Security Manager’s Report – January, 2010

The holidays have come and gone and I truly hope each and every one of you had a safe and enjoyable time. I know, we at the security department, made every effort to make that the case. During the last part of November and the month of December, PGA National saw a very moderate increase in what the police term Part One Crimes. These are basically burglaries and thefts, both actual and attempts. I can also tell you that in every instance, without exception, all the crimes were those of opportunity presented to the criminally inclined. I am referring to unlocked vehicles, keys left inside and valuables in plain sight. Even so, the rate in PGA was markedly lower than all the surrounding communities. This information is provided by Gardens PD and carefully scrutinized by the security department.

There is a tendency to relax a bit after the holidays. I can tell you the criminal element won’t. They know January is an excellent opportunity to continue on from December. Presents are out in the open and still in plain sight. The bottom line here is thieves will always be present, in every community and the best deterrent is to remove the temptations. If you lock your car, set the alarm and stow valuables from view, I can almost guarantee your car will not be stolen or burglarized. Why should a thief expend the effort to circumvent these obstacles if they can just find one without them? The same precautions need to be used for your residence. Lock doors and windows, set your alarm and leave lights on. Make it appear someone might be home. Again, burglars pick the most vulnerable home where they assume they won’t be confronting anyone.

Residential lighting, both inside and outside the home, if used correctly is an excellent deterrent for being victimized. Inexpensive electronics can be used to turn lights on and off at predetermined intervals. They can even open and close drapes as well as operate sound equipment. If your home has dark outside areas, correct that with lights that accomplish what you need without offending your neighbors. Usually, with a little thought this can be done quite effectively. Lastly, consider motion lighting. This spooks thieves for the most part and they usually just pick an easier target.

To a large degree, your safety is in your hands. If you have any specific questions please feel free to contact me at the Comm. Center, 627.1600.

Happy New Year to all!

Property Manager’s Report – January, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

The most important thing first: Wishing all of you a happy and healthy New Year.

ART FESTIVAL:

For those who allowed the overcast skies to keep them away, you missed a terrific event!  The 4^th Annual Art Festival and Craft Fair at Masters Park was THE place to be.  With almost 70 vendors, those who braved the weather found fantastic one-of-a-kind works of art – from the 17 ft mermaid sculpture to a pair of earrings we had it all.  Many PGA residents won more than one item in the raffle and they were especially happy they stopped by!  I would also like to extend a special thanks to all who stopped by Dawn’s Designs to look at and/or purchase my sterling silver jewelry.

ANNUAL MEETING:

Don’t forget the PGA POA Annual Meeting and Election will be held at the PGA Resort on Thursday, January 21^st.  Sign in starts at 5:00 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. It is very important that owners attend this meeting!  County and City officials take time out of their schedule to attend the meeting and speak to the residents of PGA National.  It is important that you let them know you have an interest (and that your vote counts!).

REMINDERS:

COURTESY, COURTESY, COURTESY:  That summarizes it all!

1. Bicycles, skaters, and others “on wheels” should let pedestrians know when they are approaching a pedestrian from behind.

2. Even though pedestrians and bicycles have the right of way, please don’t assume they will stop – When approaching an intersection, STOP and be sure traffic stops for you.  This is particularly important when using the Ryder Cup Blvd walkway – cars leaving the adjacent communities go past the walkway before coming to their stop sign and although they are supposed to yield to those using the path, most don’t!

3. Gates:  you absolutely MUST come to a stop before going through the gate.  Don’t assume the guard is holding the gate open for you because they can’t.  It is an automated system for the most part.  The guard hits the switch to open the gate then when the car passes, it closes automatically (the guard does NOT close it).  This means if you try to follow the car in front of you without stopping at the sign, and your timing is not exact, the gate will close on your car unless you come to a complete stop and allow the guard to then open the gate for you.

4. If you have a dog, please clean up after it! Wackenhut guards are now giving plastic bags to anyone seen walking their pet without visible means of cleaning up. Please be courteous of your neighbors, kids who walk in the area and my shoes too!

5. Wildlife: DON’T FEED IT!  This time of year, we have residents and guests who have never seen an alligator and think it is “really neat” to feed them.  Actually, it is really dangerous and they learn to associate people with food.  I’m sure you can do the math here!  We don’t need alligators attacking so please let them live as they have for many thousands of years:  by taking care of themselves.

PROJECTS:

Although the specific timing hasn’t been worked out, I can tell you that the POA is looking into accomplishing the following:

1. Paving General Drive between Ave of the Masters and the back gate to the Championship (Eagleton) communities

2. Paving Old Meadow Way between Ave of the Masters and the entry to Patio Homes

3. Enhancement to all entries.  Within the next year the Northlake Blvd wall and all entry monuments will be painted.  At some later date, there are plans to modify the entry monuments to give them a more contemporary appearance.

4. Northern PB County Improvement District is planning to pave Tournament Blvd and Medalist.

A REQUEST:

If you see a street light out, please call the POA at 627-2800 and let us know the location so we can get the request to the appropriate person.

If your bar code (the “gate sticker”) doesn’t work, please call the POA so we can look into the problem.  Please don’t assume the guard has reported your bar code; we sometimes don’t immediately get the report and you will be inconvenienced each time you enter.