President's Corner Archive

I made a mistake in the August meeting notice and included an incorrect Google Meet link that did not match the calendar event. The issue is fixed. The correct link going forward is meet.google.com/czh-eujr-grf.

Since our August 20 board meeting, several projects have moved from planning into their next stages. Here is where things stand.

We have collected the required resident signatures for the Adopt-A-Pond application. We are now preparing the application package for submission to Hillsborough County Environmental. Thank you to the residents who helped complete this important step.

The Board has been working through access and treatment logistics for Lake Heather under the approved environmental permit. Additional access options have been coordinated, and we are reviewing the management approach and service options so the work can be carried out effectively and within the permitted scope.

The reserve-study contract has been completed, and the on-site assessment is being scheduled. The study will give the Board a professional evaluation of our shared assets and help guide long-term maintenance and replacement planning.

Recent electrical work addressed a recurring problem with the park lighting. One fixture was repaired, while another installation remains disconnected after the electrician determined that it did not meet current safety requirements. We are reviewing appropriate replacement options. Lighting for inside the gazebo is also being installed.

Preparatory work is underway to assemble the homeowner information package required for renewing and modernizing our governing documents. Nothing is being requested from homeowners yet. The Board will review the materials before the package and instructions are distributed to the community.

Electronic voting is still being set up and is not yet active for homeowner votes. The Board will reconsider the formal authorization at the September meeting after providing the required notice. We will send enrollment information once both the authorization process and system setup are complete.

The July financial report showed that expenses remain controlled, the Association is operating under budget year to date, and reserves continue to grow. This gives us a solid foundation as we plan for upcoming maintenance needs.

Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 8:00 PM by Google Meet. Join at meet.google.com/czh-eujr-grf. The meeting notice and agenda will be sent separately.

Thank you to everyone who joined the meeting, helped with the Adopt-A-Pond signature effort, or shared questions and ideas with the Board. Your participation is what moves these projects forward.

Hi Carrollton Lakes neighbors,

We held our July board meeting on the 16th, and there is real momentum across the community this month. A quick note up front: a few of you had trouble joining through Google Meet, and I apologize for the hiccup. We are always working to keep technical issues to a minimum. Here is where things stand.

We carry property coverage on our common-area features, so the entrance wall, signage and entry features, the playground, the fountain, and our irrigation are protected against sudden accidental damage. Peace of mind for the things we all own together.

We approved electronic voting through our community portal, giving you another way to take part alongside voting in person or by proxy. Depending on the matter at hand, it is a convenient option to have, and it is opt-in with no added cost. Our property manager will be in touch with the process for enrolling, so keep an eye out for that.

We are taking the next step toward the community's first professional reserve study. In plain terms, this is a specialist's look at our shared amenities and what it realistically costs to maintain them over time, so the board can plan responsibly rather than guess. I will keep you posted as it moves forward.

I could not be more pleased with the response to our Lake Gemma Adopt-A-Pond effort. Several of you have already raised your hands to help, and we are forming a resident pond group to lead it. The county provides the plants at no cost to us, and volunteers handle the planting and care. If you would like to be part of it, reach us at hello@carrolltonlakeshoa.com or simply respond to this email. The more hands the better, and it is a great way to meet neighbors while making our shared water bodies healthier. On that note, Sarah from Hillsborough County Environmental Services will be joining our August meeting to answer any questions you have about our lakes and ponds, so please come with them.

I also want to speak directly to something a number of you on Lake Heather have noticed, which is the invasive vegetation along the shoreline. Here is the full picture. Carrollton Lakes is the only community on Lake Heather that keeps a maintenance contract with an aquatic vendor. Because of our prevailing winds, much of what grows on the other sides of the lake eventually drifts over to our shore. The good news is that once it reaches us, our aquatic vendor treats it. We do this in stages rather than all at once, and that is on purpose. Clearing everything in a single pass would kill off a large amount of vegetation at the same time, which fuels algae growth and disrupts the health of the lake, so steady, measured treatment is what protects the water.

This is not for lack of trying on the bigger problem. We have approached the neighboring communities more than once, both to form a shared lake maintenance committee and to broker a lake-wide contract with our aquatic vendor so the entire lake gets treated at the source. So far, no other community has come on board. We will keep pushing, and in the meantime we are doing everything within our control to keep our shoreline in the best shape possible.

Fresh mulch is in at the entrances, with new plantings going in over the coming months to keep them looking their best.

Our new community website is live. Take a look when you get a chance at carrolltonlakeshoa.com. It is one more place to find community information and stay connected.

Thank you for being part of what makes Carrollton Lakes a great place to live. If you ever have a question or an idea, my door is open.

Hi Carrollton Lakes neighbors,

We held our June board meeting on the 16th, and there's good momentum across the community this month. Here's where things stand.

