Second Quarter 2011 Summerland Cove Civic Association

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTby Joe Chernay

ecently I attended a meeting of the presidents of all the homeowners associations of the Lower Keys. The guest speaker was Commissioner George Neugent, who talked

about the proposed Cudjoe regional waste water treatment system. I came away with the impression that some things are certain and other things are not. Certain are the facts that the system has been mandated by the state of Florida, will cost $150 million, and has not been funded. Uncertain is the source of the funding, who will pay, and when the system will be built. The source of the funding could be some combination of homeowner assessments, state or federal grants, and a possible extension of the 1% local sales tax.

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After discussions and follow-on communications, a few things have come into focus. Everyone is opposed to any taxes or assessments until a comprehensive plan in place for construction and funding of the system. The other consensus is that an informal federation of Lower Keys homeowners associations is desirable to maximize our voice with county government.Please let me or other SCCA board members know your thoughts on this important, expensive, and potentially disruptive matter.

If you would like to voice your opinion about this current issue please send us a letter or E-mail to summerlandeditor@gmail.com

Aerial view of Summerland Cove

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Summerland Cove Civic AssociationBoard Meeting Minutes 5/19/2011

The last board meeting opened with the current issue of the water treatment. Joan gave the Treasurer's report. SCCA balance as of 5/19/2011 was $7,801.66 without any outstanding bills. Joan went on to compliment Charlie on how the SCCA's membership has been going up. Last count was 128 total members, with 11 new members including those from East and West Shore Drives as well as Airport Rd.Leslie Valant reported that moving from a 12 page to an 8 page newsletter will reduce the cost of postage by 22 cents per piece.Roger Kruckeburg reported that a Block Party is in planning stages. Abby made a motion, which Roger seconded. The SCCA is set to have a Block Party New Year's Eve. A

smaller "trial run" Block Party will take place either 4th of July or Labor Day. Details to be discussed with Social Director, Carol Callowhill.

Beautification ReportAs reported by Ken Warner

As a reminder to our residents and guests, please do not sweep your yard debris into our canals.

Monroe County Ordinance Sec. 21-21. - Illegal waste disposal on public and private lands and waterways.(a) No person shall place, cast, sweep, or deposit anywhere within the county any refuse in such a manner that the same may be carried, spread, or deposited by the

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In This Issue

1 President’s Message 3 Cocktails Under the Stars 6 Bulletin Board2 Association Minutes 4 Real Estate Update 7 Officers & Directors

elements upon any street, alley, parkway, or other public place or into any occupied or unoccupied property or waterway.

(b) No person shall throw, place or deposit or cause to be thrown, placed or deposited, any solid waste, special waste, sludge, trash, junk, abandoned vehicle, abandoned vessel, garbage or filth of any kind into or on any of the public streets, roads, highways,

bridges, alleys, lanes, thoroughfares, waters, canals or vacant lots, or upon the premises of any other person within the limits of the county. (Code 1979, § 8-18; Ord. No. 001-2005, § 4)

Also, as we wait for the rainy season to start, the plants and trees might not look as good as they should. If the plants and trees do not recover they will be replaced for free by the landscaping company.

Cocktails under the Stars at Mangrove Mama’sBy Carol Callowhill, SCCA Social Director

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The SCCA’s annual Spring Social, “Cocktails under the Stars” was held at Mangrove Mama’s on April 6th. Approximately 70 members and guests attended the party, which was held outside “under the stars” on the restaurant’s patio.Bill, the manager of Mangrove Mama’s, did an outstanding job with the music, drinks and generous buffet. Bill was extremely accommodating and really went out of his way for our association.The Local Rejects, a group of local musicians, entertained us for hours, taking requests for our favorite songs.“Cocktails under the Stars” became an instant hit with the members, and many asked if we can hold the event next year. It was a great way for many of us to say our good-byes before heading north for the summer months. If you missed this

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Meet your NeighborsWes and Theo Pratt

