the tropic islesbreezes · 09-09-2016 · regular office business is conducted between 9:00 am and...

Published by On Trac Publishing, P.O. Box 985, Bradenton, FL 34206 (941) 723-5003

The Tropic IslesBreezesSeptember 2016Tropic Isles • 1503 28th Ave. West • Palmetto, Florida 34221 • (941) 721-8888 • Website: www.TropicIsles.net

Home of the Month

September’s “Home of the Month” belongs to Michael Klein at 383 Bimini Dr. Adding color to the trim and redoing the landscape at the front of the house has added beautiful “curb appeal” to his place. Nice job!

You may have noticed the new sign that is being placed in the front yard of the current “Home of the Month”. We want to thank Pat Nizborski for the idea and the creation of the sign.

~~Thought For The Day~~A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you will remember. Carve your name on their hearts, not marble.

Meet Your New NeighborsBy Cindy Shaw

I’d like to introduce you to the new owners at 3004 12th St. W. They are Mary and Mike Wichman from Holt, Michigan who will be part-time residents here in Tropic Isles. The Wichmans came to visit their friends, Jerry and Shotzie Rahl, and ended up buying a home across the street. Mike and Mary have four children— Justin, Jamie, Jim, and Amy. They have five grandchildren—Mason (13), Jalen (10), Ava (9), Jack (6), and Briella (3). Mary continues to work in IT for the Michigan State Police. Mike is retired from the Board of Water and Light, a utility company in Lansing, Michigan. The Wichmans enjoy boating, 4-wheeling, and motorcycling. Mike also enjoys golfing. We are pleased to welcome Mike and Mary to our little piece of paradise here in Tropic Isles.

Please welcome our new full-time residents, Garth Umstot and Patty Kaczmarek, who live at 201 Bimini Dr. Patty hails originally from Revere, Massa-chusetts and Garth is from Martha’s Vineyard. Garth has four children—Mark, Todd, Scott, and Kathy and eight grandchildren. Patty has two children and two grandchildren. Patty has worked as a legal representative for Boston Legal Services for 42 years. Garth has a very interesting past. He owned restaurants, bars, and resorts over the years. He is also a horseman and has trained thoroughbred racers. After he retired 12 years ago, he decided to do what he always wanted to do and that was to be a tour guide and “Duck” (WWII amphibious vehicle) driver in Boston, MA. When he retired from that, he lived aboard his power boat in Twin Dolphin Marina and then Cut’s Edge Marina. He learned about Tropic Isles from having his boat at Cut’s Edge Marina and even rented a slip in the Tropic Isles Marina for 3 months before moving his boat over to Regatta Point. Garth and Patty enjoy dining out. Garth played tennis and soft-ball in his younger days and still enjoys it. Patty loves to dance and do anything athletic. Please make Garth and Patty feel welcome in Tropic Isles!

We Remember.....9-11-01

- Tropic Isles - September 2016

Get Well, Amber!

You do not see this kind of thing every day! A dog having back surgery. Our sweet dog, Amber, turned 5 years old on August 1st, so when her vet at the Pal-metto Animal Clinic said she needed to be rushed to

the neurosurgeon vet in Sarasota right away, of course, that is what her parents, Doug and Tina Woulf, did! She had to be totally sedated for the MRI which confirmed both of the vet’s previous examinations. Amber had completely blown out a disc in her back and needed immediate surgery! That explained why she suddenly could not use her back legs to walk the day before. Expense was not an issue as Amber is “family”. The Surgeon gave her a 90% chance of recovery if the surgery was done right away which took place a few hours later! Amber is recovering very well! Initially, Doug had to carry her up and down our house steps and she cannot jump on and off high furniture! She also has a reverse Mohawk shave haircut on her back! You have probably seen her walking in front of the golf cart again, barking at any birds that may land around her canal. She also likes to walk down Basin St. to visit George and Lynn, Jerry and Jeannette, along with Jimmy and Michelle if they happen to be sitting outside. She loves to go to her home-away-from-home to visit her favorite neighbors and friends, Jerry & Sharon, and hang out at the Marina with Doug!

Tina Woulf

The Palmetto Police Department presented the Life Saving Award to Officer Tim Matthews on July 18th. This was his second of the year. Congratulations!

Palmetto Police Officer, Tim Matthews, was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Year Award for Manatee

County. Well done!

September 2016 - Tropic Isles -

Tropic Isles1503 28th Ave. West, Palmetto, Florida 34221

Employees are on duty from 8:00AM to 4:30PM Monday thru Friday. Regular Office business is conducted between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM only. Other than office hours, your call will be forwarded to an (live) answering service. You may call the regular office phone number at any hour of the day or night for urgent matters. For emergencies, dial 911.

