To the Residents of Live Oak Preserve

The Board of Supervisors feels that it is necessary to remind the residents about what the CDD­ controlled areas are for, and what restrictions are applied to the ponds and buffer areas.

The conservation areas are primarily for drainage purposes. The area is ultimately controlled by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWIFTMUD), and is part of the watershed for the Hillsborough River drainage system. As such, there is NO ACTIVITY permitted in the conservation areas. You may not cut the vegetation, use the area for the dumping of anything, or hike or ride recreational vehicles through the woods. Some trails do exist, but they are not to be accessed by the residents.
The ponds are in place for flood control. They are retention ponds first and foremost, and are in NO WAY intended for recreational use. Fishing, boating and swimming are prohibited in all of the Live Oak Preserve ponds. The water quality is not monitored, and the chemicals from lawn and landscape maintenance as well as gasoline and oil residues and trash collect in the ponds via the runoff from the rain, as the storm drains all empty into the ponds. Additionally, the ponds are treated with chemicals to control the algae blooms.
Alligators and other wildlife are to be left alone. It is illegal in the State of Florida to  feed the alligators, or to harass them in any way. It is also illegal to feed the sandhill cranes, or any other wildlife that inhabits our area. The conservation areas provide habitat for a variety of creatures, including the endangered gopher tortoise. This is another reason why the conservation areas are off-limits to the human residents.
Please be advised that entering the conservation zones, including the areas around the ponds, is trespassing, and subject to ticketing and fines.

The Board of Supervisors is committed to  maintain the ponds and buffer areas by mowing, managing the ponds, and keeping the trash cleaned up. Please refer any problems you see to the CDD Supervisors by contacting Andy Mendenhall at Andy.Mendenhall@stservices.com or (813)991-1116  ext. 102.  We will respond promptly to all questions and concerns.  Please help us by following the rules concerning  the CDD-supervised areas. It will make our neighborhood better for everyone.