As custodians of Club Royale's landscape, we strive for a commitment to excellence, our mission is to enhance the natural beauty of Club Royale's green spaces while ensuring optimal health and longevity for our botanical assets.
**Queen Palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana):** The stately presence of Queen Palms adorns our landscape, offering a regal touch to Club Royale's ambiance. Recognized for their resilience and adaptability, these palms require minimal intervention to thrive within our tropical climate. Our maintenance protocols prioritize the preservation of their structural integrity. **Japanese Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta):** The inclusion of Japanese Sago Palms in our landscape adds a touch of exotic sophistication to Club Royale's botanical ensemble. Despite their toxic nature, these cycads were added into our design schemes, mindful of their potential hazards to residents and visitors alike for their ornamental appeal and beauty. **Ponytail Palms (Beaucarnea recurvata):** Ponytail Palms contribute a whimsical charm to Club Royale's green spaces, enhancing the visual interest of our surroundings. Recognized for their low-maintenance requirements, these succulents are strategically positioned to complement our landscape design without imposing undue maintenance burdens. Our approach emphasizes efficiency and sustainability in the management of these botanical assets. **Royal Poinciana Tree (Delonix regia):** The vibrant blooms of the Royal Poinciana Tree serve as a focal point within our landscape, capturing the attention of all who behold its radiant display. While their ornamental value is undeniable, we remain vigilant in managing the potential risks associated with their seed pods, prioritizing resident safety above all else. Our proactive approach to hazard mitigation ensures a secure environment for all occupants of Club Royale. **Seagrass, Coleus, Ferns, and Large Leafy Plants:** In addition to our iconic trees and palms, Club Royale's landscape features a diverse array of ground coverings and understory plants. From the coastal allure of seagrass to the ornamental appeal of coleus and ferns, each species is integrated into our landscape design to maximize visual impact and ecological sustainability. **Commitment to Excellence:** At Club Royale, we recognize the intrinsic value of our natural surroundings and the integral role they play in shaping our community identity. Through strategic planning, maintenance, and proactive risk management, we endeavor to enhance the beauty and functionality of Club Royale's green spaces for the enjoyment of all. Feeding wild ducks’ bread, especially in areas like golf courses and bodies of water with reclaimed water, can be harmful for several reasons:
1. **Nutritional Deficiency**: Bread lacks the essential nutrients that wild ducks need to stay healthy. Feeding them bread can lead to malnutrition and weakened immune systems. 2. **Digestive Problems**: Ducks' digestive systems are not adapted to process large amounts of bread. Feeding them bread can cause digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases. 3. **Altered Behavior**: Feeding wild ducks can alter their natural behaviors and dependence on human handouts. This can lead to an overpopulation of ducks in certain areas, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem and creating problems for other wildlife. 4. **Water Pollution**: Bread that remains uneaten in the water can decompose and contribute to water pollution, affecting the overall health of the ecosystem and other aquatic life. 5. **Increased Predation Risk**: Concentrating ducks in certain areas through feeding can attract predators, putting the ducks at greater risk of predation. Instead of feeding wild ducks’ bread, it's better to provide them with natural foods that are suitable for their diet, such as cracked corn, oats, rice (uncooked), or leafy greens. If you're concerned about their well-being, you can also support conservation efforts and habitat preservation in your area. Everglades Foundation: This organization focuses on the restoration and preservation of the Everglades ecosystem, advocating for policies and projects that protect water quality, restore natural water flow, and conserve habitats for native wildlife.
