'' GROUND ZERO''

         OUR NEW PROUD MEETING PLACE!

AFTER SIX YEARS OF PLANNING--THIS PROJECT STARTED ON MAY 25 OF THIS YEAR
Yes---there were some bumps in the road and a 3 month overrun----BUT---- There is not a nicer or even a comparable meeting facility in all of East Orange County!
 All of us are not happy with the final design and placements of the amenities--But--lets work together to make adjustments and agreements with HTA for the betterment of ALL RESIDENTS!
 One of our major concern is the security issues for both residents and the expensive investments in the hall.
 It is a pitiful comment that a petty theft has already occurred!---YES--3 decorated pillows were stolen in the first week,after opening.
 In the years past--there was an old pool table that was first located in the Masters. Later it was moved to the Greenbrier. The old pool table was always an attraction to the outside moochers and ''whatevers''. Too many times neighborhood watch was called about the young outsiders causing a runkus! 
  We need to protect this new valuable asset and the other valuable items!
 At a HOA board meeting ,sometime ago---Mrs Herrick was discussing, the new features of the remodeled Masters.---She noted that security cameras would be installed in and around the building.
 After Priscilla left--a resident suggested that the HOA question the attorney in regards to the  ''camera  privacy act''
 I and other residents failed to understand having and needing security cameras in a PUBLIC meeting area. 
 I would believe that HTA did do the proper and diligent thing by installing,a good quality surveillance system!
 We would suggest ,--mounting a custom made ,attractive warning sign, as to a camera system, on and in the premises.
 This warning would be better to deter a crime,---than to ''play catch me if you can''
  The Orange county Sheriffs Office--- always describes ''crime deterrent as ''TARGET HARDENING''---That is what we need now than before!
Please do this----We have a great Director of Homeowners, --With Randy Muehl.---Take a few moments to drop Randy a note or memorandum, and give some good suggestions for him to take to Priscilla. 
LETS WORK TOGETHER FOR POSITIVE CHANGE, NOT THE NEGATIVE CRAP---WE ALREADY KNOW MUCH OF THAT! 

RESIDENT TIPS AND COMMENTS NEEDED!

WE ARE ASKING FOR THE RESIDENTS HELP

Your new 2016 HOA board of directors needs the help and input of all homeowners.It is realized that some residents can not attend board or regular meetings for various reasons. Not all residents have access to the internet either.

 YES---we are working on a HOA website,also   increased bulletin board facilities and other local media methods. 

The two director positions that rely heavily on resident input and comments, are ----Director of Homeowners and the Director of Neighborhood Watch.

The director of homeowners, Randy Muehl. and myself ,have pledged to independently do the jobs that we were elected to do. ---While at the same time, working closely together ,exchanging information beneficial to the betterment of the community.

Each board member has a defined job description--It is important that each officer do their assigned job, without interfering with any other position.

An important step that I and Randy agree on ,--is the gathering of tips and comments by using our bulletin board drop box and the drop box at the HOA office door. ---Folks simply do this ----If you have a tip that may shed light on some questionable activity or a condition--just drop it on a scrap piece of paper,-- [anonymously if you choose]--in either of the 2 boxes pictured above.

Randy will be meeting with management monthly,--and I can vouch for him without reservation--your concerns will be addressed.

As for Fairways Watch tips--we need tips on unusual vehicle and pedestrian traffic in certain areas.All information,relating to possible criminal activity will be quickly passed on to the command staff of the Orange County Sheriff's office. 

 We have an excellent director of bulletin boards, Sharon Hill. Sharon will pass along all collected info, as directed to either Randy or myself. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP FOLKS!

''BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE''

The  unusual scene below was recorded Sunday evening around 6:30 PM.--- Updated--see below!

A late model Lincoln, was sitting a little ''high and dry'' in the evening rain. Fairways Watch received a call from one of our active spotters, advising us of an unusual situation.