Paul Smith, Co-Op Manager Barbara Welch, Office Coordinator

Chris Vincent, Maintenance Team LeaderAl Harris, Maintenance

Office (941) 721-8888 • Fax 941-729-0687Marina 941-729-8128www.TropicIsles.net

Tropic Isles Co‑opBOard OF dIrecTOrs 2016/2017

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clyde MartinVice President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hank VitanSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark KruegerTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob ShawDirector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Butch MinickDirector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary ReeseDirector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milly Sumler

TIHOATropic Isles Homeowners Association

2016/2017President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan VernVice President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nadine KellySecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy KuehnTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim NittiDirector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill CadizDirector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Linda DiesingDirector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maureen MontfordDirector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy Reed

TIPOA (Property Owners)2016/2017 Board

President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rene BelangerVice Pres.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lance LinkeTreasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rita CollinsRecording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phyllis Ann SmithCorresponding Secretary/City Liaison . . . . . . . Vicki MassaroDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John BaileyDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patricia SpanglerDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob StokesDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rich Van Wicklen

Tropic isles BreezesPublished monthly and delivered to all residents

Editor: Cindy Shaw Contributing Writer: Sharon Schumann

Send photos and articles to [email protected] the 10th of each month.

The inclusion of advertising contained in this newsletter supports the publication costs, but does not constitute an endorsement by the Tropic Isles Co-Op, nor does the content of articles submitted by

individual residents and those representing clubs and activities.

FROM THE EDITOR As an elementary school teacher for 33 years, I always looked forward to September when the new school year began and all those bright, shiny new faces would appear. It was an exciting time of the year for parents, students, and yes, even teachers. Now that the school year has begun for our young people, it helps to remind ourselves of the rules of the road regarding school buses and school zones. Many drivers are confused about the exact school bus laws and proper “right of way” rules because many states are different. Do you know when to stop and when not to?

School Bus Right of Way Rules for Non-Divided Highways In almost all states, it is law to stop for a stopped child-carry-ing bus whether you are approaching or are behind the bus on a non-divided roadway. As long as you are on a non-divided roadway, you must stop for a bus unloading or picking up school children. As a driver, you never know when a child may be cross-ing the street to get on or get off their school bus before or after school.

School Bus Right of Way Rules for Divided Highways On a divided highway, you do not have to stop for a stopped school bus, even if the lights are flashing, as long as you are in the opposing traffic lanes.

School Zones

Pay special attention to the flashing lights in school zones. When the light is flashing you must reduce your speed limit to 20 MPH until you reach the “end of school zone” sign. Watch for the cross-ing guards and be prepared to stop if they are signaling to drivers that children are crossing the street. Not only is it dangerous to drive too fast in a school zone, but fines are also usually doubled in these areas, so it is also extremely expensive. No matter what your reason, it just makes sense to slow down whenever you’re driving in a school zone. Let’s all be safe on the road and watch out for our little ones.

IDEA TO PONDER….

If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went. ---Will Rogers

Watch Out!Keep our kids safe!!

Remember to watch for stopped school buses and crossing guards.

PLEASE slow down in school zones!


Neighbors Helping Neighbors Neighbors Helping Neighbors has been functioning all summer on a more limited basis since many of our helpers have returned to their residences in other places. If you need any

help, advice, or see someone that would benefit from neighborly assistance, please call Jan Krueger at 262-617-0710.People needing help or willing to give help please contact;

Jan Krueger 262-617-0710 [email protected]

~Rule Of The Month~ In working towards better “curb appeal”, the following rules are being mentioned as reminders this month.3.9 Maintenance The Shareholder or Homeowner is responsible for the overall appearance of the Dwelling. Dwellings shall be kept clean, sani-tary, and in good repair as described in the Master Form Occupancy Agreement, Section 48B. The Dwelling must com-ply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations of state, county, city, and the Association’s governing documents.3.10 Exterior Cleaning The exterior of all manufactured homes, park models, and recreational vehicles must be kept clean and free from mold and mildew. Dwellings must be cleaned a minimum of once each cal-endar year. Dwellings not maintained to the satisfactory standards of the Association may be maintained by the Association at a cost to the Resident.3.11 Painting If the Resident intends to change the existing color, Manage-ment must approve the color. All exterior painting of existing Dwellings and/or trim must have written approval by Manage-ment.4.1 Maintenance The Shareholder or Homeowner is responsible for the overall appearance of their Unit/Lot including the mowing, trimming, and weeding of their Unit/Lot, with the exception of the RV Section. The Unit/Lot must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations of state, county, city, and the Association’s gov-erning documents.

Weeds, Weeds, Weeds!!! Around the park, the days have been HOT and accompanied by our afternoon rains. Everyone knows what that means---weeds, weeds, weeds! If you are one of our northern residents who thinks that a good weeding at the onset of summer will carry you through till fall, please call your favorite gardener today! As soon as you kill a weed, another replaces it within days. Many grow up to a foot tall within a week! You must have a regular weekly maintenance program in place to keep your home looking great! Do your part to improve the curb appeal of Tropic Isles.