https://tinyurl.com/ytxsfbfe Audubon Florida: Audubon Florida works to conserve and restore natural ecosystems in the state, including wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats. They also conduct research, engage in advocacy efforts, and provide educational programs to promote bird conservation. https://tinyurl.com/y9reenv8 The Nature Conservancy (Florida): The Nature Conservancy is a global organization with a strong presence in Florida. They work on various conservation projects, including the restoration of wetlands, protection of critical habitats, and sustainable management of natural resources. https://tinyurl.com/4b4c7z6m South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD): SFWMD plays a crucial role in managing water resources in South Florida, including the restoration of the Everglades and other natural areas. They implement projects aimed at improving water quality, restoring wetlands, and enhancing wildlife habitat. https://tinyurl.com/2sdykrjj Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): FWC is responsible for managing and conserving the state's fish and wildlife resources. They work on habitat conservation projects, conduct research on threatened and endangered species, and oversee hunting and fishing regulations to ensure sustainable use of natural resources. https://tinyurl.com/36hz78v5 National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) - South Florida Office: NPCA advocates for the protection and preservation of national parks in South Florida, including Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. They work to address threats to these parks, such as habitat loss, water pollution, and climate change. https://tinyurl.com/bdk5ekp2 Friends of the Everglades: This grassroots organization was founded by Marjory Stoneman Douglas, a prominent conservationist known for her advocacy for the Everglades. Friends of the Everglades continues her legacy by working to protect and restore the Everglades ecosystem through advocacy, education, and community engagement. https://tinyurl.com/4hcjussc These are just a few examples of the many organizations and initiatives dedicated to conservation and habitat preservation in South Florida. Each plays a vital role in protecting the region's natural treasures and ensuring the long-term health of its ecosystems. In South Florida, the presence of iguanas has become a notable aspect of the local ecosystem, one that has brought both fascination and concern.
Iguanas are not native to Florida; rather, they were introduced to the state through the exotic pet trade. Initially brought in as pets, some iguanas escaped or were released into the wild. Over time, these iguanas established breeding populations, particularly in the subtropical climate of South Florida, where they found a suitable habitat and abundant food sources. The history of iguanas in South Florida is relatively recent, with their populations rapidly expanding over the past few decades. Today, they are a common sight in many parts of the region, particularly in urban areas, parks, and along waterfronts. While iguanas can be fascinating creatures to observe, their presence has raised concerns due to their impact on the local ecosystem and infrastructure. Iguanas are herbivores, and they feed on a variety of vegetation, including flowers, fruits, and leaves. This voracious appetite can lead to damage to gardens, parks, and natural habitats, as well as agricultural crops. In addition to their feeding habits, iguanas can also cause damage to infrastructure such as waterfronts and cement walkways. Their burrowing behavior can undermine the stability of embankments and structures, leading to erosion and potential collapse. Furthermore, their droppings can create unsightly messes and contribute to sanitation issues in public areas. In terms of habitat preferences, iguanas are highly adaptable and can be found in a range of environments. They are often associated with coastal areas, where they can bask in the sun and find food sources such as mangroves and other vegetation. Additionally, they are commonly found near bodies of water, where they can access both food and shelter. Overall, while iguanas have become a familiar part of the South Florida landscape, their presence has raised concerns about their impact on the local environment and infrastructure. Efforts to manage their populations and mitigate their effects are ongoing, as communities seek to strike a balance between conservation and management of these introduced species. 1. **Permits**: For any construction or renovation project within your unit at Club Royale Condominium Association, Inc., you'll need to obtain permits from the local building department in accordance with South Florida building codes. This includes tasks such as removing walls, installing impact glass windows, and building closets. Contact the building department in your Boca Raton or Palm Beach County to determine the specific permit requirements for your project.
2. **Condominium Association Approval**: Before beginning renovations within your unit, you must obtain approval from the Club Royale Condominium Association, Inc. The association has specific guidelines and an approval process in place for renovations to ensure compliance with building codes, association rules, and aesthetic standards. You may need to submit a renovation request or application to the association for review. 3. **Contractor Licensing and Insurance**: Club Royale Condominium Association, Inc. requires unit owners to use licensed and insured contractors for renovations. Before starting work, you must provide proof of your contractor's licensure and insurance to the association office manager or property manager. This ensures that the work is performed to the necessary standards and that the contractor has appropriate insurance coverage. 4. **Exterior Changes and Paint Colors**: Club Royale Condominium Association, Inc. has rules and regulations governing the exterior appearance of units, including restrictions on paint colors and architectural modifications. Before making any changes to the exterior of your unit, such as painting or installing windows or replacing windows and doors, review the association's governing documents and obtain any necessary approvals. 5. **Procedure for Renovations**: To initiate renovations within your unit at Club Royale Condominium Association, Inc., you'll need to follow the association's established procedures. This typically involves submitting a renovation request or application, providing detailed information about the proposed renovations, including plans, timelines, and contractor information. Once approved by the association, you can proceed with obtaining permits and hiring contractors to complete the work. Remember to consult with the Club Royale Condominium Association, Inc. and possibly a legal professional familiar with Florida condominium law to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and procedures when planning renovations within your unit. Failure to follow proper protocols could result in fines or other consequences. Living in a condominium offers a unique blend of independence and community living. However, it also comes with a set of responsibilities and protocols that condominium owners should be aware of to ensure a harmonious living environment. Whether you're a new owner or a seasoned resident, understanding these key aspects can contribute to a fulfilling condominium experience.
