Managers Message
From the General Manager's Desk.
For all of you who have already returned north, we hope you have a safe trip. Before we know it, we will be saying welcome back. Tropical Harbor Estates is starting to get quite!
Landscaping Company:
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As of the 1 May, we will be making a change to our landscape company. We will now be using Krause. They were with us a year ago, so we welcome them back to Tropical Harbor. They will be mowing every week starting this month.
Dog Park & Storage Area:
As most of you know, we started construction work on the new storage area and dog park off of Bearwoods Ave. All is going well. When we know the exact number of spaces and size of each section, we will send out more details for those of you waiting to store boats, etc. We are hoping to have this project completed, weather permitting, very soon.
Memorial Day:
Memorial Day is May 25 - Note that the office will be closed on this day. th
Tropical Harbor Events:
We have a very active event calendar, and it has been brought to our attention that some events are being attended by past residents of the community. As a reminder, only residents or registered guests are permitted to use our amenities and clubhouse activities.
Special Events - Private Parties:
If you plan on having a private party, such as a birthday, wedding anniversary, Celebration of life in the clubhouse, or around the common areas, such as the pool, screened room, pier, etc., we are now requiring these private events to have “Special Events Insurance Coverage”. This is a short-term policy that provides liability coverage for your event in the case of guest injuries, property damage, alcohol related incidents, or unexpected accidents. If an event is sponsored by Rickert Properties or the community HOA, then this additional insurance is NOT required. If you need more information, please call Daria at 863-465-4112.
Rules & Regulations:
We always seem to have areas that we constantly need to remind guests about, as follows: Your home here at Tropical Harbor Estates is a 365-day-a-year commitment to keep the outside clean, weeded, and everything looking manicured at all times. Dogs must be on a maximum of a 6-foot lead, and not tied up at either the front or rear of your home. Also, please do not let your dogs bark when you are not at home. Yours neighbors call the office. Do not park any vehicles on open lots, neighbors driveways without their permission, and grass areas of the community.
If you need a copy of the rules and regulations, please call the office. 863-465-4112
That is all for now. Enjoy the start of summer.
Tropical Harbor Estates
Admin Message
Lot improvement form:
Before you submit your Lot Improvement Form (LIF) to the office, please ensure to provide two clear and readable photos: one showing a full front view of your home and another of the project area. We have an approved color chart available at the office, and we can email it to you upon request.
Resident Portal (Online payment):
We’ve received calls and emails asking us to disable autopay. Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to do this for you. Please log back into your account and navigate to the settings to turn off your autopay. You can visit http://www.communityresport.com to log in.
Remember, you can also use your portal account to check your balance.
Reporting Damages from Lawn-Mowing Service:
If you need to report any damages caused by the lawn-mowing service, please send photos of the damage along with your name, address, and the date and time to the office. Please remember that authorization for repairs must be obtained from Krause Company before any work is carried out.
To send photos, please email us at office@tropical-harbor.com
Updating your email:
Since we will be sending out letters and memos through email, it is important to keep us updated with your current email address, especially if you are not in the community.
To provide your new email, please reach out to us at office@tropical-harbor.com
Thank you, Daria Tropical Harbor office
Tropical Harbor Estates
Reminder for Residents!
Traveling away for the summer?
Please complete the Summer Maintenance Information Sheet (yellow) and return it to the office. These are available in the office or the library, or you can print one at home by clicking this icon.
Staying here for the summer?
Please complete the Summer Resident Information Sheet (pink). These are available in the office or the library, or you can print one at home by clicking this icon.
Your timely submission of the Summer Maintenance and Resident Information Sheets helps us ensure smooth summer operations and makes you feel connected and responsible for our community's upkeep.
Renting your home while you are gone?
Please inform the office so we can have it in the file. Renters need to complete the application and pay the application fee (visit the office for more information). They cannot stay at your home until the office gets approval. If they plan to bring their pet(s), they must provide a copy of their current vaccination records and a photo of their pet(s).
