WE MAY HAVE TUNED THE'' CORNER''

THINGS ARE BECOMING A LITTLE QUIETER, IN OUR COMMUNITY!
Hopefully,the Fairways is slowly drifting back to a safer environment.
 There are several factors involved in the improving situation. Among the factors are--- the vigilant residents have changed to a proactive position.---THEY HAVE:
  Installed many alarm systems
  Various types of camera,s installed in all area,s
  911 is called, without hesitation, even on minor matters
  More home area lighting is turned on
  HTA is paying $38 per hour for off duty sheriff  deputies.---overdue but thank you HTA.
 The sector 2 commander has assigned additional patrol units to the Fairways
 Residents are also out WATCHING with marked golf carts.  
 The only incident report filed in over a week is a ''possible'' entry attempt made to a home in the Maidstone--Spyglass area. Some skirting was pulled out from the home, around the AC unit. No entry was made.
  PLEASE---WE CAN'T LET OUR GUARD DOWN NOW!
    IT'S JUST LIKE OLE YOGI SAID---''IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER''

SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD DO

The ''NATIONAL NIGHT OUT'' program is a national, growing, event that the Fairways has never participated in.

A brief description of the ''National Night Out'', is communities,all across this great country coming together, on the first Tuesday of August. The case in point is to take a strong, unanimous position against crime. This is done in conjunction with our law enforcement agencies. Typically, a meeting point [such as the Greenbrier or the Westchester parking lot] is chosen and all residents are asked and encouraged to come out for just ''an old fashioned, get together''. 

Some communities,turn the affair into a party with refreshments. One of the largest celebrations,in central Florida is the Avalon Park area. Last year I believe they won the local award from the Sheriff's office.

 During the evening, the meetings are visited by law enforcement officers, and even the Sheriff himself is out and around.

For an event like this to be successful, --it will take help and planning from some residents that KNOW how to plan FUN events.

 We would have about a month and a half to plan and pull this off. Planning and assistance help is available from the sheriff's office. I will be more than happy to contact the responsible officers, ---IF WE HAVE INTEREST___WHAT SAY YOU?

UPDATE----Since this posting was made,--there has been interest shown both here and the ''neighbor next door '' blog.

 I have contacted Deputy Belmont for detailed information. This program requires registration with Orange County.---I have also spoken to our HOA president Gary Doscher. Gary seemed interested. I understand that in most communities, their HOA takes the lead position, supported by other resident groups. This needs to be something of interest to ALL ages of our community,---From the ''BABY BOOMERS'' right up through ''THE GREATEST GENERATION'' The possibilities are unlimited--IF this community comes together on this.

Some suggestions include--''party food''-- and a raffle to benefit our legal fund.---The suggestion of using the Westchester parking lot and rest room facilities, seems to have merit--with it's unlimited space. 

FOLKS---our troubled community needs something like this.----Contact our HOA president and board--keep sending suggestions

WE NEED OUR HOA BOARD TO STEP FORWARD ON THIS AND LEAD OTHER SUPPORTING FACTIONS!

WE CAN DO !

FROM DEPUTY BELMONT

• Melissa.Belmont@ocfl.net
 
• Today at 8:27 AM

To

• fairwayswatch@yahoo.com

Good Morning Mr. Heldreth:

We are currently waiting for approval from the chain of command for the packet distribution. The event will be held on August 4^th, 2015. As soon as I get additional information I will send it out.

Kind Regards,

Melissa

From: Bill Heldreth [mailto:fairwayswatch@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2015 6:38 AM
To: Belmont, Melissa
Subject: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

GOOD MORNING

  Is there any planing information available yet for this years ''National Night Out''?  I would very much like to get the Fairways involved this year/ [we have good reason to be] I know in years past there have been planing meetings at sector 2. Is there anything like that in the works this year?

Anything that you could Email me would be most appreciated. 

DOES ANYONE RECOGNIZE THIS PURSE ?

