I am pleased to announce that the bidding process for our 2009 – 2011 landscaping contract has been completed! We received appr 20 proposals from various companies throughout Tampa Bay. I would like to recognize our Dir. of Building and Grounds, Jim Brasby, for assisting me with the contract and giving “tours” of our property to perspective bidders. After much consideration and research, the Board selected Buccaneer Landscape Management to see out the contract over the next 2 years.

Buccaneer competitively priced their bid and, owing to their background as a large commercial landscape company, offered Westlake Village substantial cost savings. Their references include the City of Largo Parks and Recreation Dept, Colonial Bank, CVS, and commercial developers…I must say they come highly recommended. In addition to lawn maintenance, Buccaneer features in-house pest control and irrigation services, as well as other functions we may have need to use.

We intend to work closely with Buccaneer to ensure our grounds and shrubbery receive top care and we build on the solid foundation we have in place right now. The Blvd and the grove are top priorities, as well as maintaining our open areas that are most visible to residents and the general public.

Additionally, I am also pleased to announce the Board has selected Rep Services, Inc. as the vendor for our new playground. Masterfully designed with our children as the main focus, this playground will meet ALL county, state, and federal safety rules as well as provide ADA-required access for physically challenged children – all areas in which our previous playground structure(s) were deficient. The structure was designed for “continuous play” and use by ages 5 – 12. We hope to have the new playground installed and operational by the end of summer but that will depend on YOU! We were able to keep costs down by having a certified installer oversee the construction and installation of the equipment, similar to what the Palm Harbor YMCA did with their new playground. So be on the lookout for our “Playground Volunteer Day” coming soon!

At the risk of beating a dead horse, the Board is ALWAYS looking for volunteers…positions include Board Member (2 open), Architectural Committee, Maintenance Committee, and Activities Committee. If you’re interested in any of these, we could certainly use your help…pls call the office at 727.784.3054.