~~Special Thanks~~ I’d like to thank everyone at Tropic Isles for their expressions of concern and for all the cards that I have received for Tom.

Sincerely, Karen Rodgers

A special thanks to Don Stotts for delivering all the library donations to the Bay Pines VA last month.

Thanks to all the summer coffee volunteers—Diane Ringler, Joan Richey, Fred & Dori Bloye, Mark & Jan Krueger, Hank Vitan, Anne & Jim Nitti, and Wanda Black who kept Saturday Coffee going for the months of May- September.

Tropic Isles’ Office UpdatesTropic isles’ oFFice eMAil

The office has updated their email addresses, so to contact the office via email you will need to use the address [email protected] . The office can still access your email through the old address [email protected], but they will eventually switch over to the new address for all emails.

in need oF A noTAry? If you are in need of a Notary, look no further. Barbara Welch in the office is a licensed notary. Feel free to contact her with your notary requests. The charge for notary service is $5.00.

your Tropic isles’ co-op WeBsiTe! Your Tropic Isles’ Co-op website can be accessed by going to www.TropicIsles.net. Keep up-to-date on everything that hap-pens in Tropic Isles by checking out the monthly edition of the Breezes online.


Bingo News

Bingo continues at 7 PM every Tuesday in the Auditorium. Thank you to our full-time residents who attend bingo all summer. Bring a friend and continue to spend a fun evening with us.

Joy & Elaine

Got Curb-Appeal? Is your home in need of new paint, landscaping, or other ex-terior improvements? Now is the time to show some Palmetto pride. The City of Palmetto is hosting a “Curb Appeal Contest” for businesses or residents. Those who already have great Curb Appeal will be recognized as well.

Contest Categories _ Best Curb-appeal _ Best Improvement Awards include a Commercial Fishing Charter, Spa Treatments, and Gift Certificates to local businesses and home improvement stores. Winners and sponsors will be recognized by the Mayor, on the City website, and on the City’s electronic message sign.

2016 Contest DatesJuly – September: Entries/nomination due September 30th

October – December: Entries/nominations due December 31 The entry form, sponsors, volunteer judges, and past winners are on the City website. If you have questions, please let us know. To enter the contest or nominate someone, please submit an entry by mail, email, or in person to:

Public Works Department600 17th St. West

(941) 723-4580Kera Hill ext. 2133 or

Tonya Wonderly ext. 2126www.palmettofl.org

Not only will your house look great, but you may win a prize as well!

What Is A Florida Lobster? Lobstering is the largest economic segment of the fishing industry in Florida, with $20 million worth of lobsters brought in annually. Florida lobsters are sent all over the state and country, but they’re rarely marketed as “Florida lobsters”. If you’ve ever had a lobster tail at a restaurant or bought one from the grocery store, you may have had a Florida lobster—without even realizing it.

The Clawless Lobster The lobsters in Florida’s waters don’t have claws, which is why they’re often used for lobster tails. While they otherwise look sim-ilar to the clawed American lobster that Maine has made famous, Florida lobsters aren’t closely related to those cold-water lobsters. Without claws to defend themselves, Florida lobsters use their antennae to defend themselves when threatened. They scratch the ends of their antennae against their shells to create a loud screeching sound that hopefully frightens the predator threat-ening them. Unlike the American lobster, which is only found along the Northern Atlantic Coast, the spiny lobsters of Florida are found in warm seas throughout the world. They’re harvested in Aus-tralia, New Zealand, the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, and, of course, Florida. Spiny lobsters often travel vast distances during their lifetime. As larvae, they may drift thousands of miles along ocean currents. Once they mature into adults, they migrate from the shallow waters where the ocean currents deposited them to offshore reefs. When migrating, they walk single-file along the seafloor with up to 50 other lobsters, scratching their antennae on the lobster in front of them to maintain their formation and scare off predators. Next time you have a lobster tail, you might be enjoying some of our state’s fine seafood.

Does Your Home Have Good “Curb Appeal”?

Good “curb appeal” doesn’t just mean your front yard. It also covers all sides of your property. Many prospective buyers visit our park by water and see your property from the canal view. Does your backyard have items stashed back there that need to be removed or discarded? Are the weeds growing tall and your plants overgrown? Does the back of your home have mildew growing on it? Take a good look at all sides of your property and see what can be done to improve your “curb appeal” from the canal side as well as the street side. If you leave the park for an extended stay away, please remem-ber that weeds and plants still grow and homes get mildew on them. Don’t wait until you return in the fall or winter to address the problem. Please make sure your home and yard are taken care of while you are away! Let’s all work towards great “curb appeal”, both on the street side and canal side. Thanks for all your efforts!