UPDATE----Fairways watch received a call from the ''snow bird'' victim of #19 burglary! ---She positively identified the purse as hers.--there were only small items taken of insignificant value in the Inverary burglary. The victim speculates that the small items were carried away in the purse. She went on to say that the purse had no damage when she last saw it--now--the main fastener snap is ripped loose.
  It is believed that the purse was found ,the same day that it had been thrown in the yard.----WHERE HAD THE PURSE BEEN BETWEEN THE BURGLARY AND THE DAY IT WAS FOUND?
 The lead detective will be notified of this information.

THIS EMPTY PURSE WAS FOUND IN A BACKYARD, NEAR SLIGO CT. AND WARWICK HILLS DR, TUESDAY!
  We have discussed this matter with the special projects officer at Sector 2.He advised us to post it in our web site. There is nothing to directly tie this purse to any recent burglary in our park. If no owner is found--then it can be picked up by OCSO and placed in their evidence locker room.
  The purse shows no wear or signs of uncleanliness.
 The only damage is to the closing snap at the top of the purse.
  We speculate that the item was thrown in the yard and possibly picked up and placed out of the way by the grass-cutters.--It is evident that the purse had not been out in the weather.
  In so many of the past burglaries---bags of similar size to this were used to carry off loot.
 This is not the first time an unclaimed purse was  found in our park.----About 2 years ago a purse was recovered, in the 14600 block of Pebble Beach. --A whole different story---It had about 5 different sets of ID's complete with IBT and medicaid  cards --all the way from Apopka!---It was placed in the sector 2 locker--I do not know the final disposition of that one.
 RESIDENTS IN THE WARWICK HILLS,--SLIGO AREA MAY WANT TO CHECK THEIR SNOW BIRD NEIGHBORS HOUSES.

SOME COMMENTS ABOUT AN ALARM SYSTEM

THERE APPEARS TO BE A LOT OF CURRENT INTEREST IN HOME PROTECTION SYSTEMS,--WITH GOOD REASON!
  After personally seeing, nice homes, one after another torn apart by the Fairways burglars, I decided to do some shopping. I wanted to see what systems and companies fit my needs and price criteria.
  I first called ADT, on a 800 number. I was connected to a fast talking ,hard sell sales person, some where out of the area. Before I had a chance to ask many questions--the sales person was talking $900 dollars of equipment, CONTRACTS, and tried to sell me a ''Fort Knox'' system.---Then they started throwing in all the''freebies'', faster than I could count. Soon after the salesman wanted a QUICK CLOSE--immediately, if not sooner.--Many years ago an OLD flying instructor told me---''When in doubt --don't''
  After my negative decision-- I politely excused myself and hung up.
  I was more determined than ever to find an affordable, custom system for our life style--[we have beloved pets]
  By chance I called Bright House, and was greeted by a friendly sales representative, who actually listened to me.. I was able to quickly decide on a very basic ,simple system, with monitoring.--Most important--there are NO CONTRACTS--and minimum cash outlay for installation.--And I own the equipment. 
  The installation was quick and done by a very pleasant Bright House employee. [not a contractor].If you already have Bright House internet --there is a $ 10 monthly discount.---The system is effective--And it works--I know--YEP!--- This ole dummy forgot to ''disarm'' the system this AM.
  I went to take the dog out and as soon as the front door was opened---guess what? The alarm went off--I then disarmed the system. Bright house security called to follow up--very professional--then I got follow up Emails and texts. 
  The system is wireless and has battery backup.and can be controlled and monitored from a ''smart phone''
  I am not trying to sell Bright House security--I am just saying--LOOK AROUND.

7 OCSO UNITS ON ''CODE 3''--GOOD NEWS--FALSE ALARM

THEY REALLY RESPOND! ----Tuesday afternoon around 5 PM, peace and tranquility in the Fairways was interrupted by seven OCSO units with light bars and sirens on.
 The dispatch was for ''burglary in progress'', on Forest Oak Dr. The many officers deployed around a home that was in the process of being vacated, by long time residents. After a complete and thorough investigation, it was determined that there had been a lack of communication between volunteer workers,  and the owners. After phone calls to the owners and check and recheck, the officers cleared the scene.
   A happy ending---BUT--this illustrates so well, just how vigilant our community is!
 This also illustrate how fast and forceful the Sector 2 guys can be!---THANKS GUYS and GALS.