Responsibilities of Condominium Owners: 1. **Payment of Assessments:** Condominium owners are responsible for paying regular assessments to cover maintenance, repairs, and other shared expenses. Timely payment is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of the condominium association. 2. **Compliance with Rules and Regulations:** Each condominium community has its own set of rules and regulations governing behavior, property use, and common areas. Owners must familiarize themselves with these rules and adhere to them to maintain a cohesive living environment. 3. **Maintenance of Individual Units:** While the condominium association typically manages common areas and facilities, owners are responsible for maintaining their individual units in good condition. This includes repairs, cleanliness, and adherence to aesthetic guidelines outlined by the association. 4. **Participation in Association Activities:** Owners are encouraged to actively participate in association meetings, elections, and decision-making processes. This ensures that their voices are heard and contributes to the overall governance of the community. Protocol for Addressing Concerns with the Board of Directors: 1. **Open Communication:** Owners should feel comfortable communicating their concerns or suggestions to the condominium association's board of directors. This can be done through written correspondence, attending board meetings, contacting board members directly or submitting form on website. 2. **Follow Proper Channels:** It's important to follow the established protocol for addressing concerns with the board. This may involve submitting a formal complaint in writing by email or regular mail, requesting a meeting with the board, or raising the issue during a scheduled association meeting. 3. **Seek Resolution Amicably:** When addressing concerns with the board, owners should approach the situation with a cooperative mindset. Attempt to find common ground and work towards a mutually beneficial solution that preserves the harmony of the community. Social Activities in Condominium Communities: 1. **Community Events:** Many condominium associations organize social events and activities to foster a sense of community among residents. These may include holiday parties, barbecues, game nights, or fitness classes. 2. **Respect for Neighbors:** While social activities are encouraged, it's important to be mindful of noise levels and considerate of neighbors, especially in shared spaces such as common areas or recreational facilities. 3. **Inclusivity:** Condominium communities should strive to accommodate a diverse range of interests and preferences when planning social activities. This ensures that all residents feel welcome and engaged in community life. In conclusion, living in a condominium offers numerous benefits, but it also entails certain responsibilities and expectations for owners. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, residents can contribute to a positive living environment and enjoy the many advantages of condominium living. Here's a comparison of SimpliSafe, Nest, and Ring Doorbell security systems along with typical costs:
1. **SimpliSafe:** - **Cost:** SimpliSafe offers several packages ranging from $229 to $489, with monthly monitoring fees starting at $14.99. - **Features:** SimpliSafe provides DIY installation with wireless equipment. It includes sensors for doors, windows, and motion detection. Additional features such as security cameras, smoke detectors, and smart locks are available as add-ons. SimpliSafe also offers professional monitoring services. 2. **Nest Secure:** - **Cost:** Nest Secure starter pack typically costs around $399, with additional accessories like cameras ranging from $129 to $399. Monthly monitoring services start at $19. - **Features:** Nest Secure offers a sleek and modern design with easy-to-install equipment. It includes sensors for doors and windows, motion detection, and a hub that doubles as a keypad. Nest integrates well with other Nest products, such as cameras and thermostats. It also provides professional monitoring services. 3. **Ring Doorbell:** - **Cost:** Ring Doorbell starts at around $99 for the basic model, with more advanced versions priced up to $349. Additional accessories such as security cameras range from $59 to $249. Ring Protect subscription for video storage and monitoring starts at $3 per month. - **Features:** Ring Doorbell focuses primarily on video doorbells but has expanded to include security cameras, motion sensors, and alarm systems. It offers easy installation, wireless connectivity, and integration with other Ring products. Ring also provides optional professional monitoring services. **Comparison:** - **Price:** SimpliSafe tends to offer lower upfront costs compared to Nest and Ring, making it more budget-friendly for initial setup. However, long-term costs can vary depending on the desired features and monitoring services. - **Features:** All three systems offer similar basic features such as sensors, alarms, and monitoring services. Nest and Ring have a broader range of smart home integration options, particularly within their own ecosystems. - **Integration:** Nest and Ring have broader ecosystems, allowing for integration with other smart home devices such as thermostats, lights, and locks. SimpliSafe has fewer integrations but still offers compatibility with some third-party devices. - **Customization:** SimpliSafe and Nest offer more flexibility in terms of customizing packages to fit specific needs. Ring Doorbell's offerings are more focused on video doorbells and security cameras but can still be customized to some extent. - **Monitoring:** All three companies offer optional professional monitoring services, but the pricing and features of these services can vary. SimpliSafe and Ring tend to offer more affordable monitoring plans compared to Nest. When choosing between these systems, it's essential to consider factors such as budget, desired features, integration with existing smart home devices, and preferences