Cook’s Corner chocolATe scoTcheroos

Ingredients:1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup1 cup sugar1 cup creamy peanut butter6 cups Rice Krispies cereal1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips1 cup butterscotch chips

Directions:1. Cook 1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup and 1 cup sugar together in a

large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.2. Bring mixture to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Stir

in 1 cup creamy peanut butter. Mix well.3. Add 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until evenly coated.4. Pour into greased 13 x 9-inch pan and pat into place.5. Melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup butterscotch

chips together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.6. Spread over cereal.7. Cool at least 45 minutes, or until firm.8. Cut into bars.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine!• Consciousness:Thatannoyingtimebetweennaps.• Benicetoyourkids.Somedaythey’llchooseyournursinghome.• Givemeambiguityorgivemesomethingelse.• Wearshortsleeves.Supportyourrighttobarearms.• Everyonehasaphotographicmemory.Somearejustoutoffilm.• Iletmymindwander,butitnevercameback.• IusedtoeatalotofnaturalfoodsuntilIlearnedthatmostpeople

die of natural causes.• Abachelorisamanwhobelievesinlife,liberty,andthehappi-

ness of pursuit.• Ifamimeisarrested,doeshehavearighttoremainsilent?• Iintendtoliveforever.Sofar,sogood.

A little boy was taken to the dentist. It was discovered that he had a cavity that would have to be filled. The dentist asked, “What kind of filling would you like for that tooth?” “Chocolate please,” replied the youngster.

siGns And noTicesIn an office: Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday,

please bring it back or further steps will be taken.In an office: After tea break, staff should empty the teapot and

stand upside down on the draining board.Outside a second hand shop: We exchange anything - bicycles,

washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?

Age is a very high price to pay for maturity!

Live and Learn and Pass It On People ages 7 to 92 share what they’ve discovered about life, love, and other good stuff.• I’velearnedthatsometimesyoushouldjustletyourheartdecide

and deal with reality later. –age 21• I’velearnedthatGodgivesyouanewgifteveryday.---age38• I’ve learned thatyoushould thank thesalesclerkswho take

the time to compare the signature on your credit card with the signature on the receipt. –age 24

• I’ve learned thatgoing to thedoctor’soffice is likegoing tochurch. You don’t want to be late, but you don’t want to get there too early either. –age 41

• I’velearnedthatwhenmydadsayshe’sgoingtobarbecue,itmeans we’re going to have a burned piece of meat for supper. –age 13

• I’velearnedthatifyouhangsomethinginaclosetforawhile,it shrinks two sizes. –age 62

• I’velearnedthatworry’sbestantidoteisaction.–age55• I’velearnedthatloveisn’tsomethingyoulookfor.It’ssomething

you give. -age 59

Summer Fun Don’t be shy! Please send in a picture of your travels or fun activities this summer. Include the names of the people in the picture, location, and date. Email your pictures to [email protected]. Thanks, in advance, for your pictures.


Tropical Red Hatters The Tropical Red Hatters will have their monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 7 at 10:00 AM in the Yacht Club. Plans will continue for upcoming activities. On Wednesday, September 14 an outing

to St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota is planned. Anna Antonacci will be the group leader. Other activities in the works are a trip to the Art League of Manatee with lunch and the First Friday Art Walk. The Red Hatters recently attended our TI Bingo as a group. Plans are being made for a Fashion Show by Topaz for Thursday, November 3 from 1-3 PM in the Yacht Club and the Spring Annual Ice Cream Social. These activities will be open to the park, as well as some other Red Hat groups. All Ladies of Tropic Isles are welcome to attend our monthly meetings and join in the activities.

Ann Miller, Tropical Red Hatters’ Scribe

“Coffee Talk” This feature will be run throughout the year, sharing the names of those people who have received “We Care” cards from their friends and neighbors here in Tropic Isles. A Get Well card was sent to Tim Bartels (shoulder surgery), Bev O’Brien (broken ankle), and Jim Muckley (outpatient surgery). Sympathy cards were sent to Anne Stout on the passing of her grandson, Donnie and to Karen Rodgers on the passing of her hus-band, Tom, and to Valerie Gruss on the passing of her husband, Bob. If you know of someone who is in need of a “Get Well” card or a family who has lost a loved one in need of a “Sympathy Card”, please contact Anne Nitti during the summer at 508-873-6205.

Calling All Fishermen and Women! Please submit fishing pictures of your catch on the nearby waters around Tropic Isles this summer to [email protected]. I would like to publish your pictures in the Breezes with a descrip-tion of where you went fishing, species caught, its length and weight, and who caught it. Fish on and send me your pictures!!

New! Attention All Returning Residents!

The Yacht Club and Auditorium doors have been locked all throughout the summer months. You will need to use the code to enter at any time of the day or night. Please contact the office to receive the new codes if you do not have them. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter. Note: The Real Estate office has been moved to one of the model homes at 126 Capri Dr. in Tropic Isles.

Please Recycle Your Cans Thank you all so much for continuing to recycle your aluminum cans in the green box near the office during the summer. This is for aluminum cans only, please. The Boosters thank you very much.