We went to the reported site at the south corner of Inverary and Warwick Hills.
 Sure enough--as we were told --there it was--- a very nice Lincoln ,sitting on top of two large rocks! It seems that these large rocks, and a reflector had been placed at the corner of a property to keep cars out of the yard.
 The car's emergency hazard signals were activated, but no driver was in the area. We speculate that the driver had left to call a tow truck.
 In all probability,--there was damage to the underside of the very nice automobile.
Our concern is simple---Once again---an inanimate object was run over by a careless driver!
 Last week---it was a light pole. A short while before that--- it was a street sign.
 Thank the almighty,----none of these involved a innocent resident being struck!
WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT TIME? 
 If you go out walking after dark, please take along a good flashlight, or other means of recognition!---You don't want to end up in the same position of those rocks!

Fairways Watch has not been able to locate the pictured Lincoln--Probably in the repair shop!

Update Tuesday morning---WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?

This  20 mph speed limit sign on Pebble Beach,near Spyglass was hit with such force that it sheared the 4x4'' hard wood post. The impact threw the sign ,over 50 yds from the position shown here! If you look closely, you can see the tire marks of a full sized vehicle.---OH YES--they were headed OUT the gate.
 Looking at the lighter side--maybe the auto manufactures could use the Fairways as a ''AIR BAG TEST CENTER''
SERIOUSLY--Folks this is a DEADLY and critical matter--It's only a matter of time!----

HELP WANTED!

SUSPICIOUS CAR?----[photo not actual vehicle]


UPDATED  DEC 28--SEE BELOW
 Recently, Fairways Watch has observed a older, red Mitisubishi Eclipse ,driving all over the park at all hours. We have personally seen the described car ,crossing from Spyglass, onto Augusta, and pulling out of Warwick Hills onto Inverary.
 In addition to our observations, other residents have expressed interest in a similarly described car.
 The occupants are reported to be 2 dark complected young males. The driver is noted to have heavy ''body art'' and a pony tail. 
  We have not been able to record the vehicle plate number. 
 If any resident, sees this vehicle and get the plate number, it would be most appreciated.
 BETTER YET--if a vehicle such as this is seen parked,at a residence ,the address would also be of interest.

QUESTION--What would we do with a tag number from a vehicle, matching this description?
 Fairways Watch would notify the sector 2 ''special projects officer''. They would ''run'' the tag---if the registered owner has criminal history --they would make all appropriate decisions from that point on.

 There are many, many calls for service made to 911 for ''suspicious vehicles''---This does call for a certain type of profiling---so be it!

Thanks to some observant residents-- we have determined that this vehicle belongs to an outside contractor, working for HTA.
  All appears in order with no concern for residents---THANKS FOLKS!
  

THEY LEFT THE SCENE!

CHRISTMAS MORNING, CAME EARLY THIS YEAR!
The phone for Fairways Watch started ringing this morning at 5:29 AM. One of our trusted watchers, called to report an entire concrete street light pole down---but still burning.

We went to the scene, directly across from the sewage plant on Inverary.

At the scene, we met Ed Dow at which time Duke energy was called to report the accident and to cut power to the downed pole.

As we were scratching our heads as to what kind of vehicle did the damage,--an important ''CLUE'' surfaced as the sun came up.

 Leading away from the scene was a distinct trail of anti freeze and transmission oil!

 Folks--it did not take a"Sherlock Holmes''  to follow the trail.We followed the fluid track--out to Pebble Beach--on down to the 14300 block of. Forrest Oak

 In a driveway sat the heavily damaged Toyota Corolla,--with the air bags deployed! 

 Out of concern for an injured resident, we called 911 and requested a law enforcement ''wellness check''

 While on the phone with 911,---a young lady came out of the house. She did not appear to be injured or impaired in any way.At that point, we were transferred to FHP dispatch. We were questioned by FHP dispatch as to tag numbers and etc. FHP advised that they would dispatch a unit to Forrest Oak.

  The young resident told us that she was driving home and ''went to sleep'' at the wheel.The residency status of the young female is unknown except for the address on Forrest Oak.

 Within minutes 2 FHP units came into the park. The two young polite troopers , first went o the accident scene and then on down to the damaged car.

