Letter from A Concerned Homeowner

Dear Venetian Isles Property Owners,
Our community stands at a crossroads. In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we’ve faced unprecedented devastation—flooded homes, shattered roofs, and a long road to recovery. These changes—DR-50, DR-8, DR-3, DR-10, and DR-42—are not just updates; they’re a lifeline to rebuild smarter, stronger, and together. We need your vote now, and we need it “For” these revisions. Here’s why.
The Stakes Are High
Under our current rules, not voting counts as an “Against” vote. To pass, each revision needs 348 “For” votes—two-thirds of our 522 properties. Of the 53% that voted, the five DR revisions averaged over 86% approving. With only 278 ballots in, we’re falling short, not because these changes lack merit, but because silence is stifling progress. The storms damaged 80% of our homes and 50% sit empty, with owners displaced, rebuilding, or waiting for insurance checks. Property values have plummeted in the last five months—over 20 homes are for sale, and only a handful have sold this year. We can’t afford to let outdated restrictions hold us back when modern solutions are within reach.
Why These Changes Matter
These revisions aren’t arbitrary—they’re responses to your feedback, crafted by our Deed Restriction Revision Committee to meet today’s realities. Let’s break them down:
1. DR-50: Electronic Voting
o Why It’s a No-Brainer: For 50 years, we’ve relied on slow, costly mail ballots. Electronic voting streamlines elections, saves money, and ensures everyone—especially those displaced—can participate. It’s 2025—let’s join the digital age and make our voices heard effortlessly.
o Benefit: Faster decisions mean quicker action to protect and enhance our community.


2. DR-8: Seamed, Non-Corrosive Metal Roofs
o Why It’s Essential: Clay tile roofs, our current standard, became deadly missiles in Helene and Milton’s winds—cracking, leaking, and driving up repair costs. They were not made for Florida’s hurricanes. Seamed metal roofs (e.g., aluminum) are hurricane-resistant and can handle winds from 140-180 MPH, are leak-proof, and are virtually indestructible. They’re standard on high-end homes across Florida for a reason—they withstand high winds, hail, and debris. Take a short drive down Bayshore or Brightwaters and you’ll see that most of the new homes that are built or being built are using these types of roofs. They look modern and fabulous!
o Benefit: Stronger roofs mean fewer claims, lower insurance rates, and homes that endure. Plus, they boost curb appeal and property values in a market desperate for resilience.


3. DR-3: Cul-de-Sac Setback Alignment
o Why It Makes Sense: This aligns our rules with City code, letting cul-de-sac owners build garages 20 feet from the front setback (vs. 25 feet). It maximizes usable space on unique lots, mirroring  what’s already allowed citywide.
o Benefit: Increased functionality raises property values—not just for cul-de-sac homes, but for all of us, by showcasing a forward-thinking neighborhood.


4. DR-10: Garage Size and Modern Landscaping
o Why It’s Practical: This sets a clear 400-square-foot minimum for garages—ensuring space for two cars—and allows artificial turf, stone, and mulch in defined areas. Turf cuts water bills (a scarce and expensive resource post-storms), eliminates mowing costs, and resists drought and disease.
o Benefit: Sustainable, low-maintenance yards save money and time while enhancing our community’s appeal to buyers seeking eco-friendly homes.
5. DR-42: Dock Relief at Canal Pinch Points
o Why It’s Fair and Smart: Homes at canal ends—larger, often pricier lots—face “pinch points” that limit dock size under current rules. This revision adjusts limits (e.g., half the width beyond 50 feet for canals under 120 feet), ensuring 50-foot navigable channels—wider than city minimums. Of the 32 non-compliant docks in Venetian Isles, most would comply if it passes.
o Benefit: Compliant docks and lifts make these homes more attractive and desirable. This would help to lift all our property values. Without it, the VIHA faces costly lawsuits against 32  owners—or worse, a countersuit by the 32 owners could force even laxer rules. Let’s avoid division and expense; this compromise works for everyone.
Beyond the Basics: A Vision for Venetian Isles
These revisions aren’t just fixes—they’re investments. If all 278 ballots received so far were “For,” every DR would pass if abstentions didn’t count as “AGAINST”. That tells us the will is there—we just need everyone to act. Here’s what’s at stake:
 Property Values: Modern roofs, flexible setbacks, and dock relief signal a premium, resilient community. Buyers want homes that won’t crumble in the next storm—who doesn’t want that?
 Community Strength: Most of us are still rebuilding. These changes ease that burden—metal roofs resist hurricanes, turf saves resources, and docks enhance waterfront living. Voting “For” is a vote to help our
neighbors stand tall again.
 Unity Over Conflict: DR-42 alone could spark legal chaos—suing 32 owners would drain VIHA funds (dues haven’t risen despite our needs), and a countersuit could unravel all dock rules. Let’s unite for a solution, not fracture over enforcement.
Your Vote Is Your Voice
We get it—life is chaotic. If you haven’t received your ballot because you’re not home or if you need a replacement, you can request a new copy by sending an email to [email protected]. Our VIHA President, Rich Scanlon, sent a letter to all of us on 2/1/2025 asking us to contact him at 727-560-3655 or email him at [email protected] if you have any questions, I’m sure he’d be happy answer any questions or to rush a new ballot to your current address. Voting is simple: mark “For” on each of the five revisions, sign, and mail the prepaid postcard. Do it today, remember, not voting, counts as a, “Against” vote!
​A Call to Action
Spring is here, but hurricane season looms on June 1. We’ve lost enough—let’s not lose this chance to rebuild better. Picture Venetian Isles five years from now: storm-proof roofs gleaming, lush yards thriving without waste, docks welcoming boats, and property values climbing because we chose progress over stagnation. That starts with you.
Vote “For” all five revisions. Show kindness to your neighbors still piecing their lives back together. Let’s lift each other up and make Venetian Isles a beacon of resilience and pride. Mail your ballot now—every “For” vote brings us closer to 348.
Together, we rise.
Sincerely,
Bill Birkins
2080 Hawaii Avenue NE