Dear VI Residents:
 
The holiday season is upon us and I hope you and all your family are well and busily preparing for this special time of the year.  The community takes on a whole new feel this time of the year as decorations light up our lawns and homes.  If you have not purchased your seawall candles yet, please contact the candle seller for your block (a list can be found on the http://www.ourvi.org/ website.  Candles should be set out on your seawall on December 24 at 6:00 p.m. with a “rain date” of December 25.
 
The following information was shared at the VIHA General Meeting on December 1:
-        James Fuchs, our Community Service Officer from the SPPD, provided an overview of crime trends in VI.  Happily, the review was very positive, but he emphasized that we continue to remove valuables from our vehicles and lock the doors.  He also reminded those in attendance that golf carts being operated on City streets need to meet certain requirements which can be found at https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/consumer-education/low-speed-vehicles/ .
 
-        The Deed Restrictions (“DRs”) revisions that were approved earlier this year by over 66.67% of the property owners in VI were reviewed.
-        Input was provided from those in attendance about the next set of DRs that the DR Revision Committee (“DRRC”) should consider deleting, modifying or adding.  Suggestions included allowing:
o   artificial turf in rear yards;
o   boat houses to be constructed on docks;
o   a “set back” of 20 feet from the street, reduced from 25, for properties in a cul-de-sac;
o   a boat and trailer to be parked in a driveway for a limited number of days;
o   “online” voting; and,
o   Revising the threshold of 66.67% of property owner approval for subsequent changes in the DRs.
 
The DRRC will be meeting in early 2023 to start to assess which DRs should be addressed.  If you have suggestions, please forward your thoughts to me and I will pass along to the DRRC.  Just a reminder that any change to the DRs currently requires the approval of 66.67% of property owners.
 
The Annual Meeting and election of VIHA Board Members for 2023 will be held on January 26 at Lutheran Church of the Cross.  The social starts at 6:30pm with the business portion of the meeting starting at 7:00pm.
 
Finally, I receive occasional notices from residents about coyote sightings within the community. Below is information from Councilman Ed Montanari’s office:
 
The City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County Animal Control Services do not handle wildlife trapping.  Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) would be the best point of contact. 
 
Although coyote encounters are increasing in frequency, and even more so with the dissemination of pictures/videos on social media, they do not usually pose a threat to people.  The FWC advises keeping trash secure and not leaving food outside for pets.  Additionally, they have some hazing practices that can help deter coyotes from urban areas.  More information can be found on their website : https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/coyotes/__;!!KXanIhAVSRGrIOBFHcg!fphYxaILqXgB5NCBBx7dsbDtTjoO_yHugnLnaWM0ZscWmimqeDhIGvO_LB40jtuxEAysZ3u5ueomZp561V3sWvY$
 
If there is a coyote acting strange, FWC urges residents to contact their local office.  We fall under the Southwest Regional Office (863-648-3200).
 
Other events in our community that we hope you would participate in:
 
o   Holiday Food Truck and Food Drive – Brooke and Craig Kuhl will be hosting a Holiday Food Truck Friday at 2020 Carolina Ave on Friday, 12/16.  Donations for the VI Food Drive will be accepted at the Food Truck Friday and on Saturday 12/17 at the corner of Overlook and Grand Canal from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Rumor has it, Santa may make an early appearance!!!  All donated food and hygiene items will be given to the St. Pete Free Clinic Food Pantry. Last year we collected nearly 1,500 pounds of donated items.
o   Monthly Neighborhood Walks – Join us every fourth Saturday at 9 a.m. for a short walk in the neighborhood led by resident Janice Drinkwine in partnership with Healthy St. Pete.  Meet on the corner of Overlook and Grand Canal.
o   Career Night – date TBD – We’d like to bring together the many talented professionals in VI and the many high school juniors and seniors and college students who could benefit from their guidance on career opportunities.  If you’re involved in a field that you think might be of interest to graduating students, please let me know if you’d be willing to share insights about your position.
 
In addition to our primary role of enforcing the DRs, the VIHA Board continuously looks for ways to bring our community together and improve the experience of living in VI.  If there is an event or activity that you think would be appreciated by VI residents, please let me know and the VIHA Board will try and facilitate it.  Please note that all events are funded by donations and sponsorships, not by membership dues.
 
The entire VIHA Board hopes that you have a joyous, and safe, holiday season!!!!
 