For questions or assistance, contact the office during office hours.
COMMUNITY REMINDERS
Weeding: Residents are responsible for maintaining their landscaping, including weeding, all year long.
Speed limit: The speed limit in the park is 15 miles per hour! We have many walkers, dog walkers, and bicyclists in the park, so please slow down and help everyone stay safe! If you are walking during dark hours, please wear light-colored, reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.
Parking: There’s no street parking in Tropical Harbor unless such parking is for short-term purposes of four (4) hours or less. We must keep our streets open so our homeowners can receive assistance from emergency vehicles at all times. Please ensure that contractors working at your home leave room for vehicles to pass. Laundry and clubhouse parking areas are for residents using those facilities, not for overflow guest parking. Others are subject to being towed unless a parking pass has been obtained from the manager. There is no parking in the white striped areas at the clubhouse, and please do not block resident driveways.
Guests: Guests must be registered with the office, and pool passes are required. Be sure to return pool passes when your guests leave. We have switched to a numbered pass system to track them better.
Sales: All prospective buyers and renters need to complete the background application before any final sale or rental and receive approval from our Corporate Office. The office must be notified of any sale or rental before they are final, regardless of whether they are past or current residents or renters. Community paperwork must be completed. All sales will have a 4-sided inspection completed through our Corporate Office to ensure buyers agree to any rule compliance issues.
Pet owners: Please bring in your pet’s current shot records so we can update this information. Pets need to be leashed, attended to, and cleaned up after. If you would like your pet featured in the newsletter as Pet of the Month, please send a current photo to the office with a bit of info about your pet. We are receiving complaints about pet owners not following Highlands County laws and community rules. Click here for more information.
Pool: The pool is for the private use of residents and registered guests only. The pool closes at dusk. Be sure music is turned off when leaving the pool area.
1st
Mother Goose Day
May Day
International Doodle Dog Day
Purebred Day
Be Kind to Animals Day
2nd
Brothers & Sisters Day
Kerby Derby Day
4th
Firefighters’ Memorial Day
International Firefighters’ Day
Star Wars Day
5th
Cinco de Mayo
National Astronaut Day
National Hoagie Day
6th
National Teacher Appreciation Day
National Nurses Day
10th
World Lupus Day
Mother’s Day
14th
The Stars and Stripes Forever Day
25th
Memorial Day
1st
Mary Jo D.
Barbara H.
2nd
Charles W G.
3rd
Wayne D G.
5th
Bruce S.
6th
Henry F.
Susan W.
7th
Jack P.
Mark S. 8th
Juanita M.
Danny C.
Mary C.
9th
Bonnie C.
Jerry E.
Todd G.
10th
Linda C.
Nina N.
David G.
Michael L.
11th
Voneta A.
Kyle S. 12th
Brenda K.
Steven H.
Cheryl B. 13th
Robert B.
Sharon G.
Bruce M. 14th
Todd M.
Michael B. 15th
Pamela C.
Shelly B.
16th
Marilyn A.
Sheryl G. 17th
Jack P.
18th
Irene S. 19th
Donald P.
Kim V. 20th
Lynn J.
Duane L 21th
James B. 23rd
Ed S.
Cheryl C. 24th
Robert A.
Lex C.
Toni J.
25th
Billy C.
Janet S. 26th
Heidi T. 27th
David M. 28th
Kelvin B.
Judy G.
Victoria O.
Arthur T.
Sue Ann M. 29th
Gerald F.
David M.
30th
Betty S. 31th
Carolyn W.
Jack M.
Sharon S.
Residents wanting their birthday listed in the newsletter should contact the office email office@tropical-harbor.com
1st
Murray & Melanie C.
Ronald & Robin C.
2nd
John & Carolyn R.
3rd
Douglas & Cecelia R.
4th
Laura & William C.
5th
Jack & Lee-ann K.
Michael & Connie R.
10th
Robert & Mary F.
11th
Todd & Grace M.
