After receiving at least 24″ rain last week, we are beginning to dry out here in Carlouel.  All our streets were flooded and the police were stationed at the front gate to discourage any unnecessary traffic in our neighborhood.  Our back gate was opened to help those on the south end navigate the high water more easily.

We have learned a few things as a result of the high waters.  First, the drainage work that the city is doing primarily on Bruce Ave. is really needed.  We have encourage them to continue to re-do grates and clean out drainage areas, especially along Bay Esplanade.  Second, when your pool is full, or really any time you need to drain your pool, be sure to direct that flow of water to the streets.  They are design to cope with the flow. If you drain to the yard, yours or your neighbor’s, the water is very unpredictable and could end up flooding homes.  Third, trash cans float, so please keep an eye on yours and bring it home.  Fourth, the dunes are our protection from the gulf.  Anywhere the dunes have been breached, the water flows in and floods.  Please consider this when making pathways to the beach.

We are thankful that there were no really high winds to topple trees whose roots were soaked.  We are thankful for neighbors who helped others, especially those who are not here.  We are reminded that high waters are going to come again, so we must think ahead and be prepared. We are going to try to get a sand bag station here on the beach.  It is illegal to take sand from the beach, but hard not to when it is so close and stations with sand are miles away.  We will continue to work with the city to resolve drainage issues where possible.

On Tuesday, May 17, 2016 a boat was taken off the dock at 70 Carlouel.  A second boat at the same location was not taken.  The police are looking for anyone who might have seen unusual activity on Tuesday.  Please call the non-emergency police number, 562-4242, if you have any information.  UPDATE:  Boat recovered by sheriff’s dept. in Indian Rocks and returned to owner.

This is a good reminder that boat owners should not leave the key to the boat in the boat.  You might also check moorings and lifts and make them secure.  This is very unusual for Carlouel and we all hope that it is a temporary group of thieves that will soon be found.

Speaking of being found – the boat stolen from 941 Bay Esplanade last fall was recovered in Mexico.  Great work by our many police forces.  The police continue to support our community in so many ways.

Have a good summer, but do stay alert and report anything unusual to our local police.

TripAdvisor just unveiled the United States’ best beaches and guess what, Clearwater Beach was #1.  Our beach was also the only beach in the United States to make the top 25 beaches in the world, coming in at #20.  There is good news and bad news in this fame.  The bad being that everyone else in the world now knows what we know, that we have clear, clean water, sugary sands and friendly folks.  The good news is that we are already here and have been enjoying it for some time!

Our security cameras continue to be a positive addition, helping answer questions about comings and goings several times this year.  No major problems, only small incidents of unknowns walking the neighborhood and a missing bike.  The Clearwater Police have access to these recordings so they help keep our neighborhood safe. There have been only minor incidents this year, with one exception.  Late this fall a very large power boat was stolen from a raised dock on Bay Esplanade.  Additional boats were stolen from Island Estates, all part of an apparent drug operation.  The police have an on-going investigation and report that this seems to be a one-time operation.  The lift was hot wired and the boat towed to deeper waters.  The owners were not occupying the residence at the time of the theft.

Our website for Carlouel Homeowners www.mycarlouel.com is continually updated, providing neighborhood announcements, current issues and access to our Carlouel Homeowners Directory.  This gives you the opportunity to stay in touch with your neighborhood when you travel or leave for your summer residence.  You may also send information or ask a question through the website.  Check it out now to hear details about our upcoming Spring Fling at the beach access, April 17^th – 5:30 – 8:00, with music by Gypsy Wind www.gypsywindband.com  New directories will be distributed at this gathering and beach access keys will be available to all who pay their dues.

Maintenance at the beach access, pruning shrubs and trees in our perimeter, updating flowers and shrubs at our entrance, and trying to keep all that dollar weed out of the grass at the beach access has been the major focus this year.  The perimeter plantings had to be re-enforced this fall at the end of Bay Esplanade.  Vehicles were cutting through, so a new oleander was planted and a new turn sign was installed to fill in the hole.

As we approach hurricane season, please refer to the article on our website describing a program announced by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department.  You have the opportunity to apply for a permit that will give homeowners and businesses re-entry during emergency evacuations.  Also be aware that the City ordinance regarding monthly rentals is strictly enforced.  The City has hired a full time employee to monitor cars parked in driveways, trash removal, and any other signs that monthly rental restrictions are not being observed.  Also,  police and fire support vehicles need to be able to access our streets.  Please be thoughtful when parking cars along the streets, and remind guests to do the same.

Your community needs your support, so please join us in renewing your membership or becoming a new member.  Thank you in advance for your share in keeping our community beautiful and safe.

2016 Carlouel Homeowners Association  $150.00

1031 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Sue Williams, Secretary

When the summer comes life slows down here in Carlouel.  Time to take care of a few things.  Mary Ellen Gleason, our ever alert neighborhood watch chair, noticed that there were quite a few street lights out. A call to Duke Energy worked, and all eight broken lights were repaired.  Unfortunately the light over a lovely planter on Narcissus was one of those out and the planter was stolen.  A few others have gone missing around the neighborhood, so please keep your eyes open.

Another area of concern is plant waste dumped along our perimeter.  The worst place for loose yard waste is the end of Lantana, where weeds sprout and grow and are infested with varmints…the city will pick up there but the waste must be bagged.  We can’t ask our grounds keepers to be responsible for that kind of mess.

The Gulf is perfect this time of year, wonderful at the end of a long day.  The turtles are nesting, birds roosting, fish jumping.  A beautiful place to live.

The golf cart parade will be back this year!  It was hard to find a date for the parade so it was cancelled for this year.  BUT, many neighbors called and said they wanted to have one.  So here is the good news…it is now going to be Monday, December 22 at 5:45.   No prizes, no competition, just come and have fun. BYOB

Come party with your neighbors, or stay home and wave as we pass by your home.  Golf cart, bike, wagon, skateboard, anything that moves is welcome.  Decorate as you see fit.  See you there!