In what has to be the most audacious news to come out of my home state in recent months, the Majestic Oaks Subdivision in Ocala, Florida has decreed that its residents are not to take victims from Hurricane Katrina into their homes. The Association is encouraging homeowners to simply donate money instead.
In response to the general outrage expressed by homeowners, Association Vice President Audrey Andrews said the matter was being "blown out of proportion" and flippantly offered to write a letter of apology - but not rescind the decision.
Association President Bob Watson acknowledged he felt "bad" about not allowing residents to offer their homes as shelters but said bypassing existing by-laws could lead to lawsuits. He then asked the angry crowd, "How am I going to explain that to the judge?"
Well, Mr. Watson. There are two ways to answer that question. If the judge is as narrow minded and short sighted as your Association Board, you all can drink a toast to the preservation of your precious land while needy families sit in public shelters with nowhere to go. If the judge has a compassionate bone in his body, he will understand that this is a time for banding together and letting people help out where they can, not encouraging elitist behavior based on fear.
Though the residents of Majestic Oaks Subdivision in Ocala feel differently, the Association says that hurricane victims are not welcome. Fine. They're welcome to head a little farther south into the Tampa area where we'll make all the room we need for them.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Kent Kimmons
I grew up in Ocala, still consider it my home and visit there often. If you want to know why native floridians dispise yankees, look no further than this story. What we need is for the last American Patriot to leave Majestic Oaks to bring the flag.
2 - larry johnson
the refugees should be given 40 acres and a mule in the Sudan!
3 - Lisa
A mule, eh? If they need an ass to lead them, I can think of one.
4 - microbe
Heard about this. Googled "Majestic Oaks Subdivision Ocala FL" & found Google News had your article as their first story, as it should be. I would be ashamed to be a member of this ASSociation. Too bad some people feel they can exercise control they never should have had in the first place. Next time vote them out. What do they think should happens if someone they know is ever in need of shelter??? Lets hope for more compassion than is shown by them. Great article, Lisa. I am forwarding it to many.
5 - Bill Kintz
There's a legalistic disconnect here. I'm a homeowner association president here in Jacksonville. Most HOA boards use a common-sense approach when dealing with issues that may deviate from their covenants and restrictions.
BTW, wasn't Majestic Oaks the same Homeowners Association that took a resident to court back in 1996 for displaying an American Flag? Actions by condo and association commandos like these folks prompted drastic and much-needed reforms in Florida's Statues 719, 720 & 721 which govern the conduct of community, neighborhood & condo associations.
- Bill Kintz, President, Ashton Hills Homeowners Assocaition. "Stong Associations Make Better Neighborhoods"
6 - John
You know what would be poetic justice? This; when the bastards that run the mentioned association and its members suffer a disaster (tornadeo, flood, whatever), and they go looking for help and are treated like that. THE LEADERS OF THE ABOVE ASSOCIATION HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN HELL RESERVED FOR THEM, AND I WOULDNT SHED A TEAR IF SOMEONE 86'D THEIR *SSES...
In my opinion, the leaders of Majestic Oaks are _HEARTLESS BASTARDS_. By their statements, they have basicaly admitted to being racist. Let them waller in their own gore that they have created...
7 - Mark
How convienent for the Majestic Oaks Homeowners Association to be able to use the law to mask thier prejudices against the people devastated by the hurricane.
Convienent indeed that they are not responsible for their own selfishness and greed. I wonder how they will argue their case before the almighty god when they are judged for this act. Lest you forget that greed is one of the seven deadly sins and is defined as the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness.
To them I say....
Have you no compassion, no courage, no character. Since when is it supposed to be easy to do the RIGHT THING????
I would also like to quote Special Counsel for the Army Joseph N. Welch from the June 9, 1954 McCarthy Hearings....
"Have you no sense of decency sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?"
8 - Johnny (Papa)
That 40 acres and a mule. I like the idea myself, and I know where to start taking the land for it. Majestic Oaks Subdivision in Ocala, Florida, would do nicely.
9 - Dave Nalle
Damn, I was going to write on this and you beat me to it. What a pack of self-righteous yuppie scum.
Dave
10 - alpha
Yea, Florida! Still the same place I escaped from (Tampa) 39 years ago. Then it was "no niggers, Jews and Catholics" and "Gentlemens' Agreements". Now there are both Southerners with their prejudices and snowbirds looking for never-never land where every corner is rounded and safe (Seaside, FL, for example).
The issue luckily doesn't seem to be whether the community should welcome masses of refugees. Rather, whether homeowners have the right to invite into their homes who they please or exclude who they do not want without being told which choice to make. That is Conservatism. The Homeowners Association are radicals.
11 - Joyce
Let us hope that a "Majestic Oak" does not fall on this association during a future natural disaster. I doubt that anyone would offer any humanitarian help to the members of the homeowners association that display a total lack of compassion. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!