Thank you.
 
Rich Scanlon, VIHA President
rscanlon@ourvi.org
​

Dear VI Residents:
 
We are well into hurricane season, and so far, so good!  Although we have avoided any significant storms  this year, please don’t let your guard down yet and continue with your hurricane preparations, particularly for the many new residents of VI. 
 
As we transition into fall, the VIHA Board wants you to know we have a jammed packed few months to close out 2022.  Here is a glimpse of some of the “happenings” in VI that I hope you will be able to participate in:
 

• “Stuff the Bus” Food Truck Friday September 16 Hosted by Brooke Palmer and Craig Kuhl at 2020 Carolina Ave. Drop by between 6 and 9 pm to socialize with your neighbors and bring some school supplies to “stuff the bus! If you’ve ever attended one of Brooke and Craig’s events, you know they know how to throw a party! 

 

• VI Night at the Trop, September 23.  Come and support the Rays with your neighbors as the Rays try and lock down a playoff spot in the final home series of the 2022 season on the road to another World Series appearance.

 

• VIHA General Meeting – September 29.  This will be an important meeting and I urge you to attend.  Agenda topics include:
  • The Amendments to DR 3 and 53 which passed by ballot earlier in 2022.
  • A discussion of which DRs should be targeted for revision in 2023.
  • A discussion of the factors which led the VIHA Board to terminate the management agreement with Qualified Property Management and the steps that need to be undertaken to ensure a continuation of the efforts to maintain VI as a highly desirable neighborhood.
  • Monthly Neighborhood Walks – Join us every fourth Saturday at 9 a.m. for a short walk in the neighborhood led by resident Janice Drinkwine in partnership with Healthy St. Pete.  Meet on the corner of Overlook and Grand Canal.
  • Oktoberfest Block Party October 29 –VI’s signature event will be back again this year at Kansas Ave. South 4-7 pm.  Music, activities for kids and food from the “Michigan Ave. Grillers” are the standards with more to come.  Please contact Julie Scanlon (jscanlon2048@gmail.com or 727-365-2211) if you would like to volunteer or you would like to be an event sponsor.
  • “VIHA Board in the House” Carolina South – November 10 – After a long delay, we’ll be kicking off a series of informal meetings between residents and the VIHA Board to hear your ideas on how to improve the quality of life in VI.  The first event will be held on November 10 at 1992 Carolina Circle for residents of Carolina Ave, South and Carolina Circle.  Additional events will be scheduled for other streets throughout the year.
  • Career Night – date TBD – We’d like to bring together the many talented professionals in VI and the many high school juniors and seniors and college students who could benefit from their guidance on career opportunities.

 
In addition to our primary role of enforcing the DRs, the VIHA Board continuously looks for ways to bring our community together and improve the experience of living in VI.  If there is an event or activity that you think would be appreciated by VI residents, please let me know and the VIHA Board will try and facilitate it.  Please note that all events are funded by donations and sponsorships, not by membership dues.
 
Speaking of the VIHA Board, we are always looking for new members who can commit some of their time and are passionate about improving the quality of life in VI.    Nominations for the 2023 VIA Board will open up on October 15 and run through November 30.  Board members will be elected by the VIHA members at the Annual Meeting in January 2023.  Please don't hesitate to contact me or another Board Member if you'd like to learn more about joining our Board.
 
Finally, I’ve stated this in the past, but it probably bears being restated.  As a waterfront community, we live in close proximity to one another and that can be both a challenge and a benefit.  Quite often I’ll get calls from VI residents complaining of “something” that a neighbor might be doing or not doing.  Although myself, or another member of the VIHA Board, will often place a call to see if we can reduce any friction amongst neighbors, I’d like to suggest having a conversation and seeing if you can come up with a resolution before escalating the issue to the Board.  Many times I’ve called a VI resident as a result of a complaint and the resident has said “I wish [my neighbor] had come to me directly without having to bother you!!!”
 
James Fuchs, our VI Community Police Officer, has advised that vehicle break-ins have been increasing in the neighborhoods around VI.  So far, he has not seen this trend in VI.  However, please remember to remove any valuables from your car and lock the doors, even during daylight hours.
 
VI is a great place to live.  Please let me know how we can make it better.
 
Thank you.
 
 Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
rscanlon@ourvi.org

May 18, 2022

​Dear VI Residents:
 
We have had the occasion to enjoy a beautiful spring in VI, one of the best times of the year in our neighborhood.  Nevertheless, we all know what is coming with the summer, higher temperatures, humidity, and the increasing probability of late afternoon thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes.  It does not have to be a hurricane to cause significant damage in our waterfront community.  Take the time now to start your preparation for the inevitable summer storms and potential for a hurricane. I encourage new residents, in particular, to review the storm preparation guidelines and sign up for alerts at https://www.stpete.org/residents/public_safety/hurricane_center.php.
 
A bizarre series of incidents occurred on Mass. Ave South early in the week of May 9 where a resident's Ring camera recorded a shirtless/shoeless man ringing their doorbell asking to be “let in because someone was trying to kill” him.  SPPD surmised that the man was, potentially, a “meth addict.” I have no further reports at this time but will advise the community of what we hear.  We can never be too vigilant – please remove all valuables from your cars and lock the doors and secure your homes.  If you see something call the SPPD immediately.  The footage from the Ring camera has been uploaded to http://www.ourvi.org/incident.html
 
The VIHA Board Members, as well as members of the Deed Restriction Revision Committee (“DRRC”), have been working hard over the course of the past months on the first of several proposed revisions to the Deed Restrictions (“DR”).  As previously communicated, certain DRs are out of date and one of the Board’s primary objectives is to systematically update the DRs.  To be clear, the intent is not to create DRs that are more restrictive, but to clear up any ambiguities and make certain DRs consistent with City Code.  Input from the community was sought prior to this first round of DR revisions and input will be solicited prior to any upcoming rounds.
 
As of May 11, progress on the three DRs that are included in the first ballot that you received a couple of months ago include:

• Deed Restriction 03 – 322 votes “for” represents 61.7%
• Deed Restriction 13 – 291 votes “for” represents 55.7%
• Deed Restriction 53 – 349 votes “for” represents 66.9%

As a reminder, to amend, add or delete any DR requires 348 votes (66.67% of the property owners in VI) – we always want to have a “margin” above the minimum requirement.  At this stage in the DR revision process, every vote counts please do not rely on your neighbors for us to achieve our goal!!!! Any ballot that is not returned is counted as a “no” vote. If you have not yet sent in your ballot, please do so now. Please contact Tom Testa at ttesta@ourvi.org if you have misplaced your ballot or you have questions and would like a member of the DRRC to contact you. 
 
In the event that we do not receive the required 66.67% approval of the VI property owners the changes that have been requested by the community will not be implemented and the DRs as currently worded will stand.  As an example, if DR 53 is not passed then chain link fences will remain the only fencing option that can be installed in VI rather than the more attractive fencing materials that would be allowed under the revised DR (and that were allowed after the initial passage of DR 53 in 2015 until the Revitalization in 2021). The full list of current DRs can be accessed on the VIHA website at http://www.ourvi.org/deed-restrictions.html.
 
A couple of dates for you to put into your calendar. Emails will be sent prior to each event with more details:

• September 23 - VI night at the Trop.  $40.00 for a ticket and Rays hat for a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.  Could there be pennant race implications? If you are interested in attending, please send an email to admin@ourvi.org.
• October 29 – Oktoberfest which will be held at the Kansas South cul-de-sac

 
Also, there is a Neighborhood Walk organized on the fourth Saturday of each month by Janice Drinkwine in partnership with Healthy St, Pete. Please contact her at jdrinkwine@gmail.com for more information.
 
The VIHA Board will meet on May 25 and then will take our traditional summer recess until September.  Please let me know if you would like to attend the May Board meeting or if there are any items you want the Board to be aware of. 
 
One other item of note. Don Herring, a member of the SPPD for 32 years and our Community Policing Officer in VI for the past 6 years, is retiring at the end of May.  Don has been a great resource to VI during this period.   We would like to present Don with a gift certificate recognizing his service to VI.  If you would like to contribute please email me at rscanlon@ourvi.org.  Don will be replaced by Officer James Fuchs who can be reached at james.fuchs@stpete.org.
 