THE GOOD GUYS NEED OUR HELP!

EVERY ONE IN OUR COMMUNITY IS ON EDGE!--WITH GOOD REASON!
The ongoing rash of crimes in our midst is a tragedy ,as well as a community disgrace. I have said it before and I will say it again. ---We are served by a great group of law enforcement officers. These folks, from Captain Garrison on down, do everything they can to protect us and our property. The extra patrols, both regular and off duty are certainly a welcome sight,--morning--noon--and night.
  We can and we should try, even in the smallest ways to help the ''good guys''. Anyone of us may see something, or better yet see someone that could lead to arrests and stop this mayhem.
 Fairways Watch has been fortunate to have established--a direct--2 way line of communication with the lead investigator of the recent burglaries.Recently we sent him a long detailed list of accumulated information, that might shed some light on the current perpetrators.  We received a quick response back of appreciation.
  Folks--you can also send information, direct to the detective, anonymously, if you so choose.
  DO THIS--send an email to this blog anonymously,--marked''NOT FOR PUBLICATION''---for OCSO detective.
  We will ''cut,copy and paste'' your exact wording to the officer. If you have good reason,--- do not be afraid to give names, addresses, license numbers--etc.
  Let the detectives look at your info.--- YOUR INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE MIGHT DO THE TRICK!
  THESE ''BASTARDS'' WILL BE CAUGHT AND PUNISHED---LET'S ALL DO OUR SHARE!

''GONE WITH THE WIND !''

Yesterday ,part of the front brick wall signage was removed.----------UP DATED---THE SIGN REMOVAL IS PART OF THE ''FRONT--UPGRADE''---- THANKS TO RICK HARRIS OF OUR HOA FOR CHECKING ON THIS ISSUE. ---THE STATED REASON IS THAT OUR FRONT AREA WILL BE REWORKED TO COINCIDE WITH THE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION!---WE CAN ALL BREATHE A LITTLE EASIER FOR NOW---THANKS AGAIN RICK FOR A QUICK ANSWER.

Since the early days--,the inscription, ''55+ community''
has graced the top area of the brick wall at the entrance to our community---.It was this part of the sign,--that brought so many of us into this park.
 We have a question--Is this a planned SIGNIFICANT CHANGE in our way of life---OR is it just part of the entrance change as described [but not detailed] in the letter we recently received from HTA.
  The HTA website makes no mention of any changes from an ''over 55 community''
  CLARIFICATION FROM HTA--THROUGH OUR HOA --would be most appreciated.---ASAP

IT WAS 19---NOW IT IS 20!

IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE ---BUT---VERY EARLY THIS AM,--THE THIEVES STRUCK YET AGAIN ON THE 2000 BLOCK OF PORT MARNOCK!

A VERY NICE, WELL KEPT ''SNOW BIRD'' HOME WAS ENTERED AND BURGLARIZED. Contact with the owner was attempted by OCSO, but at last report ,contact had not been made.The deadbolt was not completely in the recessed locked position. The ''jimmy'' of the handle latch lock was fairly easy. Door frame damage was slight.
  As in all others --drawers were dumped and a mess made. Losses have yet to be determined.
  Our community has been inundated with OCSO patrol units in the past week. There was a sheriff's unit in the park at the time of this crime. Three additional units responded,after the 911 call. Some alert neigbors noticed the front door open. the thieves exited out the back door.

THE PENDING GATE VOTE---YES OR NO?

