Seems a number of people posting on social media do not have all the facts and enjoy making sarcastic remarks and insinuations. Let's clear things up.

DRAINAGE: All roads, right of ways, culverts, and control structures are owned and maintained by the County. The District is responsible for the canals, lakes, ponds, the STA (ECO Park) and the pump station. The County has a maintenance program to keep culverts and drainage swales open and flowing, but severe rain events hinder those efforts. District staff contacts the County whenever they see a drainage issue. Note that with heavy rains it takes at least 24 hours for all the stormwater to flow and reach the canals. Standing water in swales and right of ways can remain longer. Spring Lake relies on flow and not on underground sewer systems used in cities. Residents can help flow by keeping their swales and driveway pipes free of debris.

LOT MOWING: All landowners of vacant properties can register and pay to be in the District lot mowing program. This is not a requirement, and a number of landowners mow their own lots. The District mows 1,093 vacant lots, and 86 acres of commercial land. Tractors mow these properties an average of 6 times a year. We are NOT a lawn maintenance service, we use tractors with bush hogs. Highlands County code enforcement guidelines state homeowners are in violation if their lawns exceed 18 inches. There is no enforcement for vacant lots. The Spring Lake Property Association enforces deed restrictions and will give notice to landowners for excessive growth, Again, this is a voluntary program and not all lots are in the program.

MOSQUITO SPRAYING: Based on Florida State Statutes, this has to be a complaint driven service and the District is not allowed to have a regular spraying schedule. Residents can go to our website and fill out a simple service request that will trigger spraying. All chemicals used are approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture, and are harmless to humans, animals, and the environment. District staff are trained and licensed to perform this service, which operates at dusk and takes up to 4 hours to complete the circuit.

ILLICIT DISCHARGE: There has been an increase in debris that is being discharged into our canals and right of ways. This debris impacts the flow of water, clogs drainage structures, and prevents stormwater from going into the catch basins. District staff have seen lawn companies dump debris in the canals and other areas and have warned them that this is a violation. A lot of stormwater blockage can be attributed to this issue. Residents should keep the right way areas and driveway piping free and clear of debris to help with flow.

OTHER NEWS:

*Next month marks the 10th Anniversary of the ECO Park and the Stormwater Treatment Area. The District will mark that event with a SUNSET CELEBRATION on Friday, October 23, 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be offered at this informal gathering.

*A seat on the District Board of Supervisors will be elected at the Annual Landowners Meeting, November 10, 6:00 p.m., at the Community Center. Proxies are available for interested candidates at the District Office

*Water Used for Pools: The Board of Supervisors have approved a special discounted rate for residents who need to fill their swimming pools. You must inform the District PRIOR to using the water to ensure the discount.

*The September issue of The Breeze should arrive in homes by next weekend. This will be a special edition to mark the 55th Anniversary of the creation of Spring Lake (September22, 1971)

*Remember to mark your calendars for the Spring Lake FESTIVAL Saturday, October 24, 10 am to 4 pm

*Arbuckle Creek Park should be re-opened by the middle of October, pending a final occupancy certificate from Highlands County. The renovations and additions will be well worth the wait!!

                                                                     HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND