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Hidden Springs/Estates
Winter Newsletter 2025-26
| Season's greetings, Hidden Springs/Estates residents. We hope you enjoy our quarterly newsletter, which highlights neighborhood news, area happenings and other useful community information. To contact the HOA, you can email us or visit our website. |
| Message from the President | | |
Happy Holidays, Hidden Springs/Estates Residents,
We hope you and your families are enjoying a wonderful holiday season. We’d like to take a moment to update you on several important matters happening in our community.
Community Improvement Projects:
We have made exciting progress on neighborhood improvements.
1. Dr. Phillips Boulevard Planters
As mentioned in the last newsletter, we planned to install Podocarpus in the 11 planters along Dr. Phillips Boulevard. The old Crape Myrtles and Ligustrum were removed in September 2024 due to the risk of their roots damaging the walls. This project involved clearing extensive weeds, repairing broken pipes and sprinkler lines, planting four Podocarpus in each planter, installing weed barrier, and finishing with pine bark mulch. It was a major undertaking—one that wouldn’t have been possible with only 50% homeowner participation.
We are incredibly grateful to an anonymous homeowner who donated $3,200 to make this project possible. Their generosity has made a significant difference. (Before and after photos included.)
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2. Tree Trimming Around Retention Ponds
Our second project focused on trimming approximately 12 trees around the four retention ponds. Low branches had begun to obstruct the sidewalks, making it difficult for residents to walk through safely. We hired a professional company to handle the work at a cost of approximately $3,300. Thankfully, we were able to fund this needed maintenance. (Photos below.)
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Many residents have expressed interest in bringing back our Orange County deputy. For 10 years we shared a deputy with Bay Springs, but when Bay Springs chose not to renew the contract, we were unable to fund the service alone. With just 50% of homeowners contributing annually, it is not financially feasible. However, if we reach 80% participation, it is very likely we could bring a deputy back. A dedicated deputy provides an important layer of safety and advocacy for our community.
Second reminder notices were mailed out during the second week of November. If you have not yet submitted your annual contribution, please consider doing so. Your support directly funds improvements, maintenance, and neighborhood safety initiatives that benefit us all.
Please take a look at the photos to see the results your contributions help make possible.
Thank you, and we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Donna Fontaine
HOA President
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By Treasurer Tina Dottino
Thank you to all who have paid their 2025-2026 dues so far! To date, 189 residents and 5 new homeowners have made contributions to the HOA. Thanks to each of you who have done so, and special thanks to the many of you who have been generous with your donations! Reminder notices went out recently to those who have not yet paid. If you have not yet done so, please submit your dues by mailing a check or using our PayPal option. Your HOA donations go toward providing for the maintenance and landscaping of our common areas, including mowing and tree trimming; offering welcome baskets to
new Hidden Springs/Estates residents; hosting events such as the National Night Out Block Party and our annual HOA meeting; repairs of and upgrades to our neighborhood walls; as well as provide lighting, signage, and even holiday decorations at our entrances. We could not do all of this without the financial support of our residents. Please click here to contribute.
Spending by Category - Year to Date
9/1/2025 through 11/26/2025
| | | Administrative expenses | $ 721.43 | | Common area maintenance | $ 7,986.94 | | Community events and promotion | $ 257.48 | | Holiday decorations | $ 2,120.00 | | Utilities | $ 690.34 | | OVERALL TOTAL TO DATE | $11,776.19 | | | Save the Date! Brazilian Block Party with Food Provided by Chima Steakhouse | | |
Save the date to join us for an afternoon Block Party featuring Brazilian bites generously provided by Chima Steakhouse on Sunday, January 11 at 3pm!
Chima Steakhouse is an upscale dining destination located in the heart of Doctor Phillips on Restaurant Row, renowned for its authentic Brazilian Rodizio experience. They are coming to us and will set up tents at our retention pond on the corner of Pin Oak and Sago Palm, where they will serve residents sample-sized tastings of premium cuts along with side dishes.
To add to the fun, a gaucho will be on hand for photo opportunities! Plus, each attendee will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of 10 complimentary rodizios at Chima later!
All residents are welcome to come enjoy an afternoon of fun and free food while supplies last! Please bring your drink of choice and a lawn chair if you wish as none will be provided!
The event starts at 3pm and will continue until 5pm or until we run out of food, so be sure to arrive early!
Please R.S.V.P. with your name and number of attendees to Linda George at hamarmek1001@gmail.com by January 4 so that we may advise Chima how much food to prepare for the event.