12 - John
These so called Americans ought to be ashamed of themselves. This is a time to come together and help your fellow Americans regardless of race, religion, economic statue or anything else! I am lucky to be from the great state of Texas where we are opening our arms and wallets to help OUR neighbors in need. The next time their area is hit with a hurricane in Florida, I hope that they see how it is to have nothing as the people from Louisiana have.
I also read where this same group of people made a resident take down a flag pole along with the American flag, we need to send these communists back where they belong and out of this great country. I have served my country and am DAMN proud to be an American and people like the board members of the Majestic Oaks HOA are not Americans!
13 - Kww
I read the story yesterday and Google them to get the email address...unfortunately it is gone now for those that wish to contact them. I emailed such a nasty email I think they shut there website down. BUt I can't take the credit I think they were probably slammed by a load of people to be honest. They seem to be clueless that they too live in a hurricane zone in Florida and may need the same sort of help if they are hit by a Cat 5 hurricane. What goes around comes around.
14 - kww
No email but if I find one I will post it
Homeowners Association Information
Majestic Oaks Homeowners' Association of Ocala, Inc.
Post Office Box 771071, Ocala Fl. 34477-1071
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
President: Bob Watson 291-1512
Vice President Audrey Andrews 237-7086
Director: Bob Walsh 861-8177
Director: Christine Beers 237-5403
Director: Louis Colaianni 237-7405
Treasurer: Merrill Theviot 873-0772
Secretary: Ruby Montgomery 854-8933
Recording Secretary: Jenni Morris 237-7028
ACR/ARC Chairman: Bob Walsh 861-8177
Audit Committee: VACANT
Beautification Committee: Janet Malmshemier 873-8929
Bldgs./Grounds/Contracts Committee Ron Wallace 861-8746
Block Coordinators: Janet Malmsheimer 873-8929
Community Relations:
Covenant Complaints Bob Watson 291-1512
Covenant Review:
Crime Watch: Christine Beers 237-5403
Election Coordinator: Henryette Boyle 854-6342
Helping Hands: Hansel Brown 861-2722
Sunshine Committee: Mary Cummings 873-9889
Newsletter - Coordinator Ric Beltramello 873-7174
Pets lost & found: Treva Dillon 237-2340
Welcoming:
Utility: Don Clauson 861-1235
15 - Tony
Checked the numbers for the pres and vice pres and they are wrong but Bob Walsh's number is correct so let the pranks begin...hehe
16 - Anne
God, I HATE homeowners associations, particularly Majestic Oaks Homeowners Association. Just a bunch of snobs so full of themselves it just REEKS. Hey, you bunch of self-centered pieces of flotsam, what if it had been Ocala that had been hit? You'd be the first ones begging for someone to take you in. DISGUSTING!
17 - Belinda
The Majestic Oaks Homeowners Association Board Members decision is a disgrace to our great country. I will keep them in my prayers...what a shame!
18 - Brett
I was born and raised in Florida and lived in Olcala, FL for about 10 years. Ocala is a very backward place. It is controlled by the (owners of the) large horse farms that surround it, and growth and change are strongly discouraged. It is a very corrupt place. The police and judges are all part of an honest to god "Old Boy" network that takes care of the wealthy horse farmer's interests. It is a very bigoted place. This instance of bigotry and hatred is proof of what I've known for a long time.
Brett W. Bertram
19 - Deborah
To the Pea Brains, scumbags and no-class people at the Majestic Oaks Homeowners Association who are responsible for not taking in Katrina's homeless. Your time will come, you think you're so great, only in your mind, no one else thinks so. I don't care how much money you have, and how much you think you're better than anyone else, you are not blue bloods or from the old money society, so don't get high and mighty - that you are not. You just have a few extra dollars more than others, that's all. What makes you think people want to be around you anyway!!!!!
20 - Simone88
I have just one word for the Pres. &
Vice-Pres. DOOFUS
21 - Bob
Dear friends and possible enemies,
I did this once and blew it away, somehow!...WHEW!...wierd things happen to me in this medium!
Anyhow!
I read the insightful and inciteful remarks on the BB. To those of you that don't really know, it was the board of directors of the mandatory homeowners' association that issued the decree or NOTICE! to residents.
Yesterday, Andrews and Colaianni resigned!
A couple of members of Cyber Citizens For Justice http://www.ccfj.net/ issued an appeal to residents to recall the remainder.
Time will tell if this effort will have 'wings' but, if not, it is anticipated that candidates will come forward seek a seat on the board during the election in December.
This story has been moving very quickly throughout our nation. You can read the latest events at the CCFJ web site.
When you visit, please sign our Guest Book. If you're from Florida consider clicking on the JOIN or PayPal button.
