May 1, 2020
Dear Owners,
As the nation begins to open up from the COVID-19 shutdown, the Board is receiving inquiries from Owners on when they can begin to rent out their properties and when Crystal Sands pools and public restrooms will open.
The Board will be following the Governor’s direction, and as such the Crystal Sands Rental Program, Owners who self- rent or use other rental agencies are expected to follow the Governor’s order(s). On April 29 2020 Florida Governor Desantis described his Step by Step Plan to reopen the State and economy. However, this newest order, DOES NOT allow our condominium association to open up to new rentals. The order states:
The governor has ordered people of Florida to avoid nonessential travel to/from other States. If Owners decide to come from another state and stay in your condominium, you are expected to follow CDC guidelines for isolation for 14 days, if coming from a hot spot. The Governor is encouraging responsible individual activity, which limits activity, and continuing to shelter at home. The limited activity and interaction is why you are discouraged from allowing family who do not reside in our buildings to stay in your units until the restrictions are lifted. Bear in mind, the number of at-risk seniors who live and stay at Crystal Sands, and their vulnerability to COVID-19.
Original Order
Likewise, because of the COVID-19 precautions continuing to include disinfection, social distancing, and other CDC guidelines, our attorneys have advised Crystal Sands to keep our pool and public restrooms closed until the Governor lifts restrictions.
We understand this is a hardship and everyone is eager to get “back to normal”. Governor Desantis describes his re-open plan as beginning with the “baby steps”, and as such, the Board does not anticipate the Governor lifting his order prohibiting new rentals until June. Many of our neighboring properties on the Key have already posted no new rentals through May 30. Safeguard everyone’s safety and do not accept new reservations or have new check ins until June 1. When Governor Desantis lifts the vacation rental ban, we will notify all.
Please know, the Board, like you, wants to get back to enjoying our slice of paradise. Be safe,
Crystal Sands Board of Directors
Sea Turtle Nesting Season – May 1st through October 31st
During your visit, please help protect Florida’s sea turtles, other wildlife and the coastal habitats upon which they depend. The sea turtle nesting season in Florida runs from March through October on the Atlantic coast, and from May through October on the Gulf coast. During the sea turtle season, please remember a few simple things to help protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat:
It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or their nests. Sea turtles are protected by both the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Florida Marine Protection Act.
Avoid going to the beach at night. If you must be on the beach at night, limit your walking and do not use flashlights or flash photography. The light may cause the female to abort the nesting process, or other sea turtles nearby may be discouraged from nesting if there are lights on the beach.
Turn off outside patio lights and shield indoor lights from shining directly onto the beach by closing the drapes at night. Lights disturb nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. Please make sure your beachfront lights are in compliance with the law.
While enjoying the beautiful beaches during the day, avoid disturbing marked sea turtle nests, and please take your trash with when you leave the beach. Cover up any holes in the sand and bring all beach chairs back to the seawall at sunset each day, NO EXCEPTIONS! Sarasota County imposes strict and exorbitant fines for non-compliance.
When crossing a dune, please use designated cross overs and walkways. Do not climb over the dunes or disturb the dune vegetation.
If you see an injured or dead sea turtle, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC from your cell phone.
