Volume 7 Issue 339 | October 31, 2024

In This Issue:

• Architectural Review Committee Regulates Approvals to Boost Property Values
• ORCA Fire Station Welcomes Spooktacular Trick-or-Treaters
• Halloween Safety Reminders
• Welcome Back Paw-ty
• Daylight Savings Ends This Weekend

Exclusively Serving Ocean Reef Homeowners Since 1992

Architectural Review Committee

Regulates Approvals to Boost Property Values

The value of your home is closely tied to the condition and appearance of the community. ORCA helps maintain and enhance property values by overseeing architectural changes through its Architectural Review Committee.

Once you or your contractor submit plans to the Public Works Department, the Committee—a group of six homeowners and three ORCA staff members—reviews them. This committee meets twice a month year-round and devotes significant time to reviewing projects, conducting site visits, and suggesting adjustments.

The "Rules and Restrictions" document, available online, outlines the standards for permit approval. These guidelines encourage creativity while protecting home values. Homeowners planning major projects should consult the committee early to avoid delays and additional costs.

Please note some key reminders:

• All plans must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee.
• ORCA permits are required before starting any construction, renovations, land clearing, or major landscaping.
• Visible changes to structures, such as painting, landscaping, driveways, or installing docks or fences, must also be approved.

ORCA Fire Station Welcomes Spooktacular Trick-or-Treaters

A drive-through of the ORCA Fire Station apparatus bay has become a favorite stop for ORC members and guests during the annual Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular, held this year on Saturday, October 26.

ORCA career firefighter-paramedics, along with volunteer firefighters, Public Safety officers, and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies, enjoyed hosting this event and seeing all the wonderful costumes and happy faces!

Halloween Safety Reminders

Tonight, we celebrate Halloween—time for tricks, treats, and safety on the streets!

Whether you’re walking, riding a golf cart, or driving, please stay alert. Keep your golf cart headlights on at all times. ORCA Public Safety will be on patrol, but everyone’s help is needed to keep our Halloween festivities safe and fun for all!

Welcome Back Paw-ty

Daylight Savings Ends This Weekend

The next issue of ORCA News will be published on November 7.

Got Questions?

Q: How long can I keep my hurricane shutters up?

A: Hurricane shutters should be taken down by November 30, the last day of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Did You Know...

The Ocean Reef Volunteer Fire Department (ORVFD) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Included with your annual ORCA assessment is a separate line item for a suggested donation to the ORVFD. Your support helps our Firefighter-Paramedics provide the best response and care by allowing us to acquire the necessary equipment and training. You may also give by sending a check payable to ORVFD to:

ORCA Finance Division

24 Dockside Lane, PMB 505

Key Largo, FL 33037

For more information, email Jenny Flynn at ORCA or call (305) 676-3358.

Need a Ride to Precinct 13 Polling Location?

ORC Bell Stand will provide transportation from the Ocean Room to the polling location at the College of the Florida Keys at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Election Day (November 5).