02/05/2025
February 2024 #1
Serving Lake Shore Estates and Freshwater Estates for over 50 years
An all-volunteer organization
“A connected community is a strong community”
Renew ramp fees and membership at lakeshoreestates.info
Lake Shore and Freshwater Estates page
Listen to Lake Shore’s own non-commercial radio station: WZIG 104.1 FM (online at WZIG.org)
Forward this newsletter to neighbors who don’t get it; or reply with their email address
**Please add [email protected] to your contacts**
W**d treatment info at kemptergroup.com/admin
If you can’t afford it, donate what you can, when you can. It all helps.
Information Request
If you recognize anyone here or the car, please reply.
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Volunteers needed
Seawall repair – we have the materials. Just need 2 volunteers to do the work. I’ll show you how to do it.
Dock padding repair – reattach padding to side of ramp dock.
Pickleball court – we can make it happen, just need a coordinator
Block volunteers to gather email addresses for the newsletter. Good reason to meet some neighbors!
Biggest news ever! (for the ramp; this year)
The gate wheel has been replaced, so we’ll all have to find another form of exercise pushing the gate open.
Gate code change January 1 – Renew membership now for 2025
Membership is required for use of the grounds, such as the popular dog park and playground. Or the dock for just relaxing. Or the basketball hoop. And of course, the boat ramp. The club grounds are open to members only and is not public.
You can renew memberships with Zelle: just send $30 to [email protected] .
Log into your bank’s web page
click on “transfer money” and
look for Zelle
add recipient [email protected] (watch for typos)
send $30
Your heart should feel warmer knowing that you just made your treasurer’s life simpler by not writing a check
Many banks have this now and it’s free for the sender AND receiver! Some banks offer recurring auto-pay for Zelle.
Two other options:
· send a check to Lake Shore Club Inc. 146 Lake Shore Dr N.
· Last resort: use a credit/debit card at http://lakeshoreestates.info/paypal.htm (paypal account *not* required; they’re just the payment processor) The club pays a fee for this - that’s why it’s the last resort. ☹
During the year I often get panic requests for quick renewals. If I’m traveling, that might not happen for several days. Avoid panic. 😲 Renew now. 😊 Keep the code handy.
New in 2025! Movement Workshops with Caroline
We're switching things up! Join me for a monthly movement workshop targeted to specific areas of the body.
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm at the Lake Shore Club (109 Lake Shore Dr)
Feb 11: Shoulder Health
Mar 11: Core Foundations
Apr 08: Spinal Health
May 13: Balance Basics
Jun 10: Head to Toe Mobility Flow
Register ahead easily online at www.balanced-flow.com/pages/workshops. $10 fee. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Hope to see you there!
Questions? Contact [email protected].
W**d Control – IMPORTANT UPDATES
· Suggested contribution is now $270 to encourage wider participation
· Program has been on hold since August 1 2024 until more funds accumulate.
· If we reduce treatments to once per month AND accumulate enough for a year contract, cost can be cut in half.
· Once enough funds accumulate for a treatment, it will be scheduled.
· Unused/uncommitted funds can be refunded.
There are 3 ways to contribute to w**d control:
· Use Zelle to send 270 (or whatever you want) to [email protected] or…
log in to your bank,
select “transfer money”,
select Zelle
add recipient [email protected]
send 270 or your choice (or 45/mo if they offer auto-pay)
· Send a check to Kempter Group LLC, 146 lakeshore dr N or…
· Use your credit card at http://kemptergroup.com/admin . (we pay a fee for this ☹)
Any amount will help.
MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTION is available - $50/month on credit card auto-pay.
If you live on a canal, you benefit from w**d control. Please help.
It costs a lot more to stop the program, then restart it. When treatment stops, the w**ds will slowly build below the surface until later in the season when there are large masses to treat. What you see on top is like the tip of an iceberg – just a small portion of the problem.
If you like the clear boat path in the canal behind your home, please consider participating.
The w**ds have no sympathy for tight budgets. That means those of us who can contribute should dig deeper to cover for those who can’t.
It’s not meant to clear out ALL w**ds, just enough to keep navigation open. We need a moderate amount of native plants like Tapegrass for the fish.
Status:
· Only funded through July 2024
· Treatment on hold until funds accumulate to restart
· Contributions will go towards the season from May 2024 to April 2025
W**d Control schedule – NEXT TREATMENT on hold – when treatment resumes turn off sprinklers for 3 days.
