Managers Message
From the General Manager's Desk.
Happy March, everyone. The past few months have flown by.
Thank you to all the Tropical Harbor volunteers who help at our events. Without you, none of it would be possible. Tropical Harbor has a very active social calendar, and we truly appreciate each of you. Our maintenance team has also been busy keeping our community looking beautiful. Sadly, many flowers and plants did not do well during the cold spell, and we waited to see if they would bounce back.
Here are a few reminders for everyone:
Plans to leave for the summer.
Some residents are planning to leave for the summer. Please make sure Daria has your northern address, the name and contact information of the person who will be looking after your home, and the date you will be leaving. We need to record this information in the system.
Parking in other residents' lots.
Please do not park your vehicles in other lots in the community, especially at homes that are for sale. When a home is shown, and there is a boat or golf cart in the driveway, buyers often assume it is part of the sale. If you are using a neighbor’s driveway, you need written permission.
Mardi Gras – End-of-Season Party, March 25th, 5–8 pm.
We look forward to seeing you at the party. Dress in your best Mardi Gras costume. Tickets are currently sold out, but we do have a waiting list. See Daria to be added if you don’t already have tickets.
Sales.
February sales have picked up. We have sold several pre-loved homes and two new homes. The market is starting to shift, and buyers are looking. All sellers, please make sure your home is ready to show. We’re also pleased to share that Patty Kusiak will be joining the team as a sales assistant to help show homes and welcome new residents to the community.
Tropical Harbor Estates
Shower before using the pools.
Please shower before using the pools, especially if you are using suntan lotion. This helps the pool filters stay clean Also, please towel dry when using the bathrooms We don’t want wet floors that could cause someone to slip The temperature of the pools and hot tub are preset and should not be changed If you know someone is changing these temperatures, please let the office know. We are still experiencing colder nights, so it may take a while for the water to warm back up. Some residents are moving the beds to the beach. Please return them to the pool area when you are finished using them.
Handymen Working in the Community.
Daria works very hard to make sure we have up to date liability certificates for all contractors working in the community. This includes all handymen, whether you are a resident or an outside worker. If you are doing work for a resident in any capacity—pressure washing, painting, mowing, cleaning roofs, etc —you must have liability insurance If you need help with this, come to the office so we can guide you This protects our residents and you All handymen must have their liability insurance certificate filed with the office by April 1st.
Golf Carts.
Golf carts must follow the community speed limit. Some carts go faster than others, so please be careful. And as a reminder, Rickert and Austin Drive is one way for all vehicles. Also, no golf carts are to be parked in the vehicle lanes at the clubhouse. These areas must be kept available for cars and service vehicles.
Pets.
Pets must not be left unattended outside on your driveway or on an extended leash on the front, side, or rear of your home. When walking your pet, please keep it on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Many pets do not like passing vehicles, so be careful. And lastly, ALWAYS clean up after your pet. It’s not their fault we just need to keep an eye on them.
Black Light Poles.
Many of you have black light poles on your lot. As a safety feature, we need to make sure they are working. The community gets very dark at night, and working lights help keep everyone safe. Most of the time, it’s just a matter of replacing the light bulb However, if you’ve replaced it and it’s still not working, let the office know and we can check to make sure electricity is reaching the pole
That’s all for now. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please come to the office. If we don’t know there’s a problem, we can’t fix it.
Enjoy your March, and for those of you traveling back north, drive safely.
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 for our homeowners to get 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 in the office, and pool passes are required for your guests. 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.
3/1 - National Peanut Butter Lovers Day
3/4 - Mardi Gras
3/5 Ash Wednesday
3/6 - World Book Day
3/7 - Employee Appreciation Day
3/8 - International Women’s Day
8 - Daylight Saving Time
3/9 - National Meatball Day
3/12 - National No Smoking Day
3/14 - National Potato Chip Day
3/14 - National Pi Day
3/17 - St. Patrick’s Day
3/20 - International Day of Happiness
3/20 - National Ravioli Day
3/25 - International Waffle Day
3/26 - Purple Day
3/28 - Wear a Hat Day
1st
Dingo 6:30 pm
2nd
Ice cream social 6 pm
HOA Meeting 7 pm
3rd
ROMEO Club 11:30 am
Ohio Party 2 pm
5th
Tropical Belles Luncheon 11:30 am
6th
Pancakes 8 am
Variety Show 6:30 pm
8th
Daylight Saving - Spring Forward!