 The legal activities beyond that point are unknown at this time.

On Monday information will be sent to the office as to the question of proper residency of the young resident.

IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE!

THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A POOR INNOCENT RESIDENT WALKING OR BIKE RIDING IN THAT IMMEDIATE AREA!

''PORCH PIRATES'' AND OTHER PROBLEMS

It seems that on a regular basis--''catch phrases'' are added to our vocabularies.--The latest one that we picked up on is ''PORCH PIRATES''.
 The term makes references to thieves that follow UPS,--FedX--and USPS trucks. After a parcel is delivered to a residents porch, the theives simply run up and steal the package. During this time of year, business is very good for this type of low life.
 If you are expecting any deliveries, keep close tabs on your porch and retrieve any parcel as soon as possible. The longer a ''target'' is exposed,--the greater the risk of theft.--A camera is a big help!
Another reoccurring problem that has resurfaced in our community is unlicensed,--uninsured,--over priced contractors. OH YES--they claim to be ''licensed and insured''---BUT---are they?--you can check by clicking on to the link at the right of this page.--Why guess-- Know for sure.
  There is an abundance of good ,honest dependable residents that do ''handy man'' jobs. A true handy man requires no contractor license.
 Do this----If you need a home pressure washed or painted---ask for references!.---Then talk to the referenced neighbor in regards to fair pricing and overall satisfaction.
 We have heard of differences in pressure washing jobs of over several hundred dollars.
 AGAIN ---''FORE WARNED IS FORE ARMED!''

HOUSE FIRE IN THE PARK!

ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE WAS DISPATCHED AT 9:01 AM TUESDAY TO THE 1750 BLOCK OF INVERARY DR.

As always, our first responders were on the scene in rapid fashion. 
The 6 units were sent from various stations. We had units from Bonneville,--Waterford Lakes --and Bithlo.
 The crews ran a large 6 inch hose from the corner of Kingsmill Dr. Although the flames were extinguished in a short period of time,--there appears to be heavy damage to the home, in the underneath area.
  Thankfully there were no reports of injuries.
THANK YOU ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE!

NO HARM DONE---NONE INTENDED

            SUNDAY AFTERNOON---2:45 PM

For those residents that were concerned about police activity in the park Sunday afternoon--we offer the following narrative.
At approximately 2:45 PM,--several residents called Fairways Watch concerning a ''suspicious person''.
  The descriptions were all similar-- A young,dark complected male,--dressed completely in black clothing with a large black backpack, and carrying a smaller black bag!
 The subject was reported to  be walking and running through backyards on Firestone, and across the second Fairways to Pebble Beach.
 At that point ,we set out to try and find the reported subject, with our marked patrol golf cart.
  We saw a person, matching the description starting to run up Congressional. At this point in time several more residents spotted the subject and started calling---some correctly called 911.
 The person in question continued running ,across Bent Tree onto Pine Valley. Fairways watch put in a follow up call to 911 and arranged to meet a deputy at Pine Valley and Braeburn Ct.
 In a short period of time, the first of 5 units arrived. The deputies found the subject, exhausted at the end of Braeburn court near several other residents, who also had called for OCSO.
  The pool of deputies, quickly determined that the young man suffered from a severe autistic, mental condition. They further determined that he lived in the Deerwood mobile home park.
  A lot of credit is due those officers in the manner that they handled this sensitive situation. There was no ''snap to judgement''. 
  After getting an address from an ID ---one officer went over to Deerwood and brought family members over to the distressed young man.
  After a period of discussion time, the young man was released to his family.
''ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL''

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE SHERIFF DEPUTIES FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS CALL WAS HANDLED----ALSO TO THE MANY GOOD RESIDENTS WHO BECAME INVOLVED AND HELPED WITH RESOLVING THIS MATTER.

 An interesting side note---The increased awareness of suspicious persons is very apparent regarding 911 dispatchers. 
 Yesterday ,I was asked for a self description, as to race,--color of clothing that I was wearing and 
 description of my vehicle.

