UPDATE #20
JANUARY 9, 2025
Dear Valued Members,
Fair warning: This update leans a bit on the humorous side. Every now and then, when life throws a few hurdles your way that are completely out of your control, the best response is a deep breath and a good laugh. Along the way, we’re going to keep checking the boxes, making progress step by step, and maintaining perspective. Consider this update part progress report, part perspective check, and a reminder that even during renovations, keeping our sense of humor intact is still very much on schedule.
Many years ago, I made a commitment, and the Board later made it policy: If we are going to do something, we are going to do it right. Well … here we go. Strap in.
Let’s start with the pool and the long-standing fantasy that any of us will ever swim in it again.
This pool project began innocently enough when the Board approved funds to relocate the equipment to enhance views from the pool deck. Then Mother Nature entered the chat. The flood issue required construction of the LOMR wall, which meant relocating the equipment was no longer optional it was mandatory. And so, the adventure began.
Bids were gathered, meetings were held, and we carefully made sure that everyone was aligned, the pool company, concrete company, plumbers, demolition crew, electricians, gas company all on the same page.
Check the box.
Well … it turns out it’s not quite that simple.
The concrete company? On time.
The gas company? On time.
The electricians? In and out with every phase, but on time.
The plumbers? …Let’s just say eventually on time.
Then the filter arrived.
This thing is roughly the size of an old V.W. Bug, and suddenly the question wasn’t when we’d install it, but how on earth we were going to get it into place. Enter the crane company, like a cape flowing heroically in the wind, to put in place. The filter was set, electricians returned, plumbers returned, everything was connected, and the pool company completed their scope so the Health Department could sign off.
HOLD THE PHONE.
Our pool filtration system is gravity-fed and, as Sir Isaac Newton would remind us, without gravity, we are doomed. Unfortunately, the new filter was installed just a bit too high for Newton’s laws to work at full capacity. Not only was it less than ideal from an operational standpoint, but it also impacted aesthetics and sightlines from the Wellness Center.
So … what does all this technical jibber-jabber mean?
It means we now get to:
Disconnect the plumbing
Lift the filter
Demo the concrete slab
Dig out dirt
Lower the filter
Re-plumb everything
Yes, it’s painful. Yes, it’s frustrating. And yes, it is absolutely the right thing to do. So, this will take some time to remedy.
Now for some actual good news.
Eagle Perch Island is 100% complete for this phase. If the darn iguanas would stop eating my plants, Maria, our Island caretaker, could just go about her daily routine in peace. By the way, Eagle Perch is a fantastic place to enjoy a cigar and watch the sun melt into the horizon.
Check the box.
A small but important side project is also complete: We cut out two areas of the parking lot to create a safer pathway to Waterside at Gulf Harbour Marina.
Check the box.
Now … for the elephant in the room or should I say, the big building being held up by little yellow shoring poles.
As mentioned in Update #19, not much happens over the holidays. I guess everyone loves Santa just as much as my granddaughters do!
Here’s what has happened since then:
• Window framing is nearing completion and windows are officially ordered.
• The existing construction, including available as-built documents, does not meet current hurricane-resistant building code requirements.
• Existing structural walls have been framed (except for two kitchens and two bars).
• Rough-in plumbing is progressing nicely.
• The new main electrical panel has been installed and cabled back to the transformer.
• Electrical rough-ins completed where they won’t conflict with other trades.
• Most ductwork in the existing structure is installed.
• Rough-in gas lines are in place for the new firepits.
• Some foundation work is complete.
• Footers for the LOMR wall are underway.
What has not happened yet?
Steel. Structural steel, still waiting. Son of a BBBBBBBBBBBBB. (Again, the existing construction, including available as-built documents, does not meet current hurricane-resistant building code requirements.)
The good news is that our biweekly meetings have become far more productive. Char and Doug continue to be our shining watchdogs and outstanding Owners’ Representatives, not in the way, but always helping move the rock uphill.
Bill and I also met with the principals of Curran & Young for what I’d call a “come-to-Jesus” meeting. It was tense but productive. The meeting was prompted by GH’s concern that Curran & Young’s pace and responsiveness to date have not aligned with the urgency of our overall schedule, including delays in deliverable completion and a lack of clear accountability for outstanding items. Curran & Young agreed that adjustments were needed and has committed to a corrective approach: adding additional resources to the project, increasing principal-level involvement, tightening internal review cycles, and providing a clearer weekly plan with measurable milestones and reporting. Curran & Young committed full resources to helping us meet our deadlines, and we’ll hold them to it.
Ah yes … the Rumor Mill. Let’s clear this one up before it grows another wing. There’s been chatter that new members somehow get a magical “free pass” on the clubhouse renovation. Sadly (or reassuringly), no such golden ticket exists.
Here’s the simple truth: Every member present and future will pay their fair share of the renovation for the next 10 years. The timing and method may differ, but the obligation does not disappear. Think of it less like “who paid” and more like “when and how.” Existing members contributed at the time the project was approved; future members contribute as they come in. Same destination, different on-ramps.
So, rest easy. The clubhouse is not being funded by a select group of generous souls while others lounge poolside sipping complimentary margaritas. Everyone who enjoys the benefits of this renovated clubhouse will help pay for it.
As always, thank you for your patience, your humor, and your continued support as we work through the messy middle. We are doing it right, even when gravity tries to prove otherwise.
Check the box.
Onward and Upward!
Lonnie
