Greetings Neighbors,
Welcome to the mid-August transition. As our summer travel begins to wind down and we prepare for the start of autumn, Southwest Florida enters a unique, fast-paced season. This month, we are focusing on keeping our neighborhood safe, prepared, and connected as a community.
Peak Hurricane Season Readiness Check: Mid-August through mid-September marks the true statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. While we hope our coastal skies stay beautiful and blue, being prepared ahead of time allows us to enjoy our late-summer beach days entirely stress-free. Skip the last-minute grocery store rush by taking a few simple steps this week. First, it is crucial to review your evacuation zone. Do not assume your zone is the same as last year, as local flood maps adjust. You can easily look up your address on the Lee County All Hazards Guide. Always remember the vital rule of thumb to evacuate from rising water but hide from high winds. Second, secure your physical supplies. Ensure you have one gallon of water per person, and pet, for at least seven days. While checking your pantry, swap out any expired canned items from last year for fresh goods, and verify you have a manual can opener and charged external battery banks on hand.
Third, protect your vital paperwork. Seal physical copies of your homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance, and medical records in a waterproof bag. Today is also a great day to take a quick video walkthrough of your home to document your assets for potential claims. Finally, plan ahead for special medical needs. If you or a loved one require electricity for medical equipment or have mobility limitations, please register for your county’s Special Needs Shelter program now, before a storm ever approaches.
Back-to-School Safety on the Road: The bright yellow buses are officially back on our local streets. As students across Collier and Lee counties head back to the classroom, our daily commutes require a little extra caution, patience, and community awareness. The most critical rule to remember involves school bus safety. If you are driving on a two-lane road or a multi-lane highway without a raised median, all traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop when a school bus flashes its red lights and extends its stop arm. You may only keep driving if there is a raised physical barrier or an unpaved median of at least five feet separating your vehicle from the bus. Additionally, remember that hands-free driving is the law. Florida strictly prohibits using a handheld wireless device in active school zones and designated crossings, and moving violations in these areas carry doubled fines. Lastly, please factor an extra fifteen minutes into your morning commute. Children will be waiting at neighborhood bus stops early in the morning, and sudden late-summer downpours can reduce road visibility in an instant.
Lastly, as there was not a July HOA Board meeting there is nothing to report.
Stay Safe