Please note picture of the unusual sheriffs vehicle that was pulled in with the regular type units----they pulled out all of the stops!----thanks again guys!

     WHEN IN DOUBT CALL 911

TOGETHER WE CAN!

  LET'S JUST DO IT

This poster reprint is 75 years old,--from the era of the''GREATEST GENERATION''
Truly, in my humble opinion, the World War II era population was and are the greatest folks ever to live in our magnificent country!
 We---the residents can take heed yet today of this old message.
  In the coming year there appears to be many challenges and questions placed before our community. We need to work together as an INFORMED group of adults.
 First and foremost ,we need better communication for ALL residents. First,I suggest a  ---a simple HOA website. --Yes--not all residents have access to go on line,--BUT they need and are entitled to all information available.
Secondly, I suggest that the HOA also purchase a small ''sandwich board'' portable announcement  device for those that do not have internet access. We have an excellent bulletin board caretaker in Sharon Hill---however, some folks don't take time to go read the enclosed boards. For special HOA meetings and functions,---A portable announcement board temporarily placed in front of the mail boxes,--may help to get that special message out.--Example--BOIL WATER!--or special HOA meeting!---[no more secret stuff]
  As the results of our election was read at the last meeting---One thing was all too apparent-- A pitiful number of residents made the effort to vote!--SHAME on us ---only 268 people filled out a ballot. Sadder yet---over 20 of those were ineligible! 
Our HOA board needs to build a better,--closer relationship with all of the HOME OWNERS!
 We need to bring in residents that normally do not come to meetings and share in the information to them.

 Last but not least---a request for all of us to thank and support our EAGLE newspaper staff.---Lynn and her staff do a wonderful service for ALL of us. There seems to be a move afoot to possibly takeaway,some information services, provided by the trustworthy Eagle. ---By this I make reference to the ''Fairways Bulletin''. --You may remember,--that is the ''every 2 month'' updated internet site [maybe]---claiming to be the ''Fairways one stop news source'' published by HTA.---There ain't no way that the ''Fairways Bulletin'' should be the residents one source of whats going on in our community.---- HOG WASH--They cant't even come up with an accurate finish date on the Masters!
 The Eagle is the main source of financial support for our HOA----We best not forget that!
  Hang in there folks---we can do it---
THE GREATEST GENERATION DID!----and may God bless them all
  

FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED!

forewarned is forearmed-- definition

Knowledge in advance enables one to be prepared, as in forewarned is forearmed. This expression originated as a Latin proverb, Praemonitus, praemunitus, which wastranslated into English by the early 1500s. It soon was put to broader use than its original military applications

This blog was started over 2 1/2 years ago.

Since it's beginning, we have had nearly 100,000 recorded visits.We have written over 250 posts for residents to comment on. We believe than none of the previous posts are more important than this one!

This writer loves the Fairways as well of many of it's residents.
 I plan this to be my final earthly home. I know that many residents have the same plan.

Yesterday I shared some of my thoughts and concerns about our NEW prospectus.--Today I would like to express my thoughts about what we should do as a concerned community. 

First of all--we do not know as to what may be BURIED in all of the 35 pages of ''goobley goop''----WE NEED TO KNOW!

If you believe that going to local management and asking, will help----You are being misguided!

 We,--in large numbers,--need to approach our HOA BOARD and demand that they take action as to determining, what so many of the unexplained statements and lack there of mean.

TAKE A COPY OF THE NEW PROSPECTUS TO OUR ATTORNEY!

In plain English--''THE BOARD LEADERSHIP, NEEDS TO GET OFF OF THEIR ASS AND DO SOMETHING!''

If the board has already taken action--disregard the last statement.

 However--That brings up another valid concern----LACK OF COMMUNICATION AND HOA BOARD TRANSPARENCY.

 The present HOA leadership in 2015,has had as much transparency as a ''concrete wall''. 

 I will be on the board next year.---I pledge to all residents ---there will be communication and transparency.---
NO MORE SECRET BACK YARD CLANDESTINE MEETINGS!

