News from Buckhead Ridge

Posted 5/27/21

The Mosquito Control Board is its own taxing district with responsibility for the BHR canals as well as mosquito control.

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News from Buckhead Ridge

Posted

BUCKHEAD RIDGE — The May 25 meeting of the Buckhead Ridge Community Association was full of information, but first the pot luck supper was enjoyed by all. The newly-elected Mosquito Control Board (MCB) had a lot of new information for the neighborhood.

The Mosquito Control Board is its own taxing district with responsibility for the BHR canals as well as mosquito control. Jim Gillette, MCB treasurer, announced that any call to The Board’s number – 863-763-7840 – will be relayed to a special cell phone and answered by one of the three board members, Gillette, Chairman Stu Taylor or Secretary Becky DelSanto. He urged the public to use that number for complaints or information.

Gillette discussed the choice of using mechanical harvesting or spraying for cleaning area canals. He explained mechanical harvesting would be much better for the health of the canal.

The board is trying to get ownership of the canals, which are currently considered public property, so the board could apply for grants to help with their upkeep.

Gillette explained that currently Brazilian peppertree roots are encroaching into the canals. If property owners would help the board by cutting down the invasive tree, the canals could be maintained easier. If the tree is cut down and the MCB is notified, they will come and spray the stumps to eliminate the possibility of re-growth.

He also noted the need for three Mosquito Control truck drivers who could help with mosquito spraying. Gillette said, “The pay is OK, but they can be tough hours.” If you’d like to help your community this way, give him a call.

BHR Commissioner Tim Stanley, spoke next, discussing the controversies over the lake level, noting that the proposed 10 1/2 foot level would mean that there would no longer be water in BHR canals. The levee work is expected to end next year so each city or community surrounding Lake O has hired water managers to determine a level which would be acceptable. The Corps of Engineers (COE) is working on a plan, also, to assure a water supply for the whole area.

Stanley announced the completion of the new dock in the community park area, east of the Fire House.

He also spoke about the finalizing of plans to provide fire service through an MSBU (A Municipal Services Benefit Unit) which is a legal financing mechanism wherein a local government establishes a discrete area within which to provide for the delivery and funding of essential services such as fire and paramedic coverage. This could bring 24/7 paramedic coverage for BHR as well as a possible reconstituting of the BHR Volunteer Fire Department. This could be as low as $120 per year – just $10 per month.

Stanley also asked citizens to be aware of, and report, speeding on interior roads within BHR. Aletris Farnum, Supervisor of Elections, announced growth in Glades County with 52 new addresses in the month of April.

All residents of the Buckhead Ridge Community are invited to these fun, yet informative, meetings of the community association which is held the last Tuesday of every month (next meeting June 29) immediately following pot luck dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the hall behind the fire house. Learn for yourself what is going on in your community and how you can help. You might even win the 50/50 drawing. For information, call 863-634-4106.

BHR, community, association, mosquito control board, canals, peppertrees, paramedic, meeting

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