Sarasota County Cuts Road Impact Fees 50 Percent to Stimulate Construction
The Sarasota County Commission has reduced road impact fees in the county by 50 percent for two years to help stimulate new home construction.
The commission reduced fees on building permits issued after Feb. 1, 2011 and before Feb. 1, 2013. To remain qualified, a project must be completed and have a certificate of occupancy by Feb. 1, 2014. Permits accepted and issued before Feb. 1 aren’t eligible for the reduction.
County impact fees on construction help pay for new or expanded roads, schools, parks and other public facilities required by growth. The commission suspended school impact fees for two years in December after the School Board said it foresees no need for more classrooms during the next five years.
Valentine’s Day And The Run For The Roses
A well known local flower vendor has been retailing flowers and gifts in here Sarasota for over 20 years, with a commitment to bringing the residents of Sarasota and the surrounding communities superlative floral products, award-winning design, gourmet gifts and unsurpassed service. That local vendor is Beneva Flowers, and it’s beenvoted the number one florist by all local magazines and contests for 8 consecutive years running.
For over 25 years, Beneva Flowers has been recognized for its signature rose, the Rouge. This amazing rose is best known for its high petal count. Although it may appear to be open when first received. It will continue to open gradually over several days to reveal the glorious many-petalled bloom. Once open, the Rouge will maintain its beauty for days. Beneva Flowers like to say giving flowers is an important statement and should be remembered – like our roses.
Beneva Flowers Valentines Day Epic Rose Specials
Double Epics Wrapped $50
Three Epics Wrapped $75
Dozen Epics Wrapped $290
Three Epics designed in vase $130
Dozen Epics designed in vase $385
Order takers available 24/7
Address: Beneva Flowers & Gifts, 6980 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34238
Phone Toll Free: 888.923.7401
Phone Local: 941.308.5151
VW’s Darth Vader Ranked Top Super Bowl Commercial
The Force is with Volkswagen
One look at Meadow Walk’s deserted streets just after kickoff of yesterday’s Super Bowl showed most residents were gathered around their TV screens watching the game, and those hugely entertaining commercials. Was the Darth Vader Super Bowl commercial the best of the 2011 Super Bowl spots? It seems that the Force was with Volkswagen this year, making the pint sized Darth Vader and the 2012 Passat a hit.
The commercial was popular days before the Super Bowl, however. Volkswagen released the spot early and it made its way around Twitter and Facebook mid-week, quickly gaining applause. At last glance, the ad has been viewed more than 16 million times.
Of course, Star Wars fans are applauding the commercial that not only features little Darth Vader but the musical score from the Star Wars movies playing in the background. There’s just a broad appeal to this commercial that some of the other ad spots lacked.
The Darth Vader commercial may not have been everyone’s favorite, but it certainly seems to be the most talked about on the social networks.
The Sarasota Masters Art Festival February 5 & 6
The Sarasota Masters will be held February 5 & 6, 2011 along Palm Avenue in Historic Downtown Sarasota. The Masters promises to be Sarasota’s Premier Art Festival. A majority of participating artists have never displayed their artwork in Sarasota. The festival will feature 100 of the nations finest artists—both national and local—all presenting one-of-a-kind pieces in categories including oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, sculpture, ceramics, fine jewelry, blown glass and more. Through the years, Sarasota’s Palm Avenue and the surrounding downtown area have become the hub of Sarasota art exhibits, shows, displays and gatherings. It is a delightful blend of historic Sarasota, fabulous shopping and exciting cultural events. A perfect spot for this premier art event; participants can also choose from gourmet food items from local restaurants, have the opportunity to meet each artist and enjoy live entertainment.
Support from this event is provided by The Downtown Sarasota Alliance. The DSA has become a unified voice to promote and enrich Historic Downtown Sarasota, our bay-front community.