Gulf Drive, Summerland Key&

Mote Center for Shark Research, Summerland Key, FLD

id you know that two Summerland Cove residents have spent the last 18 years studying sharks of the Florida Keys? Why?Sharks police the reef, Those who study ocean ecology have discovered that sharks play an important role in maintaining the healthy condition of other species in the sea by eating the unfit, the sick, or weak members of the ecosystem and balance the local fish populations in such a way that the whole coral community can thrive.  Because of media sensationalism and a lack of knowledge of a difficult to study animal, sharks are poorly understood. Wes and Theo work to close that gap.Wes’ 41-year professional career as a Marine Biologist studying the biology of white, blue, mako, nurse and sandbar sharks has led to his current focus on the behavior of sharks as it relates to mating success in the Dry Tortugas.  Recent efforts have revealed previously unknown and unexpected facets of complex behaviors in these fascinating but poorly understood reef predators. The author of numerous scientific articles, his work has been featured in four National Geographic Magazines and many documentary television programs. Wes is a diver, photographer, Coast Guard licensed Captain. In the 1970’s he also lived and conducted research in a saturation diving mode from an underwater laboratory near Pacific Reef just north of Key Largo. Most of his work is now done free diving in “knee-deep” water.Pratt worked for NOAA Fisheries in Narragansett, RI for 34 years, then spent a bit of time as co-captain and “science officer” on an eco-outreach charter boat out of Key West. He then took a part

Wes and Theo Pratt

about to release a tagged nurse shark

time position at Mote Marine Laboratories, Tropical Research Station here on Summerland Key. The Pratts currently follow sharks from their sailing research vessel, the S/V Eos, a Morgan Out-Islander 41 ft. ketch based here in the cove; they use kayaks and the latest in shark borne electronic instrumentation to unravel shark behavior. In their 18 year study of nurse sharks of the Tortugas, they have seen mating females (8 to 9 feet long) repeatedly avoid specific males and perhaps even choose others that are more fit.  Adult male behavior is likewise complex.  They have filmed older male nurse sharks as they sacrifice their chance at mating to cooperate with another male and help him procreate.    No similar field study of shark reproduction exists anywhere else in the world. The research team has accomplished many inter-related shark life history goals studying reproductive physiology, genetics, mating behavior, distribution, habitat use, environmental influences, growth and local movements.They have learned that nurse sharks are an ancient, natural, necessary and yes, beautiful part of the oceans and a priceless resource to coral reef ecosystems and consequently to the Florida Keys.

For more information and photos about the Pratt’s work, Mote marine Lab and nurse sharks, the following websites may interest you:

http://www.nps.gov/drto/naturescience/nursesharkresearch.htmhttp://isurus.mote.org/Keys/shark_mating.phtml

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/06/0628_020628_sharkexp3.html

BULLETIN BOARDPage | 6

WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!

www.summerland-cove.com

CHECK US OUT!!

SAVE THE DATE!!Independence Day Party

Sunday, July 3rd

Boondocks Grille4 pm Miniature Golf - 50% off

ratesDinner start at 5pm

Free for members, $20 for non-members

Choose from: Pulled Pork, Chicken Sandwich or

Angus Hot DogCash Bar

Don’t forget the Monthly Birthday Luncheon the First

Tuesday ofevery month at The Square

GrouperJoin us for great fun and

great food!

Please remember to bring your trash cans in from the road- If you plan to be out of town, ask a neighbor to bring your trash cans in- you can always

return the favor!!

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The bulletin board is to post letters to the editor, list items for sale, and upcoming events.

Please write to: Leslie Valant - 536 E. Shore Dr., Summerland Key, FL 33042

Please do not landscape your yard

all the way to the street! Please leave room for the

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2011 Officers & Directors

President Joe Chernay 9166Vice President Abby Oglesbee 4294Secretary Nancy Holum 4240Treasurer Joan Colasurdo Publications Leslie Valant

289-3925Beautification Ken Warner 9082 Carol Callowhill Government & Roger Kruckeberg 2677

SCCAP.O. Box 420476Summerland Key, FL 33042

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