Greetings Neighborhood Watchers!
It was great to see everyone who turned out for the Board meeting tonight!
The Neighborhood Watch Walk was somewhat unintentionally cancelled when the meeting ran for 2 hours and I stood outside speaking with residents for at least another 30-45 minutes.
Nothing much new to report, other than Mr. Limpy. Many residents have seen Mr. Limpy and his relatives. Mr. Limpy especially doesn't care when humans get within feet of him, he also likes to walk up steps, eat trash and hang out on your patio (he is the 3rd peeping tom).
I have contacted Orange County Animal services and their managers (last Thursday June 21st). They have been out at least once to try and catch Mr. Limpy but didn't see him. Below are pictures of Mr. Limpy hanging out under a car in front of Building #8 (next to the Club House) and when he decided to walk UP the steps to my second floor condo. Mr. Limpy does have a bum back left foot and he kinda drags it with him.
According to Animal Control they do not believe he has distemper since he is actively searching for food, but please do not approach Mr. Limpy.
Although Mr. Limpy is cute he needs to find a new home ASAP. If you spot Mr. Limpy (or any of his annoying relatives) please contact Orange County Animal Services Division - I'm not 100% sure of the best way of contacting them but here are a few:
Call 3-1-1
Main Number: 407-254-9140
321-436-1630 (this is an unofficial cell phone # that came up on my caller ID when one of the Animal Control Services people called me)
"Over 30 years later, Animal Services receives nearly 80,000 calls annually, and processes approximately 20,000 animals through the shelter each year. Animal Services provides service throughout Orange County, including all Orange County municipalities. Animal Services responds 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to citizens' calls regarding loose and nuisance animals, injured animals, and animal bites."
Check out their website here: http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/CEsrvcs/animal/default.htm
If you simply see a raccoon up in a tree minding their own business you probably should leave him/her be. We only really care about the brave ones who are an obvious nuisance.
It is also recommended to NOT put out your trash the day before trash day - this is a magnet for animals!
Below is a suggestion posted on the City of Orlando's website about the safe use of ammonia to deter critters:
http://www.cityoforlando.net/public_works/solidwaste/swmfaq.htm#animals
We have animals in our neighborhood that tear open our bags and make a mess that we have to clean up. What can I do about that? This is a very common problem in many areas. Over the years we have found that if you pour about a half-cup of AMMONIA into the bag before you tie it closed, it will solve your problem. The animals do not like the ammonia smell at all, and this will deter even the most stubborn critters. You can also use a spray bottle with ammonia and dish soap in it to spray the bags after you put them curbside. The dish soap helps the ammonia cling to the bag, and the combination of these two agents won't kill your grass...in fact they actually act as a fertilizer.
If you want to see videos of Mr. Limpy walking up and down my steps you can visit here: http://www.youtube.com/user/nex11
Important Windhover information!
Your Neighborhood Watch coordinators!
Justin Hammond Dorothy Henderson
6003 Windhover Dr 6017 Windhover Dr
407-408-6527 (cell) 407-351-3181