Finally, many thanks to the 346 (66%) property owners who have paid their 2022 VIHA dues so far.  Instructions for paying your dues can be found at http://www.ourvi.org/pay-dues.html.  The 2022 dues are $200.00 and are the primary source of funding for all the VIHA activities including DR enforcement, beautification, utilities, insurance and other operating expenses.  Your support is very much appreciated and necessary to keep up the appearance of our community.  All 2022 current VIHA members should have received a copy of the 2022 Membership Directory. If you are a dues payer and did not receive your copy, please email admin@ourvi.org.  Any additional homeowners who pay their 2022 dues will also receive a copy of the Directory. Thank you to all the residents who advertised their business in the Directory.
 
Thank you.
 
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
rscanlon@ourvi.org

​Dear VI Residents:
 
After a relatively “quiet” period in VI over the past several months, there was another auto theft this past weekend from the Carolina block. The vehicle was unlocked and still close enough to the key fob that the car could be started and driven away.  If you have a key fob rather than keys I suggest you do what I did this afternoon: unlock your car, leave your key fobs where you usually do in your home and see if the car starts by just pushing the “Start” button.  My fob was far enough away that the car did not start.
 
On the same night at about the same time there was a burglary to another unlocked car on Carolina Ave. and a firearm was taken from the vehicle.  Please remember to remove all valuables, including firearms, from your car and make sure your car doors are locked at all times.
 
We had our first in-person VIHA General Meeting in January with the primary objectives of (i) providing attendees a review of 2021 and an overview of 2022; (ii) electing the VIHA Board for 2022 which includes 3 new members and, most importantly, (iii) describing the Deed Restriction (“DR”) revision process.
 
One of the things that Board and committee members have heard from VI property owners is that the Deed Restrictions (DR)s are “out of date,” etc…  The Deed Restriction Revision Committee (“DRRC”) has been working hard over the course of the past 2+ years to identify DRs that need to be amended, eliminated or added and we are now ready to put the recommended changes out to vote by the community. As I wrote in my January President’s Letter, the decision was made to present 3 DR revisions per ballot rather than including all the proposed revisions at once.  The three DRs that are included in the first ballot that you received a couple of weeks ago include:
 
Deed Restriction 03 – defines all setbacks and aligns with City Code.
Deed Restriction 13 – defines ARC approval requirements for exterior improvements
Deed Restriction 53 – fences, a new DR, defines materials and heights of fences

Note that DR 53 was previously approved but because of the “Revitalization” of the DRs that was completed in 2021, it must be balloted and approved again.  The only changes to what was approved previously for DR 53 is to make the measurements clearer.  The full list of current DRs can be accessed on our  website at http://www.ourvi.org/deed-restrictions.html.
 
As a reminder, to amend, add or delete any DR requires the consent of 66.67% of the property owners in VI.  Any ballot that is not returned is counted as a “no” vote.  To date we have received completed ballots back from 44% of the VI property owners.  If you have not returned your ballot, you will likely be contacted by a VIHA volunteer to make sure you received the ballot and, if you did, whether your failure to return the ballot was intended to be a “no” vote on these DR revisions.  In the event that we do not receive the required 66.67% approval of the VI property owners that does not mean that these three DRs are eliminated or will not be enforced, it simply means that the changes that have been requested by the community will not be implemented and the DRs as currently worded will stand.  As an example, if DR 53 is not passed then chain link fences will remain the only fencing option that can be installed in VI rather than the more attractive fencing materials that would be allowed under the revised DR (and that were previously allowed after the initial passage of DR 53 in 2015 until the Revitalization in 2021).
 
As you drive into any of the three entrances to VI, I hope you will notice the “No Soliciting” signs that have been posted.  These signs a result of an incident reported by a property owner involving a door-to-door solicitor she felt uncomfortable with. Now that the signs are posted, the St. Pete Police Department (SPPD) has the authority to investigate any similar incidents.  Please report them to the SPPD non-emergency line 727-893-7780 and they will send an officer to investigate.
 
I am still planning “VIHA Board Members in the House,” smaller meetings of Board members with residents of each street to hear of your concerns or ideas as to how to improve life in VI.  Please contact me if you would be interested in hosting a meeting for your street in your home or on your lanai.
 
A couple of dates for you to put into your calendar:

• March 26 – Neighborhood Walk
• April 9 – VI Yard Sale from 8:00am till 12:00 noon
• October 29 – Octoberfest which will be held at the Kansas South cul-de-sac

Emails will be sent with details of each of these events.
 