This one is done. New mulch is in at both entrances and it already makes a noticeable difference. Thank you to the neighbors who pitched in to get it across the finish line. With our finances in a stronger spot heading into the second half of the year, the focus now shifts to plantings and a few more improvements at the entrances and in the park. Our crepe myrtles are also due for a serious trim, which we will tackle at the start of the new year once they are dormant and out of bloom.

I sent a detailed letter on Lake Gemma recently, so I won't repeat all of it here. The short version: the low water is the result of the worst regional drought in over 50 years, the pond itself is healthy per the county's assessment, and we are treating the invasive growth in stages with our aquatic vendor. If you missed that letter and want the full picture, just let me know and I will get you a copy.

We recently met with the county's senior environmental specialist, and she has offered to join an upcoming board meeting to answer questions directly. We are also exploring re-enrollment in Hillsborough County's Adopt-A-Pond program, which would supply free native plants for the shelf, and we plan to apply for a lake conservation grant this fall to help fund additional planting. As a gentle reminder, no one should cut or remove vegetation in or around the pond, since that work requires state authorization and is tied to our stormwater permits. If an area concerns you, send it my way and we will look into it. And with the drought still with us, regional watering restrictions remain in effect, so please keep your irrigation in line with current rules.

One safety note while the water is low: please keep children off the exposed pond bottom. It may look solid, but it sits underwater most of the year and is not stable.

The Lake Gemma fountain is still on track to come back. The replacement parts are covered under warranty, so our only cost is labor, and the vendor expects to have it reinstalled and re-centered shortly. We are staying on them to get it done, and I will let you know the moment it is back up.

We made a practical update this month. If a home corrects a violation and then the same type of issue comes up again at that home within six months, it now picks up at the next enforcement step rather than starting over from the beginning. This keeps enforcement fair and consistent and cuts down on the same items cycling month after month. The most common one remains an easy fix: trash and recycling bins kept out of view between pickup days.

We have been deliberately conservative through the first half of the year, and it has paid off. Our reserves are in a much stronger position than they have been in a long time, which puts us in a real position to take on several maintenance and improvement projects in the back half of the year. Being careful with your assessment dollars is something this board takes seriously.

Still moving forward. We are continuing to work with our attorney on modernizing our architectural standards, beginning with fences, so homeowners have access to current materials and designs rather than rules written in the 1990s. Some updates fall within the committee's authority and can be adopted directly. Others will require a community vote to amend our governing documents, and when that time comes we will lay out exactly what is being proposed and why, well ahead of any vote.

This came up again at the meeting, and I know it has been a frustration. A quick reminder on your rights: anyone selling door-to-door is required to carry a county solicitation permit, and you have every right to ask to see it. You can verify a permit's status through the Hillsborough County Clerk at https://www.hillsclerk.com/additional-services/home-solicitation-sales-permit. If they cannot produce one or simply will not leave, call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's non-emergency line at 813-247-8200. If anyone ever feels genuinely threatened, call 911. Our no-soliciting signs at the entrances are the extent of what the HOA can enforce. Beyond that, it is in the County's and the Sheriff's hands.

Yard of the Month continues to be a bright spot, and the response from neighbors has been great to see. We are also keeping up the welcome gifts for new homeowners joining the community. If you are new here and have not registered on the Homeowner Portal yet, take a minute to sign up at https://obcm.cincwebaxis.com/cinc/register/ so community updates reach you.

If you have ever thought about pitching in, whether with landscaping, seasonal projects, or just lending a particular skill, we would genuinely welcome the help. A few extra hands go a long way, and it is a great way to get to know your neighbors. We also still have an open member-at-large seat on the board, so if you are interested in shaping how the community runs, reach out to me directly.

We may be adjusting our regular meeting day and time. Once it is set, I will send the date and the meeting link. As always, the board is easy to reach, and I do my best to respond within a day. Send any questions our way.

Thanks for being engaged, and for being part of what makes Carrollton Lakes a great place to live.

Hi Carrollton Lakes neighbors,

A quick update from me this month. We did not hold our May board meeting last night due to lack of quorum, so this edition is more of a community state-of-things than a meeting recap. Our next meeting is June 16th.

The pond is low right now because our region is in the worst drought in over 50 years. We confirmed this directly with Hillsborough County EPC. It is an area-wide environmental issue, not a structural or drainage problem at our pond. Neighboring communities are seeing the exact same conditions at their retention ponds. SWFWMD's Water Shortage Order also remains in effect across the region, which means mandatory watering restrictions are still active for all residents. Please confirm your irrigation schedule is in line with current rules.

The tall brown vegetation around the banks is native fire flag, and it is protected. SWFWMD requires it to remain for bank stabilization and water quality. The species we are actively treating are torpedograss and Peruvian primrose willow, both invasive. Our aquatic vendor, Crosscreek Environmental, is on site monthly working on both. Results take time, particularly with the primrose willow which requires root removal. Historical aquatic vendor reports are being added to the Homeowner Portal for anyone who wants to review them.

