While you were gone over the summer, there were some new additions and corrections to the Verandah scene.
Addition: Verandah had black bear sightings during the summer. Please remember that black bears are generally shy and avoid people when given the chance. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides clear guidance on living safely in areas with known bear presence:
• Do not approach or attempt to feed a bear – such is dangerous, illegal in Florida and can encourage bears to associate people with sources of food.
• Secure all garbage in appropriate containers, and (ideally) store it indoors until the morning of pickup.
• If applicable, bring in pet food from your lanai to minimize accessible food sources.
• Clean grills and store them in a secure location.
You can find the FWC’s full BearWise recommendations here: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/living/.
If you observe a bear that appears injured, sick, or is displaying aggressive behavior, please contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Please also notify the VCA Management Office of your observations. For emergencies, call 911.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in following these safety measures. By securing attractants and giving wildlife space, we can reduce the chances of encounters.
Addition: Culver’s is making great progress on their restaurant in the lot between the end of Publix Shopping Center and Walgreen’s Pharmacy. Now if we could get a Bonefish Grill out here…
Addition: FL State Law stop signs have been added in several areas along Verandah Blvd. in pedestrian crossing areas. These signs will be periodically relocated to promote general awareness that, in Florida, pedestrians have the right of way.
So what do all the signs mean throughout Verandah?
This is a warning sign. It lets drivers know that golf carts are crossing in the area. It doesn’t mean stop or yield, although that is always appreciated by golf cart drivers.
This is a stop sign for golfers. One is placed everywhere a cart path crosses a street. Golf carts and other golf course traffic are expected to stop at these signs before crossing community roadways. Do not assume cars will stop for you, as through traffic has the right-of-way at these locations.
The only other sign you’ll see in Verandah is a stop sign for cars. The Sheriff considers a stop, a complete stop… not slowly rolling through. In “punctuation parlance” that means make your stop a period, not a comma. Tickets are expensive!
Please make safety a priority for yourself and your neighbors.