Autumnal Equinox – sepTeMBer 22, 2016

The Autumnal Equinox happens on September 22, 2016. Al-though the equinox happens at the same moment worldwide, your clock times will depend on your time zone. For U.S. time zones, this equinox comes at 10:21 a.m. in the Eastern Time Zone. Earth’s two hemispheres are receiving the sun’s rays about equally around equinox-time. Night and day are approximately equal in length. The name equinox comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night). The knowledge that summer is gone – and winter is coming – is everywhere now, on the northern half of Earth’s globe. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you can easily notice the later dawns and earlier sunsets. Also notice the arc of the sun across the sky each day. You’ll find it’s shifting toward the south. We have an equinox twice a year – spring and fall – when the tilt of the Earth’s axis and Earth’s orbit around the sun combine in such a way that the axis is inclined neither away from nor toward the sun. The sun is on the celestial equator. That’s why the sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on the Equinox. This fact makes the day of an equinox a good day for finding due east and due west from your yard or other favorite site for watching the sky. Just go outside around sunset or sunrise and notice the location of the sun on the horizon with respect to familiar landmarks. If you do this, you’ll be able to use those landmarks to find those cardinal directions in the weeks and months ahead.

Reading Material for Vets

We have made arrangements to collect reading materials for Vets. Magazines are great (for men or women), as are books. The library at Tropic Isles will be donating any books that are dupli-cates and those books that are too old to shelve. There will be a collection box in our library. We will take all reading items that are donated to the VA Bay Pines. It may seem like a small thing to do, but it will be greatly appreciated.

Safety Tip Of The Month WeT WeATher drivinG

Wet season is here in Florida and lasts from May through October, which can make driving conditions more hazardous. Although it might seem like a good idea to turn on your emergency lights while driving in heavy rain, don’t do it. It’s illegal — and it’s dangerous. “That driver now thinks that your vehicle is stopped and may or may not take evasive actions to avoid your car,” said Steven Montiero, with the Florida Highway Patrol. “Meanwhile, you are still moving, but you are telling another driver that your car is stopped in the roadway. You may be causing a crash while you think you are avoiding a crash.” What other tips do you need to know about for wet season?• Checkyourtires.• Avoidcruisecontrol.It’sgreatfordryconditions,butwhen

it’s raining, your chances for losing control increases.• Useyourheadlightswhenit’sraining,butnotyourhigh-

beams. You don’t want to blind other drivers, and the extra light could reflect off the rain and reduce your visibility. Remember this: When the windshield wipers are on, your lights should be on.

• Slowdownandmakesureyou leaveplentyof roomforother drivers. Slowing down can be critical to reduce your chances of hydroplaning. “The second you start to feel that your vehicle is no longer in contact with the road and you think you need to stop that car, we are asking you to pump the brakes,” Montiero said. “There is no reason to slam on your brakes. Pump the brakes until you come to a complete stop.”

Come One, Come All!zikA virus presenTATion!!

Join Chris Lesser and Tim Matthews from the Mosquito Control Board as they present information on the Zika Virus at Saturday Coffee, September 17 at 8 AM.

Here’s what YOU can do to help: Empty all pails, buckets, birdbaths, ponds, and other containers that have or can collect water. Turn over or put away all unneces-sary containers so that they cannot collect water. If they contained water, scrub them out to eliminate any mosquito eggs. This is important since the eggs can live up to 8 months before hatching!


When You Must Evacuate September and October are the peak months of hurricane season. If you are at Tropic Isles when an evacuation order is given, don’t panic. Move at a steady pace and be sure you leave enough time to get to where you will weather the storm. DO NOT take chances with your life by staying at home or waiting until the weather turns bad!• Makesureyourdestinationisnotwithinazonethathasbeen

ordered to evacuate.• Takeenoughsuppliesforyourfamily.• Takeyourpets.Don’tforgettheirsupplies.• Takeimportantpapers,includingyourdriver’slicense,special

medical information, insurance policies, your insurance agent’s name and number, and property inventories.

• Takeirreplaceableitems,suchasphotosorkeepsakes.• Letfriendsandrelativesknowwhereyouaregoing.• Makesureyourneighborshaveasaferide.• Turnoffyourelectricity,water,andgasifofficialstellyoutodo

so.• Lockyourwindowsanddoors.• Staytunedtoyourlocalradioandtelevisionstationforemer-

gency broadcasts.Leaving Coastal Areas If you are leaving the area, remember to take supplies with you. Move inland away from the storm surge and inland flooding, but it is not recommended that residents try to leave the region. Roads will be heavily congested and you run the risk of being caught on the highway without a safe refuge or running into the storm if it takes a different track.Hotel or motel If you plan to go to a hotel or motel, you will need to check for availability and make your reservation well in advance. Some hotels/motels have standing reservation hurricane programs and some relax their pet restrictions in an emergency. Again, make sure your destination is not in an evacuation zone. If you are at Tropic Isles when an evacuation order is issued, you WILL be required to evacuate. Be Prepared.