2024
May 7, 23 – Funded
June 4, 18 – Funded
July 2, 18 – Funded
August 6, 22 – Not Funded
September 5, 17 – Not Funded
October 1, 17 – Not Funded
November 5, 21 – Not Funded
December 5, 19 – Not Funded
2025
January 7, 23 – Not Funded
February 11, 25 – Not Funded
March 13, 27 – Not Funded
April 10, 22 – Not Funded
To avoid getting herbicide on your lawn, TURN OFF SPRINKLER pumps for the treatment day plus 2 more days.
W**d control is intended to remove just enough keep navigation open, not remove all w**ds.
Those who participate can request special attention.
· Treatment pauses when funds run out, then restarts when enough funds come in, regardless of the season or calendar year.
o Funds are pooled for all the canals, not just one property.
For those who fish, the treatment is aimed at non-native (exotic) vegetation that inhibits fish breeding (Illinois pondw**d, hydrilla, coontail, cattail, etc.). Native species are not normally targeted (tapegrass, bulrush, pickerel w**d). Treatment is directed by a specialist who has a PhD in Fisheries and therefore very careful to not affect the fish population.
This treatment is for w**ds under the surface (hydrilla, etc.), using a small white boat. SWFWMD uses a blue airboat to treat the floating (above water) plants.
Any time it rains or there is high wind, it is likely that treatment will be delayed until the next clear day. Please take that into account when scheduling lawn watering.
Please avoid cruising in the canals, at least for the day of treatment. If the herbicide is not disturbed, it is much more effective. This is up to you and it is voluntary.
W**d treatment notices are also posted on lakeshoreestates.info .
UNTIL THE STATE TAKES OVER W**D CONTROL, which may take years, we must continue to fund it ourselves. (county administrator and commissioners have said they will NOT fund it; SWFWMD says state law has to change before they will help)
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Please patronize supporters of the Lake Shore Club:
Please mention you saw the ad in the Lake Shore Club Newsletter
Boat Sales – Gary Reinhardt
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Justin Locklear – Gardening Systems for the home
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Karl Reinhardt – Realtor
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Snappers
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CLICK HERE to see who is performing at the comedy club this weekend!
We are lucky to have comedy right here in our neighborhood – please support it!
Where else can you get Sushi, Burgers and Comedy in the same place?
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Reference Section – Handy Info – Popular Subjects
Street Parking – Please keep the street clear
We are fortunate that street parking is allowed in our neighborhood, as it is allowed in Pinellas county. By contrast, Pasco county prohibits all street parking in residential neighborhoods. It has been suggested that overnight parking be banned to eliminate the few who abuse the privilege and always park on the street, creating blind spots and making it hard to get around. Please avoid street parking overnight as a courtesy to others.
Take a look up and down your street and note that almost everyone keeps the street clear. It’s because our streets are very narrow, but we don’t do “No Parking” signs because we need service vehicle and occasional guest parking for large gatherings. Beyond that it makes driving difficult for neighbors.
One of the few “No Parking” areas is behind Speedway and on Citrus near the marina. This was done because large delivery and trash trucks need extra room to maneuver, especially when turning the corner at Citrus. Parking in this area eliminates that extra room and risks damage to parked vehicles. Parking along Citrus near the intersection forces drivers to be on the wrong side of the road through an intersection (and often don’t stop at the stop sign).
Parking on the street behind snappers is permitted. You may see boat delivery vehicles parked there, which is normal. That’s far better than behind Speedway where it causes problems.
For folks who have moved here recently: Please remind your lawn service: no fertilizer
Thick, dark green lawns are no longer something to be proud of. They announce the use of fertilizer, which the rain washes into the canal and lake. It then feeds the canal/lake w**ds, prematurely ages our lake and causes a decline in desirable fish.
It really stands out when one house has a modest lawn (medium/light green, no fertilizer) and next door in stark contrast is a thick, dark green, lush lawn (lots of fertilizer). The modest lawn is now the status symbol of someone who cares about the lake.
Fertilizer makes the lake GREEN too
Grass watered with lake water gets nutrients from the lake and that’s encouraged. Some nutrients are absorbed by the lawn and not returned to the lake.
Please help stop feeding the w**ds and algae growth in the lake. Limit or stop using fertilizer, especially near the water or street (where it washes into the drains, which go to the lake).
