PRESIDENTS CORNER

Rock vs Mulch in Viera: What Homeowners

Should Know

Eva Rey,

President of Central Viera Community Association

For anyone who has taken my Resident Orientation class, you know I have a couple of pet peeves. And one of them is improper use of decorative rock in shrub beds. But, I do recognize that there are legitimate uses that are considered Florida Friendly. So, this month, I wanted to discuss the pros and cons of organic mulch versus rock in homesite landscaping designs.

If you’ve driven around Viera lately, you’ve probably noticed that there are some beds dressed with decorative rock instead of organic mulch in varying sizes and colors. It’s a look that can feel crisp and low-maintenance – at first. But when it comes to plant health and Florida-Friendly Landscaping, rocks come with real tradeoffs that Viera homeowners should weigh carefully. Furthermore, decorative rock is allowed in some neighborhoods and not in others. It also requires ARC (Architectural Review Committee) approval before installation. Always submit an ARC request first before installing decorative rock because if you live in a neighborhood that does not allow it, it can be a very expensive mistake.

In most shrub beds, decorative rock is not Florida-Friendly and is not recommended because it raises soil temperatures, stresses plants, and provides none of the soil-building benefits of organic mulch. University of Florida (UF)/IFAS guidance specifically notes that rock yards increase heat and plant stress and the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program advises using rocks only sparingly as accents or in limited functional spots (like splash zones or drainage features).

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CVCA Management Update

Fairway Management

Fairway Management would like to remind all homeowners to sign up for their Homeowner Portal: Homeowners will be able to pay assessments, see account balances, submit ARC requests, review Association documents and receive CVCA community wide email announcements:

Fairway Management Homeowner Portal Sign Up Information:

 Creating a New Account

If you are creating a Homeowner Portal account for the first time, follow the instructions below:

1) Go to www.fairwaymgmt.com

2) Click on “Homeowner Portal / Pay Assessments”

3) Click “Sign In” at the top right

4) Click “Create Account”

5) Fill out the information on the page and click “Register” at the bottom when finished

6) The Fairway Management office will review your registration

7) Once your registration is approved, you’ll receive an email (from donotreply@cincsystem.net) with a link to create your password

8) Once you create your password, you can sign into the Homeowner Portal to pay your assessments, view Association documents, view violations, and more

·        Fairway Management also has a more mobile friendly APP that anyone can download from the APP store. Fairway Mgmt

·        If owners have any questions on setting up their account in the homeowner portal or APP, please contact our office 321-777-7575 and we’ll be happy to walk you through the setup.

·        CVCA Community Highlights:

Fire damage at Town Center Park has been repaired. Playground equipment is also being replaced under warranty and should be installed soon.  

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