August 2016, Coconut Telegraph
Important Information in this issue you won’t want to miss!
The next LGPOA meeting is August 27th, 10am at the Placida Beach Condos
**LGI Docks - Update
**International Coastal Cleanup, September 17th
**Environmental update
**Island Wide Garage Sale date set for November 26th
**LGIFR Update
3rd of July Family Picnic
From Social Chairs, Chris Stonebridge & Debbie Munholand:
We think it’s safe to say that the second LGPOA July Family Picnic was another great success. This year, we enjoyed a much larger turn out of both guests and volunteers. The addition of volunteers helped significantly.
As far as games went, “Walk the Plank” and “Giant Bowling” were still the crowd favorites. Kids earned goodie bags handed out by Carol Locascio and Greigh Olson by playing each of the five games (some played more than once).
Fire Chief Don Adams and Fire Fighter/Paramedic Bill Underhill helped cool everyone down with the fire hose from the LGIFR water truck--a huge hit with the kids, a few of the parents, and one very happy dog! Marina Pendergrass added to the festivities with her creative face painting.
Our grill crew, led by Ray Stonebridge, turned out a great meal of chicken, burgers, and dogs. Pede Fraser prepared several delicious main dish salads which were complimented by the scrumptious side offerings of islanders who attended. A special thanks to our new Social Chair, Debbie Munholand (and her husband Todd Pierson), who jumped right in to help get everything done. All in all, it was a really fun time and great to see so many Islanders catching up with friends, and meeting new ones.
Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate the holiday and many, many thanks to all of you that chipped in to help make it happen! In addition to those mentioned above; David & Janet Furness, Bo Fraser, Scott & Barbara Pendergrass, Dale & Stacey Magoon, Terry Simms, Kent & Karen Weeks, Bob & Kim Milroy, Leigh & Rhonda Olson, Wayne Mazzula (and friends), and our island friends Bob & Sheryl Steinmetz and Natasha Croft Kohler & Tommy Burtgess Jr. Lastly, a special thanks to the Placida Beach Condo Association, the LGPOA Board for their support of the event and “Bill’s Grill” (in memoriam of Bill Sanderson) and anyone we may have mistakenly failed to mention!
Thanks again, see you next year!
**LGI Dock Update
From Mark Miller, DEP Representative (South District Office)
Thanks to the efforts of the dock committees and the lot owners with access to the private residential multi-slip docks at Little Gasparilla Island, all of the lease applications have been submitted as required by Chapter 2014-237, Laws of Florida. Most of the leases have been issued and only five lease applications are still pending (lease is being prepared by the Department’s Division of State Lands or is awaiting signature by the respective association).
Note: The Bay Street Dock association has made application to the state of Florida to improve and extend their dock. Chris Stonebridge, (President of the Bay Street Dock Association) has compiled a comprehensive list of actions steps they have taken thus far. The document includes useful resources and contact information. If you would like a copy, please email Chris at .
**International Coastal Cleanup – September, 17th 2016
Mark your calendars! Islanders can come, help collect and transport items to a dumpster at Eldred’s Marina.
We are looking for volunteers to remove garbage from our mangroves, the inner-island and also from the beach from 8 until noon. If you want to work with others, meet at the golf cart shop at 8, otherwise there will be volunteers at the dumpsters to help you unload.
You can drop any full bags from 9-noon at the golf cart shop all week long starting on the 10th. They will have the forms needed and bags for you to use as well.
Larger garbage will be accepted at Eldred’s Marina on the 19th. (No appliances or TVs). Volunteers will receive a T-shirt, as long as you sign up in advance!! If you can participate, please visit the volunteer section at www.lgpoa.org . Be sure to leave your name, email, dates you plan to help, and don’t forget shirt sizes for you and your helpers! Any questions, please call 941-999-7788.
So far 7 volunteers have signed up and are ready to go!
**Environmental Committee
From Environmental Chair, Linda Soderquist:
Turtle Time!
Our island sea turtles have nested in strong numbers this year. Unfortunately, the predators have been busy destroying nests and eating eggs and baby hatchlings. The remaining nests getting ready to hatch need our help. Fill in all holes dug on the beach. Do not allow your dogs to roam on the beach. Remove furniture at sunset, as tents and furniture become obstacles to hatchlings making their way to the water. Vehicles do not belong on the beach, and can run over hatchlings.