Also watch your lawn service to be sure they don’t dump clippings in the lake. Clippings are fertilizer too.
Pesticides (triazicide, etc.), which are applied the same way as fertilizer, are not fertilizer. Therefore you can’t assume that someone applying something to the lawn is always fertilizer. But it’s worth asking. Nicely. With a big smiley face.
“I don’t live on the water – this doesn’t apply to me!” - oops! Yes it does! During heavy rains, fertilizer gets washed down the street and into pipes that drain into the lake. It seems like a long way but it’s not. Ever notice how the drainage ditches have such green grass? This is true for our entire neighborhood and more.
Lake Okeechobee algae blooms. Lake Apopka Algae blooms. All from fertilizer.
Remember DDT? It was great for keeping crops bug-free but then we discovered it caused birth defects in Eagles and other birds. Like DDT, fertilizer has an ugly side-effect. Please stop fertilizing.
· IGNORE the mailers you receive from lawn treatment companies (herbicide for bugs is OK).
· Use the lake water for your lawn, which has nutrients in it – for free!
· Talk to your neighbors and let them know that fertilizer makes the canals and lake GREEN too.
Another source of fertilizer: Dog p**p – do not throw in the canal or lake. Trees and plants appreciate the fertilizer, but the lake does not.
Like the Dog Park and playground? Membership renewals
Membership is required for use of the grounds, such as the popular dog park and playground. Or the dock for just relaxing. Or the basketball hoop. And of course, the boat ramp. The club grounds are open to members only and is not public.
Please make the extra effort to pay by Zelle - help your Treasurer’s sanity by eliminating check processing.
You can renew memberships with Zelle: just send $30 to [email protected] .
Log into your bank’s web page
click on “transfer money”
look for Zelle
add recipient [email protected] (watch for typos)
send $30
Your heart should feel warmer knowing that you just made your treasurer’s life simpler by not writing a check
Many banks have this now and it’s free for the sender AND receiver! Some banks offer recurring auto-pay for Zelle.
Two other options:
· send a check to Lake Shore Club Inc. 146 Lake Shore Dr N.
· Last resort: use a credit/debit card at http://lakeshoreestates.info/paypal.htm (paypal account *not* required; they’re just the payment processor) The club pays a fee for this, so that’s why it’s the last resort. ☹
Why renew or sign up?
· To be sure the club facilities are always there when you want them
· To have access to club grounds (dock, playground, dog park) when the club is not rented.
· To use Boat ramp (and parking while you’re on the lake), even if the club is rented.
· To support the community (neighborhood signs and activities)
· To be able to rent the club house for private parties (save your carpet)
· To maintain your property value – the club is a big selling point
Already have paypal auto-pay and it doesn’t renew until mid-year? January is the time to fix that. To change the renewal date on paypal or to change to Zelle, here’s how to cancel an existing paypal auto-pay:
1. log into your paypal account,
2. click on gear icon, upper right, next to Logout (AKA settings)
3. click on Account Settings
4. click on Money, banks and cards
5. click Set Automatic Payments
6. locate the payment to lake shore club, click on Cancel (left side)
7. click Cancel profile
8. Now go http://lakeshoreestates.info/paypal.htm (or use Zelle from your bank’s web page)
9. Scroll down to Subscribe, click and complete the set up
Waiting until you need the ramp doesn’t extend the membership beyond December, so the best value is to renew in December or January.
During the year I often get panic requests for quick renewals. If I’m traveling, that might not happen for several days. Avoid panic. 😲 Renew now. 😊 Keep the code handy.
No need to send an email asking for the gate code. Making payment sends a message and it will be processed as soon as the Treasurer gets home from Snappers, which sometimes is a few days LOL. It’s not an automatic process. ☹
Where’s my gate code?
Everyone who has renewed should have received a gate code (unless I don’t have their email). If you have not received it, check your spam folder. If it’s not there, please reply and let me know the date you paid and method (check, credit card, etc).
Club Rental
Want to have a party and protect your nice carpet? Have it at the club! The tile floor can handle a party with no problem. Where else can you rent a party place ON THE LAKE for sixty bucks? And cleanup is SO MUCH EASIER than carpet! Tables, chairs and a stereo are included!
We have had SIX WEDDINGS over the past 8 years! A wedding hall for $60! Only for you since you live here. Other venues cost thousands.
