thanks to those within the Lake Ashton Community (Lake Wales and Winter Haven) our Neighborhood Watch Deputies & other leadership. Those combined efforts have produced a total community program that is recognized throughout law enforcement and elsewhere on all levels. One of our hottest events is coming March 2 at 9 am in our Ballroom - Winter Haven and Lake Wales Police Chiefs will be updating what’s happening in both cities and other important areas. You won’t want to miss this very informative meeting. Please send any questions to me fswperson@aol.com so we can get answers direct from the Chiefs. Time permitting questions from the audience will be solicited! CITIZENS ASSISTED PATROL (CAP) By David Bishop, CAP Coordinator Lake Ashton is a very safe place to live, and that is not by accident. We are fortunate to be located in a county served by one of the most effective sheriff’s departments in the country. We also benefit from excellent police services supporting our neighboring municipalities, an active Neighborhood Watch Program, professional security personnel at our gates and on patrol, and modern technology that helps protect our community. In addition, our Citizen Assisted Patrol (CAP) volunteers play an important role in supporting overall safety. The area surrounding Lake Ashton continues to grow and evolve. What was once primarily rural land with small neighboring municipalities has developed into a more populated region with expanding residential communities. Growth brings many positive opportunities, but it also makes it important for communities like ours to remain attentive and proactive about safety. For that reason, all of our public safety partners continue working together to maintain the high level of security our residents expect. This includes the CAP Program, whose mission is to observe and report. As volunteers patrol, they remain attentive to anything unusual or potentially concerning and communicate information appropriately. We are also increasing patrol coverage with additional volunteers to help maintain strong awareness throughout the neighborhood. By working together — residents, volunteers, security personnel, Neighborhood Watch, and law enforcement — we help ensure Lake Ashton remains a safe and welcoming community for everyone. For those already involved with CAP and Neighborhood Watch, thank you for your service. Volunteer participation makes a meaningful difference in maintaining the quality of life we all value here. I also encourage residents who are interested to consider becoming involved in Neighborhood Watch or the PCSO Citizen Assisted Patrol as another way to support our community. AVOID A GATE STRIKE • Stop at the stop sign • Wait until any vehicles in front of you have passed through the gate and it is closing • Proceed SLOWLY, so the RFID reader can read your RFID tag and open • Pass through the gate only after the gate rises with no vehicles in front of you • Do NOT attempt to tailgate, as this could result in a gate strike HOSTING FAMI LY FOR SPRING BREAK? March is a traditional time for family and friends to 21 escape the cold and visit those lucky enough to live at Lake Ashton. Remember, when you see a visiting grandchild they are guests of your neighbors so please extend every courtesy possible. Residents, please be tolerant of extra activity at the pool and other amenities. Those hosting family should remind them to be considerate of residents in this 55 and older community. Always shower before entering the pool or spa, and do not eat or drink in the pools or spa or on the surrounding four-foot wet deck. Absolutely no glass containers are allowed. Spas are for those 13+, lower umbrellas when leaving, and ensure children walk. It is helpful if a resident accompanies their guests at any of the amenities, but is not required.
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