Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club

April 4th,  2024

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Dear fellow residents,

 

The 2024 Palm Beach Polo POA Annual Meeting was a standout success as we reached a quorum for the first time since 2013. Two board seats were up for election. Patio class was represented by Bob Bushey who will be replaced by Sandy Spalding, while Townhouse was represented by Kathy Birmingham who retains her seat. 

 

Colonel Bushey has represented the community for over 15 years and was instrumental in achieving “turnover” in 2013. His steady hand has benefited the board throughout his service, and we are most grateful for his service. 

 

George Tauber has retired from the board, also after 15 years of dedication, and his thoughtful contributions and extensive public service experience will be greatly missed. We are deeply indebted to both. 

 

The Party for the Preserve 

 

The third annual party set an attendance record as over 320 residents enjoyed Paloma cocktails and an extensive buffet provided by noted Palm Beach caterer, “C’est Si Bon”. 

 

Tree donations continue to flow, and we will post the results in the near future. Donations of any denomination may be made at the Polo House throughout the year. 

 

• Banyan Nursery $1,200 

• Ficus Tree $1,500 

• Cathedral Oak $1,500 

• Donate as Friends of the Preserve: Bronze $1,000, Silver $2,000 and Gold $5,000. 

 

Traffic, Speeding and Golf Carts: 

 

Last year, nearly one million cars passed through our gates. During that time, speeding violations have increased and we ask that our residents make a conscious effort to protect one another and to slow down. 

 

Once again, we wish to remind parents and grandparents that anyone operating a golf cart must have a valid driver’s license. Some residents have assumed that their presence in the cart fulfills that requirement but that is not the case. The driver must be licensed. 

 

Hurricane Preparation & Tree Trimming 

 

Please make sure your home safety plan is in place as we approach hurricane season. We recognize that most of our residents will be away from Wellington, however, your home and personal property must be secured in the event of a storm. 

 

We recommend that your tree trimming be completed by June. Outdoor items such as gas grills and patio furniture are to be stored away in advance of any approaching storm. All homes should be equipped with both interior and exterior lighting timers and the air conditioning set to 78 degrees. 

 

Further Notes 

 

• Summer construction rules went into effect on April 1 and will run through November 30, 2024. All permitted construction is allowed. Construction projects must have written HOA / Condominium and POA approvals in place prior to construction. Projects undertaken without proper documentation will be subject to fines. 

 

• Summer construction hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Construction and landscaping are not permitted on Saturdays and Sundays. 

 

• Some of you may have received a letter from Palm Beach Polo Holdings, Inc. which, unfortunately, was riddled with misinformation and void of facts. The POA Board has been sued on many occasions by the declarant and has prevailed in every case. Obviously, the BOD is mindful of the declarant’s inclination to litigate and relies on the advice of counsel in all matters that come before the BOD. We are confident that our legal positions are well founded and compliant with the bylaws and Florida law.

 

Safe travels and an enjoyable summer to all our neighbors and friends. 

 

 

Andrew Carduner 

President 

Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners’ Association, Inc

March 18th, 2024

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Dear fellow residents,

 

It is mid-March and in a few weeks the taillights of departing horse trailers will light up the evenings as our seasonal equestrians depart for their northerly or western homes. 

 

Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP) / Tavistock / Nexus Brouhaha 

 

After countless committee and public hearings, the Village of Wellington (VOW) voted to approve plans to remove land from the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District (the equestrian preserve) to facilitate expansion plans for the horse show and further housing development. 

 

As you are all aware, emotions became elevated as some of us were opposed to the plans (as submitted) while others approved. Going forward, our Board of Directors (BOD) will monitor and comment as the VOW allows the changes and construction to proceed. We will be vigilant and encourage residents to report to us if they believe something untoward is taking place near our boundaries. 

 

The Party for the Preserve 

 

The third annual Party for the Preserve will take place-rain or shine- on Tuesday, March 26th, between 6:00 PM and 9:00pm. Tickets and tables are still available for purchase at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-party-for-thepreserve-tickets-837739339917?aff=oddtdtcreator 

 

Arrival by golf cart or walking is encouraged as parking is limited. Casual attire and grass-friendly shoes are suggested and while we love our pets, we request that your dogs, horses, emu’s, and iguana’s remain safely at home. 