Reminder: under our Declaration of Covenants, homeowners may not cut, remove, or treat any vegetation in or around the pond. SWFWMD authorization is required for any work in that area.

The fountain was serviced on May 11th and stopped working (again) shortly after. The vendor is being brought back out to restore operation and complete the re-centering that we've been asking them for. I will get an update out as soon as we have one.

New mulch at the entrances is moving forward and we are working to have installation completed in the next couple of weeks. The second half of the year will be focused on improving the overall beauty of the entrances, including new planting once irrigation is fully sorted. A handful of smaller maintenance items at the entrances have also been logged with our property manager and are actively being addressed.

If anyone is interested in helping with landscaping in any capacity, the door is open.

The Board and Architectural Committee have been working through a comprehensive update to our community's architectural guidelines. Fencing is the first category being addressed, since the current standards date back to the 1990s and no longer reflect the materials and options most owners actually want today. Some of these updates fall within the Committee's existing authority and can be adopted directly. Others will require amending the Declaration, which means a community vote. We will communicate clearly and well in advance of any vote so everyone understands what is being proposed and why.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1st. A heads-up worth knowing: Florida's disaster preparedness sales tax exemption is now permanent year-round, as of August 2025. That means batteries, certain generators, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, life jackets, insect repellent, sunscreen, and similar items are tax-free whenever you buy them. Now is a good time to check your supplies, review your plan, and confirm your contact information is up to date with the property manager.

We've had reports of solicitors in the community. Worth knowing your rights here. Under Florida Statute 501.022, anyone selling goods or services door-to-door over $25 in Hillsborough County is required to hold a Home Solicitation Permit issued by the Clerk of Court. You have every right to ask to see it. If they cannot produce one, or if they are aggressive or refuse to leave, you can report them to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 813-247-8200. The HOA's posted "No Soliciting" signs at the entrances are the extent of our jurisdiction. Beyond that, enforcement is in the hands of the County and the Sheriff.

If you see something around the community that needs attention or does not appear to be in compliance with our guidelines, the dedicated email is violations@carrolltonlakeshoa.com. Please include the property address and a photo of the alleged violation so it can be properly reviewed and routed.

A warm welcome to anyone who has recently moved into Carrollton Lakes. We are glad you're here. If you have not yet, take a minute to register on the Homeowner Portal at https://obcm.cincwebaxis.com/cinc/register/ so you stay in the loop on community updates.

We still have an open member-at-large seat on the Board. If you have any interest in being more involved in how the community is run, reach out to me directly. It is a great way to make a difference where you live.

June 16th at 8 PM via Google Meet. The link will go out closer to the date.

Thanks for being engaged and patient as we continue working through everything above.

Spring is a busy time for this community and the board has been heads down. Here is where things stand heading into May.

Our reserves have crossed $8,000, a level we have not seen in years. March ran heavy due to pond maintenance costs, but April is under budget and we are moving in the right direction. The board is being deliberate about spending so we finish the first half of the year in a position to tackle the projects this community deserves in the second half.

The entrances are the first thing you see when you pull into the neighborhood, and they are on my mind. Fresh mulch is the near-term priority, practical and impactful. We are also planning initial planting at the entrances in the second half of the year. Crepe myrtle cleanup is being pushed to early next year when the timing is right.

When a violation report comes in, a letter goes out within two to three days. Our violation policy ensures every case is handled through a defined process and gets the attention it deserves. If you have a concern, send it to violations@carrolltonlakeshoa.com with a photo and the property location and our property manager will follow up.

One important note: under the current SWFWMD Water Shortage Order, HOAs are legally prohibited from enforcing landscaping standards that would require homeowners to increase water use. Brown lawns and distressed landscaping will not be cited until the order lifts on July 1, 2026. Everything else remains fully enforced.

Full details on the water restrictions: hcfl.gov/residents/property-owners-and-renters/water-and-sewer/find-my-watering-days-and-times

As our community grows and evolves, the board is committed to making sure our guidelines keep pace. We are building out a comprehensive written reference covering fencing, paint colors, driveways, mailboxes, and more so homeowners always have a clear place to turn. We are starting with fencing and a first draft goes to the board shortly.

Our aquatics vendor will be at our community again this month, and fountain repositioning is on the agenda. We will also have them take a look at the shoreline vegetation while they are out. I will share anything worth noting once the visit is complete.

If you have recently moved into Carrollton Lakes, you may have received a welcome gift from the board. A special thank you to our secretary Rose, who has taken this on personally and made it something genuinely thoughtful. It is a small gesture, but one that reflects the kind of community we want to be. If we have not reached you yet, we will. We are glad you are here.

