Live Oak Residents To Pick Up Security Tab

By LAURA KINSLER The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 12, 2007

TAMPA - With the installation of a second set of gates, the Live Oak Preserve Homeowners Association will bear the total cost of on-site security for the community.

The community development district, which is controlled entirely by the developer, Transeastern Homes, paid $11,000 in the current fiscal year for a night courtesy officer. But the district's proposed budget for fiscal 2008 eliminates that budget item. Construction director Rick Feather said the new gates should be activated this month, and beginning next year, homeowners will have to pick up all the costs for security through their homeowners association fees.

The gate includes a bar code reader, and each resident will be issued decals to attach to their cars. Residents also will be able to select a four-digit code to allow access for employees and guests.

The district board controls common areas, such as the drainage ponds, main roads and entrances. The same board governs the districts for Live Oak Preserve Phases 1 and 2, and for The Hammocks. It also sets the annual assessment, which is included in the property owner's tax bill.

The proposed budget for Live Oak Preserve Phase 1 is $451,627 for the general fund. The district also plans to collect $1.1 million from property owners to help retire the community's debt. The proposed assessment would range from $954 to $1,954, based on the size of the lot.

In other business, the CDD board elected Jeffrey Bloch, Transeastern's new controller, as chairman for all three boards.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at lkinsler@tampatrib.com or (813) 865-4844.