THIS PICTURE IS AN ACCURATE ''SYMBOL'' OF OUR COMMUNITY SECURITY--''BUSTED''

FAIRWAYS WATCH---IS STRONGLY IN FAVOR OF GATE SECURITY----BUT---NOT FOR THE PROPOSED NON-DESCRIPTIVE ''MISH-MASH'' ON THE HTA ''VOTING SURVEY''

There is not a stronger advocate of an attended gate than your watch coordinator. For 5 years ,we have written letters , submitted planned, professional proposals to Chicago---ALL TO NO AVAIL!-NOW,after 19 burglaries with some beautiful homes literally ripped apart,-- we are offered this piece of crap-- a no information proposal voting survey.
 This cleverly crafted,--HTA attorney advised offer-- is a WIN --WIN for HTA.---If approved--HTA gets more money now and later, with not many strings attached--and have a new great sales tool. They are saying ''trust us'' and we will fix the gate.----OK,---TELL US EXACTLY HOW!--- With their track record why should we trust them?
 If the vote fails--HTA still wins.--- It will be like every thing else that they screwed us out of. --''IT WILL BE THE DAMNED RESIDENTS FAULT!--'' They will say---''We offered to help them and they said NO''. In essence--this is what Mr Braun tried to tell the TV reporter.
  HTA has got a problem in here now, and so do we--- and at last ,--they are making a feeble effort to get out of their self made mess!

   LET US THINK POSITIVE FOR A     CHANGE !
  
Way back in February, we had Attorney Daniel Perry speak at the board meeting. The attorney specializes in mobile home park 723 law.-- I, along with MANY others were impressed! Attorney Perry is no''pussy cat'', He is an ex judge, and has already went against the legal minds of HTA, with success.
  
 I am in my 16th year of residence,--I love the community and it's good people.---BUT--- I have never seen an HOA board that was a match for the  legally advised park owners. They have attorney's--so should we!!

 At the February meeting, Attorney Perry said --and I quote--''If I would have been helping your residents,when  Priscilla said I am closing the restaurant down-- you would have had something better than the hot dog wheel that you have now''


LET'S TAKE THIS LEMON , AND MAKE SOME GOOD OLE SWEET LEMON AID 

The letter we got is just a survey--- NO RENT INCREASES OR CHARGES CAN BE ASSESSED UNTIL A CHANGE  GOES THROUGH OUR HOA BOARD.-- BEFORE THIS OCCURS THERE SHOULD BE MEDIATION BY AN ATTORNEY REPRESENTING US!

MY ADDED COMMENTS----JUNE 6 AM

Your watch coordinator is voting --YES--Let me say why--This ''jerky'' survey letter is only a first step--IF the vote is a positive yes--then all particulars and details would have to come forward from HTA to our HOA board for approval of any increases and etc.!
 THEN at that point--advice and possible mediation from an attorney, could be brought into play to assist our HOA board, in making a proper decision on this very important manner! 
  My reasoning and facts stated above came from a respected, trusted person with unquestionable legal expertise.
 Will a gate attendant solve all of our security issues--NO---BUT--it will be a huge step forward.
 I personally have seen the devastation left behind by these thieving bastards. So sad to see our very senior widow ladies, losing some of their most precious lifetime memories.

  I AM VOTING YES! 

SEND IN YOUR BALLOT AND VOTE YES OR NO !

PS----What is Billy Caspers share?

  THIS comment below was made to an earlier post before this post published--It is worth re-printing.

 Cautiously Optimistic said...

If we agree to the initial $5.00 increase for gate attendant. Bill and his "watch captains" need to be involved with the whole process. HTA cannot be allowed to mismanage this as they did the restaurant.
The specifics of the a security contract need to be carefully thought out and planned, such as, doors on the buildings that need to be checked, regular security routes and checklists, every person that enters this park should be a legal resident, guest or vendor/contractor with a valid ID and an explanation of what their destination is. Also they should be available by phone 24/7 for emergency response.
We cannot allow HTA to go with the lowest bidder and end up with a Walmart cart greeter at the front gate. We need a highly visible professional security company to protect our park and our homes.
We will agree to this increase if Bill and his watch captains have a say in the specifics of any security contract that gets endorsed by Hometown.
We are only going to get one chance at this folks, and we need to be very clear that we are not going to allow Hometown to mismanage this as the have so many other things in the past.

THEY ARE IN HERE--BIG TIME!