Evacuating: What To Do First!(Clip and save)

• Whenyouareorderedtoevacuate,goimmediately.• Turnoffgas,electric,andwater.• Movevaluablesthatyoucannottakewithyoutohigherpoints

in your home.• Deployhurricaneshutters/stormpanels.• Haveafulltankofgasinyourcar.• Knowyourevacuationrouteandleaveearly,duringdaylightif

possible, to allow sufficient time to reach your destination.• Iftakingmorethanonecar,haveawaytocommunicatewith

the persons in the other car.• Takeyourdisasterkitandsheltersuppliesandproceedtoyour

location. Once there is an active hurricane, the county’s home page at www.mymanatee.org becomes the emergency management page and will keep you posted throughout an event.

~~Pool Participants and Sun Worshipers ~~

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CLOSE AND TIE UP THE POOL UMBREL-LAS AFTER EACH USE. With the afternoon thunderstorms, the pool umbrellas can become damaged if left up in the strong winds. Don’ t forget to wear your pool bracelets at the pool. Thanks for your co-operation.

Help! We Need Some Help! We are looking for part-time help at the Marina. If you are interested in working part-time at the Marina, please stop down at the Marina and the guys will fill you in on the job description and possible days they need help.

Bob Shaw, Board Liaison to the Marina

Say Goodbye To Summer! Summer is almost over and it is time to start think-ing about what activities you might like to participate in this fall and winter at Tropic Isles. Do you enjoy

exercising? Check out the Fitness Center or try Aerobics, Fun and Fitness, Water Aerobics, or Yoga classes. Do you like to sing, dance, or perform? Join Tropicaires, Singspiration, or Line Dancing. Feel-ing sporty? Join Golf League, Shuffleboard, Darts, Horseshoes, Bowling, or Ping Pong. If you would like to volunteer, offer to be a sub for a Block Captain, join the Entertainment Committee, Welcome Committee, or become a Booster. If boating, fishing, kayaking, or paddle boarding are how you like to spend your time, join the Boat Club. Put Bingo, Cards, Red Hats, and Coffee Hour on your social calendar and come to meet your neighbors. There’s something for everyone here in Tropic Isles. Check the calendar in the monthly Breezes for all the latest events.

Look What’s Coming!phoTo direcTory 2017

We know it’s hard to believe, but it’s been 5 years since we produced our last photo directory! Since then we have lots of new residents to include. We have set our dates in January and February 2017 for having the photographer come and take our pictures. Look for more information in upcoming issues of Breezes. For now, we wanted you to know that it will be happening and we will be needing lots of volunteers, (both experienced and newbies), so keep that in mind. Look for more information in the months to come!

Sharon Schumann and Cindy Shaw

Author! Author! Writers, come join our Writer’s Group! Bring some of your trea-sured writing to share for encouragement and positive pointers. Learn the ins and outs of publishing your work. Join other writers in a non-threatening environment who enjoy writing and sharing their writing with others.Date: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the monthTime: 9:00-10:30 A.M. (Starting September 6th.) Place: Pretty Room at the Yacht Club Questions? Call Debbie Miller-Phillips at 941-479-4465


1 2

3

4 5

6 7

8 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

6:15

PM

B

ing

o

8:00

am

Ae

robi

cs/

Exer

cise

- Y

8:00

am

M

orni

ng

Coffe

e

WED

NES

DAY

THURS

DAY

FRIDAY

SATU

RDAY

TUES

DAY

MONDAY

Talk

Lik

e a

Pira

te D

ay

St. A

rman

d’s

Circ

leRe

d H

atte

rs

SUNDAY

Labo

r Day

9:00

am

W

riter

’s G

roup

- Y

Gra

ndpa

rent

s’ D

ayPa

trio

t Day

Cons

titut

ion

Wee

k

Fall

Begi

nsAu

tum

nal E

quin

ox

10:2

1 am

ED

T

8:00

am

Co

ffee

Zika

Vir

us P

rese

ntat

ion

- ACo

nstit

utio

n D

aySi

gned

178

7

10:0

0 am

Re

d H

at M

tg. -

Y

Crus

h a

Can

Day

Recy

cle! W

EE

KL

Y E

VE

NT

S

Unc

le S

am’s

203r

d Bi

rthd

ay

POW

/ M

IA R

ecog

nitio

n D

ay

9:00

am

W

riter

’s G

roup

- Y

8:00

am

Ae

robi

cs/

Exer

cise

- Y

7:00

pm

Bi

ngo

- A

8:00

am

Ae

robi

cs/

Exer

cise

- Y

10:3

0 am

Ka

yak

Gro

up -

Laun

ch12

:30

pm

Brid

ge -

Y7:

00 p

m

Pino

chle

- Y

8:00

am

Ae

robi

cs/

Exer

cise

- Y

12:3

0 pm

Ca

nast

a - Y

C7:

00 p

m

Dar

ts -

YC

8:00

am

Ae

robi

cs/

Exer

cise

- Y

7:00

pm

Eu

chre

- Y

Sept

embe

r 20

16


What Is Heat Lightning?(Question submitted by Mary Jane Murphy)

At this time of year on warm, humid nights, the phenomenon known as “heat lightning” is very common. The sky will seem to flicker with light and even on a seemingly clear night with stars, you may see flashes. No sound accompanies the flash, although if you are listening to an AM radio station, you’ll hear crackles of static at the same time as you see the flash. What you’re likely seeing is the light from a distant thunder-storm that is located at too great a distance for the thunder sound to be heard. The sound of thunder rarely travels more than 10 miles. Other cases can be explained by the refraction (or bending) of sound waves by bodies of air with different densities. An observer may see nearby lightning, but the sound from the discharge is refracted over their head by a change in the tempera-ture, and therefore the density of the air around him. As a result, the lightning discharge seems to be silent. The term “heat lightning” probably comes from the fact that the effect is most often seen on warm, humid nights during July and August, so an association has been made with sultry tem-peratures. But when the sky is hazy, as is quite typical on warm,summer nights, the light from intense thunderstorms as far away as 100 miles can be reflected off a layer of haze and up into the night sky. That’s why you tend to see heat lightning as just a diffuse flash or flicker.

FAcTs ABouT heAT liGhTninG• Itoccurs in summersandespeciallyonhot summernights.Hence, its name.• Itisnotfollowedbythunderandrainfalllikeordinarylightning.The thunder and rainfall actually take place at a distance and hence, are not observed.• TheEarth’scurvature,airborneelementslikesnowordust,etc.,can muffle the sound of the thunder.• Heatlightningcanbeseenallovertheworld.Itisespeciallycommon in the mountainous regions.• It is usually an indication of an approaching storm.• Many lightningcasualtiesoccur in thesummermonths,butyour chances of being struck by lightning can be prevented if you follow safety rules.• Justbecauseyoucannothearthethunder,doesnotmeanyouare not at a risk of getting stuck by the lightning. Remember that light travels faster than sound.• Lighttravelsmuchfasterandtoafartherdistance.Hence,light-ning can be seen, but thunder cannot be heard if the distance is too great.

soMe MyThs And FAcTs ABouT heAT liGhTninGMyth: Heat lightning is a type of lightning.Fact: It is ordinary lightning, appearing like a flash of light, with-

out any sound.

Myth: Heat lightning is caused due to heat or hot weather.Fact: The term ‘heat lightning’ is a misnomer. It is not caused due

to heat or hot weather. It is, however, observed in warm seasons.

Myth: As heat lightning occurs only in summer, it is not dangerous.Fact: It is caused due to thunderstorms. Although the thunder

is not heard, it is an indication of an approaching storm.

Hello to All Tropic Islanders Barbara and I are feeling the heat as this is our first summer fulltime in Tropic Isles. It is warm, but we are thrilled to be here fulltime and enjoy this tranquil time and place. This issue of the Breezes gives me an opportu-nity to provide everyone with some background information regarding spec. home sales on vacant lots. First of all, we have had good success selling new homes on our vacant lots. A total of three new home sales on vacant lots are either under contract or are completed as of this writing. This is a pretty big deal for a couple reasons:1. If this pace of sales prevails, within the first three years we will

have populated 28% of our vacant lots (homes on 9 out 32 vacant lots), received approximately $225,000 from the sale of vacant lots, and received an estimated $24,300 of additional maintenance fee income.

2. This first year is really just a proof of concept year. We have proved the concept is working.

In our second year, we will have in place the major replace-ment of our sewer and electrical infrastructure which demon-strates our ability to maintain the Co-op and shareholder’s commitment to the Co-op’s long term viability. In the second year, we will be able to show major strides in improving the Co-op’s curb appeal with new roads and new security cameras. We are just now in the last stages of improving our marketing and sales processes.

3. These improvements, with better marketing, and a strong focus on our sales, lead us to expect a much higher level of home sales per year. A six-year goal to have homes on 80% of our vacant lots seems reasonable to our involved sales and management personnel. If achieved, this goal would generate $625,000 worth of lot sales and additional associated maintenance fee income.

Buyers should be attracted to our GREAT COMMUNITY, our Gulf water access, our updated infrastructure, and the competitive cost of home ownership in our Cooperative. No other manufactured home community in our area can match our package of attributes and value. Please tell your friends, family, and contacts to come join us at Tropic Isles and become part of a “one of a kind”, dynamic, attractive, senior community.

Clyde Martin - Tropic Isles’ Co-op President

Bowling News Calling all interested bowlers! This coming bowling season will begin on November 3. An organizational meeting will be held on October 27th at 11 AM in the Yacht Club. (Please note the time change from the last article.) At this meeting, teams will be set and officers will be elected. The league currently consists of twelve, four-person teams. We bowl every Thursday at 1:00 PM at the Bradenton Lanes. Anyone interested in bowling should contact Vicki Williams at 518-283-2763 or John Bailey at 941-981-9711. You may want to start out as a sub or even join a team. We always look forward to new members. Hope to see you there.