Do you like Poker? We have a great poker table!
The club has a BAR too – with a TV – and Roku! Spill all the drinks you want – it’s easy-to-wipe tile.
Check the calendar for availability at Lakeshoreestates.info – click on “Calendar”. Make your reservations now by emailing [email protected].
Yes, there is AIR CONDITIONING (and heat)! Check out all the pictures at lakeshoreestates.info; click on “lake shore club” on the left.
Some renters have chosen to donate their deposits after a successful event. This is not required but greatly appreciated if you are so inclined. None of the club officers are paid.
Advertising
Need to sell your lakeshore/freshwater home or advertise your business? Send us a rough draft of your ad to [email protected] . Just a few words about your business are fine. A graphic helps.
Four ways to advertise:
· Newsletter: A business card listing (like you see above) is only $80/year for members and $150 for those not eligible to become members (live outside lakeshore/freshwater).
· Club web site: Advertising on the lakeshoreestates.info web site is $60/mo. This helps support the club.
· Laketarpon.org (for the whole lake). $180/mo with much higher traffic volume.
· Radio: WZIG has sponsor thank-you announcements to get your business recognized – see WZIG.org for details.
Lakeshore/Freshwater business directory – local service by local residents
Are you an electrician, plumber, realtor, professional engineer, air conditioning repairman, building contractor or other professional? We would like to build a list of those who live here and have services in the neighborhood. While the club would love to have more advertisers, the contact listing is free. Just reply!
The free list includes business type, business name, contact name, and phone number. If you want more, such as a description of services, a business card, picture, logo or other artwork like the ads below, it’s only $10/month or $80/year.
This listing is placed in the table below.
Lakeshore/Freshwater business directory – local service by local residents
Trade
Business Name
Contact
Phone
Mobile aircraft maint insp repairs
Johnson Aeronautical
Ed Johnson
813 760-0417
Real Estate broker
Karl Reinhardt
727 480-5321
4-Point, Wind Mitigation, Home Insp
Homeworks DBI
Calvin Doyle
727-781-0729
Craft Brewery 670 Main St Sfty Hbr
Copperheads Tap House
Roger Downing
727 400-4721
Piano Tuning
A 440 Piano Tuning
Max Combs
727 934-9696
Portraits, murals, and illustrations
D.L. Holmes Art
Danielle Holmes
770 295-9633
Carpet, tile/grout and uphols cleaning
Steam Boss Inc.
Bill Pennington
727 301-4149
Handyman
Mike the Handyman
Mike Pollio
727 698-6468
Insurance
Island Insurance Specialists
Renee Smajek
727 754-5036
This listing is provided for your convenience. The club does not guarantee, qualify or evaluate the listings.
Boating Regulations
Boating regulations are at http://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/
Gators
Gators that have lost their fear of people (turn towards you as if they expect food) can be removed by calling FWC at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). You can also report people feeding gators at this number. Gators normally fear people until they get fed that first bite.
Unlike humans, Gators are attracted to dogs because they smell like gator prey. Although rare, dog attacks do happen. One large dog was taken right off the seawall. Keep an eye out for gators, especially towards the evening, when they usually feed. They are especially aggressive in the spring because they are hungry (after hibernating) and ready to mate.
Please tell your guests to never feed gators. Not even ice cubes. Nothing. They don’t know where the food ends and the hand begins. Feeding eliminates gator’s natural fear of people. The gator that gets fed might go on to attack a small child.
Tax deduction guide
In the newsletters you often hear about the radio station, w**d control and the club. Here’s a guide to understand their roles in the community:
Clubhouse (or club) – Lake Shore Club Inc., a private Florida non-profit corporation. Although non-profit, donations/memberships are NOT tax deductible. Officers are not paid.
WZIG – Palm Harbor Radio Inc., an IRS-approved 501c3 charitable non-profit Florida corporation. Donations ARE tax deductible. All-volunteer. Registered charity with the state of Florida.
W**d control – Kempter Group LLC, commercial small business. Not tax deductible. I.T./Computer/TV stations/Radio stations is primary business. W**d control only because it has to be done.
Your board of directors
(open), president
(open), secretary
Paul Kempter, treasurer
Michael Vincent, director
Tim Smith, director
(open), director
Our true need is for volunteers. If you have a skill, please reply.
Spend just a little time to make your neighborhood better. It will come back to you. 😊
Regulations