HOA Fees Reduced Second Consecutive Year
For the second straight year Meadow Walk HOA Fees have been reduced. Those fees have been lowered by an additional $50 and now stand at $500 for the physical year 2011. Fees are down from a high of $600 in 2009. This reduction in the HOA fees reflects an increased scrutiny by the Board of all out-going funds and the renegotiation of many of our cost with the Association’s vendors. This aggressive approach has led to significant savings for the Association despite the difficulties the HOA has faced with foreclosures in the community ove the past few years.
Also in this time period the Board has been able to replenish it’s rainy day fund used to protect against unexpected emergencies. All homeowners fees are assessed once per year according to the by-laws and are due in full on January 31st, 2011. Semi-annual payments will be permitted only to those homeowners who had paid their 2010 HOA fees by July 30th of 2010.
Meadow Walk Elects New Board of Directors
For the first time in years, there were enough votes submitted in tim for the Annual Meeting held on December 21st. With a represented quorum, the meeting began promply with old and unfinished business. The new Board of Directors was elected and includes: Gary Walsh, President, David Bennett, Vice President, Tomas Jasek, Treasurer, LaNae Duchesneau, Secretary and Betsy Dane, Director.
Feel free to contact any one of the Directors with questions or concerns. The Directors email addresses are available here on this website. Contact Gary Walsh or Tomas Jasek if you need to discuss anything at all pertaining to dues. All calls will be kept confidential.
December 20th 2010 Annual Meeting Agenda
The Meeting will be called to order @ 6:00 PM
Introduction of Board and Members in attendance and the reading of the minutes of the last meeting. Acknowledge correspondence and read into minutes if necessary.
A. Proposed Budget for 2011.
B. Bank balance.
A. Wetlands Status.
B. Collection of HOA Fees.
A. Vote on Amendment to limit number of home rentals.
B. Election of Officers.
Any pressing issues or comments from members in attendance.
Adjourn by 7:45 pm
September 27th 2010 HOA Meeting Agenda
The Meeting will be called to order @ 6:30 PM
Read/Accept minutes of last meeting. Acknowledge correspondence and read into minutes if necessary.
A. Status of payments for 2009 & 2010.
B. Bank balance.
C. Number of homes whose HOA fee’s are in arrears.
D. Liens on foreclosed properties. Small claims court cases.
E. Status of court actions against foreclosures. Review open foreclosures.
A: Go over plans approved this year.
B: Explain that all items must be shared via meeting with all committee members. Items in violation of our documents must be presented to the whole Board of Directors.
A. Front entrance new plantings and fix up.
B. Status on lakes and littoral shelf.
C: Maintenance on front wall
D. County responsibility for cleaning and repairing front wall and homes backing up to Raymond road.
A. Letters to home owners for deed restriction violations.
1. Maintaining yards and plants/scrubs
2. exterior lights (lawn post) out or damaged
B. Police activity regarding some “drug activity” in Meadow Walk.
Any pressing issues or comments from members in attendance.
Adjourn by 7:45 pm
Construction Update: Richmond Road Bridge
Sarasota County: Richmond Rd Bridge Replacement
The Raymond Roa Bridge is being replaced because it has surpassed it’s estimated service life and does not meet current standards. The bridge is located just west behind the Meadow Walk development.
Construction is scheduled to begin soon. The expected dates of construction are July 2010 through March 2011, weather permitting.
During construction, the bridge will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, vehicles will be detoured. Detour signs will be posted throughout the detour period and message boards will be placed two weeks prior to the actual closure for up-to-date information. Please drive safely.
Residents may experience increases levels of noise as construction progresses.
If you have any questions contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 or TTY 941-861-1833 and ask for information on the Raymond Road Bridge Replacement.
Minutes of the June 28th Meeting Now Available
The second of four yearly meetings scheduled for 2010 is in the books. The meeting was held at the Fruitville Public Library on Monday June 28th during a tropical downpour. Attendance was light which is usually a good sign that things remain relatively quiet in the Meadow Walk community. Various issues were discussed and the minutes of that meeting are available for viewing on this site. See the HOA Meetings page to view.