 

Health & Racquets Center 

 

Despite some initial drama emanating from the acquisition of the Health & Racquets Center property (fka The Tennis House), the residents have fully embraced the facility and the collegiality it affords a community that has been bereft of a resident owned amenity for thirty plus years. We have a community center at long last. 

 

In the 60 some-odd days since we officially took complete possession, over 1,000 residents have signed waivers to participate at the facility and 99% of residents paid the first installment of the special assessment before the second came due February 15. 

 

The fitness center is active seven days per week and the tennis and pickleball courts are getting daily play and other social gatherings such as bridge and canasta games are played several times per week. 

 

Dunes Preserve, Dog Park Areas and Ponds 

 

This is the coyote mating season, and they are on the move within the Dunes Preserve. In addition, a Florida Panther (or Bobcat) was photographed at night on the Dunes Preserve (see picture below). We have had both animals in Palm Beach Polo forever without much incident as it is their ancient habitat. As they are both relatively nocturnal breeds, this amount of activity is unusual. What to do when encountering coyotes: 

• Small dogs should always be leashed. 

• Large dogs should not be allowed to chase coyotes no matter how strong one may think the dog is. Lone coyote’s lure a single dog on a long exhausting run straight to the pack. 

• Make noise and raise your arms over your head to appear larger. 

• Wave garments and hats in the air. 

 

This is also the alligator mating season and although we almost never have reported encounters, the above coyote prevention does NOT apply. If you see an alligator, leave the scene immediately and report the sighting to the POA office who will contact the Nuisance Alligator Hotline. 

 

In addition to the coyote’s, otters are present in the lakes and ponds within the community. They are as cute as can be and are lovely to watch swimming but keep your dog’s away from them and do not let dogs into a lake, pond or canal if they are present. Otters will protect themselves with razor sharp teeth and claws that can do terrible damage in seconds. 

 

Palm Beach Polo is not a jungle, but vigilance is required in every part of life and that includes taking your car keys home and locking both the car and house. 

 

Community Safety, Security and Access Control 

 

For the first time in its history, the access control staff and POA office processed nearly 1 million vehicles in 2023 at the three designated entry points to the community. The POA staff and Access Control team are continuously reviewing procedures and protocols to ensure safety for all residents and guests. 

 

With the above stated, and beginning as of this newsletter, the following access control procedures will take effect: 

 

Between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, seven days per week, the following delivery services will not be permitted access into the community: 

 

• Delivery Dudes, Door Dash, Toast, Uber Eats, Grubhub, ASAP, Instacart, and Amazon (including Amazon Flex). 

• If a food delivery services comes to one of the entry gates, the driver will be instructed to park in the sales center parking lot and the resident / tenant / guest will be advised that they can drive to the front entrance to pick up the delivery. 

• Package delivery services such as Amazon are to be advised that they can return during regular business hours. 

 

Fedex, UPS, DSL and USPS (United States Postal Service) are exempt from the above protocol so long as they are in uniform and a properly marked vehicle with logos. 

 

To say that the above-listed food delivery services are loosely regulated with little to no direct supervision would be an overstatement. The drivers do not obey posted speed limits and the traffic rules of the community and arrive with other passengers who would otherwise not be granted access to the community. Said drivers arrive at the gates at early hours such as two or three in the morning and we cannot have them roaming the community at those hours. 

 

The above protocols are supported by the POA and have come recommended by the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office and our access control staff. 

 

Big Blue Preserve 

 

The POA leased the 92.4 acre preserve known as the Big Blue Preserve for 99 years as a protective measure against future development. It is, once again, open to our residents and the original dog park has been restored. 

 

The POA agreed to take over routine maintenance after the Village of Wellington (VOW) sued and won a judgement against Palm Beach Polo Inc. (an entity controlled by the developer) requiring them to restore parts of the preserve the VOW claims they damaged. According to the VOW, that restoration has not yet taken place and is not the responsibility of any entity other than Palm Beach Polo Inc. 

 

Mr. Straub (the President of Palm Beach Polo Inc.) sued the POA which the POA believes is designed to annoy and provoke as he has done on numerous occasions in the past. The POA has no intention to be bullied and has filed a motion to dismiss which will be heard in late May. We believe we may well prevail. To date, the legal expense amounts to less than $2.00 per resident. A small fee to protect 92.4 acres of the last independent Cypress Stand in this part of Florida. 

