HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 1 Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs until November 30. To assist residents in getting prepared for hurricane season, staff has compiled some guidelines and other important information that will be helpful as you prepare for the 2025 Hurricane Season. It can be found on lakeashtoncdd.com and in the Media Center on the information wall. There will also be a Hurricane Preparedness presentation by Polk County Fire Rescue on June 2 at 9 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Remember: • Hurricane and storm shutters must be approved by the Lake Ashton Architectural Review Committee (ARC) • The official site for Florida emergency preparation is floridadisaster.org • Register your contact information for the Alert Polk telephone and email notification system at alertpolk.com. Polk County officials use this system to inform county residents of situations that may affect their health, safety, and welfare, including severe weather alerts. • Two 14-day “disaster preparedness” tax holidays for specified supplies run from June 2 - 15 Visit the Department of Revenue website for the full list. ALL IGATOR ALERT Alligator mating season occurs in May and June so an increase in activity, including aggressive and territorial behavior is possible throughout the month. In late June or early July, females build a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris and deposit an average of 32 to 46 eggs. Incubation requires approximately 63-68 days, and hatching occurs from mid-August through early September. FWC reminds residents to be cautious when having fun in and around water during the summer months. Please be mindful of the following safety tips recommended by the FWC: • Generally, alligators less than four feet in length are not large enough to be dangerous unless handled. However, if you encounter any alligator that you believe poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWCGATOR 20 (866-392-4286). Please be aware, nuisance alligators are killed, not relocated. • Be aware of the possibility of alligators when you are in or near fresh or brackish water. Bites may occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near water. • Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Therefore, be cautious when near water during these times. • Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural prey of alligators. • Keep pets 10' away from the water. Don’t allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. • Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. Handling even small alligators can result in injury. • Never feed alligators – it’s dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. When this happens, some of these alligators have to be removed and killed. Always remember to observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Remember, they’re an important part of Florida’s natural history as well as an integral component of aquatic ecosystems. EMERGENCY OR NOT? Not sure when to call the police for both nonemergency and emergency situations? City of Lake Wales Police: 863-678-4223 City of Winter Haven Police: 863.291.5858 Polk County Sheriff’s Office: 863.298.6200 Gate Houses & Security Officers: Thompson Nursery Rd. (LW): 863.324.7290 County Road 653 (WH): 863.318.0237 Non-emergency calls are routine calls for service such as traffic crashes with no injury or roadblock, property crimes when the suspect is no longer present, animal complaints, loud music, and lost or found property. 911 emergency calls include serious medical situations, crimes in progress, physical disturbances, traffic crashes with injuries, and all life threatening or potentially life-threatening situations.
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