9th
Civil War Roundtable 10 am
10th
Stampin’ with Sharon 1 pm
If you do not see your event(s) listed, please email office@tropical-harbor.com
11th
Bunco 3:30 pm
Kitchen is closed 6pm- 8pm
13th
Pizza Nite 5 pm
14th
Tropical Qult Show 8 am to 2 pm
15th
HOA Annual Lunch 12 pm to 1 pm
HOA Annual Dinner 4 pm to 5 pm
Dingo 6:30 pm
16th
Ask the HOA 10:15 am
Ladies Pajama Party 5 pm
17th
ROMEO Club 11:30 am
18th
Mana Pick up 10 am
Kitchen is closed 6pm- 8pm
19th
Annual Picnic in the Park 2 pm
20th
Book Club 1 pm
Kitchen closed for Relay for Life all day
21st
Relay for Life all day
22nd
Pool party 12 pm
23rd
HOA Board Meeting 10 am
Cornhole Annual Picnic 1 pm
Relay for Life Luminaries 7 pm
25th
Bunco 3:30 pm
End-of-Season Mardi Gras Party 5-8 pm
26th
Potluck 5 pm
28th THE Dance 7 pm
29th
Brunch 11:30 am
30th
Art & wine 5 pm
Followuson Facebook!
4th
Connie R.
6th
Thomas A.
Marcia C.
James G.
8th
James Z.
9th
Gilam C. Anna G. Eileen T.
10th
James C.
Natalie S.
11th
Mary B. Sean B.
12th
Thomas B.
13th
Gretchen B.
14th
David W.
16th
Wayne B. Michael D.
Shelley P.
17th
Joseph S.
18th
Byron B.
Terry R. Sandy R.
19th
Roger C. Donna K.
20th
Jackie L. JAmes S. Almon S. Juan V.
21st
Johnny O.
22nd
Darren H.
25th
Rickery B.
Sandra W.
27th
Jesse S. M. Barbara S.
28th
Gwendolyn B.
29th
Ronald B.
Geroge C. Ceanne H. Cynthia S. Jack W.
30th
Debbie H.
31st
Daniel D. Stan P.
Residents wanting their birthday listed in the newsletter should contact the office email office@tropical-harbor.com
1st | Timothy & Christina M.
3rd | Henry & Anna F.
4th | Hollie & Jennifer S.
6th | Michael & Patti G.
7th | James & Linda Z.
8th | Dale & Michelle B.
10th| David & Vicki R.
12th| Elmer & Kimberly K.
15th | Veronica & Burt P.
20th | Sandy R. & Norm C.
21st | Marlene & Roger H.
24th | Nancy & Doug G.
27th | Diane & Jerry H.
28th | Marla & Roger C.
30th | David & Adria S.
Residents wanting their anniversary listed in the newsletter should contact the office email office@tropical-harbor.com
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.
lAST MONTH EVENTS
Karaoke Party Party
2-7-26 2-7-26
2-11-2026 2-11-2026
Karaoke
Parade ParadeMardiGras MardiGras
2-17-26 2-17-26
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.
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
1.Sales office opens 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
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 Reasons to list your home with us!
Community Improvements
We had the retention pond cleaned in February. All the benches on the shuffleboard courts have been painted, and we added reflective tape to the STOP signs to make them show up better at nights. Repairs to the concrete curbing was made and freshly painted.
All lot improvement forms need:
Pictures of the complete home and area of the proposed project
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 TWQ - 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 TWQ 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 we value your convenience.
Resident portal online payment is here to help! Using the portal makes paying your rent simple and stressfree, 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!
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.
Simple Shepherd's Pie
By Cheryl Slocum ingredients
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 small carrots, chopped
1 cup frozen pearl onions
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup frozen peas
2 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
directions
tap picture for link
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots and onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add turkey and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 6 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook 3 more minutes. Stir in peas and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour in chicken broth and stir. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper.
Transfer to a 9- to 10-inch deep-dish pie pan.
Spread mashed potatoes atop the turkey mixture. Bake until golden on top and heated through, about 25 minutes.