We have a vacant member-at-large position on the board. If you have ever thought about getting more involved in your community, I would love to hear from you. It is a meaningful role and the time commitment is manageable. Reach out directly if you are interested.

Our next virtual meeting is the third Tuesday of May at 8:00 PM. Same link as always. Reach out if you need it.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Here is my monthly update on what has been completed, what we are working on, and what is next for Carrollton Lakes.

The Lake Gemma fountain is functional and operating. This took sustained effort through vendor changes, coordination, and follow-up, so thank you for your patience while we worked through it. Next, we are fine-tuning the placement. The current placement is slightly off-center, but adjustments are limited by electrical cord length. We are evaluating whether extending the cord makes sense, or whether we keep the current placement to avoid added costs, while keeping the fountain running reliably.

We selected the most competitive quote for healthy trimming of 35+ crepe myrtles plus several other key trees (pine, palm, and oak). The focus is proper trimming that protects long-term tree health and avoids harmful chopping. This may be a few months out depending on budget timing, but it is on our radar and will be scheduled as soon as we have financial clearance.

We are also planning cost-effective entrance improvements starting with simple, durable upgrades like mulch and hardy flowers. This will be organized as a community volunteer effort so we can improve curb appeal without taking on a large professional bid all at once. Rose Bowman and Mercedes are coordinating a homeowner input and volunteer gathering targeting April, and we will share details once the date is confirmed.

Irrigation upgrades have been phased over the past 18 months and there are no immediate critical repairs needed right now. Additional vendor recommendations will be prioritized after budget review. We are also planning a small fence repair near the Lake Heather irrigation equipment to clean up a long-standing eyesore once quotes are received.

The community yard sale is scheduled for Saturday April 11 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Volunteer support and promotional materials are being organized now, and we look forward to strong participation.

We are also launching a simple welcome gift program for new homeowners paired with a welcome card to help new neighbors feel connected.

Property standards are addressed through monthly inspections and a progressive notice process designed to encourage compliance over time. Our goal is consistency and fairness as we apply the community guidelines.

Trash and recycle cans: Bring cans in within 24 hours of collection, and store them out of sight from the street when not in use. Speeding: The posted limit is 25 mph, but 15 mph is a better target in a neighborhood with walkers, kids, and pets. Exterior upkeep: As we head into springtime, please stay ahead of exterior maintenance (pressure washing, landscaping touch-ups, paint and trim as needed).

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday at 8:00 PM via Google Meet: meet.google.com/qvu-jqki-jkg

Thanks for staying in the loop and for helping keep Carrollton Lakes a great place to live.

I wanted to share a quick “state of the community” update so everyone has a clear, consistent view of what's being worked on and what to expect next.

Our Board is currently operating with one open seat. Quorum is still being met and the Board remains fully able to conduct business and make decisions. That said, we'd welcome additional homeowner involvement. If you have interest in serving, please contact our Secretary, Rose Bowman, at secretary@carrolltonlakeshoa.com and we will follow up with next steps.

One area we're working on is improving homeowner participation in important votes. We are exploring electronic voting options through our existing management platform as that feature becomes available later this year. The goal is simple: more participation, easier access, and less reliance on being physically present to be counted.

We're working on a broader landscaping improvement plan, including design ideas and competitive quotes for the community entrances. We're also addressing deferred landscaping needs in a measured way while keeping the budget in mind. A current example is crepe myrtle trimming, where we're gathering multiple quotes so we can schedule the work at a fair price and at the right time.

The fountain has been an ongoing project. The new contractor identified a missing component, and the Board approved the additional float needed to complete the installation properly and keep progress moving. Once the new float arrives, our vendor will be heading back out, and we are hopeful the fountain will be operational in the coming weeks. We're also continuing routine monitoring of the lake and vegetation with the county's aquatic vendor and will share updates as we have clear next steps.

We're focused on building more neighborhood connection in simple, low-commitment ways. Secretary Rose Bowman is organizing a casual volunteer gathering to brainstorm ideas for landscaping and community improvements. We also plan to bring back the community yard sale in April (targeting April 4 or April 11) and are discussing a small welcome gift program for new homeowners to help them feel connected from day one.

Trash and recycle cans: Please bring cans in within 24 hours of collection, and they must be stored out of sight from the street when not in use. Speeding: The posted limit is 25 mph, but 15 mph is a better target in a neighborhood with walkers, kids, and pets. Please slow down and help keep the community safe. Exterior upkeep: As we head into springtime, this is a good moment to stay ahead of exterior maintenance (pressure washing, landscaping touch-ups, paint/trim as needed). Small efforts early prevent bigger issues later and keep the neighborhood looking its best.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation—our goal is consistency and fairness as we apply the community guidelines.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM (Google Meet): meet.google.com/qvu-jqki-jkg

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and for doing your part to keep Carrollton Lakes a great place to live.