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Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry.
EPISODE 8: THE RULES ARE DIFFERENT HERE Almost a year after the tragic fall of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, the Florida Legislature has done nothing to prevent another disaster. It’s an approach often taken in Tallahassee: Miami-Dade County’s problems are its own to fix. But the flaws at Champlain South aren’t necessarily limited to Miami-Dade, or even Florida. They could be present in older waterfront buildings around the world.
Episode 8: The Rules Are Different Here of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, a new podcast from Miami Herald/Treefort Media, shows listeners how the long-term consequences of the deadly accident are still up in the air — and explores how previous decades of inaction by lawmakers and the Champlain South condo board contributed to the collapse.
When lakes and ponds exhibit problems like algae, aquatic weeds, bad odors, cloudiness, or muck development, it can prevent us from benefiting from the connection with nature that our waterbodies provide. Aquatic experts use a variety of techniques to diagnose the underlying issue. One of the most important tools is water quality testing. By analyzing water samples in a professional laboratory, scientists can identify the chemical imbalances that are preventing you from enjoying your waterbody to the fullest. Once data is collected, experts will implement tailored management solutions to restore the balance and beauty of the ecosystem. One natural and highly effective solution is Alum.
Alum has been a long-standing tool in our toolbox of lake and pond management solutions—and is a particular favorite of professionals who strive to use only sustainable maintenance practices. Alum (also known as Aluminum Sulfate) is used in a wide array of industries and applications such as drinking water management and wastewater treatments. In the lake and pond management industry, Alum is used to reset the chemical balance of aquatic environments to improve water quality. When water quality is enhanced, it creates an environment that is less hospitable to algae, nuisance weeds, and toxic cyanobacteria.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lake and pond management. This means that Alum may not be the right solution for each and every waterbody. Water quality tests help us understand the problems occurring under the surface and make this decision. Most often, Alum is deployed when water quality tests reveal unusually high levels of nutrients like Phosphorus, which is typically the root cause of undesirable organic growth.
Alum is applied to lakes and ponds as a white, powdery substance. As the Alum mixes into the water column, it binds with free-reactive nutrients, creating a cloudy trail behind the boat or a specially-designed application barge. After a short period of time, the particles sink to the bottom where they will remain inactive. Alum is considered very safe when applied by a professional and provides fast-acting results that can last for years. Almost immediately after an application is complete, the water column will become more clear. Over the course of days and weeks, the water quality improves.
Once the waterbody is restored to more balanced conditions, it’s important to prevent future nutrient loading by addressing the external sources of Phosphorus. Trash, pet waste, fertilizers, motor oil, sewage, and yard waste are often to blame. They can flow into lakes and ponds during rainstorms. Rainfall and weather events can also damage the shoreline, causing nutrient-rich soil and plant matter to crumble into the water. Stakeholders can slow this problem by establishing a robust vegetative buffer around the shoreline. Professionals recommend using native plants that grow approximately 18 inches high and develop complex root systems to naturally hold soil in place. If shorelines have sustained significant damage over the years, it may be necessary to completely rebuild them using bioengineered mesh technology that can be seeded with the grass and buffer plants following installation.
Alum is not the only natural substance that removes nutrients in the water column. Solutions like Phoslock and EuroSORB work similarly to target Phosphorus.
Phoslock is a lanthanum-modified clay that binds with excess phosphorus, chemically changing its composition so that they can no longer support weeds and algae. EutroSORB, on the other hand, is a filtration technology that captures nutrients in the water column. It is particularly effective in waterbodies with significant movement and mixing, such as stormwater ponds, streams, and canals. Once the filter is fully saturated with phosphorus, it is pulled from the water for disposal. In some cases, experts may also choose to use an aqueous form of EutroSORB that can be poured or sprayed on the surface, or applied via subsurface injection.
Your lake and pond management professional may consider a number of factors when choosing which of these three nutrient remediation products to implement. These may include your waterbody’s size, location, use, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, muck level, and degree of water movement.