Please do not go out on the beach with flashlights. If lights from your property can be seen on the beach, then they need to be turned off or shielded. Instinct in little hatchlings is strong, and they are guided to the water by moonlight and starlight reflecting off the water. Any artificial light will disorient them, causing them to travel away from the water, become dehydrated and die or be killed by land predators. If you rent your home, be sure your renters are aware of the local ordinances and penalties related to sea turtles. If you need information on sea turtles and Charlotte County sea turtle ordinances, please e-mail . Keep informed as to current island turtle activity on Facebook at Little Gasparilla Island Turtles and Shorebirds.
Mosquitoes! Mosquitoes! Mosquitoes!
Please contact Charlotte County Mosquito Control to report mosquito problems and request that they spray on the island. The number is 941-764-4370 and the email is .
**ISLAND WIDE GARAGE SALE! Mark your calendars now!
November26th(the Saturday afterThanksgiving) from 9am to 1pm. Please contact Rhonda Olson directly with any questions . Details on how to participate will be outlined in the September Coconut Telegraph.
**Little Gasparilla Island Fire and Rescue (LGIFR)
From Bob Weronik, President:
Little Gasparilla Island Fire and Rescue (LGIFR) continually adapts and improves their service in accordance with the changing needs of island residents and visitors alike. The islanders and visitors are the primary focus and the department is continually considering the impacts to the level of service and adapting to ensure they meet their goals as well as the island's future needs.
The island firefighters possess a variety of specialty training so that they may provide the best possible response to any kind of emergency. They have personnel trained in fire and life safety, hazardous materials response and mitigation, technical rescue, brush fire mitigation and emergency medical services.
LGIFR is working hard on developing training opportunities and tasks islanders can be a part of which do not require certifications. They are also looking at specialized training and certifications that some islanders may be interested in, such as brush fire certifications, Firefighter I, Emergency Medical First Responder and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
According to Don Adams, LGIFR Fire Chief, "We could never have adapted to or improved our service without the support from the citizens of our community. It is imperative that our fire department works closely with the entire community to meet the needs of the community and for islanders to be part of the response tasks. Our mission is to serve and protect both life and property of the citizens and visitors of LGI. Please attend the Fire Board meetings in the near future to hear the different tasks islanders can be a part of to help support the LGI community.”
The next LGIFR meeting is August 20th at 10:00am at the Firehouse located at 9540 Jolly Roger Trail.
Dates of Interest in August
Not so well known, but fun to know…
August 1 Cananda’s Civic Holiday
August 3 National Watermelon Day
August 5 - 21 Summer Olympics
August 7 Friendship Day
August 11 Son’s and Daughter’s Day
August 13 National Left Handed Day
August 15 National Relaxation Day
August 16 National Tell a Joke Day
August 19 National Aviation Day
August 26 National Dog Day
August 30 Frankenstein Day
LGPOA DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Which district are you in?
· District 1: 8000 – 8288
· District 2: 8292 – 8538, including: 8542, 8550, 8556, 8560, 8564, 8568, 8570, 8576, 8578, 8586
· District 3: 8594 – 8888, including: 8546, 8554, 8558, 8562, 8566, 8574, 8582, 8590, excluding: 8802‐8818 (even #’s)
· District 4: 8890 ‐ 9134, including: 8802‐8818 (even #’s)
· District 5: 9140 – 9394
· District 6: Hideaway Bay
· District 7: 9420 – 9646, excluding: 9494, 9498, 9502
· District 8: 9660 – 9908, including: 9494, 9498, 9502
Who is your LGPOA representative?
· Mary Lou Davidson, Secretary, representing District 1,
· Rhonda Freeman, Director, representing District 2,
· Rhonda Olson, Vice President, representing District 3,
· Richard Leydon, President, representing District 4,
· Andy Hagelin, Director, representing District 5,
· Barbara Orcutt, Director, representing District 6,
· Paul Holmes, Treasurer, representing District 7,
· Terrie Weibley, will be representing District 8 as a Director,
Committee Chairs:
· Environmental: Linda Soderquist,
· Island Services: Phyllis NeSmith,
· Social: Debbie Munholand,
· Membership: Mary Lou Davidson,
· Hurricane: Leigh Olson, & Stacey Supanich-Magoon,
· Website Design and Maintenance: Mary Lou Davidson, & Bob Mahoney,
· Navigation: Richard Leydon,
Please feel free to email me with any information you’d like circulated in the next month’s Coconut Telegraph by the 25th of the month. Content is reviewed by board members for approval.
Much appreciated! Rhonda Olson,