Joseph & Kyle S.
12th
Charles & Paula R.
John & Judy W.
Larry & Mary H.
16th
Edward & Faye S.
17th
James & Beverly M.
18th
Robert & Jean R.
Robert & Sheila Y.
19th
Robert & Cheryl T.
David & Joyleen W.
20th
James & Luann S.
22nd
Robert & Karen S.
24th
Dennis & Geraldine S.
25th
Dale & Carol L.
John & Karla D.
Bruce & Linda Y.
25th
Arthur & Harla M.
29th
David & Judith A.
Residents wanting their anniversary listed in the newsletter should contact the office email office@tropical-harbor.com
Pet Of THE MONTH
Joe & Denise L. 433 Beaver Run St.
Hi there, I'm Jinx! A year ago, I was a three-week-old kitten in need of rescue, and a wonderful family took me in. I was lost and alone, but they nurtured me with love and care. Now, as a happy indoor cat, I feel completely spoiled and like the master of the house! You're invited to come visit me at my home. I adore meeting new people and will be thrilled to welcome you at the door!
Water Restrictions for Tropical Harbor
The District’s Modified Phase II one-day-per-week water shortage restrictions are in effect Feb. 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026. We received below average rainfall during the summer rainy season and, as of January, have a 13.6-inch rainfall deficit compared to the historical average 12-month total. Water levels in the region’s aquifers, rivers, and lakes are declining. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year. The District addresses dry conditions through water shortage actions, which are temporary measures that restrict water use among the various types of permit holders during extended dry conditions.
The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands, and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County. Click on this page for more information.
Moment of Appreciation for the Tropical Harbor Maintenance Staff by HOA
Sales Updates
Tropical Harbor is a part of the Rickert Properties family. Our Florida communities offer a diverse selection of new models and pre-loved resales. You can’t go wrong purchasing a Florida dream home here!
Planning on listing your home?
We can help you sell it! Your home would be listed through our dealership, Mid-Florida Mobile Homes Sales LLC. We list new homes and pre-loved ones. We list on multiple websites, including tropical-harbor.com, MyStateMLS, Retirenet.com, and MHVillage. Prospective buyers come to our office first for information.
Sales Hours
Monday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday Please go to main office (next to shuffleboard courts)
Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Outside of these hours: please visit the main office (next to the shuffleboard courts)
VIEW MORE PROPERTIES
SCHEDULE ATOUR
NewHomes for Sale!
VIEW MORE PROPERTIES
SCHEDULE ATOUR
Tropical harbor sales
Tips on Getting Your Home Ready To Sell
1. Deep Clean Everything
Interior: Scrub floors, walls, windows, cabinets, and fixtures. Replace any stained carpet or linoleum
Exterior: Power wash the siding, clean windows/screens, and check for any mildew or buildup
Skirting: Make sure it’s intact and not sagging
2. Handle Repairs & Upgrades
Fix any leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or damaged flooring
Repair or replace broken steps or railings
Upgrade dated hardware (handles, knobs, light fixtures) for a fresh look
Make sure HVAC, water heater, and appliances are in good working order
3. Boost Curb Appeal
Add plants, flowers, or mulch around the entrance
Paint the front door or shutters with park-approved colors if they’re faded
Clear out any clutter or debris from the yard
4. Gather All the Paperwork
Title (double-check it’s in your name and free of liens)
Manuals or warranties for appliances or major upgrades
VIN number and HUD data plate (usually found inside a kitchen cabinet or bedroom closet)
5. Stage it for Sale
Neutral decor and furniture help buyers imagine living there
Remove personal items (family photos, personal toiletries)
Make small spaces feel bigger-declutter, use mirrors, and stick to light colors
6. Be Ready for Showings
Keep it tidy and available for showings
Tropical harbor sales
10 Reasons to list your home with us!
1.Sales office open Monday to Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.
2.Professional brochures are given to all buyers with full details of your home.
3.We are able to show your home today! No waiting for a realtor.