John Bailey, President


Weird Florida Laws

• Thestateconstitutionallowsforfreedomofspeech,atrialbyjury, and pregnant pigs to not be confined in cages.

• Doorsofallpublicbuildingsmustopenoutwards.• Itisillegaltosellyourchildren.• Womenmaybefinedforfallingasleepunderahairdryer,as

can the salon owner.• Aspeciallawprohibitsunmarriedwomenfromparachutingon

Sunday or she shall run the risk of arrest, fine, and/or jailing.• Ifanelephantislefttiedtoaparkingmeter,theparkingfee

has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.• Itisillegaltosinginapublicplacewhileattiredinaswimsuit.• Menmaynotbeseenpubliclyinanykindofstraplessgown.

Florida Fact Florida provides the whole country with oranges. Since orange juice is the state beverage, it’s only fit-

ting that the glorious orange is the state fruit. It has been farmed commercially in Florida since the mid-1800s. Florida’s unique sandy soil and subtropical climate proved to be ideal for growing the seeds that the early settlers planted and have flourished ever since. The fruit is a huge part of Florida’s economy, as the state provides the country with most of its oranges. In 2012, Florida produced 70% of the oranges in the U.S. and that’s important since our country’s per person consumption of oranges is higher than that of any other fruit, according to the Ag Marketing Resource Center.

8 Fun Florida FactsFact 1

Orlando, Florida is the most visited tourist destination in the United States (2014) with more than 62 million visitors.

Fact 2 No matter where you are in Florida you are never more than 60 miles from the ocean.

Fact 3 Florida means “Feast of Flowers” in Spanish. However, the official Florida state nickname is “The Sunshine State”.

Fact 4 Crystal River is the only place in North America where it is legal to have a supervised swim with gentle manatees.

Fact 5 The world’s deepest freshwater spring is located in Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee.

Fact 6 Saint Augustine is the oldest European settlement in North America. The settlement was founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565 in what then was La Florida (a part of New Spain).

Fact 7 The Annual Mug Race of Florida, founded in 1954, is the longest river sailboat race in the world. The race course starts in Palatka and ends in Jacksonville.

Fact 8 There are more than 30,000 lakes and over 1000 golf courses located in Florida. Florida is also home to the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum which is located in St. Augustine.

What’s New In The Neighborhood?

The new Aldi’s Store, across from Wal-Mart, is planning to open September 21.

CITY OF PALMETTO NEWSrecyclinG

In the past, the recycling was picked up using the two (2) blue bins, but with the new contract the new, blue 64 gallon carts are now used. There are some specific instructions when setting these carts out at the curb. The cart has arrows saying “This Side to the Curb” which is the side on which the lid opens, not the handle side. This is important as Waste Management is moving to an automated one-man operation. Some areas are already being serviced in this manner, and only the 64-gallon cart that is placed at the curb in the correct manner will be serviced. If you place the small blue bins out by the curb for recycling, expect them to be taken by the vendor as they are not serviceable containers.

Javier Vargas, Deputy Director of Public Works(Note: Residents who do not have a blue recycling cart at their residence when they return, should contact the Office.)

Happy Grandparent’s Day

SEPTEMBER 11TH


INSPIRE • ENTERTAIN • IMPACT

ManateePerformingArtsCenter.comBox Office: (941) 748-5875

503 Third Avenue West


Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Steve and Nancy Grant, Brenda and Tim Bartels visit Bob and Sharon Williams’ home on Devils Lake in

Michigan.

Vicki Massaro and Tim Matthews, along with some friends, went diving

for lobsters in the Keys. On the first day of the two-day season in July, they came back with 42 and on the second day 36 for a grand total of 78 lobsters

in 2 days. Yum!

Vicki and Tim also went deep sea fishing in the Dry Tortugas and caught some

nice yellowtail snapper, permit, African pompano,

and grouper! What a catch!

Forest and Mrs. Gump (aka Jan and Mark Krueger) pose where the scene was filmed for the movie

Forest Gump in City Square in Savannah. The only thing that’s missing is the box of chocolates!

Bob and Cindy Shaw celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary in

July on a Carnival Cruise out of Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas.

Leonard and Florretta Krueger were in NW Michigan at Lake Leelanau for a 5

generation family reunion. They caught lots of walleye during the reunion. Leonard

enjoyed bicycling in the area. His last ride was 20.5 miles along Lake Leelanau.

Tropic Isles’ friends met at Jim and Karen Grant’s place in Indiana. They were Dave and Jane Myers, Joan Richey, Jim and Karen Grant, Butch and Tom Tuttle, Joyce Stover, and Chet and Elaine Faulkner.

the tropic islesbreezes · 09-09-2016 · regular office business is conducted between 9:00 am and...

Documents