The well-being of our aquatic environments reflects our own. Science shows that humans are happier, healthier, and more relaxed when spending time around beautiful water. Nutrients are the building blocks that help create these amazing ecosystems that delight us, but it’s necessary to maintain them at balanced levels as nature intended. Alum is one of many eco-friendly tools employed through an annual maintenance program. Like most solutions, it is most effective when used proactively. Click to learn more about the benefits of Alum and the important role it plays in a year-round management plan.
Tags: Lake Management Articles
by Steven Sarasohon of Sarasohn & Company Public Adjusters
Most states license all insurance adjusters, whether they work for an insurance company or for the public. Adjusters working for the insurance companies are obligated to treat all claimants fairly and impartially. However, they are paid by the insurance companies for their efforts. The state recognizes that you, the policyholder, are entitled to representation and you may retain the services of a licensed public adjuster to assist in the claim process. Sarasohn & Company, founded in 1924, is a fourth-generation public adjusting company based in Boca Raton, FL. As such, we can provide unparalleled expertise to get you the best possible settlement.
Our president, Stephen Sarasohn SPPA, is the third generation in his family’s business. His son, Bernard, joined the firm several years ago and is following in his footsteps. Stephen has been a public adjuster for 51 years and has held the professional designation Senior Professional Public Adjuster since it was first created in 1987. Stephen’s father, Ira Sarasohn SPPA, was one of the founding members of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Both Stephen and Ira were founding members of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.
Property owners can certainly try to prepare and adjust their insurance claims themselves. However, as with most things in life, a great deal of benefit can be realized by hiring an expert to assist with a difficult and complex task. No public adjuster in Florida has as much experience as Stephen Sarasohn. Stephen has been certified as an instructor by the Florida Department of Financial Services and has taught insurance courses to the other public adjusters for their continuing education requirements. Sarasohn & Company has adjusted claims ranging from burglaries to plumbing leaks, to fires, to hurricanes, to airplanes crashing into buildings. The valuable experience we’ve gained, in our 98 years, benefits every client. We’ve adjusted a great many claims in excess of a million dollars, some of them in the tens of millions.
Not every professional is the same. When you need the assistance of an expert, you should hire the best expert. Contrary to another article on this site, damage caused by your negligence is not excluded.
While it would be wonderful if no one ever suffered damage to their property, it would be unrealistic to expect such good fortune. That’s why we all buy insurance. If you make a claim, the insurance company will have experts to represent their interests and you’d be well advised to do the same. For a free consultation regarding your damage or for a free review of your policy coverages, please contact us at any time at 561-368-5000
To Make it easy: You can contact us through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sarasohn-Company-Inc-1571655336409086
On our Website or by Phone: http://www.sarasohn.net/ (561) 368-5000
And on our Membership Page on SFPMA
Tags: Business Articles, Condo and HOA, Management News, Public Adjuster Articles
We strongly encourage, that every year around this time association managers and Board of Directors review and ensure that your capital reserve study is accurate and up-to-date. This is one of the smartest decisions a board will make for the future of the association. It is an easy and effective way to ensure your community’s capital replacement items are being properly funded with minimal impact on the individual homeowners.
Tags: Condo and HOA Budgets, Management News, Members Articles
Your one stop shop provider for closing all your open building permit needs, providing all the disciplines necessary to close out open permits. We are the leading professionals in the South Florida area including Broward County, Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County.
Aruba Permit Services
1413 South Powerline Road
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Email: info@aruba-services.com
Phone: (954) 786-7292
Think you know what community association life is all about? Think again. Residents must obey the rules, directors must follow the law, and managers must keep it all running smoothly. Take It to the Board explores the reality of life in a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain that ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Leading community association attorney Donna DiMaggio Berger acknowledges the balancing act without losing her sense of humor as she talks with a variety of association leaders, experts, and vendors about the challenges and benefits of the community association lifestyle.
If you’ve got a question, Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger – We Speak Condo & HOA!
Episodes are available for subscription on iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, or listen through any podcast streaming app.
Being a successful landlord means juggling lots of hats and more importantly, doing so in an organized, efficient manner. Otherwise, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed and unable to do your job effectively – whether that’s answering emails, fixing repairs, managing equipment or any number of the other tasks you’re responsible for.