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About Chima Steakhouse
Experience the vibrant flavors of Brazil right here in Dr. Phillips! Located on Restaurant Row, Chima Steakhouse Orlando offers an authentic Brazilian churrasco experience featuring premium meats carved tableside by gauchos, a gourmet salad bar with fresh selections, and a stylish bar and lounge perfect for gathering with friends. Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. enjoy Happy Hour, featuring drink and appetizer specials in a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. Whether celebrating with family, enjoying a date night, or meeting friends after work, Chima combines exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and contemporary design for every occasion.
| | National Night Out: Neighborhood Block Party Recap | | The 42nd Annual National Night Out block party was a huge success! Our HOA provided hotdogs, pizza, cookies, refreshments, raffles and more! Plus, we had creative crafts for the kids and games for everyone! The Orange County Sheriff's Office was on hand to raise awareness on crime prevention and we had a special visit from Mayor Demings. It was great seeing everyone who came out and getting to know all our neighbors better! To see photos from the event, click here. | | "Haunt Your Home" Decorating Contest Winners | | |
We're excited to announce the 2025 Hidden Springs & Estates "Haunt Your Home" Decorating Contest winners!
Awards were provided for:
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The Most Haunted House (5505 Caspian Ct)
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The Best Not-So-Scary House (5804 Pitch Pine)
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The Best Overall Halloween Home (5508 Meadow Pine Ct.)
| | The happy hour on November 14 had a great turnout - thanks to everyone who attended! And special thanks to our host Damon Nicholson! Save the date for our next Happy Hour on February 20. | | Resident Realtor: Real Estate Market Update | | | | |
This neighborhood market report is brought to you by our Resident Realtor, Kendle Arribas with The Agency. She is a long-term resident of Hidden Springs and has a deep understanding of our community.
If you're thinking about selling your home and would like a free market evaluation, please contact her at Kendle.Arribas@TheAgencyRE.com.
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Orlando's State of the Market
“October’s data shows a promising shift, with interest rates continuing to trend down and sales trending up," said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. "We’re also seeing reports of property insurance prices beginning to stabilize. While inventory remains steady, the rise in new listings suggests that more homeowners are ready to make their move. The Orlando market has found its footing, which is good news for anyone looking to make this region their home.”
- October’s interest rate was recorded at 6.0%, down from 6.1% in September. This is the lowest interest rates have been since September 2024.
- New listings rose 9.0% from September to October, with 3,676 new homes on the market in October, compared to 3,371 in September.
- Overall sales increased by 4.0% from September to October. There were 2,245 sales in September and 2,335 sales in October.
- Inventory for October was recorded at 13,047, up 0.3% from September when inventory was recorded at 13,007.
- The median home price for October was recorded at $380,000, up 0.5% from September’s median home price of $378,000.
- Homes spent an average of 77 days on the market (DOM) in October – up from 72 in September.
- Pending sales decreased 3.9%, with 3,648 in October compared to 3,798 in September.
Inventory
- Orlando area inventory rose 0.3% from September to October. Inventory in September was 13,007, and inventory in October was 13,047.
- The supply of homes fell to 5.59 months in October, down 3.6% from 5.79 months in September. A balanced market is six months of supply.
- The number of new listings increased from September to October by 9.0% – from 3,371 homes to 3,676 homes.
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Hidden Springs/Estates Activity
For the period of September 3-November 24, 2025, our neighborhood had 8 sales ranging from $440,000-$625,000. There are currently two homes pending. Updates to your home, proper maintenance and curb appeal all add value. When our neighborhood looks good, it helps increase everyone’s home values. Please do what you can to keep your homes looking their best both with interior updates as well as landscaping and lawn maintenance.
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Real Estate Report for Hidden Springs/Estates
September 3-November 24, 2025
| | Accuracy of all information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. © My Florida Regional Inc. DBA Stellar MLS, ©️ 2023 FMLS, ©️ 2023 GCMLS, all rights reserved. Matrix v11.2. Copyright © 2024 CoreLogic. All rights reserved. | | | | With the elimination of our deputy patrol services, it is more important than ever to get to know your neighbors, keep an eye out for each other and call 911 immediately to report suspicious activity. If you have a camera that has captured video of an event, please share it with the Sheriff's Department. | | |
If you notice anything suspicious in the neighborhood, please call 407-836-HELP (4357) for a non-emergency or 911 for an emergency.
