Message from the President - December, 2011 

The Civic Association Board members work hard to serve you better. We focus on a number of activities and issues that are important to the community.  We conducted a number of Community Outreach Program (COP) meetings in 2011.  Some of our guest speakers were Commissioner Joe Meek (also President of the Citrus County EDC) and Citrus County Chamber of Commerce President Josh Wooten; Commissioners John "JJ" Kenney and Rebecca Bays; James T Sanders, former Chairman of the Board for Sugarmill  Woods, Inc.; Citrus County Property Appraiser Geoff Greene; Citrus County Sheriff Jeff Dawsy; Citrus County EOC Assistant Director Robert Wesch; and US Congressman Richard Nugent.  We also held two COP Meetings where Citrus County staff presented a proposal to add Bike Lanes to several Blvds within Sugarmill Woods, County Road 480, and along US Hwy 98 to connect SMW to the Suncoast Parkway Bike Path Trailhead.  We also held meetings to discuss Water Conservation and helpful tips for lawn and landscape care.

Please visit the "Communications / Community Outreach Program" link in this web site for a list of scheduled and past COP meetings.  The Home Page also gives a brief snapshot of upcoming events and meetings.  We also send frequent reminders via the Sugarmill Woods Bulletins emailed to all of those residents who signed up for the free service.  If you are not on the distribution list for the Sugarmill Woods Bulletins and wish to be added, please send an email to President@SugarmillCivic.org. 

We continue to be engaged with Citrus County Water Resources and the Board of County Commissioners on water related issues.  While there has been some progress to reduce Unaccounted For Water Loss, more work is required in this area.  We need everyone to comply with the Irrigation Restrictions so we can avoid fines for watering and avoid violating our SMW Water Usage Permit limits.  We were successful in working with the Board of County Commissioners and the Public Safety Initiative Task Force to convince the County that additional funding was required for Fire Rescue Services and in getting the Sugarmill Station reopened and staffed with career fire fighters on October 1.

We started our 2012 Membership Drive in November.  If you have not already renewed your membership for next year, consider joining the Sugarmill Woods Civic Association for 2012.  We need your support and your active involvement to help us address key issues and concerns affecting our community.  On behalf of the SMW Civic Association Board of 2011, we look forward to working with you and serving you throughout the year.

We want to hear from you to get your input on meeting subjects and speakers of interest as well as any issues and concerns that you might have so we can address them real time. You may contact me via email at President@SugarmillCivic.org or via phone at 352-246-5597. Thank you for your continued support.

Now is the time to reflect on the events and memories of this past year and to be thankful for all of the good things that we have experienced with family and friends.  Please take this time to enjoy the holiday season with those close to you.  Best wishes to all of you and your families for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  

Sincerely,

Duane Dueker