GOOD NEWS FOR US-----NOT SO GOOD FOR SOME OTHERS!
  If you were out and about last evening--you probably seen some form of law enforcement presence, or residents participating in a ''watch program''
 Our good Sector commander,Captain Steve Garrison has ''pulled out all of the stops'' in our mutual battle against the Fairways criminal elements. Yesterday the Captain directed patrol units from other zones to move into our zone 22 and supplement the already assigned units. There will be marked cars and SUV's as well as unmarked vehicles. These officers will proactively check people and vehicles in a diligent and courteous manner.
 This morning I sent the Captain a thank you note on the behalf of all of the ''legal'' Fairways residents.
  We are still working on the master watch program for the residents that want to be active in helping secure our community.Residents will be advised as soon as it is further along . 
 Several of us have pooled our small financial resources and equipped 3 carts with a simple fabricated light bar,using flashing bicycle diode lights.[more to come] These home made ''light bars'' are plainly visible at a great distance. We just want to show the bad element that we are out looking.---SHOW BOATING? ---yep--so what--it's better than just setting back bitching about everything and doing nothing!
  It has gotten back to me---that some ''stupid ass'' [pardon my poor French]  resident is going around telling people that the ''flashing'' golf cart lights are illegal and we need to stop it!----I would respectfully ask that person to come to me and we could have an ''interesting discussion''! --- [the sheriff deputies are complimentary on the cart lights]
 Folks ,even with all of our current problems,---''WE ARE BLESSED''---In this day and age we have some of the best ''first responders''---ANY WHERE ----BAR NONE!
  The big TV show sure did not hurt our cause either---people want to know---yesterday this little ole private blog registered a record 1006 viewer count---THANK YOU!
  One last thing in closing---every year there is a NATIONAL NIGHT OUT '' program that we have never had the resident support to participate in. I think this time around we may have it I will check with Deputy Belmont as to this years date and advise.

  Hope to see you out and about tonight and many other nights!

A RESPONSE FROM THE CAPTAIN

• tephen.Garrison@ocfl.net
 
• Today at 1:39 PM

To

• fairwayswatch@yahoo.com

Thanks Bill, we will kept trying to catch someone.

Captain Stephen Garrison

Orange County Sheriff's Office

Uniform Patrol Division

Sector 2 Commander

Office: 407-254-4810

From: Bill Heldreth [mailto:fairwayswatch@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2015 10:23 AM
To: Garrison, Stephen
Subject: THANK YOU

GOOD MORNING SIR

I just wanted to say thank you and your great team. The presence of your officers was well noted in the Fairways last night. The officers went out of their way to be both diligent  and courteous to all of the residents that they encountered.

  One young officer, in a SUV was especially helpful., said he was from zone 21.

ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FOLKS--AGAIN--THANK YOU

BILL HELDRETH 

THE FAIRWAYS ON TV TONIGHT

 LATE THIS AFTERNOON--THE CHANNEL 9 TV CREW WAS IN OUR COMMUNITY!
Reporter Mario Boone spent a considerable amount of time touring our park and gaining human interest stories of our security issues.

  BE SURE AND WATCH TONIGHT AT 11 PM.
IF YOU MISSED IT--CLICK ON BELOW!

"THE FAIRWAYS ON TV TONIGHT": 

http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/rash-burglaries-has-orange-county-community-edge/nmT53/

HOW ABOUT JUST A LITTLE SUNSHINE?

 We need to look beyond all of the local bad news and look for something positive, in the big picture.
 Early this morning, I had the pleasure to spend some ''quality time'' with a senior officer of the Orange County Sheriff's office.This is the same deputy, who has been working in the Fairways in regard to the ''unwanted pool guests''.This officer, working with an unmarked car--out of uniform--has pretty well eliminated some of our unwanted visitors.
 Quickly, into our conversation,---the deputy threw a ''happy bombshell''---OCSO HAS MADE 2 ARRESTS FOR ''UNDER THE HOUSE'' BURGLARIES!--These arrests were made in another mobile home park.
We all need to cross our fingers and pray that they got-em! OCSO will certainly be looking at all possibilities. --After all ---we have not had a under the house deal lately.---COULD BE OUR RAT BURGLARS GOT CAUGHT!
 There is still the possibility that the ''rats'' had spotters living in here to advise them and give them addresses-[just a thought] 
 There is the likely-hood that this new surge in burglaries is being done by a whole different group.
We need to watch for strange vehicles, especially ones with young occupants. Recently, I have given some plate numbers to OCSO, that may bear fruit.
 Rest assured that Captain Garrison and all of his good folks at Sector 2 are deeply concerned and committed to solving our crime problem. ---They will prevail,--but they need our help.
    THIS JUST IN FROM CAPTAIN GARRISON

