As part of a 5-year landscape renovation plan, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Landscape Renovation Committee, hired JRL Design Studio to submit a landscape design for all of Southbridge.

JRL, a noted landscape design firm in Naples, is particularly innovative in its designs to include social and environmentally sustainable spaces in communities. They are the design firm under contract with Pelican Landing, as well as with Moorings Park-Grey Oaks and Naples Bay Resort.

The landscape design plan includes four parts:

• Overall Common Area Tree Assessment (completed)
• Developing a design, color and vegetation palette for six and four-plex residences, emphasizing an open and tropical ambiance
• Proposing design for amenities, including the front entrance and club house
• Suggesting creek side enhancement

The committee expects to have architectural drawings ready for residents to review in late November.

The committee, headed by Board member Mark Weber, includes Kim Adams, Brenda Lanoway, Millie Morrison and Cyndee Perkins.

Charlie Egli's photo of a sandhill crane and her baby took first place in the Estero Life Magazine Photo Contest​ this year. In the magazine article, Charlie describes the lifestyle and behavior of the sandhill crane and her protective maternal behavior.

Prize-winning photography is not for the faint of heart or short of step. Charlie wrote, The day I shot this image, I arrived at Harns Marsh at 9 a.m. and hiked 1 1/2 miles to their nesting area. The Sandhills were moving from the marsh to a feeding area.

After more than two years of repeated requests from Board Directors David Morrison and Diane Winters, the Pelican Landing Privacy Committee discussed the vulnerable perimeter of Southbridge along Burnt Pine Drive and along the sidewalk bordering Banbridge Court at its virtual meeting on July 28.

At the meeting, the PLCA Privacy Committee agreed to recommend Pelican Landing install 80 feet of chain-link fencing along the perimeter at Tralee Court, and 130 feet along Pelican Nest Drive. Southbridge BOD has ordered a survey of the property line to determine where the fence can be located in the existing vegetation; the recommendation will go to Pelican Landing for action this month. If the fencing is approved, the Landscape Committee will add more vegetation to camouflage the new fence.

BE ALERT: Residents have been accosted by intruders at the stoplight on Pelican Nest Drive, turning the corner at Burnt Pine, and on Southbridge property. Residents who encounter intruders  should report the incident to Security immediately. The officers want to hear the incident directly from the resident, so that they can record details and impressions accurately. 239-992-7522

Diane Winters requested the board to authorize the repainting of the poles supporting the stop signs at intersections in the community. The poles, which had not been painted for more than twenty years, were chipped, stained and deteriorating. The poles have been removed for repair, and temporary signs have been installed. 

The Board has repeatedly asked Florida Power and Light to repaint the light poles throughout the community, and will continue to do so. 

Estate Landscaping is planting the autumn annuals at the entrance to the bridge and at the pool house, as well as in the pots by the pool spa. New plants were ordered early this year because of a potential flower shortage. Everything is looking fresh and Floridian, despite the abnormally dry conditions. 

Ryan's Tree Service will be removing several trees as approved by the Pelican Landing Design Review Committee. These trees are either in over- planted areas, are causing structural damage, or are diseased/dying. The removal of the trees is scheduled for the next few weeks so that returning residents will not be disturbed by the sound of chainsaws or wood chippers.

The Southbridge BOD conducted its regularly scheduled budget meeting on Tuesday, July 24, 2020, virutally hosted by Randy Dively, P&M Management. Over twenty residents attended the meeting.

 An article in the July7 Southbridge News and Updates explained incidents that are happening in Pelican Landing and that the Soutbridge BOD was investigating safety measures.

Adding cameras and key card fobs provides:

Questions about the safety and security measures were asked by the residents and answered by the board or Mr. Dively. Responses included:

• Among the incidents that have already happened at Southbridge (and published on the Website) are:
  • two recent incidents of women alone at the pool having encountered male intruders
  • feces spread in the men’s restroom twice and necessitating professional clean up
  • damage to community property by (it was hoped) renters or their guests, resulting in having to purchase a new refrigerator
• Key card fob is a waterproof plastic strip with a barcode unique to each address that can be attached to a key chain. Each residence will receive two cards; replacement/additional cards will cost $4.25. No pictures will be on the cards.
• Four cameras will cover the gate, pool and spa, doors into the restrooms and library. The cameras are motion-activated and surveillance only, NOT security cameras monitored 24-7.
• Only P&M Management will have access to the camera recording; the recording will be reviewed only in the case of a serious incident or allegation. Cost to review the recording was estimated at $10.
• No assessment will be made for the enhanced security that will cost just under $15,000 for both cameras and key card fobs. The Association has the funds. 

After the questions, Ann Wright, David Morrison and Diane Winters voted in favor of the security; Mark Weber abstained, saying that he did not object to the cameras or key card fobs, but would like to have pool policies added to the Declaration; Alan Smith voted no. 

David Morrison is working on the pool policies, which must be in compliance with Florida law. A special meeting to conduct a non-binding opinion poll is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 9:00 AM.

          Ultraviolet light for your AC unit – Worth the money?

We have all seen that pretty color “purple” light where we would expect a clean environment, such as a dentist office, hospital, grocery stores, etc. That purple light is ultraviolet and is now being researched as a possible combatant for the coronavirus. That being said, adding a UV light to your central AC unit will eliminate mold growth inside the air handling unit in your utility room. Will it kill bacteria and virus?

1). In 2012, a study at Duke University Medical Center showed that UV lights killed 97% of bacteria that were resistant to antibiotics, the so-called superbug bacteria that are the toughest to kill.

2). The Journal of Applied and Environmental Biology reported in 2001 that germicidal UV radiation significantly reduces airborne fungi in air handling units.

For nerds like me, here is a brief explanation of UV light.

        The three main types of UV rays are UVA, UVB, and UVC.

Because UVC rays have the shortest wavelength, and therefore highest energy, they are capable of killing bacteria and viruses, also called pathogens. UVC light has a wavelength of between 200 and 400 nanometers (nm). It is highly effective at decontamination because it destroys the molecular bonds that hold together the DNA of viruses and bacteria, including "superbugs," which have developed a stronger resistance to antibiotics.

But this broad-spectrum light is also a health hazard — linked to diseases such as skin cancer and cataracts — and humans cannot be in the room when it is used. Recently, however, researchers have been working with narrow-spectrum UVC rays (207-222 nm). This type of UVC light kills bacteria and viruses without penetrating the outermost cell layer of human skin.

I installed a UV light in my Bonita central air 3 years ago. It still is operating with no mold. The light is placed inside the air handling unit in your utility room. It is mounted on the “coil”. There are other uv lights for placement in the duct work.

So the original question of is it worth the money (~ $250 installed).

                            NO QUESTION. For me, it is!

This friendly gator is still cruising the creek ... and wondering what happened to the BOYE (Bring Your Own Everything) Happy Hour nights from April-June!