|
Hidden Springs/Estates
Winter Newsletter 2024-25
| Winter 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 | |
|
Dear Hidden Springs/Estates residents,
Happy Holidays! It's been a very busy quarter for the Board. Firstly, we want to thank all of you who came to the YMCA for our HOA community meeting. All Board members were present. It was great seeing some new faces.
The HOA felt it was a great lineup. We had two gentlemen from the Florida Department of Transportation give an informative PowerPoint presentation on the updates at Sand Lake Road and 1-4. As many of you know, they are creating what is called a DDI, Diverging Diamond Interchange, which is a type of interchange that moves traffic to the left side of the road to eliminate left turns against oncoming traffic. This is supposed to reduce the number of conflict points and accidents. Unfortunately, it's not something that will be completed tomorrow. This could take well into 2028. It is called I-4 Beyond the Ultimate. Here is a link for those who are interested. https://i4beyond.com
We also had two Orange County deputies speak to us regarding safety in our neighborhoods and what we can do. One of the big takeaways was: GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS. They spoke about tips and what we can do to keep our properties safer. There was also quite a bit of discussion about Citizens on Patrol. It is an Orange County program where they train you, give you a real patrol car, and help communities like ours stay safe. If anyone is interested, reach out to our Board member, Charlie, who not only maintains our meeting minutes, but is also heavily involved in safety in our neighborhood. The Board is looking for volunteers to start the program. https://www.ocso.com/Portals/0/PDFs/15a-Citizens_on_Patrol_Brochure_7-09.pdf
The HOA also provided coffee and pastries from Foxtail Coffee, which is located at the YMCA.
The neighborhood had quite a few costs incurred these last couple of months. An electrician was required at the Conroy (Hidden Springs Blvd.) entrance to fix our GFI outlet. There was no power to the sprinkler controller on the west side, and therefore, the median was dying and so were the ground ivy. The ivy may have been saved in time, but not quite sure about the median.
We want to give two of our Board Members Charlie Simonel and John Scolaro a huge SHOUT OUT. We had received estimates to raise the spotlights at the Pine Spings/Dr. Phillips entrance. The estimates ranged from $2,500 to $3,000. The spotlights were only hitting half of our front signs and there was an awful shadow. Charlie and John decided to take on the project themselves and it was a pretty big project. Charlie purchased (with HOA funds) all the materials needed, and the two of them set out to work on this. The labor alone was very time consuming. I know it took close to the entire day. This saved the HOA a lot of money – to the tune of $2,000. I also want to thank the other Board members for contributing their own monies to purchase Charlie and John gift certificates to Fresco’s Italian Restaurant. Take a look below and you can see the before-and-after pictures.
| |
|
Additionally, at our Conroy entrance, the landscapers cleared out the heavy bush/overgrowth on the back of both walls. It had become difficult to have access to the walls to reach the electrical outlets. Not reaching the outlets would have made it impossible for the Christmas lights installer, Johanessen Christmas Lights, to hang and plug in our Christmas lights or for us to get back there and re-set the breakers when needed.
The Board also hired a new sprinkler maintenance company, Pipeline Irrigation. You may have seen them around doing the many needed repairs to the entire system. Remember, we not only need water for the three entrances – the plants, the grass, the boxwoods, shrubbery – we also need water all along Dr. Phillips Boulevard along the brick walls from Pine Springs Boulevard south to almost Orange Tree, and then on the other side of Pine Springs Boulevard, heading north, until about the church. Water is needed for all the podocarpuses and crepe myrtles along those walls.
Reminder: Contribution Notices have gone out. This is the second mailing. For many of you who have not paid your contributions, please help us help you make this a great community. We can't maintain Hidden Springs/Estates without you. It is imperative that we keep Hidden Springs/Estates safe and esthetically pleasing. It keeps our property values up. Just imagine what things would look like if we get to the point where we can't maintain. We rely on you. Thank you to those who have already paid. If you paid in September and accidently receive another notice in the mail, just disregard. The Board attempts to go through and ferret out the ones who already paid.
Please be on the lookout for AirBnbs. There has been another one found on Pitch Pine. The investor has been notified and it's been called into 311. Short-term rentals of any kind are not permitted within Orange County, and we are within Orange County. The Board was able to discontinue 3 AirBnbs last year. Hopefully we can get them to comply sooner than later.
The Board also wants to thank all those involved in spearheading our Halloween contest. It was quite the success. Considering two hurricanes, a lot of our homeowners went all out for Halloween. It was a lot of fun to see all the spooky homes. See more photos on our website at https://www.hiddenspringsestates.org/halloween-contest-2024
Thank you all.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and whatever else I've missed. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays.
Sincerely,
Donna Fontaine
HOA President
| |
|
By Treasurer Tina Dottino
Thank you to all who have paid their 2024-2025 dues so far! To date, 193 out of 380 homeowners have made their contributions to the HOA. Thanks to each of you who have done so, and special thanks to the many of you who have made additional donations! Reminder notices went out recently to those who have not yet paid. 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; repairing of our neighborhood walls; and holiday decorations, lighting and signage at our entrances. We could not do all of this without the financial support of our residents.
Please click here to contribute.
Click here to read more and view this year's budget.
Spending by Category - Year to Date
9/1/2024 through 11/26/2024
| |
| Administrative expenses | $734.18 | | Common area maintenance | $4,586.00 | | Community events and promotion | $347.15 | | Holiday decorations | $2,057.26 | | Newsletter & website | $647.81 | | OVERALL TOTAL TO DATE | $8,891.60 | | |
|
Join us for our next Holiday-themed Happy Hour on December 6, from 6-9pm hosted by Damon Nicholson and Cheri Claiborne at 5537 Sago Palm Drive. Bring your drink of choice and an appetizer to share, and join in the festive fun. It's always a great time getting to know our neighbors better and enjoying a great spread of food and drinks! Adults only.