DAMN IT ---YOU THE RESIDENT HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON!

One way or another you the residents are going to be informed!

THIS NEW PROSPECTUS NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED BY A LEGAL PROFESSIONAL---NOT BY SOME ''WANNA BE -----PARLAMENTARIAN'S''

There is the possibility that by not challenging this document---our lot rent could soar--to unreasonable levels!

we do not even have 90 days now-- a few days have already passed!

I attended the February meeting with Attorney Perry.--[the only one open to residents]
 I have the utmost confidence in the attorney---I was impressed,--IF--anyone can help us --it's him---

I am looking forward to serving you folks on the board next year. We all need to work together for our community!

There is NO reason that we can not have some attorney feedback by our board meeting, in about 10 days---tick--tick--tick


  Please folks contact a board member and share your thoughts---Hopefully I have done so with this writing-----


''THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT''

OUR ''NEWLY'' PROPOSED PROSPECTUS

RECENTLY IN THE MAIL, WE ALL RECEIVED       A VERY IMPORTANT DOCUMENT!
I am in my 16th year of residency in the Fairways. During that 16 year period---I had never gotten any proposed changes that were as important those 35 pages I received Monday.
  TRUE---not all of the proposed changes are negative, looking from a  security and safety standpoint.

Some possible positive changes:

Stricter rules on resident conduct---regarding'' breach of peace''--loud noises and disruptive parties

Tighter control of guest registration

Stronger rules on controlled substances and manufacture thereof---[HATE TO SAY IT--BUT YES --THERE IS ''METH'' IN OUR COMMUNITY]

15 mph speed limit?

A criminal background check for all renters,[ to be completed before moving in.]

A limit of one family per home and a limit of 2 vehicles in drive!

BUT----WHO IS GOING TO ENFORCE THE ABOVE RULES AND CHANGES?---THAT MY FRIENDS IS THE $64 DOLLAR QUESTION!

QUESTIONS,--QUESTIONS AND MORE QUESTIONS!

 WHY ISN'T THE WESTCHESTER HALL AND POOL LISTED WITH ALL OF OUR OTHER AMENITIES?--It is not even shown on the last page map---WHY---Is it just an oversight?

 In the past our lot rent increases were protected, some what by the government ''cost of living index''----I do not see any reference to the index anywhere in the entire 35 pages.

 WHAT WILL BE THE FUTURE FORMULA FOR DETERMINING OUR BASE LOT RENT?

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS ON THIS MATTER



 THIS PROPOSAL, is a super critical item to all residents of the Fairways! It is a complicated, professionally prepared document, that has been meticulously reviewed by the HTA attorneys!

 IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE DO THE SAME!

A COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON ATTORNEY DANIEL PERRY'S DESK,--YESTERDAY!

  I WOULD HOPE THAT OUR HOA PRESIDENT CONTACTED THE ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY AFTER RECEIVING HIS COPY.

I KNOW OF NO ONE IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT HAS THE LEGAL EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE TO FULLY UNDERSTAND AND INTERPRET THIS VOLUME OF LEGAL JARGON.

  TO THOSE NAYSAYERS WHO SAY WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THE LAWYER---I SAY WE CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO!

  The long term costs to all of us could exceed the attorneys fees.

IF THE ATTORNEY REVIEWS THE PROPOSED CHANGES AND SEES SERIOUS FLAWS AND PROBLEMS--IN REGARD TO RENT INCREASE POSSIBILITIES AND OTHER LOSSES----A GENERAL HOA MEETING SHOULD BE HELD WITH THE ATTORNEY IN ATTENDANCE
  THERE SHOULD BE NO MORE ''SECRET BACKYARD MEETINGS'' CRAP
  WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!

HANG IN THERE FOLKS----WE GOTTA STICK TOGETHER!

