Dear POA Residents,
We would like to remind everyone of the importance of exercising caution around lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water within our community.
While serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides clear guidance to prevent dangerous encounters:
• Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator.
• Never feed an alligator. When fed, alligators lose their natural fear of people and begin to associate humans with food. This creates serious safety risks for you, your family, your neighbors, and your pets.
It has come to our attention that some residents are feeding the alligators. This must stop immediately.
Feeding alligators is illegal in Florida. If you are caught:
• The first offense carries a $1,000 fine.
• Subsequent offenses can result in jail time.
In addition to being illegal, feeding alligators often results in the animal becoming aggressive and ultimately being removed and destroyed.
If you witness someone feeding an alligator, please report it directly to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC or visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
Additional safety reminders:
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Never allow pets to swim in fresh or brackish water—even briefly. Pets resemble natural prey, and attacks happen quickly.
• If you believe an alligator poses a threat to people, pets, or property, contact the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance trapper if necessary.
Your cooperation is not optional—it is necessary for the safety of our entire community. Please use sound judgment, follow the law, and do not feed wildlife.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Dawn Caniff,Community Association Manager