Finally, many thanks to the 306 (59%) property owners who have paid their 2022 VIHA dues so far.  Instructions for paying your dues can be found at http://www.ourvi.org/pay-dues.html.  The 2022 dues are $200.00 and are the primary source of funding for all the VIHA activities including DR enforcement, beautification, utilities, insurance and other operating expenses.  Your support is very much appreciated and necessary to keep up the appearance of our community.
 
Enjoy the spring, which is one of the most beautiful times of the year in VI.
 
Thank you.
 
 
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
rscanlon@ourvi.org

Dear VI Residents:
 
I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  Over the next several weeks VI will be “lit up” for the holidays culminating in the lighting of luminaries along the seawalls on December 24.  The Hospitality Committee will be selling candles again this year.  Your block’s candle seller will be reaching out to you shortly and details will also be available on ourvi.org.  Don’t wait till the last minute to get your seawall candles as they always go fast!!! Also, the VI Holiday Food Drive has been set for December 12 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the intersection of Grand Canal and Overlook. Donations will benefit the St. Pete Free Clinic.
 
COVID-19 has forced us to curtail many of the usual VI activities including Oktoberfest, the New Homeowner’s Reception and our Annual and General Meetings so we are excited to kick off 2022 with an “in person” Annual Meeting on January 20, 2022, at Lutheran Church of the Cross (“LCC”).  The meeting will start at 6:30 pm with a “social time” and at 7:00 pm for the business meeting.  Obviously, this will be pending no further outbreaks which would cause LCC to re-impose the prior level of restrictions against allowing outside groups to use their facilities.
 
Topics to be discussed at the Annual Meeting include:

• Election of VIHA Officers and Board Members for 2022 (we had three property owners submit a Nominations Form to serve for 2022);
• Review of VIHA operations from the date of the last Annual Meeting in 2020 and presentation of the budget for 2022; and
• An update on the Deed Restriction (“DR”) revision process with the first three proposed DR revisions going to the property owners in January 2022. 

 
The Board has approved an increase in VIHA annual dues from $180 to $200 for 2022.  This is necessary to offset increases in VIHA insurance, utilities and legal expenses.  As a reminder, VIHA members may request a copy of the annual budget.
 
I want to share a feel-good story.  Several weeks ago, a “solicitor” convinced an elderly VI resident to write a large check to his “cause.” The solicitor showed the check to another neighbor trying to convince him to contribute.  Fortunately, he recognized the name on the check, knew the person was suffering from dementia and contacted her family.  The family was able to put a stop payment order on the check.  Just a great example of one neighbor looking out for another.  Let’s try to exhibit more of that in VI!!!!
 
At recent VIHA Board meeting we discussed putting up “No Soliciting” signs at the entrances to VI.  Subsequent to that Board meeting we learned from Don Herring, our Community Policing Officer, that if signs are installed and the SPPD is made aware of a solicitor then they will, depending upon available manpower, respond to the complaint.  While this approach may be helpful, the most successful approach may be for a property owner to install a “No Soliciting” sign at your door to, hopefully, preclude people from knocking on your door.  The best of these signs that I have seen in the neighborhood is: “No Soliciting – Unless You are Selling Girl Scout Cookies!!!”
 
There are a couple of other things to make you aware of:

• I get a report each week from Don Herring, our Community Service Officer with the SPPD. Lately there appears to be a higher frequency of thefts occurring from docks.  Just a reminder to secure your valuables whether they are on a dock or in your car and please keep your car doors locked; and,
• We have received a few complaints lately about “light pollution.”  We live in a very compact area and while I understand the need to make sure your home is safe and secure, please consider the impact that any high-intensity lighting may have upon your neighbors and their ability to enjoy their property as well.

 
We have been contacted by Hotwire Communications about offering a “Fiber to the home option” for bulk cable and internet. We think this service might be of great benefit to VI residents by providing better service at a lower cost. We are looking for VI residents who can lend their expertise and help us get a better understanding of what this potential option entails. Please contact me if you have experience in this area and can assist us in investigating this further.
 
Finally, a big “shout out” to Brooke and Craig on Carolina Ave. for continuing to organize Friday Food Truck Events.  This has proven to be a great way to bring VI residents together and meet their neighbors.  The December Food Truck Friday is scheduled for December 17 in front of 2020 Carolina.  Details about the event can be found on ourvi.org.    
 
I look forward to seeing you around the Isles during this holiday season.
 
 
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
rscanlon@ourvi.org
 ​