WE HAVE A NEW CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER

As it was announced at our ''night out'' meeting, Deputy Belmont was transferred.We welcome Deputy Conner and look forward to working with him.
  ''WHEN'' the Masters reopens,--we hope to have a community meeting, with the deputy as our special guest!----STAY TUNED

	Orange County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit

Hello,

 I just wanted to introduce myself, I am DFC Richard Conner and I am the new Crime prevention Deputy for the East side of Orange County.  I look forward to working with all of you and trying to reduce crimes in your respective communities. Please be patient with me as I am getting up to speed and learning this new position and learning the area. I am currently looking to update all of the neighborhood watch groups and your coordinator information. I apologize for the inconvenience but by doing this will allow me to get connected with all of you. 


Thanks,

DFC Richard Conner
Orange County Sheriff's Office
Crime Prevention Unit
Sector Two

IMPAIRED OR JUST PLAIN NUTS?

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON,--OUR RESIDENTS DODGED ANOTHER BULLET!

Around 4PM Wednesday afternoon,--The street and stop sign at the corner of Inverary and Port Marnock,--was literally ''OBLITERATED''. 

  From all appearances it seems that the signs were hit by an east bound vehicle, at a high rate of speed!

 The remains of the vinyl post and street marker is best described as being a ''debris field'' The post and signs were ripped into small pieces. 

  Thankfully, there were no residents or golfers in this populous area at the time of impact.
If you notice a vehicle, in the park, with front end damage--or broken windshield--- you may want to notify the front office!

 The photo above indicates the shear force of the impact.----HOW MUCH LONGER CAN OUR''LUCK'' HOLD OUT?

UPDATE----
 We have been informed by 2 different sources that this situation was caused by a GOLF CART.!
 In view of the damage,--this first seems unlikely---BUT--there are reportedly witnesses.
 QUESTION---WHAT THE HELL DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?----If a resident ,had been walking in that same area,---the results would have been terrible!
  There are so many occurences in this community that are hard to understand

THESE'' SCUMBAGS'' HAVE BEEN IN THE FAIRWAYS RECENTLY!

 
The following lengthily  reprint from channel 6 news is worth the time to read. Fairways Watch,encountered these same people, in our community with in the last 10 days.--They were told to leave per the no soliciting sign posted at the front gate.

Vacuum salesmen target elderly, low income buyers

Show Transcript

Ann Wood uses a cane to get around her house, a 780 square foot mobile home so cramped with furniture there is very little open floor space.

The 79-year-old leaves the audio turned off on her TV since she is extremely hard of hearing. She must rely on closed captioning to understand the programs that occupy much of her day.

[WEB EXTRA: Florida Department of Elder Affairs Abuse Prevention  

• 
  
• 

Although family members had cautioned Wood against inviting in strangers, the elderly woman said the door-to-door salesman who showed up at her home in July seemed nice.

"He came to the door and wanted to know if he could clean my rug," said Wood, who agreed to write a $13 check for the service.

A short time later, Wood became the owner of a Rainbow Cleaning System, a high-end vacuum cleaner that "offers indefinite motor life", according to the product's website.

The retail price of the vacuum: $3099.

"I didn't know it cost that much," said Wood. "I can't afford it."

Dynamic Air Distributors, the Orlando company that sold the vacuum to Wood, has been the subject of multiple consumer complaints filed with Florida's Attorney General, News 6 has learned.

Most of those complaints accuse the company's salesmen of pressuring elderly customers into purchasing vacuums they cannot afford, including at least one man in his late 80's who suffers from Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

"He just shoved the papers and said 'sign here'," Wood told News 6. "I didn't realize what it was, I guess."

The sales contract Wood signed shows the Rainbow vacuum had been financed for 2 years at a 21.96% annual percentage rate.

Before signing that contract, Wood claims another salesman walked into a spare bedroom and hauled away her old vacuum: an expensive, high-end model manufactured by Kirby which Wood said she had purchased from a door-to-door salesman a few years prior.

Although Wood's contract indicates the salesmen gave her a $600 credit for a trade-in, she insists she never gave them permission to take her old vacuum.

