February 4, 2012 - At the January 31, 2012 Special Meeting of the Board of Directors - just seven months after agreeing to champion the voluntary installation of impact glass balcony doors - Board President Eileen Bendis announced the results of a full membership referendum. Addressing roughly 70 attendees in the Rendezvous Room, the President reported that the measure passed by an overwhelming margin. Of 149 proxies received, 124 favored the right to install the hurricane-mitigating glass balcony doors. Click Here to read President Bendis' message to unit owners and Click Here to review the referendum's final vote totals. Click Here for a list of current and completed projects by Manager Dwight Lyons and Click Here to the meeting minutes. Also, in the Committee Reports, Margie Nagle tells how she stretched a two-penny budget into a lavishly decorated lobby and a Construction Committee report details association plans to replace the heat pumps, the garage fan and the water tower. Click Here for the Committee Reports. .
December 17, 2011 - Next year's spending plan was etched in stone at the December 13, 2011, annual Budget Approval Meeting. After confirming that a vote by our owners authorized the association to partially fund the statutory reserves, the board unanimously approved a budget shaped primarily by Regency Tower Treasurer Cathie Lenz. Following the meeting, attendees filed from the Rendezvous Room into the lobby, where Social Committee Chair Nancy Seltzer helped morph a celebratory spread into a lobby party! Click Here for info about the meeting. Click Here to read President Eileen Bendis' Holiday message to residents and for Manager Dwight Lyons' year-end summary of building projects, Click Here.
November 17, 2011 - On November 8, 2011, Board Treasurer Cathie Lenz took center stage at the annual Regency Tower Budget Presentation. Our rookie bean counter addressed a pleasantly surprised room of unit owners, explaining the details surrounding a budget that she spent months pulling, pushing, punching and squeezing until the spending plan mirrored last year's bottom line. With Manager Dwight Lyons' cameo assistance, Lenz detailed a fiscally intuitive new format that organizes budget categories by account number. The centerpiece of Lenz' achievement wasn't simply holding the line, but doing so without compromising standards for operations, maintenance, security, amenities or the association's aesthetic appearance. The Board will actualize the budget at the December 13th Budget Meeting. Click Here for some details about next year's financial plan. By the way, Click Here to learn how you can help every Regency Tower employee weather this bare-knuckles economy!
On Sunday, February 5th from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM, the monthly SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch will host Davis & Dow Jazz Band at the Esplanade, Riverside Dixieland Band at the Broward Center Peck Courtyard and Blues Therapy & Jazz at the Connie Hoffman Gazebo. Please bring picnic baskets, blankets, chairs, snacks and drinks. Cats, dogs, children and people of all age groups blend into one large Jazz Appreciation Fest. Yes, there is a dog rest area and it’s FREE! - ALL FREE!
The 24th Anniversary Las Olas Art Fair - Part II will be held on Saturday & Sunday, March 3 & 4, 2012 from 10 AM - 5 PM on Las Olas Boulevard between SE 6th Avenue and SE 11th Avenue. A South Florida tradition, the show is regarded as one of the top events in America. As the second show of the season on Las Olas, this festival brings together longtime favorites with some of the newest names in the contemporary art scene. Life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics, and much more make for one fabulous weekend.
Fort Lauderdale’s 7th Annual A1A Marathon is scheduled for February 19, 2012 featuring four races, a full marathon, a half marathon, the Healthy Choice 5K Run and the Peter Pan Peanut Butter Kid's Race. The race will start with a bang promptly at 6:00 AM on February 19, 2012 in downtown Fort Lauderdale (600 Himmarshee St.) both the full and half marathoners starting at the same time while the the wheelchair racers will start twenty minutes before the main field. For more information, CLICK HERE.
In the wake of SUNSET BLUE, the Galt Ocean Mile Shoppes neighborhood (recently reincarnated as the North Beach Shoppes) has replaced the former concert-driven street fair with a far more civilized - if not quieter - venue. The area's redesignation as an Art's District has drawn some of the best galleries and shops in South Florida. On the first Saturday of every month, the neighborhood merchants sponsor the North Beach Art Walk from 7 PM to 11 PM. The next outing is scheduled for February 4th. For more info about the monthly stroll, Click Here.
For the third time in 19 years, the City will host the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival on March 10, 2012. Starting at 12 Noon, the parade will take place along Las Olas Boulevard (SE 8th Avenue & Las Olas Boulevard), ending at Huizenga Plaza. The festival, which runs from 11:30 am to 9 pm at Huizenga Plaza and along the Riverwalk, will include cultural games and events including sheep herding, a children's area, currach racing and hurling, and continuous live music, entertainment, and dance performances. Additional festival highlights include historical education and ancestry areas, trivia, cooking demonstrations, authentic Irish cuisine and more! For more information, CLICK HERE.
For 5 consecutive weekends, Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach will host a time machine that will transport you back to the middle ages. Enjoy the medieval environment afforded by the 20th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival which runs from 10:00 am til Sunset - including the Presidents Day Weekend. Dates for the festival are: Sat - Sun (February 11 - 12, February 25 - 26, March 3 - 4, March 10 - 11) and Sat - Mon (February 18 - 20), 2012. Click Here to read about the 20th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival.
The The 15th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival will be held on Saturday & Sunday, February 25 & 26, 2012, from 10 AM - 5 PM at Pineapple Grove in Downtown Delray Beach. Handmade jewelry, 3-D acrylic paintings, ceramic planters, driftwood arrangements, glass votives and hand cut silhouettes are just some of the crafts you will find. An expansive Green Market will offer plants, orchids, exotic flora and homemade soaps. All crafts on display are handmade in the U.S.A. - and its FREE - there is NO GATE! For additional information, Click Here.
Art Walk Las Olas is an experiential, energetic, and first-of-its kind event that will take place on the third Thursday of every month. From 9 AM to 5 PM on Thursday, February 16th, attendees will embark on a leisurely stroll up and down the sidewalks of Las Olas Boulevard on a self-guided tour of gallery openings & exhibits, boutique trunk shows, shopping specials and restaurants all while enjoying outdoor artist demonstrations, live music, & refreshments.. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Take in the sand and the sea in beautiful Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, as well as 100 of the nation’s top crafters at the The 16th Annual Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Craft Fair. On Saturday and Sunday, March 10 & 11, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the fair will fill A1A and Commercial Boulevard. There’s something for everyone at this craft festival - a wide variety of jewelry made with dicroic glass, sea glass, precious gems & metals; functional pottery, hand carved wooden salad tongs and wire wrapped glassware; functional pottery, hand carved wooden salad tongs and wire wrapped glassware. For additional information, Click Here.
The 8th Annual Coral Springs Festival of the Arts will be held on Saturday & Sunday, March 17 & 18, 2012 from 10 AM - 5 PM at “THE WALK on University Drive” (located on the west side of University Drive in Coral Springs between 26th St. and 29th St.) A two-day celebration of arts and culture with a fine art show, contemporary craft festival, theatrical performances and full line-up of live music, this event brings 250 of the nation’s best artists and crafters to South Florida. Stroll amidst life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics, a separate craft festival, Green Market and much more. For more information, CLICK HERE.
The Sun Coast Gun & Knife Show will be held at the War Memorial Auditorium at 800 NE 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale. The Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 25th from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, February 26, 2012 from 10 AM to 5 PM. The Ft Lauderdale Gun Show is a favorite for local gun collectors, hunters, and enthusiast. Dealers and private collectors from across the state of Florida exhibit at this show. You'll find a huge selection of guns, accessories, and many hard to find items. The charge for admission is $8 per person - Kids Free (12 & under). Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, CLICK HERE to read about the Gun & Knife Show.
For those interested in the Cosmos... While not one of the strongest of the annual meteor showers, the Lyrid Meteor Shower can be enjoyable to meteor observers thirsting for something after over three and a half months of weak meteor activity. The Lyrids generally begin on April 16 and end on April 26, with maximum generally occurring during the night of April 21/22. At maximum, hourly rates can reach about 10 meteors per hour. The Lyrids are particularly interesting for two reason. First, observations have been identified back to at least 2600 years, longer than any other meteor shower. Second, the meteor shower occasionally experiences an outburst of about 100 meteors per hour and the reason is basically unknown. For more information, Click Here.
The Vernal (Spring) Equinox Sun Celebration (Ostara) will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 7 PM in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale at 3970 NW 21st Avenue (between Commercial Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard) in Fort Lauderdale. There will be drumming, dancing, chanting, and feasting. Feel free to come dressed in Garb or Costume. Bring your drums and percussion instruments, as well as food and drink to share for the feast before the celebration! For additional information, Click Here.
The St. Lawrence Gallery will be hosting many evenings of art and socializing at 3556 N. Ocean Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. From 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday, February 3, 2012, enjoy the works of feature artist Nia Nakis & Jewelry Artist Ruth Hirtz in benefit of Childrens Charity Riders From 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM on Friday, February 10, 2011, Gallery featuring Jewelry Artist Ruth Hirtz to benefit Project Foot. From 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM on Friday, February 17, 2012, Gallery featuring artist Sal Sidner to benefit Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation. From 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM on Friday, February 24, 2012, The St. Lawrence Gallery will be featuring artist Eve Moll. The Fund-Raiser and reception will benefit FORCE. For more info, Click Here.
Enjoy Jazz On The Square every Friday Night. Show up from 7 PM - 10 PM for an outdoor festival of music and merriment sponsored by The Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Chamber of Commerce and THE VILLAGE GRILLE & VILLAGE PUMP! Located at Commercial Boulevard and the Beach, this months events are scheduled for February 3, 10, 17 and 24.
District 1 City Commissioner Bruce Roberts will hold a “Pre-Agenda” meeting at the Beach Community Center, 3351 NE 33rd Avenue, on Monday, February 6 & 20 to elicit input from constituents - US! Two or more City Commissioners and/or Advisory Board members may be present at this meeting. All are invited to attend. Click Here for info.
Click Here to read about the SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, Click Here for the 24th Annual Las Olas Art Fair - Part II, Click Here to see about the 7th Annual A1A Marathon, Click Here to learn about the North Beach Art Walk, Click Here to check out the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Click Here to learn about the 20th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival, Click Here to learn about the 15th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival, Click Here to read about the Art Walk Las Olas, Click Here to read about the 16th Annual Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Craft Fair, Click Here to read about the 8th Annual Coral Springs Festival of the Arts, Click Here to read about the Sun Coast Gun & Knife Show, Click Here to read about the Lyrids meteor shower, Click Here for info about the Vernal (Spring) Equinox Sun Celebration (Ostara), Click Here for info about January events at St. Lawrence Gallery, Click Here to read about the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Jazz On The Square and Click Here to learn about Commissioner Roberts’ pre-agenda meetings!
November 8, 2011 - During the past week, you may have noticed that your tap water tastes or smells a tad different. On October 31, 2011, City of Fort Lauderdale Public Information Specialist Monique J. Damiano sent a notice to the Galt Mile Community Association. Entitled, "City of Fort Lauderdale to Chlorinate Water System" the Public Works message alerted city residents to an aspect of the City's preventive Water System maintenance. For the whole scoop, Click Here! ONE MORE THING: As the Holiday Season nears, we revive the longstanding tradition of soliciting contributions to our Employees' Holiday Fund. This year, your donations hold a special significance! Click Here to see why!
October 17, 2011 - On Thursday evening, October 13, 2011, the Regency Tower Board of Directors covened a Board meeting in the Rendezvous Room at 7 PM. With new Board members Margaret Thompson and Bernard Larkin in attendance (and vacationing Iris Anastasi on the phone), the seven board members and Manager Dwight Lyons gave a comprehensive overview of association accomplishments, upcoming challenges and the operational strategies implemented to address them. To familiarize yourself with events undertaken at the meeting, Click Here to review the meeting minutes. For a progress update by some of our newly reconfigured committees, Click Here for the Committee Reports. Click Here to read President Eileen Bendis' message to residents and for Manager Dwight Lyons's detailed building report, Click Here. Click Here to review "New Business" Board votes for association issues such as the creation of tenant eligibility criteria, vesting residents with the right to install impact glass balcony doors and addressing the repeated failure of beachside landscaping to thrive.
August 2, 2011 - Several months after the March 2011 election, former Treasurer Bill Tennenbaum and Maintenance Chair Dee Lanzillo resigned from the Regency Tower Board of Directors. On July 28th, Board President Eileen Bendis convened a special Board meeting to fill the 2 open positions. By a unanimous vote of the Board, Ms. Margaret Mary Thompson of Unit 907 was appointed to fill Dee Lanzillo's vacated seat for a term expiring in March of 2013. Mr. Bernard Larkin of Unit 1611 was appointed by a unanimous vote to complete the balance of Bill Tennenbaum's unexpired term through March of 2012. The two new additions bring a useful blend of unique skills to the existing panel. Click Here to review the meeting minutes.
July 9, 2011 - Having capped his first full week by supervising the Friday morning payroll, shortly after Regency Tower's new manager Dwight Lyons returned from lunch on June 14th, he learned that water was mysteriously accumulating in the hallways on more than a dozen floors, the lobby and areas in the garage filled with high-voltage equipment. Following a quick meeting with maintenance and security personnel to prioritize safety protocols and stem the fast-spreading water, the new manager decided that he was not going to allow a building wide inundation cloud his first week on the job. Click Here to learn how Mr. Lyons turned a potentially budget busting disaster into an inconvenience.
June 15, 2011 - After two years as our property manager, longtime neighbor Dott Nicholson-Brown has retired effective June 3, 2011 in preparation for future endeavors. On June 7, 2011, Dwight Lyons assumed responsibility for managing our home. A 12-year Florida licensed Community Association Manager (CAM) with an alphabet soup of distinguished accreditations (AMS, CMCA, PCAM, etc.) and specific experience managing high-rise oceanfront associations, Dwight has already started bonding with our staff and diagnosing our operational strengths and weaknesses. On Friday, June 24th, event impressario Nancy Seltzer and the Board of Directors are sponsoring a Meet and Greet party in the lobby from 4 to 5:30 PM to introduce Dwight to our members. All Regency Tower residents are invited to attend and welcome our new manager. Dwight is looking forward to meeting with all of you. Click Here for more about Dwight and details about the lobby party.
Dwight Lyons
June 6, 2011 - On June 6, 2011, The Regency Tower Board of Directors held a 4 PM Special Meeting in preparation for hiring our new Association Manager, Dwight Lyons. After reviewing dozens of resumes and conducting two days of interviews, a committee chaired by Cathie Lenz recommended Mr. Lyons to the Board. His twelve years in association management includes oceanfront experience at the Jade Beach Condominium at Sunny Isles Beach and Point of Americas 1 right here in Fort Lauderdale. He is an impressively accredited CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations), AMS (Association Management Specialist) and one of the fewer than 125 Florida managers designated as a PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager). In addition to some association housekeeping, the Board topped off the meeting by naming Cathie Lenz as association Treasurer. Click Here to review the meeting minutes.
May 24, 2011 - The Regency Tower Board of Directors convened a 7 PM meeting in the Rendezvous Room on May 19, 2011. President Eileen Bendis convened the Spring meeting to address ongoing association business before the annual summer hiatus. Click Here to read the meeting minutes. For a progress update by our committee volunteers, Click Here for their Committee Reports. In her President's report, the newly elected Ms. Bendis thanked committee volunteers, announced Manager Dott Niocholson Brown's June 3rd retirement and made a commitment to coalescing the Board of Directors. Click Here to read the complete President's Report. For Manager Dott Nicholson-Brown's comprehensive building update, Click Here.
April 13, 2011 - On March 23, 2011, the Regency Tower Board of Directors convened a 7 PM meeting in the Rendezvous Room. One week after her election to the board and appointment as President, Eileen Bendis tackled her first agenda like a veteran. Click Here to read the meeting minutes. In her first official report, President Bendis identified her priority objective as "mending fences and putting everybody on the same team." To read the complete President's Report, Click Here. For Manager Dott Nicholson-Brown's building update, Click Here.
April 4, 2011 - On March 17, 2011, Regency Tower residents held their Annual Member's meeting at 7 PM in the Rendezvous Room. The yearly event was punctuated by the insertion of new blood into the association Board. Joining the panel were Eileen Bendis and fiscal whiz Cathie Lenz. To peruse the election statistics and vote totals, Click Here for the meeting minutes. To see the slate of officers elected by the new board during the meeting, Click Here. For a snapshot of the ever-improving lifestyle benefits in Regency Tower, check out the Committee Reports by Clicking Here. By the way, Barry Seltzer sent pictures of the best Social Committee event in years - the (day before) Valentine's Day Champagne Brunch! Click Here for a graphic tour of this slammin' Sunday morning.
March 18, 2011 - On April 20, 2011, Comcast Cable will hold an event for the residents of Regency Tower to distribute and install Digital Adapters (DTA). Channels 25 through 78 will be moving to the digital range after May 24, 2011. In order to continue viewing these channels, any television set that isn't currently connected to a Comcast Digital Set-Top Box will require a Digital Adapter (DTA). Residents are entitled to receive up to 3 DTAs free of charge. If you have more than 3 televisions, a monthly fee of $1.99 for each additional adapter installed will appear on your monthly statement. Click Here for more information about the Comcast DTA installation event.
February 11, 2011 - On February 13, 2011, the Social Committee is hosting their 3rd Regency Tower tour de force. From 10:30 AM to 1 PM, the Rendezvous Room will become "Valentine's Day" central, as Nancy Seltzer's minions lay out the welcome mat to any and all of her Regency Tower neighbors. Participants in the Sunday morning Champagne Brunch will find themselves knee deep in Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Screwdrivers - perfect post-constitutional libations. In addition to the standard Sunday morning brunchfare of eggs, ham, bacon, bagels, etc, the Social Committee kidnapped a Brunch Chef to manage the Omelette Station. That's right - AN OMELETTE STATION! Click Here for the "downlow"!
December 24, 2010 - On December 16, 2010, unit owners attending the early evening Board Meeting enjoyed a TWOFER! At the 6:30 Special Meeting, they celebrated your decision to opt out of the Sprinkler Retrofit. That's right - no hair raising mega-assessment for plumbing supplies! At 7:00 p.m., a meeting dedicated to approving the upcoming year's association budget was convened. After thoroughly vetting Treasurer Bill Tennenbaum's fiscal handiwork during the annual November Budget Presentation, the Board endorsed the only Galt Mile association budget less burdensome than its previous incarnation. For those of us preoccupied with squeezing nickels, MORE GOOD NEWS! The membership voted to partially fund the 2011 reserves, further relieving the fiscal sting. Click Here to the recorded Minutes of both meetings, including the vote summaries. After announcing the results for both votes and delivering a low calorie budget (with partial reserves), volunteers reviewed their respective Committees' recent activities. Click Here to the Committee Reports. Click Here to read Board President Dee Lanzillo's President's Report and Click Here to read Manager Dott Nicholson-Brown's Manager's Update. For helpful tips about living in Regency Tower, Click Here for recent Notices & Reminders. ONE MORE MOMENT... - don't forget to contribute to the Employees Holiday Fund. If you missed the first distribution (at the December 17th Employees Holiday Party), no problem!. There's still time to plunk down a few bucks before the second distribution in early January. Click Here for more info.
December 2, 2010 - At last September's "Happy Hour in the Tower", along with those who responded to the Social Committee's building-wide party invitation, dozens of people passing through the lobby placed their plans on hold and joined the fun. Chairperson - and newlywed - Nancy Lynn Seltzer breathed new life into a long dormant Social Committee and hit a Home Run. On Saturday evening, December 4th, Nancy will host another "Happy Hour in the Tower". However, she has some info that should appeal to anyone within stumbling distance of our elevators! Click Here to get the message. To see who attended the September 3rd event, Click Here.
November 12, 2010 - After eight years of sweating out a dreaded $million plus statutory assessment for retrofitting Regency Tower hallways and unit foyers with sprinkler heads, the Governor finally signed the recently passed opt-out bill (SB 1196) into law. To thwart a plan by the Sprinkler Associations to pass another version of the sprinkler mandate, thousands of Associations are holding their opt-out vote before next year's Legislative Session begins in February. Unfortunately, the proxy language is somewhat confusing. Click Here to better understand why its time to act and what the proxy language means.
November 2, 2010 - The Regency Tower Board finally plugged a four year drain on the finances of every Regency Tower unit owner. When the former owner of Unit 1508 stopped paying his association dues years ago, his share of the Association expenses was unceremoniously dumped onto every other association member. After years of legal wrangling, he last visited his former home to pick up a few remaining items on October 26th. When Security and Maintenence staffers checked the unit, they uncovered a disaster. After maintenance repairs the damage, the unit can start producing income for the Association! But first, we need your help! Click Here to find out how and why.
September 20, 2010 - The only Community asset provided by Broward County to Galt Mile taxpayers, the popular Galt Mile Reading Center, is on the County budget chopping block - despite the fact that closing our library will provide no savings for County bean counters. Since Broward Mayor Ken Keechl has informed us that “Only a convincing show of local support will keep the doors open,” City Commissioner Bruce Roberts has contracted a free bus to transport Galt Mile residents to and from the September 28th final County Budget Meeting. Click Here to learn how you can join the "Bus Party" and be a HERO (as well as scoring a free "Save our Galt Library" collectible t-shirt)! Sponsored by the Galt Mile Community Association and Commissioner Keechl, the bus will start boarding passengers at 3 PM at Southpoint and head up Galt Ocean Drive, stopping at each association to pick up passengers with free reserved seats. Then the PARTY starts...
September 13, 2010 - When a flash downpour covers your car with some unidentifiable grunge, fear not! Nesly Bora - who keeps our pool in prime condition - has revived the Regency Tower weekend car wash in the lower parking deck. For a few bucks, you can have your dreamboat washed without leaving the premises or drenching yourself with the notorious "spit-back" hose at the car wash stand. For extra services, speak with Nesly. Click Here for more information about Nesly's Weekend Carwash.
September 3, 2010 - Click Here for the inside scoop about "Happy Hour in the Tower" - a monthly bash RIGHT HERE at Ground Zero!
August 23, 2010 - On August 23rd, the Board convened a special meeting to ratify a regulation passed by lawmakers during the last legislative session. Several provisions in the Omnibus Association bill, legislation primarily filed to relieve high rise associations from being forced to retrofit their homes with an extremely expensive sprinkler system, addressed some of the adverse impacts that associations suffer from foreclosures. The regulation enabled associations to link a unit owner's rights and privileges to financial good standing, a tenet also found in the governing documents of most associations. In a nutshell, members who are financially delinquent in excess of 90 days will be barred from access to common areas, including the pool, game room, exercise room, barbecue area, laundry room, etc. They're voting rights will also be suspended. If their units are leased, the rent must be paid directly to the association. Unit owners have been suggesting this pro-active deterrent for almost two years. As of July 1st, it became legal. Click Here to read about the new policy. If you just want to read the Minutes of the 5-minute special meeting, Click Here.
July 15, 2010 - For the past decade, the Atlantic Ocean has been relentlessly chewing up the beach behind Regency Tower. While waiting for Broward County to renourish the severely eroded Galt Mile beach, community residents staunchly supported County beach officials despite a seemingly endless series of frustrating project delays. Last year, the Segment II part of the project (encompassing the shoreline from Fort Lauderdale through Pompano Beach - including the Galt Mile) suddenly disappeared into a bureaucratic black hole - for reasons too stupid to credibly describe. During the project's temporary dormancy, the Galt Mile Community Association thwarted an attempt by officials from the City of Hollywood to usurp the resources allocated to renourishing our beach. After reviving the stalled beach renourishment, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Secretary Mike Sole and Broward Mayor Ken Keechl assured Galt Mile officials that they would closely monitor the progress of their respective State and County project responsibilities. To learn the current status of our sand... Click Here.
April 12, 2010 - The people have spoken. On Thursday, March 11th, The Regency Tower Annual Members meeting was convened at 7:00 PM in the Rendezvous Room. Despite a fertile field of seven candidates, unit owners opted to fill the three board seats in contention with incumbents - thereby expressing confidence in the Association's Administration. Following the annual election protocols, a regular meeting was also convened, providing attendees with updates from the Treasurer and committee reports for Architectural Review and Construction, Landscaping, Maintenance, Security, "We Care" and Website. When the Election Committee finished tabulating the votes, Committee Chair David Tinsley released the results, confirming that Secretary Fern McBride, Treasurer Bill Tannenbaum and Vice President Eric Berkowitz were returned to office. At a March 15 special meeting for the election of officers, the three winning incumbents were reinstalled to their prior offices. Click Here for a detailed review of the minutes for both meetings. Click Here for the election of officers. To peruse the Association's operational progress, Click Here to the Committee Reports.
March 6, 2010 - On Monday, March 8th, at 1:30 PM, U.S. Senator George LeMieux will convene a Town Hall meeting at the Beach Community Center (3351 NE 33rd Avenue). In addition to meeting the man chosen by Governor Charlie Crist to fill the seat vacated by former Senator Mel Martinez, we have been afforded an opportunity to address a $multi-million sprinkler retrofit assessment facing high rise associations across the state. Although its provisions have twice been unanimously approved by the Florida House and Senate, the Governor has indicated that he might again veto a sprinkler retrofit relief bill (HB 561), threatening to push hundreds of additional Galt Mile residents into foreclosure. We will ask Senator LeMieux, a close political ally of the Governor, to express our concerns and request that Governor Crist support his constituents, not a $multi-billion stimulus package for the Sprinkler Industry and the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union - WHOLLY FUNDED BY US. Click Here for meeting info. Click Here for a brief fact sheet explaining why we should attend. To express your concerns directly to the Governor, Click Here.
February 22, 2010 - Of the costly issues currently facing Regency Tower residents, two are distinguished by a brief opportunity to defuse their threatened fiscal impact. Since 2002, we've been uncomfortably aware of an impending per unit assessment of between $8000 to $16,000 (closer to $24,000 for the larger units) for installing sprinkler heads in the foyer of each unit and in certain common areas by 2014. Last year, a bill extending the retrofit deadline was vetoed by the Governor despite its overwhelming approval by the Legislature. Last month, Statehouse Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff filed a bill that would allow high-rise associations to "opt out" of the assessment. If you help, it will survive the Governor's heavy pen. Also, a new source of revenue for the City unfortunately targets unsuspecting snowbirds unless they are made aware of the "ticket traps" at certain nearby intersections. Click Here to save a bucket of money and avoid an expensive mid-street migraine.
December 10, 2009 - The Annual Regency Tower Budget Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16, 2009 in the Rendezvous Room. In accordance with the Board policy of alternating afternoon and evening meeting times, the Budget Meeting, at which the Board votes to pass the final budget reviewed at the November Budget Presentation, will be held at 3 PM. Association Treasurer Bill Tennenbaum performed a comprehensive diagnosis of the upcoming Budget during the annual Budget Presentation Meeting in November. At that meeting, Banker Kathy Lenz asked Bill the tough questions on behalf of those of us without the fiscal expertise to fathom the intricacies of a $million budget. Bill and Manager Dott Nicholson-Brown answered each of her questions directly and in depth. Since then, copies of the prospective 2010 Association Budget were sent to every association member for review. The Finance Committee did a marvelous job composing a budget that effectively bridges this challenging economic environment. See you there!
October 2, 2009 - FINAL PAINT PROJECT BULLETIN!!!: The Regency Tower paint project has been completed. The job is done. Our home enjoys a new - desperately needed - protective coating. The tricky stack eleven obstacle was successfully circumvented. Contractor Gary Hricko pulled a rabbit from his hat, beating his projected 6-month completion deadline by a half month - despite uncooperative weather and a few confused shutter owners! As soon as the project crews departed, our Beautification Committee rolled up their sleeves, installing a canopy over the garage entry while using in-house resources to coat our streetfront signage and the receiving room in colors that better complement the building! Click Here for a truckload of additional info!
Scrolling Updates
Notice: Scrolling above are important Notices and Updates that affect Regency Tower residents and mirrors the information that scrolls across your House Channel 95. When scrolling text is underlined, click on the text to get an expanded version of the underlined update. Non-dynamic (still) versions of the content are presented on the site’s Special Updates or Notices & Reminder pages. These pages are accessible from the upper left side menu on every page of the Web Site. Click Here to access the Weather section of the Special Updates page. It includes current National Hurricane Advisories and Storm Tracks. Click Here to get Comcast’s basic and digital Cable Channel Lineups.
THE REGENCY TOWER
offers the same amenities and services you expect to find at quality resort hotels, with the advantages of space, privacy, and value that only a condominium or private home can provide. Our two hundred and three “ranch homes in the sky” are home to a fascinating collection of international residents.
The New Regency Tower!
Our modern twenty story high rise on the beach affords spectacular views of the Fort Lauderdale “Gold Coast” and the Atlantic Ocean. The building houses a wonderful collection of amenities such as Card Room, Party Room, Meeting Room, Exercise Room, Game Room, Barbecue area, Swimming Pool with beach egress, sundeck, Patio Deck, beach cabanas and lounge chairs, Administrative Office, Mail Room, Package Room, indoor Parking Garage, Receiving Room, Car Wash Stand, modern Laundry facilities, and a beautiful Lobby. Building services are comprehensive, including reception, housekeeping, maintenance, premium cable television, pool supervision, and well planned Hi-Tech security. An elected Board of Directors governs the premises with the aid of participatory committees that oversee our communal safety and comfort.
The key feature that renders The Regency Tower unique is its residents. An exciting blend of young and old, they hail from all points of the globe. Our active Social Committee is constantly organizing an extensive roster of activities. Planned outings to the Theater, the racetrack, a variety of interesting restaurants, Art Galleries, and “Dinner Theater” are available to everyone. For “homebodies” there are barbecues, talent shows, “hobby nights”, weekly bingo, “theme” parties, and exercising with our "State of the Art" equipment. All residents benefit from the attentions of a group of sensitive caring individuals who comprise the “WE CARE” Committee.
The Regency Tower, along with the rest of the Galt Ocean Mile, is undergoing a rebirth. We’ve built a new roof, refurbished all of our balconies, renovated the hallway and elevator lobby on every floor, freshly painted and waterproofed the building, modernized and redecorated our elevators, redecorated the lobby, added a separate pedestrian entrance adjacent to a new garage door, installed a new main entry, built a new Exercise Room with quality equipment and secured the premises with new fences. Pool, Ping-Pong and Poker tables dominate the new Game Room featuring a Bar and a DVD-ready Big-Screen Television. Resurfaced with high quality pavers, the newly waterproofed parking deck is illuminated by modern new high intensity lamps. All building planters were rebuilt and imbued with an automatically timed irrigation and electrical network. New heat pumps efficiently warm our recently recoated pool while an invisible new wind barrier shelters poolside sunbathers. A system of French Drains in our lower driveway feed a recently excavated well to guarantee a dry garage in all weather conditions. New code-compliant fire safety and keyless security systems bring personal safety and security into the 21st century. New landscaping bathes the “reinvented” Regency Tower in lush greenery and striking tropical color!
Regency Tower is also one of the two most “hurricane-resistant” residential hi-rise structures in the Galt Ocean Mile neighborhood. As found in all new coastal construction, every glazed opening in the entire building is fitted with impact rated glass – windows and doors. Since first retrofitted, not one impact rated window or door has been penetrated by hurricane winds or debris. Also, windstorm damage to any window (individual unit or common area) is covered by a dedicated zero-deductible insurance policy. Installed in 2003, the “Millennium Roof” is rated to withstand Category 5 weather events and has never been infiltrated. Since every unit and common area is fully mitigated, Regency Tower homeowners enjoy the financial advantages of continued eligibility for commercial windstorm insurance.
As a result of these efforts, our residents have seen a substantial increase in the value of their homes. We anticipate that this trend will continue. Conversely, the highly efficient structural, plumbing, electrical and administrative upgrades have served to offset normal upward pressure on maintenance costs. Whether you prefer glorious private beach bound seclusion or an interesting balance of well-befriended activities, The Regency Tower is a wonderful place to live!
3850 Galt Ocean Drive
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308
Phone: (954) 566-8606 Fax: (954) 566-0048 Web Site: www.regencytower.net E-mail Address: RegencyTower@yahoo.com