• Stephen.Garrison@ocfl.net
 
• Today at 3:05 PM

To

• fairwayswatch@yahoo.com

Thanks Bill – I spoke with the Detective Sergeant about the new cases today and he assures me that it is their top priority.  Cpl. Kern also told me today that he is working with Pricilla at getting off-duty extra patrols setup for the community.  Additionally, I directed the adjacent zone cars to supplement extra patrol while the detectives are working up a lead.  They also put a rush on latent print examination from the burglary cases. 

I do want to mention that a resident called DFC Melissa Belmont the other day to report suspicious persons activity which is great.  However, DFC Belmont found out that they waited a day to report it.  While I commend the call, waiting a day defeats the benefits of see something, say something.  Please let everyone know that it is ok to call immediately should they notice any suspicious people/incidents.

Thank you for all your help in the community!

Captain Stephen Garrison

Orange County Sheriff's Office

Uniform Patrol Division

Sector 2 Commander

   

19 AND COUNTING!

THE SUN CAME UP AS  USUAL IN THE FAIRWAYS AND THE PHONE STARTED RINGING AS USUAL!
  Yes---so sad to say ,--we had another burglary last night of a snow birds house on the 1900 block of Inverary. Forced entry was made through a front screen door and then a slider, with a ''charley bar'' in place. The house was completely ramsacked---losses unknown at this time.
 The  owner had went to great pain to insure the security of this house.---5 working motion detector lights all around the perimeter---door bar in place main door with dead bolt. This was a well maintained home in all respects. A neighbor saw the main door open and called.---911 was called and dispatch made.  A caretaker of the home got permission from the owner to sign the formal complaint.

HANG ON FOLKS--THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER BURGLARY--THAT IS 4 LAST NITE!

UNBELIEVABLE!!
YES--- WE RECEIVED A CALL, SHORTLY AFTERNOON, FROM THE CARE TAKERS OF A SNOW BIRD HOME ON AUGUSTA RD.
  We went to the home and entered with the assigned caretakers. --The house was secure yesterday afternoon--all was fine.  The very nice home was in complete disarray. Entry was made through a Florida room window,--and then into the main interior by using a bar to force a slider open It is believed that the main target was small items. electronics were not touched.
  There was considerable damage done to the slider frame. There was a ''charley bar'' installed for the slider,---it was no match for the burglars bar!
  We called 911 and asked for an officer to be dispatched for a report.

2 MORE BREAK-INS AND ONE ATTEMPT IN THE FAIRWAYS LAST NIGHT!

 MONDAY NIGHT__June 2nd ---THE THIEVES WERE WORKING OVERTIME! ---TWO BURGLARIES ON GREENSIDE CT. AND ONE ATTEMPT ON A PREVIOUSLY BURGLARIZED HOUSE ON THE 2200 BLOCK OF PEBBLE BEACH.
  Around 1AM  the resident on Pebble Beach ,heard a noise thought to be her screen door open. When she went o her main ''slider''---she found it open about 5 inches, and a flash light shining through.  The senior resident immediately called 911. 2 OCSO responded quickly and searched the area and went out into the park. ---A bar in the slider kept the door from being fully opened.
  This AM ---It was discovered that 2 more, nearby homes on Greenside ct, had been completely burglarized. Both of these homes had the main doors broken open with pry bars,---dead bolts had been in place.
  One of the Greenside homes had a very small safe stolen,---carried away.
 A total of 4 OCSO units were involved, with excellent response time. Reports were filed on all incidents.

PLEASE NOTE THAT A VERY HEAVY ,OLDER TV WAS MOVED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE INTERIOR OF A ANTIQUE TRUNK!