"I just felt like I was kind of dumb or something," said Wood, who claims she was intimidated and confused by the salesmen walking through her house. "Why didn't I yell at him and say, 'Hey, you can't do that'? But the fact that he took my old vacuum and walked out the door, I thought if I didn't buy this one, I wouldn't have a vacuum."

"I felt they were taking advantage of my grandmother," said Jeremy Wood, who believes it should have been obvious to the salesmen that the elderly woman is hard of hearing and easily confused.

"You have to repeat everything four or five times," he said.

Ann Wood admits she did not immediately contact Dynamic Air Distributors within the 3 day "cooling off" period allowed under Florida law to return an unwanted purchase, a right explicitly mentioned in the vacuum sales contract.

Instead, Wood said she wrote the company a letter asking them to take back the unused vacuum. The company refused, she said.

Wood’s daughter-in-law said she later tried contacting Dynamic Air Distributors in hopes of returning the vacuum but claims company representatives either would not return her calls or refused to speak with anyone but Wood.

Jaime Griffith, the registered agent of Dynamic Air Distributors, did not return numerous messages left by News 6 on her cell phone and with representatives who answered the phone at the company's office. Griffith also did not respond to an email sent to her by News 6.

Griffith, 33, has been an officer of Dynamic Air Distributors since 2013, according to state records.

Prior to that, she was president of Southeast Association Inc, a now-defunct company that sold Kirby vacuums using at least some of the same salespeople, records show. That company was originally operated by her father, Steve Griffith, according to state records.

In 1993, Steven Griffith was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of multiple counts of wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering related to another business venture, federal court records show.

In 2009, Steven and Jaime Griffith were arrested in Kissimmee following allegations that they were involved in a scheme to alter identification numbers from vehicles stolen by others from Walt Disney World and other Central Florida locations, authorities said. Two employees of the vacuum sales business were also taken into custody.

Steven Griffith later entered into a plea agreement on fraud and petit theft charges resulting in jail time and probation, court records indicate.

It is unclear what happened in the criminal case against Jaime Griffith since it appears her court records may have been expunged from the Osceola County Court Clerk's office. A representative with the Office of Statewide Prosecution said there were no records on her case that could be released under Florida's public records law. Jaime Griffith's former attorney, Jose Baez, said he was unable to comment on the matter.

Although Steven Griffith is not listed as a representative of Dynamic Air Distributors, records indicate he may still be working with his daughter in the vacuum sales business.

In February 2015, a letter that appears to have been signed by Steven Griffith was sent to Sonya McLeod, demanding payment for the Rainbow Cleaning System that was sold to her.

The following month, the company filed a lawsuit against the 81-year-old woman in Orange County Circuit Court for breach of contract.

During mediation proceedings with Jaime Griffith, McLeod agreed to settle the lawsuit by paying Dynamic Air Distributors $700 and returning her unused vacuum, records show.

“Representatives of Dynamic Air have a pattern and practice of using unfair and abusive sales tactics to coerce the sale of vacuums, mostly targeting the elderly...by not leaving until a contract is signed,” McLeod wrote in a complaint to Florida’s Attorney General.

McLeod’s complaint is one of three filed with the state since November 2013 against Dynamic Air Distributors. The attorney general’s office received two additional complaints against Southeast Association Inc. in 2009.

“The salesman went into my kitchen, took candy from my candy dish... then went into my bedroom to flop down on our Tempur-pedic bed,” a 73-year-old woman from Haines City wrote in another complaint. “Those are invasions of my privacy.”

In a third complaint, a woman accused a salesman of using “deceptive and predatory practices” against her 87-year-old parents, including her father who has Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“Due to my parents’ mental condition, it is very difficult for them to complete even simple memory and contractual tasks,” Joy Lowenberg wrote. After unsuccessfully attempting to return the vacuum on her parents’ behalf, Lowenberg claims salesmen returned to the elderly couple’s home and tried to sell them a carpet shampooer.

"Many of our seniors are isolated and more vulnerable to people who use a sales tactic like that," said Allison Bryant, the elder abuse prevention coordinator for Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs. “Many seniors may not report it. They’re embarrassed and won’t want anyone close to know.”