 

Palm Beach Polo POA Annual Meeting 

 

The annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, at 3:00 PM at the Village of Wellington Community Center behind Village Hall. 

 

This is the first time the POA will introduce and undertake electronic voting. The POA is allowing residents to vote electronically on two (2) proposed amendments to the POA’s Bylaws. The proposed amendments, if adopted, will (1) adopt a new “condominium-style” of election procedure, and (2) provide the POA with the authority to approve and disapprove sales and leases within the community. Residents who have not opted-in to electronic voting will still be able to vote by using the limited proxy mailed out with the notice of the annual meeting. If the amendments are approved, the next election of the Board of Directors will proceed according to the new procedures and members will be able to vote electronically for their representative on the Board. 

 

Traditionally, our voting process is lengthy and time consuming as property owners must be properly accredited and registered individually if they have not submitted proxies prior to the event. The POA requires owners who may be collecting proxies in their neighborhood to bring those proxies to the POA’s office for validation no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 26. This will help avoid long lines for check-in at the annual meeting. 

 

We expect the inaugural electronic voting process to include unforeseen problems and glitches and we must ask everyone to be patient as this long-awaited event unfolds. The annual meeting and voting will be conducted by the POA staff and our attorneys who are familiar with the process, and the third-party vendor who will assist with the actual tabulations. 

 

As stated, this is our inaugural attempt at electronic voting. Unlike many other communities of our size that employ bloated staff and management levels, the POA is managed by a lean staff of three and it has taken all our limited resources to organize the acquisition of the Health & Racquets Center and electronic voting. 

 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Andrew Carduner

President 

For the Board of Directors

Sincerely, Andrew Carduner President For the Board of Directors

 

Below is the PDF file of this announcement

Palm Beach Polo Club and Preserve

If you have trouble opening or do not receive the attachment, please email me at Jim.Taccone@polopoa.com. 

 

 

 

December  29th, 2023

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Good afternoon, 

 

The Polo House will close at 3:30 PM on Friday, December 29 for the New Year’s holiday and will reopen Wednesday, January 3 at 8:30 AM. The Polo House, located at 11585 Polo Club Road, is open for all of your POA related matters such as vehicle decals, leases and change of owner documents. 

 

ABDI GateAccess App 

 

Help alleviate congestion at the entry gates by entering your guests using the ABDI GateAccess app which can be downloaded from the app store on your portable device. Once downloaded, the community code is “POLO”, user name is the phone number attached to your account including area code (ex. 5615551234), and the password is your assigned five digit PIN number. 

 

Once logged in, you can add or delete guests from you list and also control the duration each has access to your property. For questions regarding the app, please contact the POA office at 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com 

 

As a reminder, homeowners are responsible for the actions of their guests while inside the community. 

 

Quick Reference Contact Information 

 

• Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com 

• East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns) 

• West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759 

• Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901 

 

Happy New Year to all residents! 

 

Jim Taccone, LCAM 

General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.

December  22nd, 2023

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Good afternoon, 

 

An update from Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc. (POA): 

 

Save The Date!

 

The 3rd annual Party for the Preserve will take place on Tuesday, March 26 at 6:00 PM. Please save the date and plan to attend this wonderful event with neighbors and friends in the community. 

 

Polo House 

 

The Polo House will close at 3:30 PM on Friday, December 22 for the Christmas holiday and will reopen Wednesday, December 27 at 8:30 AM. The Polo House, located at 11585 Polo Club Road, is open for all of your POA related matters such as vehicle decals, leases and change of owner documents. 

 

Our contact information is listed below for your convenience. 

 

Fitness Center

 

The fitness center is now open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, seven days per week. Please make sure to stop by the Polo House to sign your liability waiver if you haven’t done so already. 

 

Community Safety, Parking & Vehicle Regulations 

 

The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), along with the POA, want to remind all residents to have and use a properly functioning alarm system, lighting set to timers when in residence or away, and to lock all doors and windows (this includes your vehicles also). Please do not leave valuable items such as wallets or cell phones in plain sight in your vehicle while out. 

 

• Parking on the grass in any location of the community is prohibited. The regulation applies to all residents, guests and vendors. 

• On-street parking is not permitted between the hours of midnight and 6 AM. Vehicles left in roadways between these hours will be ticketed. 

• The POA has deployed mobile radar devices at various locations throughout the community to monitor speeding. Please drive the speed limit to avoid a citation and fine!  