for professional monitoring services. It has been a hot and humid summer, and we have nicknamed this the "summer of mold". Mold is not our friend here in South Florida! There are several ways to prevent having to deal with the mold monster in your condo, especially when you are not in town. The number one thing you need to do is keep the humidity down inside. This is accomplished by leaving your AC on a cool enough temperature (preferably 77 or lower - your first magic number) and by purchasing a dehumidifier that covers about 1500 square feet at the minimum. These can be drained into your kitchen sink while you are out of town and are incredibly effective at keeping your humidity below 50% (your other magic number) I also suggest getting an inexpensive hygrometer (they can be purchased on Amazon for under $10) to keep track of your humidity levels when you are in town. If you need recommendations, we are happy to provide them.
Another great investment is an internet enabled thermostat system that can be monitored remotely. You can set these up to alert you when your temperature goes above a certain level, or when your humidity rises. As always, we also recommend you have your AC serviced at the beginning of summer to make sure it is ready for the season. And make sure your thermostat has a new battery before you leave town! On to the roof project. Building 3 is now complete, and Building 2 should be done very soon. We have been told that Building 1 will begin the loading process the beginning of August (any day now), with work beginning shortly thereafter. We apologize for the delay...there have been some issues with workers and documentation with the recent changes in employment requirements. Once all 3 buildings are complete, we will have a new wind mitigation performed that should help get you all some discounts on your homeowner's insurance. Our state mandated inspections, along with the new required Structural Engineering Reserve Study, will be happening as soon as the roofs are complete. I will keep everyone posted as to when they will be onsite, as they will need access to some of the units. Finally, apologies if things haven't been quite as clean as usual the last week...Irena has been handling all the buildings while we have been trying to find an adequate replacement for Cristina! Claudia didn't work out, but we have someone new starting later this week. Hopefully Fran will be the perfect fit! Please make sure you are keeping your eyes on the weather, as our storm season looks like it will be a busy one! Happy August Everyone!! Best Roofing will be starting our re-roofing project this Wednesday, May 10th, with the 6530 Building. Please note they will be loading materials near the east (trash area) driveway of your building, but that should cleared out after the first couple days. They will be installing their own trash chute on the NW corner of your building.
The whole re-roofing process should take about a month, and work will be going on each weekday from 8am to 6pm. The extended work hours have been granted to them in order to expedite the process as we near storm season. As soon as they get started on Bldg 3, we will be planning for the second team to begin Bldg 2 in the next week or so. We appreciate your patience with the extra noise and activity! When they are finished your building will be in much better shape as we head into what is looking to be an active hurricane season. **For our 7th floor residents, Best Roofing will be conducting a pre-damage inspection Wednesday, May 10th in the morning. Notices have been sent to your units. Please make sure that if you are not home we still have a way to access your condo. Thank You! Hi Everyone,
Our roof project is still on track to begin May 5th. They will be starting with Building 1, and working their way east to end with Building 3. Updates will be posted if any changes are made. Please remember the first assessment payment is due by April 28, 2023. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us in the office. Also note that we are now accepting credit card payments here on our website. There is a small 3% surcharge added to cover the fees charged to us by the credit card company. We hope this makes it easier for those who have been asking to use a credit card for the assessment. The office will be closed on Friday, April 7th, reopening Monday morning at 9am. Wishing everyone a lovely weekend! Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to give some updates as to what is going on in the community. We have the new barbecue all set up on the west side of the Clubhouse. There are a few rules we ask you to follow when using the grill. Please make sure you clean up after each use (using the grill brush that is in the cabinet under the grill) Also make sure all knobs are in the off position and the gas in turned off before leaving the area. Supervise the grill while it is on, and please replace the cover when you are all finished. We have a board meeting coming up next week to pass the roofing assessment, and determine payment options. The assessment amounts are $3624 for the 2 bedroom units and $4390 for the 3 bedroom units. Payment options the board will be discussing are whether it will be a one time payment, or if they will give 2 or 3 equal payment options spread out over the next 3-4 months. The project is now set to begin on April 24th. Maintenance for the second quarter of 2023 is due on April 1, 2023. Our apologies for the typo on the invoice that went out mistakenly stating that it is First Quarter. Apparently we travelled back in time in the office lol. Please also note that a late fee of $25 will apply to all payments received after April 5th. That's about it for this week. Hope everyone is enjoying this brief cold front! Katy Boca Del Mar Improvement Association has mistakenly sent an invoice out to our residents. Your fees to them are included in the maintenance fee you pay to us. Please do not send any money or set up any online account with them. Disregard the letter they mailed you. Thank you!