Lasty, I want to share the recent "OPEN" letter sent to Gov. Jeb Bush, et al by FLCAN.
*** SEE BELOW ***
Thank for your interesting and provocative comments about this most recent event in the history of Majestics Oaks.
Incidentally, the "Flagpole Flap" has been mentioned above.
That was a different time and a different board that was under the control of the developer. Although the case was settled through mediation we never received a full acounting of money spent by OUR HOA fightiong ourselves but it was in the neighborhood of $14,000.
There's a lot more to THAT story which is, 'old news,' so I won't bore you with the gory details.
Thanks again! Keep up the good work and we'll keep the 'heat on!'
The best to you and yours,
Bob,
Ocala, FL
************* SEE BELOW *********
Consumer Advocacy Network Dispatch
*** Distribute Widely ***
Honorable Governor Jeb Bush et al.,
Dear sir,
With all due respect and candor to you and our friends, as you've read in the story by Ryan Conley, courtesy of Star-Banner and heard similar comments widely broadcasted in the printed and TV media, it's obvious that the entire board of the Majestic Oaks Homeowners' Association of Ocala, Inc., weren't consulted before the NOTICE was distributed to residents.
It seems, a unilateral decision was made but it's difficult to determine upon whose shoulders this disgrace should fall and if the action taken was approved by legal counsel of the HOA?
Other board members haven't stepped forward to shoulder the blame. Legal counsel has remained quiet.
We may never know but it's obvious that the remainder of the board should, similarly, resign!
No doubt, residents in this beautiful community are very upset. We suspect that FOR SALE signs will begin appearing very soon but will owners be able to sell their homes for its fair value?
Whom on this board could be held responsible if the market value of homes in this community take a sudden down turn?
We thought it was amazing that, in effect, the VP continued to opine, '.......we thought the NOTICE would remain internally and wouldn't reach the media. YEAH RIGHT!
The damage this board has reaped upon the image of this beautiful community are undescribable!
Unfortunately, only the two of the most apologetic and sensible board members of this HOA have resigned. Hopefully, others will follow suit on their own...but...we're not going to hold our breath.
Incidentally, Governor Bush, we agree with Mr. Bergemann. (president of CCFJ) The state of Florida must wake up and enact laws to protect the health, safety and welfare of all the CITIZENS of our state.
It's especially important to protect prospective purchasers being enticed to relocate to live in a deed restricted community with a mandatory homeowners' association.
Therefore, we appeal to your sense of fairness and good judgement and hope you'll encourage leaders of the state legislature to create:
- An Ombudsman Office for HOA communities
-Prevent a majority of the minority from continuing to diminish the financial integrity of our investment in Florida
-Require clear and unambiguous deed restrictions or protective covenants, bylaws and rules and regulations to be reviewed by a state agency before recording at the county level
-Mandate Full Disclosure of all governing documents to prospective purchasers before contract for sale
-Regulate HOAs under an agency of Florida government to insure accountablity of the BOD's, Community Association Managers, developers and industry partisans.
Thank you very much for your valuable time and consideration. With your assistance we know good things can happen before you leave office.
We look forward to a successful 2006 legislative session and your response to these important matters.
Sincerely,
Ocala, FL 34476
IN ALLIANCE WITH:
Cyber Citizens For Justice (CCFJ)
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 11
Property Owners Association in the Villages (POA)
Fair Housing Center of the Greater Palm Beaches (FHCGPB)
22 - Joan
It is so sad that given the magnitude of the disaster in our Gulf States one community, of affluent means, would not jump to make amends in their bylaws. If only for a short period of time, say six months, to allow victims to get back on their feet. They, the Homeowners Association, would be viewed as heroes. Setting a precedent for other communities around the nation, we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!
I’m of meager means and do not have a large home. Last year during the hurricanes that struck my state, I personally sent my hurricane box to a family in Punta Gorda, Fl. I went to the grocery store, bought over $300 dollars of goods and took them to the local broadcasting station to be taken to Arcadia, Fl. I donated clothes, over 50 beanie babies and some other items to a migrant community so that they could have a FREE shopping day to find gifts for their families for Christmas.
See, I find it very sad that Majestic Oaks doesn’t allow their homeowners to open their homes, if they wish, to displaced victims. Many have lost so much, so quickly!
God bless to all who read this and God speak to the hearts of Majestic Oaks Homeowners Association.
23 - kww
Bob,
are you serious?! They resigned?!...hooohoo...yeah! Hopefully the others will wisely follow suit. The trash has just begun to be taken out...I will check your sight out...Thanks
24 - kww
Here is the link...to the article stating that two board members quit in protest and that Walsh and Andrews are close to getting outsted...he he, they are getting their just desserts...these two are so in the dark because their heads are so far up their asses they have shit for brains...good riddance! support CCFJ as they are doing a bang up job!
25 - kww
here it is