​Dear Neighbor:
 
A summary of the responses to the 2020 VI Resident Survey has been posted at http://www.ourvi.org/2020-resident-survey.html . Again, my thanks to the 208 people who filled out the survey.  Your input was extremely valuable and will be used by the VIHA Board to make decisions for 2021 and beyond. 
 
The primary concerns noted by survey respondents were:

1. Brickwork on Grand Canal
2. Speeding
3. Road Maintenance
4. Neighbors not maintaining properties / Deed Restriction enforcement 

While the first three issues are the responsibility of the City of St. Petersburg, the VIHA will continue to raise residents’ concerns to the City.  For example, Lisa Schwartz, Chair of the VIHA Beautification Committee, is already working closely with the City to identify a permanent solution for the brickwork. The VIHA Deed Restriction Committee (DRC) is responsible for the fourth.
 
The VIHA Board will continue to assess the responses and has reached out to the residents who requested follow up.  We will find a way to allow for a broader discussion on the survey results once we can meet in a safe manner.
 
Several thefts from docks have been reported recently.  This is a good reminder not to leave valuables out, raise your lifts and never leave keys in your boat or jet ski.
 
Finally, I would like to say THANK YOU to VI Resident Jerry White, owner of Electric Connection, who fixed the lighting on the royal palms at the Overlook entrance saving us the expense of  hiring an electrician.  If you have expertise in a particular area and would like to volunteer your services for the benefit of VI – we would certainly appreciate it!!!!
 
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and we hope to see you at a VIHA meeting soon.
 
Thank you.
 
Rich Scanlon
VIHA Board President
[email protected] 

Dear Neighbor:
 
On November 11, Tropical Storm Eta hit Venetian Isles harder than anyone thought it would.  I’ve lived in VI since 1993 and this was the worst storm I can remember since the mid-1990’s,  Regardless of the number of years you have lived in VI, the message is to take these storms seriously because you never know when they will make a last minute change and have a substantial impact on VI.  Be prepared and don’t leave anything to chance.
 
If you were looking in the bay or the canals after Eta, you could see that there was significant damage to many of the docks in our community but, luckily, there did not appear to be any seawall failures.  As you inspect your docks, remember to check the condition of the pilings that provide the support.  Better to inspect/repair them now then have your dock completely destroyed in the next storm.  Remember, if you are going to replace your dock, for any reason, please submit the plans to the Architectural Review Committee for approval.  The approval process and checklist of required documentation are outlined at http://www.ourvi.org/architectural-review.html
 
I appreciate the efforts of the 208 VI residents who took the time to complete the 2020 Resident Survey.  Your input and insights will be very valuable in guiding the VIHA Board in our priorities for 2021.  The survey results will be summarized and reviewed with the community once we can meet again in a safe manner.
 
Finally, VI continues to maintain our status as a highly sought after neighborhood because of our location and the efforts of our volunteers.  I’d like to recognize Lisa Schwartz, Steve Cropper and Mark Brenman who on the Saturday morning following Eta took it upon themselves to remove a substantial amount of storm debris (see photo below) from Grand Canal, Overlook and Mermaid Point.  I'd also like to thank Bill Greenfield for coordinating the placement of flags throughout VI in honor of Veterans Day. ​