Please R.S.V.P. to Karen Butler at vln7807@aol.com.
| |
Resident Realtors: Real Estate Market Update | |
This neighborhood market report is brought to you by our Resident Realtors, John Scolaro with Coldwell Banker Realty and Kendle Arribas with The Agency. Both are long-term residents of Hidden Springs and have a deep understanding of our community. If you're thinking about selling your home and would like a free market evaluation, please contact either of them below. | |
|
John Scolaro, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty
(407) 230-5567 orlandorealtor.john@gmail.com
| |  |
|
Kendle Arribas, REALTOR®
The Agency
(407) 902-8468
kendlearribasrealtor@gmail.com
| | |
|
Orlando's State of the Market
“We saw a break in the nine-month streak of rising inventory in October, as interest rates rose back into the 6.0s,” said Rose Kemp, President of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “While inventory has shifted, this still represents a significant improvement compared to last year, offering more opportunities for buyers. With the holidays approaching, we typically see a market cooldown, but it will be exciting to see how the rest of the year unfolds. Additionally, with the election period now over, its impact on market conditions will also be interesting to follow.”
In the greater Orlando market:
- Inventory for October was recorded at 11,357, down 1.8% from September when inventory was recorded at 11,560. This breaks a nine-month streak of rising inventory.
- Inventory in October 2024 was still 45.4% higher than in October 2023.
- October’s interest rate was recorded at 6.4%, up from 5.9% in September.
- The median home price for October was recorded at $388,990, up from $380,000 in September.
- Homes spent an average of 60 days on the market (DOM) in October – up slightly from 58 in September.
- Overall sales decreased by 7.3% from September to October. There were 2,249 sales in September and 2,085 sales in October.
- Pending sales fell by 20.7%, with 3,490 in September and 2,767 in October.
- New listings fell 7.6% from September to October, with 3,260 new homes on the market in October, compared to 3,530 in September.
| |
|
Hidden Springs/Estates Activity
For the period of October 1-November 26, 2024, our neighborhood has two homes currently active two homes are pending. One home is for sale on Pitch Pine Drive for $587,500 and the other is for sale on Cedar Pine Drive for $650,000. There is a pending sale on Pitch Pine Drive and on Pine Springs Drive. 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.
| |
|
Real Estate Report for Hidden Springs/Estates
October 1-November 26, 2024
| |
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. | |
The holidays are coming! Remember to keep your valuables and purchases out of site, and LOCK YOUR CAR. Have a box on your front porch to secure deliveries and/or remove them from site ASAP. You may want to send important deliveries to your work or at an offsite location. Have a neighbor keep an eye out for suspicious activity if you go out of town. Do not put empty boxes from high-dollar purchases/presents at the curb for garbage collection, as that alerts criminals what you have inside your home. Instead, take them to one of the Sheriff Department's designated "Burglar Boxes" that will be set up for this purpose. (See below.) | |
If you notice anything suspicious in the neighborhood, please call 407-836-HELP (4357) for a non-emergency or 911 for an emergency.
The coordinator of the Citizens on Patrol program spoke at our General Meeting in October, and there appeared to be some interest from those in attendance. If you're interested in participating in the Citizens on Patrol program, please contact Charlie Simonel at 407-808-0304. More info can be found HERE.
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.
| |
|
Garbage and Recycling is picked up on Tuesdays for Hidden Springs/Estates residents. Yard waste and Large Items are picked up on Wednesdays. 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 being stored. Frequently asked questions can be found here. 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.
One of the Airbnbs in the neighborhood that sold is back as an AirBnB. We are working with Code Enforcement to shut them down again. 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.
Watering Restrictions:
| |
You may now only water your lawn ONE DAY A WEEK. Outdoor irrigation will be one day a week during Standard Time (November 3 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.
| |
|
Your home has a septic tank if you live in Hidden Springs/Estates!
Septic tank covers can be dangerous if they are not properly maintained, as they can lead to accidents, contamination, and structural damage. Here are some tips to keep your septic tank lid safe:
-
Know the location: Always know where your septic tank lid is located.
-
Inspect regularly: Routinely inspect the condition of the lids for hazards or problems.
-
Secure the lid: Use bolts, screws, or other locks to secure the lids and prevent easy access.
-
Teach children: Teach children that septic tank lids are not to be played on or opened.
-
Don't drive over it: Never drive a vehicle over the septic system, especially the lid.
-
Contact a professional: If you suspect any damage to the septic tank lid, contact a licensed septic system professional in your area as soon as possible.
| |
Holiday Lights Installation Services | |
Johannessen Lights, founded by Eric Johannessen, provides customers with superior and customized Christmas lighting design services. They currently and effectively manage approximately 100 installations each year, each design being unique by adding that personal touch for each customer -- never compromising and always providing the highest quality (and brightest) lights to customers. Not only do they design and install your Christmas lights, but they take down, neatly label and store them for you until the next year. They installed the lights and garland at the entrances in our community the past two years, and they would be happy to provide you with a quote to decorate your home as well. Feel free to call (407) 636-3232 to schedule your free quote. | |
|
Jazz Plus
Immerse yourself in the ultimate music and dining experience! Enjoy a vibrant mix of live performances, spanning from jazz to a wide array of music genres. Savor an eclectic selection of small plates and tapas, perfectly curated to complement your musical journey. Located at 7722 W. Sand Lake Road near Season's 52 and Cedar's. Visit their website at http://www.jazzpls.com.
| |
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 New Facebook Page | |
|
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Facebook page for Hidden Springs/Estates where we'll be sharing 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
| |
|
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 © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
| | | | |