 

 

The Dunes Preserve Rules & Regulations are posted near the entrance in the parking lot area for your convenience and adherence. 

 

As the winter season gets in full swing, please take a moment to read the following section related to dog rules & regulations as we must keep the Dunes Preserve safe for all residents: 

 

• All dogs must wear ID collars and be fully vaccinated before using the facilities. 

• All dogs must be on a leash entering and leaving the park. 

• All dogs must be on a leash in the designated parking areas and all owners must carry a leash(s). 

• Owners are responsible to pick-up after their pets in all areas of the park and preserve and to deposit the bags in the receptacles provided for that purpose. 

 

• Owners are responsible for the behavior of their pets at all times which includes, but is not limited to the following: 

• Dogs must remain within their owner’s sightline. o Dogs are not allowed to approach unfamiliar dogs. 

• Unleashed dogs are not allowed to approach unfamiliar people, golf carts or bicycles. 

 

• Aggressive dogs are not allowed. Owners of dog(s) displaying aggressive behavior are required to immediately remove the offending dog(s). 

• Un-spayed and unneutered pets must always be on a leash. No female dogs in heat. 

• Excessive barking is prohibited and dogs barking uncontrollably must be removed. 

• Dogs may not dig holes. 

 

• An owner may bring a maximum of three (3) dogs on each visit and the three dogs must be on a leash at all times. 

• Aggressive animals and behavioral incidents should immediately be reported to the POA. 

 

ABDI GateAccess App 

 

Help alleviate congestion at the entry gates by entering your guests using the ABDI GateAccess app which can be downloaded from the app store on your portable device. Once downloaded, the community code is “POLO”, user name is the phone number attached to your account including area code (ex. 5615551234), and the password is your assigned five digit PIN number. 

 

Once logged in, you can add or delete guests from you list and also control the duration each has access to your property. For questions regarding the app, please contact the POA office at 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com 

 

As a reminder, homeowners are responsible for the actions of their guests while inside the community.  

 

ABDI GateAccess App Help alleviate congestion at the entry gates by entering your guests using the ABDI GateAccess app which can be downloaded from the app store on your portable device. Once downloaded, the community code is “POLO”, user name is the phone number attached to your account including area code (ex. 5615551234), and the password is your assigned five digit PIN number. Once logged in, you can add or delete guests from you list and also control the duration each has access to your property. For questions regarding the app, please contact the POA office at 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com As a reminder, homeowners are responsible for the actions of their guests while inside the community.  

 

Quick Reference Contact Information

 

• Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com 

• East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns)

• West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759 

• Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901 

 

Happy Holidays to all residents!

 

Best regards, 

Jim Taccone, LCAM 

General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.

December  10th, 2023

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Good afternoon, 

 

An update from Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc. (POA): 

 

The Dunes Preserve Rules & Regulations are posted near the entrance in the parking lot area for your convenience and adherence. 

 

As the winter season gets in full swing, please take a moment to read the following section related to dog rules & regulations as we must keep the Dunes Preserve safe for all residents: 

 

• All dogs must wear ID collars and be fully vaccinated before using the facilities. 

• All dogs must be on a leash entering and leaving the park.

 • All dogs must be on a leash in the designated parking areas and all owners must carry a leash(s).

 • Owners are responsible to pick-up after their pets in all areas of the park and preserve and to deposit the bags in the receptacles provided for that purpose.

 

 • Owners are responsible for the behavior of their pets at all times which includes, but is not limited to the following: o Dogs must remain within their owner’s sightline. 

 •Dogs are not allowed to approach unfamiliar dogs. o Unleashed dogs are not allowed to approach unfamiliar people, golf carts or bicycles. 

• Aggressive dogs are not allowed. Owners of dog(s) displaying aggressive behavior are required to immediately remove the offending dog(s). 

 

• Un-spayed and unneutered pets must always be on a leash. No female dogs in heat.

 • Excessive barking is prohibited and dogs barking uncontrollably must be removed. 

• Dogs may not dig holes.

 • An owner may bring a maximum of three (3) dogs on each visit and the three dogs must be on a leash at all times. 

• Aggressive animals and behavioral incidents should immediately be reported to the POA. 

 

 Cart Path Etiquette 

 

When approaching a pedestrian from behind whether in a golf cart, on a bicycle, skateboard or jogging, please give adequate warning. Verbally “on your right (or left)” so that the pedestrian can move out of your way before you reach them. Especially important when overtaking a pedestrian with a dog. 

