Middle Lake Association

Middle Lake History

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In the early 1960s, Del Webb started to dig artificial ponds and lakes on part of the land that is now Sun City Center. Hillsborough County wanted to use such ponds and lakes to tie into its drainage and flood-control system. In February 1967, Del Webb deeded the land now covered by the waters of Middle Lake, plus the two islands, to the County. However, the deeds retained and reserved to the ultimate owners of the land abutting upon Middle Lake the exclusive right to utilize the Lake for the purposes of swimming, boating, and fishing. The Board of County Commissioners approved the deed on March 20, 1967. It is important to note that the County owns the land but assumes no responsibility for the Lake.

Middle Lake is bounded by Danbury Drive, Valley Forge Boulevard, Bunker Hill Drive, and Del Webb Boulevard. There are also four cul-de-sacs: Blackstone Circle, Milford Circle, Burlington Circle, and Jacobson Circle. The lake covers an area of 35 acres, with 103 homes built around its perimeter. It contains two or three freshwater springs and is the lowest lake in Sun City Center. Both North and South Lakes Oow into Middle Lake. The excess water then runs into Cypress Creek under Del Webb Boulevard. Its deepest point is about eight feet. For those who like to walk, the shortest distance around the lake is 1.3 miles. If you also walk into the four cul-de-sacs, the distance is 1.75 miles.

From the outset, Middle Lake proved to be a popular location. Early in 1972, there were only six vacant lots and two unsold houses; thus, there were then 95 occupied homes. At the beginning of 1985, half of the residents on the lake were original occupants, indicating the continuing desirability of Middle Lake as a great place to live.

MIDDLE LAKE ASSOCIATION

In March 1970, a group of foresighted residents, calling themselves “Your Committee for Organization”, distributed a notice to all Middle Lake homeowners, inviting them to attend a meeting in Town hall. The stated purpose of the March 16 meeting was to form an association through which, in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation, the following objectives might be attained so that living on Middle Lake would become and remain desirable and pleasant for all.

To preserve and further enhance the natural surroundings and environment of Middle Lake.
To encourage beautification by the proper planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and the maintenance of nice lawns.
To strive for and be persistent in our course of action with the proper authorities to secure and maintain clean water in the lake at all times.
To protect and preserve wildlife on the islands and waters of the lake.
To establish mutually satisfactory and reasonable rules and regulations for the operation of motorboats on the lake.
To provide the same for fishing and swimming.
To establish guidelines of conduct and respect toward the activities and pleasures of neighbors, friends, and visitors.

At this initial meeting, the organization of the Middle Lake Association was approved. Regular Board and annual and semiannual meetings have been held since that time. The Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and Committee Responsibilities have been periodically updated during the intervening years, but the organizers can be proud of the founding documents and the process that resulted in unified support.

In 2004 the Association was incorporated under Chapter 617, Corporations Not for Profit, and Chapter 720, Homeowners Associations, Florida Statutes thereby becoming Middle Lake Association, Inc. With incorporation came the definition that each record owner of the lots abutting the Lake is a member of Middle Lake Association, Inc. upon the recording of the instrument of conveyance.

Over the years, the association has continued to be an effective organization because of the ACTIVE participation of its members. Primary concerns have been the condition of the Lake and islands, which affect the wildlife, natural beauty, and availability of boating and fishing. Weed control has also been a matter of concern, leading to successful eradication programs in the early 70s, again in the mid-80s, and continues today. The focal point of interest for all residents has always been their beautiful Lake and islands. But it has been and continues to be the cooperative and neighborly spirit, manifested in so many ways by Lake residents, that has made Middle Lake a very special place for those privileged to live here.

def 4/1/06

Pets

Since our Middle Lake Covenants prohibit fences, dogs cannot be put out in the “backyard” to yap all day. Likewise, the County’s Animal Control Ordinance prohibits tying a rope or chain to a dog and staking it outside to also yap all day. The County’s Animal Control Ordinance further requires that dogs and cats must be in the “direct control” of the owner via a leash when they are outside. This means that a dog cannot be left out unattended to do its “business”. And a cat cannot be let out roam.

If you have not given permission, an animal that roams onto your property can be trapped and turned over to the County.

Here are two internet quotes about animal control in Hillsborough County.

“Your dog or cat may not be loose on public property and may not be on another person's private property without their express consent in Hillsborough County. Before allowing your pet onto someone else's property, even with their verbal permission, obtain this consent in writing to prevent it later being contested because of property or personal damages.

Dogs confined to your own property may not be tethered to a stake or otherwise confined unsafely. If you allow a cat to roam on your property, it must be spayed or neutered.”

“Dog owners residing in Hillsborough County, Florida are required by law to keep their dog from going stray, or running or going at large upon any street, sidewalk, park or private property of another without that property owner's consent. Owners are defined as any person, owning, harboring, possessing, or otherwise keeping or exercising direct control of a dog. Or, if the owner of the dog is an individual under the age of 18 years old, the individual's parents or guardian will be deemed as the dog's owner.

Dogs found at large can lawfully be captured and humanely confined. "At large" means a dog is off its owner's property and not under the restraint or the direct control of the owner or other responsible person.

In order for dogs to be allowed on public streets, roads, parks, or other public property, the dog must be under the direct control of its owner or keeper. "Direct Control" is defined as the immediate, continuous physical control of a dog at all times by means of a fence, leash, cord, or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the dog. “

Here are extracts of Hillsborough County’s Animal Ordinance 00-26 As Amended By Ordinance 03-8:

Section 10 – Confinement to Property; Dogs and Cats at Large

Excluding public right-of-way on an owner's private property, no dog or cat shall be allowed to stray, run or go, at large upon any public property or street, sidewalk, park, or on the private property of another without the consent of the property owner.
Any cat that is outdoors while not under direct control must be sterilized.
Any dog or cat that is on private property without the consent of the property owner or resident may be captured in a humane trap or otherwise humanely confined. Persons capturing large dogs or cats will be responsible for the humane care of the animal until the captured animal is turned over to the department, other humane organizations, or licensed wildlife trappers. A person shall not entice a dog or cat to become at large for the purpose of trapping or apprehending when that dog or cat would otherwise not be at large.
No person shall under any circumstance tether or otherwise confine any animal in a manner that is injurious to its health.
In order for a dog or cat to be allowed on a public street, road, park or other public property, excluding public right-of-way on an owner's private property or unless otherwise specifically permitted, the dog or cat shall be under the direct control of the owner or keeper, except while hunting pursuant to permit or during a legitimate obedience demonstration, show, trial, training exercise, competition, show and/or match or educational program, so long as proper precautions are taken by the owner of the dog and/or sponsor of the event to ensure the safety and protection of both the public and other animals.

The contents of an aquarium, including fish and plants, must not be dumped into the lake.

There have been residents who have put their parrot out on the back porch where it squawks all day long, while their owners blissfully sit inside, unaware of the peace and quiet of the Lake that is being shattered by their stupid bird. In such cases, the Community Deputy Sheriff has been called. The result has been that the owners take the bird inside – for a day or two – and then put the bird back outside because they can’t stand the squawking, either.