Although it is a felony in Florida to knowingly exploit an elderly or disabled person, Bryant said the law generally applies to family and other trusted caregivers rather than salespeople.

“As adults we all have the right to make a bad decision. The onus is on us,” said Bryant, who urges seniors not to feel pressured into making purchases. “If it does cross the line of how the sale was made, law enforcement can get involved.”

Although Ann Wood claims a representative from Dynamic Air Distributors threatened to sue her if she refused to pay her monthly bill, Wood said she had no intention of paying for the new Rainbow.

“All I want them to do is take that vacuum back and get it out of here. I'm fed up with it,” Wood told News 6.

Wood also wanted the company to return her old vacuum, which they reportedly took as a trade-in.

According to Wood’s sales contract, the Rainbow vacuum was sold to her by Chris DeGennaro, an independent contractor who indicated on the document that his title is “manager”.

When a News 6 reporter attempted to visit the main office of Dynamic Air Distributors in Orlando, DeGennaro and three other men appeared to be loading vacuums into an SUV. The men then drove off.

News 6 followed the SUV for more than an hour to a neighborhood in unincorporated Polk County. Located near Auburndale, Jones Road is lined with mostly older mobile homes ranging in value from $39,000 to as little as $7125, county records show. That’s where DeGennaro and the other men appeared to be going door-to-door selling high-end Rainbow vacuums.

DeGennaro does not have a valid home solicitation permit in Polk and Osceola counties as required by state law, according to court officials. First time violators can be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. Repeat violators face up to five years in prison.

News 6 questioned DeGennaro about the vacuum he sold Ann Wood, who lives in Osceola County.

“Do you know Ann?” asked reporter Mike DeForest.

“I’m not sure,” replied DeGennaro as he climbed into the SUV, which promptly left the neighborhood.

Less than two hours later, Wood’s family notified News 6 that a representative of Dynamic Air Distributors had left a note at the elderly woman’s home.

“Sorry we missed you,” the unsigned note read. “We came by to drop off your Kirby and pick up our Rainbow.”

However, the Kirby vacuum the representatives left at Wood’s house was not the same one salesmen had taken from her two months earlier, she said. Although it looked similar, the used vacuum had rust in the hinges with debris caked inside.

“That’s not acceptable,” said Wood’s grandson, who suspects the company may have sold or destroyed his grandmother’s original Kirby vacuum.

The following day, News 6 left a message for Jaime Griffith at the company’s office.

A week later, another salesman stopped by Wood’s home to pick up the new Rainbow vacuum. He also exchanged the dirty Kirby vacuum for a much cleaner used model.

“They wouldn’t have even returned the phone call if not for (News 6),” said Jeremy Wood, who hopes his grandmother will never answer the door to a salesman again.

“They shouldn’t be out preying on the elderly,” he said.

BEWARE---THEY MAY BE BACK TO THE

FAIRWAYS!---CALL FAIRWAYS WATCH---

  we will ask the sheriff to take them to our ''security'' gate! 

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF IN THE FAIRWAYS

EARLY THIS MORNING--OCSO RESPONDED TO A CRIMINAL MISCHIEF COMPLAINT, ON THE 1700 BLOCK OF KINGS MILL DR.

A luxury car parked in a residents carport, had all 4 tires punctured! This appears to be an expensive act of vandalism. The ''sport model'' car, had the low profile type, very costly tires. 
  There was no other damage noted or reported.
We believe that this is an isolated personal incident, and should be regarded as such.---There has been no other vandal events reported in our community
ONCE AGAIN--- LETS TREAT THIS AS A ''HEADS UP'' FOR KEEPING OUR EYES AND EARS OPEN!

UPDATE!---
  In checking the OCSO dispatch log ---At 2;55AM--Tuesday morning sheriff units were dispatched to an undetermined address on Kings Mill Dr.---The call was made for an''AGGRAVATED BATTERY'' It is not known whether or not if it was related in any way to the previous call, noted above.