As with any major venture, knowledge is key. Before you set out to buy your first property, get to know the market. You’ll need to understand everything from local employment statistics to generally accepted rental rates. Homee further recommends understanding local housing laws and getting familiar with common property management metrics, such as maintenance cost, turnover, and occupancy rates.
If you have very little experience in real estate investing or management, consider taking a course, such as Property Management 101 from Udemy. While, at less than $50, the course is likely not fully comprehensive, it can help you understand the fundamentals and shape your mindset so that you can be a more effective manager.
Finding the right property is a crucial element in your management success, especially if you’re looking to turn a profit. But, before you buy, it pays to know why, exactly, people move into apartments or multi-housing units in the first place. Single people will often choose an apartment for the safety aspect, while others may want access to a clubhouse, fitness center, and swimming pool that they do not have to maintain.
When saving money at the beginning is one of your top concerns, you’ll need to take your time deciding on a property. You might wish to speak with a realtor about purchasing a home in “as-is” condition. This is a property that will likely need some work but, if you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and doing some of the upgrades, seasonal maintenance, and repairs yourself, you can get a good deal and an even better return. Do keep in mind, however, that homes with an active termite infestation or other significant issues may not be the best bet. You should also have the property inspected for any potential red flags and, if possible, include a cancellation clause in the contract should your inspections yield negative results. Real estate agency Redfin suggests having an attorney perform a title search and examine pertinent land records.
When it is time to open your new property for tenants, being organized is essential. You will need to be able to do everything, like maintaining a resident database, booking amenities, handling service requests, accepting card payments, and tracking visitor/tenant parking. This is where Concierge Plus comes into play. Our Resident Experience Management platform can do these things and so much more. Having a reliable property management app in your toolbox from the very beginning will help you grow and seamlessly add new properties to your real estate portfolio.
Staying organized may not solve all your problems, but it will help you look and be more professional so that you can manage your property effectively. Keeping accurate records, and knowing where those records are, will also save you money in the long run.
Owning your first tenants’ property is a big job. It takes lots of preparations, from learning about local tenant housing laws to finding ways to save money from the very beginning. But, real estate is a rewarding endeavor, and there is lots of income potential.
We recently held a webinar on how landlords, property managers, and board members can use our resident experience management platform to help stay organized.
Watch our webinar and learn about:
Wetlands are frequently mandated by state and county statute. When you work with Allstate, you can be assured that we are following all regulations and mandates for wetland preserves and wetland management in South Florida.
Did you know! In Florida there are more 400 water recycling projects, making our state a national leader in the use of reclaimed water. The treatment process eliminates harmful substances, but leaves traces of nitrogen and phosphorous that act as fertilizers when reclaimed water is applied to lawns and landscape. Reclaimed water can cause spikes in algae growth on lakes.
Call us at 954-382-9766 for more information on causes for algae growth
Allstate Resource Management has over 25 years of experience in maintaining the health of lakes, ponds, wetlands, and stormwater systems. We have continued since our inception to be the leader in resource management. Our services include lake management, wetland management, stormwater drain cleaning and maintenance, erosion control, fish stocking, native plantings, debris removal, water quality, aquatic pest control, and upland management. All of our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified in order to meet the strict standards imposed by governmental agencies. This ensures that your property will be treated by only the most competent individuals who are proud of the services we render.
In addition to providing a healthy habitat, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of beautiful color lit fountains, bringing beauty and enjoyment to any lake or pond.
We also offer support services for property managers and HOA’s including educational presentations and CEU programs. Our approved courses offer continuing education credit to CAMs. Find us on the SFPMA Members Directory.
Colleen Sullivan
Marketing Manager
www.allstatemanagement.com
6900 SW 21st Court, Building #9
Davie, Florida 33317
Phone: (954) 382-9766
Lee Composites, Inc. has been supplying thousands of SuperHanger(TM) patented PVC Pipe Hanger Systems t0 Condominiums throughout Florida for over 27yrs now. It is by far the most popular pipe hanger system on the market, replacing rusted steel pipe hangers. Contact us now before problems occur.
Regards, Bob Lee- President
Lee Composites, Inc.
PO Box 130363
The Woodlands, TX 77393
281-782-2477