Remember, this is a NO SOLICITING neighborhood. Please do not let solicitors in your house or buy anything from them. If you are interested in what they are selling, call the company directly and make an appointment.
| | Curbside Collection - New Pickup Days! | | |
STARTING DECEMBER 29, 2025 NEW: Recycling and Yard Waste will be picked up on Mondays for Hidden Springs/Estates residents. Garbage and Large Items will be picked up on Tuesdays. Items should be placed at the curb no later earlier than 6:00 p.m. the night before and no later than 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Roll carts should be placed behind your home/fence or in your garage, so they are no visible from the street when stored. For more information, please visit the Orange County website.
| | 311, Code Enforcement, AirBnB Update & Watering Days | | |
Dial 311 - It Works!
This is how Board members stay on top of code violations.
Be a good neighbor and call 311 if you see a hazard i.e.; broken sidewalk, mold/slippery sidewalk, falling tree branches, etc. The Orange County 311 system is a great way to connect with local government services. They can also help you with animal concerns, neighborhood inquiries, traffic matters, road conditions and more. You can contact them via phone, website or an easy-to-use app. Learn more at ocfl.net/311.
Short-term rentals are not allowed in Orange County. If you suspect a home is being used for short-term rentals, report it to Orange County 311 (see below) or send an email to hoa@hiddenspringsestates.org. For more information about zoning for short-term rentals call (407) 836-3111. We are keeping an eye on one that stopped but now may be starting up again.
Watering Restrictions:
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You may water your lawn ONE DAY A WEEK until March 8. Orange County Watering Restrictions and Irrigation Schedule can be viewed here. Water only if necessary and not between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Water for no more than one hour per zone. Watering Violation Enforcement Process: First-time violators will receive a warning through a door hanger notice and by letter. Repeat violators will be subject to a fine of $25 per violation. A violator can appeal to a Hearing Officer after a written request is submitted and a $25 filing fee is made. Water enforcement has recently been seen in the neighborhood.
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Please welcome the following new residents to Hidden Springs/Estates! Each is given a welcome basket from the HOA filled with goodies and neighborhood information. Special thanks to Karen Butler for her work in putting together and delivering these wonderful welcome baskets to our new residents each quarter. If you have anything you can contribute to our welcome baskets, please contact us.
The HOA makes an effort to keep our directory of homeowners current. If you have a new neighbor and they are not receiving our newsletters, please have them reach out to the HOA to get added to our list.
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August 29, 2025
5724 Pitch Pine Dr.
Erik Armiliato Gomes
Rafael Guilherme Lima Pinson
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September 3, 2025
5705 Sago Palm Dr.
Aaron Benson
Amber Alloway
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Not pictured:
August 27, 2025
7703 Pine Vista Ct.
Nicholas Onderick
Sarah Onderick
September 4, 2025
5760 Tamarack Dr.
Michael G Mendez
Alexander V Iskrenko
Mylene Iskrenko
October 27, 2025
7626 Majestic Pine Ct.
Thomas D Hertzfeldt II
Tracy Lynn Hemingway
| | | Please make sure that you keep the Hidden Springs/Estates Homeowners Association updated with your latest email address and any resident name changes. We continually update our records by adding proper names and email addresses into our database. If you know someone who has recently moved in or who does not receive our emails, please tell them to contact us so they can receive our quarterly newsletters, event updates and alerts form the HOA. | | Like and Follow Our Facebook Page | | Follow our Facebook page for Hidden Springs/Estates where we share news, events and updates related to our neighborhood! This page is another great place to stay informed about what’s happening in our community and to connect with fellow residents. Please note, this page is intended for sharing positive updates and information. If you have any concerns or issues, we kindly ask that you direct them to our HOA email at HOA@HiddenSpringsEstates.org. We invite you to like and follow our page at: Hidden Springs & Estates Facebook Page. We look forward to connecting with you online! | | |
President
Donna Fontaine
Vice President
Fred Hawkins
Treasurer
Tina Dottino
Secretary
Charles Simonel
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Contact Management & Welcoming Director
Karen Butler
Sr. Database Director
Denise Bradley
Communications Director
Kendle Arribas
Orange County Code Enforcement Liaison
Anonymous
| | Click here to see our supporters. If you are interested in promoting your business to Hidden Springs/Estates residents with a business card ad on our Supporters page for $25, please contact the HOA for more information. | | |
Although it is the Hidden Springs/Estates Homeowners Association's (HSE HOA) intent to provide accurate and up-to-date information, no warranty, express or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information contained on the pages of this newsletter. The HSE HOA assumes no liability for damages, incurred by the user of this information, which occur directly or indirectly as a result of errors, omissions or discrepancies in the information. The HSE HOA provides this information on an "as is" basis. The HSE HOA reserves the right to make changes and updates to the information at any time and without notice. Any person or entity who relies on information contained herein does so at his or her own risk.
Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
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