June, 2019

Dear Neighbors:

The Indian Wells Osceola County Homeowners’ Association, Inc. (HOA) is concerned regarding the recent disconnect between the community and the HOA Board. We feel it is time to try to time to bring together the Community and try to educate everyone on the rules and responsibilities on living here in Indian Wells. We would also like to clear up some of the misinformation that has been shared on the Social Media Platforms.

There seems to be some miscommunication on the homeowners/residents responsibility to adhere to the Community’s Deed Restrictions regardless of whether that homeowner is a member of the HOA. The Notice of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Indian Wells for each lot runs with the Deed Restrictions. This means that by purchasing your property you agreed to be bound by the Deed Restrictions in your Lot. It is the obligation of each homeowner, whether you are a Member of the Association or not, and the homeowner’s tenants, guests, and invitees to comply with Florida law and the Deed Restrictions in your Lot.

In the event a homeowner, tenant, guest or invitee fails or refuses to comply with these provisions, the Association, if necessary, may bring legal action against any homeowner, tenant, guest, or invitee occupying or using a parcel or using the common areas.

The Smoke Signal Newsletter was distributed to every home here in the Community in March. The Spring Issue contained all the Deed Restrictions for all neighbors to be able to refer to and keep for further reference. In addition, we invite you to visit our website at www.Indianwells-hoa.com and review at your leisure. It was the responsibility of your Realtor at your closing to provide you with a copy of these Deed Restrictions. Additionally, if you are a tenant, the owner of your property should have provided you a copy of these Deed Restrictions with your lease. We have been told that this has not been done in most cases, so we urge you to review these Deed Restrictions.

If you are a homeowner in Indian Wells and plan on making any changes to your home, you are required to submit an Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Application to the HOA Board for approval prior to any changes. This is required under our Deed Restrictions and subject to everyone, regardless of whether you are an HOA Member.

Indian Wells has a Parking Ordinance 00-13. This means that Parking is prohibited on streets, grassy areas and aprons. There are signs posted upon every entrance to our development identifying this Ordinance. It is not the requirement of the HOA to notify the residents of this Ordinance, it is the responsibility of each resident to know the laws. However, this Ordinance IS posted on the Facebook and Website. We have also posted this information several times on the Next-Door social media platform. We have also posted this information on the Smoke Signal Newsletters and outside the Pool on our Bulletin Board for all neighbors to read.

Parking Permits can be obtained from the HOA (requests can be downloaded from our website). We request that the HOA be given at least 5 days’ notice to prepare these permits. Procedures are outlined on our website.

Additionally, it is unlawful to block sidewalks in the State of Florida under Section 316.1945 and subject to fine by the Osceola County Sheriff Department. This is a safety hazard as a neighbor must walk in the street, so we ask that you do not block any sidewalks.

Speaking of the Next-Door Site, so much misinformation has been posted it is disheartening for the HOA Board. We would like to share with those who do not know that the HOA did not “steal” the Park from the Residents. The Indian Wells County Homeowners Association Inc was deeded the Park/Pool in 1983, see INDIAN WELLS UNIT EIGHT PB 7 PGS 26-27 TRACT A RECREATION in County Court Records for reference. The HOA Board, upon vote of the Members of the HOA, chose to fence in the Park/Pool for the safety and security for the neighbors of the Community. We were dealing with homeless people sleeping in the park, drug deals and outside people visiting our park and taking it from our children. At times we had buses (more than several times) coming to our park at the direction of local hotels to practice on our fields. The Board had to take action, fencing it in and changing the locks were the only option. The Board has notified all owners that the locks would be changed in advance of this change. This will be done on a yearly basis. It is the hopes of the HOA that next year, it will go more smoothly. We realize that not everyone will be happy with our decision, but we pleaded with the Community to help us to make a change. We did not receive any other alternatives.

The HOA has a Facebook Page (Indian Wells 34746) and a Web Page (see above) that is updated frequently with information. We encourage you to visit these pages. We also encourage you to submit questions and offer suggestions. Please contact us and leave a voicemail at (407) 396-0848. We check our voicemail several times per week.

The HOA Board is comprised of volunteers. We all have commitments outside the Board but devote as much time as possible to our neighborhood. We will return your phone calls and e-mails, but you must give us time. It may not be the same day. We do not “work” at the Clubhouse at 3101 Polynesian Isle Blvd, so please do not stop by that Office intending to see one of us. Voicemails or emails are the best way to get in contact with us.

The HOA is interested in your suggestions. We want to build this Community and bring it together. We can not do this alone. We understand that there is a disconnect. We have several events planned for the upcoming months for ALL neighbors. We must start somewhere, communication is key. The Board has agreed that the Next-Door Social Media site is not helpful, and we will no longer participate on his platform. We are asking that you use our Facebook or Website for all future correspondence. We will be announcing our events for the Community on these sites, so please stay tuned. We are excited for what we have planned for you and your families. We invite you to join our HOA. We want you to give your ideas, your input, your suggestions. Most of all, we want your support. You do not have to belong to the HOA to participate in our events. We are Rebuilding a Community. Please be a part of it.

Jeanne Correll President Indian Wells Homeowners Association