Greetings Neighbors! Welcome to the peak of our beautiful Southwest Florida season! With the arrival of mid-January, we’re entering a sweet spot of mild weather and vibrant nature.
This is your friendly reminder to enjoy the mid-winter sunshine! The cooler, drier air makes this the perfect time to get outdoors. Grab a book for the lanai, take a walk on the beach, or visit one of our gorgeous preserves.
Our landscape is bursting with color, even in the “winter” months: Seasonal Flowers in Bloom, look for the brilliant colors of Bougainvillea, cheerful Petunias, and various species of Orchids thriving in the humidity. Annuals like Snapdragons and Violas are also favorites for adding seasonal color to pots and beds.
Migratory Birds to View: January and February are fantastic for birding. Near the coast and in preserves (like J.N. “Ding” Darling or Corkscrew Swamp), keep an eye out for majestic visitors: White Pelicans: Look for their impressive 9-foot wingspans as they fly in formation. Roseate Spoonbills: Unmistakable due to their bright pink plumage and distinct, shovel-shaped bills, often seen feeding in mudflats. Various Warblers and Shorebirds: Smaller species like the Ruddy Turnstone and Piping Plover are winter residents along our sandy shores.
The Big Game is just around the corner Sunday, February 8. If you are hosting a gathering, please be mindful of parking and remind guests to park only in designated areas. Please plan for a safe evening, especially regarding traffic. Utilize ride-sharing services or designate a sober driver if adult beverages are part of your celebration.
Have a Fun Valentine’s Day, whether you’re celebrating with a loved one, friends, or just treating yourself, enjoy all the local spots Southwest Florida has to offer. Consider supporting a local florist, bakery, or restaurant for a special touch.
Sharing the Road Safely: Pedestrians, Bikes, E-Scooters. With our seasonal population increase and beautiful weather, traffic on our roads is heavier. Let’s look out for each other. Stopping at Crosswalks, motorists must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians should ensure drivers see them before stepping into the street. Cyclists and pedestrians should always follow the flow of traffic when on the road, and be predictable. Use an audible signal (a bell or verbal warning) before passing pedestrians on shared paths.
E-bikes and scooters are popular, but they move fast! Control Your Speed: Be extra cautious and slow down, especially when passing others or approaching blind curves.
Helmets are legally required for riders under 16 but are strongly recommended for everyone to prevent serious injury. Avoid distractions like earbuds or phone use and keep both hands on the handlebars.
The new landscaping at the community center should be underway. Our landscaping is mostly original, and our mission is to bring our community up to date and inviting.
Stay safe.