 

Quick Reference Contact Information

 

• Palm Beach Polo POA office: 561-514-1800 or via email at polo.poa@polopoa.com 

• East Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7758 (call this number with any access control or security concerns)

• West Entry Gate Phone Number: 561-793-7759 

• Construction Entry Phone Number: 561-784-1901 

 

Best regards, 

Jim Taccone, LCAM 

General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners' Association, Inc.

September 10th, 2023

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Good afternoon, 

 

Beginning this coming Tuesday, September 12, the next phase of improvements to the surface water drainage system will commence at the main entrance to Palm Beach Polo off Forest Hill Blvd.

 

If you are in residence, the Forest Hill Blvd entrance lane will be closed September 12, 13, & 14 (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) so the necessary drainage improvements can be completed. The entry closure will be continuous until the project is completed (i.e. the entry will not reopen after business hours and overnight). 

 

Please make plans each of those three days to enter the community via the construction entrance or west entrance, both of which are located on South Shore Blvd. Please inform your guests and vendors of these same instructions. 

 

You will be able to EXIT the community with no disruption via the Forest Hill Blvd entrance all three days. The improvements will take place on the west side of the temporary guardhouse directly on the main entrance roadway. 

 

The entrance roadway will be blocked off shortly after the Sales Center parking lot entry. Please adhere to all posted signage, traffic cones and directives from the access control staff and be mindful of your vehicle speed as contractors will be working in the rights-of-way. 

 

We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we continue to improve the main entrance of the community. 

 

Best regards, 

Jim Taccone, LCAM 

General Manager Palm Beach Polo & Country Club Property Owners’ Association, Inc.

August 28th, 2023

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Palm Beach Polo & Preserve 

11585 Polo Club Road 

Wellington, Florida 33414 

 

August 28, 2023 

 

Dear fellow residents, 

 

We hope that you are enjoying the finale of the summer season. For those of you in more northern climates, the relentless heat and afternoon thunderstorms continue here in Wellington. There are several items and updates to bring to your attention: 

 

Tennis House 

 

With the acquisition of the Tennis House property and the 99-year lease of Big Blue Preserve completed, the Tennis House Committee has begun to work with multiple consultants to formulate future plans to create a first-class amenity for all residents. 

 

Part of those plans includes input from the residents in the form of a survey. The following link will take you to a preliminary survey that will assist the Tennis House Committee in future planning: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3S9RW9R 

We request that the initial survey be completed by each household. You may expect additional surveys moving forward into the fall. The survey can be completed on your desktop, tablet, or smartphone. 

 

Main Entrance Improvements 

The new guardhouse at the main entrance is nearing completion and we expect our access control team will begin working out of the new space shortly. The guardhouse vastly improves our entry, access control efficiency and is commensurate with other improvements that have been made throughout the community. 

 

You were advised via email last week that surface water drainage improvements at the main entrance off Forest Hill Blvd were to commence today. We will appreciate your patience as we complete these much-needed improvements. The interrupted traffic patterns are necessary as there are no other roadways available that would allow vehicles into and out of the community. 

 

Hurricane Preparation & Tree Trimming 

 

Please make sure your home safety plan is in place as we approach the active part of hurricane season. We recognize that most of our residents are currently away from Wellington, however, your home and personal property must be secured in the event of a storm. We recommend that your tree trimming be completed by now and items such as gas grills and patio furniture be stored away in advance of any approaching storm. 

 

The Wellington: North and South Project (Tavistock / Nexus) 

 

 

As we have stated in public and private forums, Palm Beach Polo & Preserve cannot support the proposals as submitted and will continue to attend and speak at all public meetings. The Village of Wellington Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board (PZAB) concluded their meeting on August 16 and made recommendations to the Village Council. Minutes of the PZAB meeting can be found by clicking on the following link and then clicking underneath the Action Summary heading: Village of Wellington - Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board (legistar.com)

 

The Village Council will review recommendations from the Equestrian Preserve Committee and PZAB and make a final determination on the applications as they are presented. A change in scheduling has now pushed the first reading of the applications for Village Council to October 10, 11 and 12 (if needed) at 6:00 PM. 

 

Sincerely yours, 

Andrew Carduner 

President For the Board of Directors