Katy It's hard to believe we are having a hurricane this late in the year, but here we are! Hurricane Nicole is predicted to hit our area tomorrow morning, but we have already begun to feel the effects. Hopefully you have already wrapped up your storm preparations and are ready to weather the storm. Our office will be closed tomorrow for the safety of our staff, but I will be available by phone in case of emergency. You can reach me by calling the office at 561-368-2359 (I will have it forwarded to my cell) Maintenance and cleaning personnel will not be on site tomorrow for safety reasons, but they will be back Friday for storm cleanup. The office is closed Friday in honor of Veteran's Day.
On an unrelated topic, I have received a few calls with questions regarding the budget letter that went out yesterday. In answer to a couple of common questions I have received about the insurance, I wanted to remind everyone that the actual insurance amount we paid last year was not the $208,150 that we budgeted for. It was $336,000 which was why we had to assess during the year. If you factor in the assessment, the actual maintenance fees you paid in 2022 for a two bedroom were $1,559 a quarter. The actual maintenance in 2022 for a three bedroom was $1894 per quarter. Insurance is our largest budget item, and it just keeps going up. There are so few insurers left in the state, that we are really at the mercy of the few that are left. We are required to carry insurance on the buildings, and would obviously never want to not be properly insured in case anything catastrophic were to happen. This puts us in a very tough position financially, but the only thing I can say to reassure everyone is that Club Royale is not alone in this situation. It is a problem across the state. We can only continue to watch what happens with the market, and hope for the best. Hoping you all stay safe through the storm! Just a reminder that our office will be closed on Monday in honor of Memorial Day. I hope you all enjoy your weekend!
I know everyone is experiencing serious covid fatigue, but this new variant omicron is incredibly contagious and while it's not as severe as other forms of covid it is still resulting in some deaths in the more vulnerable population. With this in mind we are asking our residents to please mask up whenever you are inside, especially in the elevators. We want to protect all of our neighbors throughout this pandemic.
For the time being, we are keeping the office closed to all non-essential resident traffic. If you need to purchase a key or clicker you may knock on the door and we will be happy to assist you. All other issues can be handled by phone. You can call our office at 561-368-2359. Stay safe and healthy! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Hard to believe we are in 2022 and Covid is still surging. Unfortunately with this new Omicron strain making a rise we all have to continue with precautions regardless of whether we have been vaccinated. If you feel sick, please mask up and try to keep social distance. This helps whether it's a cold, flu or covid. We are still keeping the clubhouse closed for large social events, and it is not available for rentals at this time. The pool area remains open.
On a happier note, the new LED lights in our carports look so much more modern. We have gotten a lot of compliments from neighboring communities. Our carport roofs were cleaned last month, and look great too! We will be getting some new landscape lighting soon. (I know a lot of people were sad to see the holiday lights come down...the post holiday blues are real lol) On a personal note, I want to say a big thank you to all the residents who were so generous with our staff during the holidays. You are all the reason that Club Royale is such a wonderful place to come to work every day! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Katy You can help improve security here at Club Royale!
Here are some important things to remember:
These may seem like common sense suggestions, but they will go a long way towards improving everyone’s peace of mind. Thank you all for making Club Royale such a wonderful place to call home! It's that time of year again...hurricane season is upon us. Now is the time to prepare, and make sure your family knows what the plan is in case of an emergency. Make sure you prep your condo if your are leaving town!
If you have any questions, or need guidance, please feel free to contact us in the office. |