4.We charge a fixed commission rate of $1,750.00 regardless of the amount your home sells for. What does your realtor charge?
5.We advertise your home on twelve of the major websites through MYStateMLS, MHVillage, and Retirenet.com.
6.We do all the in-house title transfer work for you.
7.In most cases, you get paid the day your home sells.
8.We know the rules and regulations of the community to help your buyers.
9.Our listing contracts are only 180 days long.
10.Experienced sales staff.
Community Improvements
Our new storage area and dog park is coming along. Always dealing with water leaks. Our maintenance crew did a great job on repairing the main water line break on Beaver Run. We had Morris tree service come out to trim a few trees and remove a tree at the entrance.
Wele Food Trucks Festival
Saturday, May 2, 2026
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
100 Anderson Street
Lake Placid, Florida 33852 (904) 655-1915
highwaypark@yahoo.com
Tipsy Spelling Bee
Saturday, May 9, 2026
7:30 PM
Highlands Lakeside Theatre
356 W Center Ave. Sebring, Florida 33870
Friday, Jul 24, 2026 to Sunday, Jul 26, 2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Stuart Park 131 East Interlake Boulevard Lake Placid, Florida 33852 For more
All lot improvement forms need:
Pictures of the complete home and area of the proposed project
email photos via email office@tropical-harbor.com or send text message with photos to 863-464-0913
written details of the proposed project: What type of project Measurements permit if required
Colors (visit the office to view color samples): Approval is needed even if the color has been used previously. Make sure to check if your contractor is listed with the office
If not, make sure your contractor provides a current liability insurance certificate, workers’ comp, or exemption certificate
The contractor can email documents or drop off at the office
To report any damage by Krause - Mowing Co
If you see damage on your lot, report to the office immediately in writing
Provide details of the damage: Name, lot # & address Time and date
Photos (you can send to after-hour phone 863-464-0913 or email us at office@tropical-harbor.com
Please note that authorization for repairs needs to come from Krause Company in advance of work being completed.
Are you traveling away for the summer and worried about your check getting lost or arriving late?
The resident portal's online payment option offers a reliable, quick way to pay your rent on time, making your life easier and showing that we value your convenience.
Resident portal online payment is here to help! Using the portal makes paying your rent simple and stress-free, giving you peace of mind.
The Resident Portal's AUTO PAY feature simplifies your rent payments by automating them, helping you feel confident and in control of your account with less effort.
Click the icon on the right to view instructions to sign up, set up autopay, or make a payment!
directions
1.Make the rissole mixture – Add the minced beef, onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and salt or stock powder to a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to combine and roll the mixture into portions the size of golf balls. Flatten using the palm of your hand to form the rissoles.
2.Cook the rissoles – Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–low heat. Cook the rissoles for 8–10 minutes until browned and cooked through, turning once halfway through. Cook in batches if you need to, so that the pan isn’t crowded – this will prevent the rissoles from steaming in the pan and will ensure a golden crust. Set the rissoles aside on a plate.
ingredients
RISSOLES
500 g (1 lb) regular minced (ground) beef (can be substituted with minced pork or chicken)
1 onion, grated (see note 1)
1 tsp freshly minced garlic
1 egg
60 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 tsp salt or beef or chicken stock powder, bouillon (see note 2)
3 tbsp olive oil, for frying
Freezer-Friendly Mashed Potatoes
Steamed greens
1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
3.Make a gravy with the pan juices (optional) –Turn the heat off. Drain any excess oil from the bottom of the pan using a serving spoon and then, while the pan is still hot, add 2–3 tablespoons of water Use a spoon to scrape up all of the pan drippings.
4.To cook the rissoles in an air fryer – Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray or brush both sides of the rissoles with olive oil to ensure they brown evenly. Place the rissoles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the rissoles for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Quick note when air frying: must be made with regular minced (ground) beef, not lean as it’s too dry!
5. Serve – Drizzle the pan juices over the rissoles and serve with your favourite sides.
