Spot
Thanks to the generocity of WEHA members, The Spot Family Center receives a $500 donation. Contributions from the WEHA Christmas party made up most of the funds. The Spot provides everything from food to toys for local families in need. Several WEHA members volunteer their time for gift wrapping etc.
WEHA President Tom Voelz presents a check for $500 to Evelyn Vissicchio, Program Director of The Spot Family Center.
An opportunity to help the community
Theft
Dear neighbors,
This morning about 4:30 AM, a truck was stolen from a home on NW 15th St. CCSO had the truck in custody within a half hour so they deserve our applause.
The purpose of this message is to again inform you that there are many people in this neighborhood who do not live here. We have contractors, builders and service people coming and going all the time. Most are honest I’m sure but it only takes one to commit a crime. We also very likely have people cruising around looking for opportunities. Please check your homes and vehicles and make sure you lock everything.
Tom Voelz
President
Woodland Estates Homeowners Association
Application Process
A few members memtioned that they didn’t think they were getting all the WEHA Emails. In each case, the messages were sent. If you suspect that you are missing Emails, there are some things you can do. First, check your spam folder to make sure that the message wasn’t diverted there. If it’s not there, send an Email to mindihastings@gmail.com from the email address you would like to use for your WEHA messages. I will send you a reply so you can see if it works. We can also sehedule a phone session to troubleshoot any issues. I also put 99% of the Email content right here on the website so check here often,
WEHA President Tom Voelz along with WEHA Treasurer Signe Voelz present a check for $400 to Evelyn Vissicchio, Program Director at The Spot Family Center.
The check was made possible by WEHA member donations at the annual Christmas party. The following is from an email from Evelyn:
Dear Tom,
Thank you again, for voting The Spot as your charity of the year to donate. We appreciate your partnership. Have a blessed Christmas and New Year.
Evelyn
The thanks go to the WEHA members who contributed and elected to support The Spot. The Spot provides food, support, and some special events for residents in Crystal River who need a little extra help especially during the hollidays.
Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as "Idle Speed - No Wake" must operate at the minimum speed that allows you to maintain steering and make headway. This means no wake or wash whatsoever (600-900 RPMs depending on your boat).
WEHA asks members to strictly adhere to this law in our canals. As members we also ask that you record and report registration numbers of offenders. Our seawalls are being undermined even by minimal boat wakes.
Attended Boat Ramp
The boat ramp will be attended at times for launching convenience. It’s faster than locking and unlocking the gate with each launch. It also ensures that boat ramp members are present during launch and retrieval as stated in the boat ramp rules. Remember that loaning your key is prohibited and will result in loosing your boat ramp privileges. If you are interested in helping with the attended boat ramp this season, please contact the Boat Ramp Chair.
It would good for every member to contribute an hour or two and help out.
Neighborhood Safety
WEHA President Tom Voelz meets with Captain John Novy and Deputy Jim Sudlow of Citrus County Sheriff’s Department.
The topics of discussion were recent thefts and speeding issues on the streets and the canals. Both officers said they were committed to resolving our concerns. We will see an increased presence of law enforcement officers in our neighborhood to ensure our safety. Tom and the officers will remain in communication.
Neighborhood thefts
The weekend of Auguest 7,8,& 9, there were a number of thefts in our neighborhood. Three vehicles were stolen along with a firearm. a wallet, and several other items. Please secure your vehicles, homes, and any valuables you may have on your property. CCSO is working the issue as I am publishing this note. I will speak with the Western Area Commander this afternoon and provide an update. Again, I ask that you are vigilant in observing people who are in our neighborhood and do not live here.
Tom Voelz
President
Woodland Estates Homeowners Association
-Investigation Update 8/12- Thank you neighbors!
Tom,
I’m very happy to let you know that through the work of the West Community Crimes Detectives and your neighborhood, we have made two arrests for the vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts. We still have one suspect out there and will continue to push until he is behind bars too. These cases are often tough to solve so I am very proud of Detective Mike Sanchez and Detective Matt Steelfox who were assigned these cases. Lastly, your neighborhood played a major role in developing leads. You had neighbors come forward who weren’t victims but had significant video evidence which led to the arrest and capture of these suspects. Your efforts as head of the HOA should also be commended for communicating with your people and truly being a partner to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, I can’t thank you enough for your cooperation.
Respectfully,
Captain John Novy
West District Commander
Earlier
Tom,
Since our meeting we have been working diligently on these cases. We have recovered most of the stolen vehicles, and are actively working leads. As I explained on Monday, we have an ongoing investigation, and often disclosing too much will hamper our efforts. If you could please pass on a few things to your HOA.
1. Please lock your vehicles. Even though they are in the driveway, they become an easy target if they are left unlocked.
2. Secure your firearms. Do not leave your weapons in your vehicle unattended.
3. Call 911 whenever you suspect suspicious activity. We will respond and investigate any and all complaints.
4. Lock down your home every night. Do an evening check regularly, lock all doors and windows, close the garage door, and push the keyfob to lock your car.
5. Check your security lighting. Ensure any old bulbs are replaced and motion sensors are in working order.
6. Cameras often assist in identifying suspects and help deter thieves.
Lastly, I would like to thank your community for all their assistance during this recent crime trend. Neighbors have come together to provide video and suspect descriptions. We appreciate the cooperation.
Thank You,
Captain John Novy
West District Commander
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
If you plan to join WEHA it’s pretty easy. Simply fill out the application and include a check for the appropriate amount. Mail it to the address on the form and we will do the rest.
We successfully updated our bylaws and rules. Dues must now be received (not mailed) on or before February 1st or lapsed member fee ($50) will be applied. Keys will be distributed at the boat ramp prior to March 1st. Watch for dates and hours. If you want your key mailed via registered mail, please include $10 for mailing with your application. This only applies to renewals.
www.myweha.orgmailto:tvoelz816@gmail.com