Patriotic Celebration
It’s been great to get so many positive notes and comments from residents about the Fourth of July Patriotic Celebration. This was our 14th year of hosting fireworks, and I’m proud to say that they went off on time, without a hitch. Granted, the weather was not cooperative after 4 p.m., but many of you persevered through the showers and lightning. This year’s display was more spectacular than last (it gets better every year!). We appreciate hearing all the positive comments that all of you shared with us. We are already in the planning stages for 2026!
Community Updates
Food & Beverage: In addition to The Pub being open, poolside cookouts will be scheduled from Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Recreation Center, featuring rotating menus. Check out “Margarita Mondays” from 4 to 7 p.m. with drink and taco specials.
The Club at Candler Hills is now closed on Mondays through Monday, Nov. 3. To better serve our customers, new hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Summit in Longleaf Ridge: The building exterior is almost complete, and you should see most of the building colors soon. Be cautious around the entrance to the site, as we anticipate increased traffic with the removal of spoils from the excavation of the two pools, scheduled to begin later this summer. As a reminder, this will feature a 20,000-square-foot amenity, including a 6,000-square-foot ballroom, a card room, a large main pool, and a resistance walking pool. The estimated completion of this project is forecasted for the end of this year.
Azura Fitness Center in Candler Hills: Sitework has started on this project inside the construction fence. The building construction is estimated to begin in the latter part of summer. We appreciate your interest in the project, but kindly request that you stay outside the construction site fence. This 8,000-square-foot facility will feature a large pool and is expected to be completed by winter 2026.
Recreation Center: We hope you are enjoying the two new structures at the pickleball courts. The covered courts should allow more opportunities to play matches throughout the day and some evening events. We are nearing completion of the design for the renovation of the front of the main building. Once the design is approved, we’ll share more details about this project.
New Wood Shop: We are collaborating with the Wood Shop membership on a new 7,200-square-foot building that will be constructed on the site where the Eco Gardeners Club garden was formerly located. This new building will also have separate suites and function as a general-purpose space for activities such as table tennis, ballet, and other uses.
Shuffleboard Courts: Beginning Monday, Sep. 1, the shuffleboard courts will be closed for resurfacing. The work is projected to take approximately three weeks, weather permitting. Opening is currently scheduled for late September.
Candler Hills Golf Club: By now, you may have noticed the return of green grass on the Candler Hills Golf Course. The summer weather has been a two-edged sword, slowing down work during the thunderstorms, but bringing great rain to help the newly planted Bermuda grass sprigs grow. The contractor is progressing as scheduled, and we plan on having all new grass installed by Aug. 15. While the goal is to reopen sometime later this year, weather will be the main driver to determine this timing. While this work is being performed, the Golf Shop will have reduced hours but will still be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Circle Square Cultural Center: We have applied for a permit to install an LED sign in front of the building, which will help you stay better informed about all upcoming events. At this writing, we don’t have a date for the installation of the start-up.
Gatehouse: A new, automated gatehouse will be erected along SW 92nd Court Road to replace the temporary gate at SW 80th Street. Approvals are expected by August, and construction is expected to begin in the fall. There may be periodic lane closures while this work is completed.
Bay Laurel Center Community Development District: The construction of Bay Laurel’s new office building in Calesa Township is anticipated to be completed by late August. We encourage all residents to remain informed regarding the timing of the transition to the new facility.
Adjacent to this site will be Water Treatment Plant #4, a highly advanced water treatment facility that services the entire Bay Laurel Center CDD water transmission system.
Roadway Improvements
SW 90th Terrace: The Weybourne Landing multi-modal path extension is complete from the gate to SW 80th Street.
Work has also begun on the extension of SW 90th Terrace from SW 79th Street to SW 63rd Street Road. Residents in and around Weybourne Landing can expect increased construction traffic and activity in this area during the project’s duration. The contractor’s goal is to complete this roadway before the major construction of SW 80th Avenue begins, to provide an alternate route of travel north.
SW 92nd Court Road: All utilities and the initial phase of roadway work have been completed. Landscaping of the corridor is currently underway, and we expect the roadway to be approved and open by Marion County by Nov. 1.
Southwest 80th Avenue: Sources at the Marion County Engineering Department assure residents in and around SW 80th Avenue that construction is slated to begin in late 2025. The survey work and civil engineering field work seem to be moving into high gear. The completion time span is approximately two years from the start. Unfortunately, there are no current updates on this highly traveled corridor.
Landscape Update
August can be a very rainy and humid month. Due to this, keep a close eye on your irrigation controller and water only when necessary. You may find that you can shut your controller off completely. Overwatering of your landscape can lead to disease and unwanted pests that can quickly devour turfgrass and plant material. Now is also a great time to walk the exterior of your home and discard any water-holding containers that can be prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Practical Preventive Home Maintenance
From June through October, your air conditioning systems will be running full tilt. These systems don’t operate by themselves without proper care and maintenance. For a helpful short video on practical steps you can take to service your air conditioning system and keep it functioning efficiently, visit OTOWInfo.com > Resources > Homeowner Maintenance. These include changing the filters monthly and pouring vinegar into the main condensate pan to keep the main drain flowing without obstruction. Check the outflow outside near the compressor. If you don’t see the cleaning solution coming out, the drain line is blocked and needs immediate attention.
At least once a year, have your air conditioning serviced by a professional. They will clean the coils in both the air handler (located inside the home) and the compressor (located outside), as well as clean the electrical connections and ensure the motors are operating properly.
