Saturday, October 28, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS
Sustainability 101 Series
Controlled Burns

In Southwest Florida - a little bit of fire is just what our native landscapes need. Babcock Ranch Greenbuilding and Sustainable Development advisor Dr. Jennifer Languell has more in this month's episode of Sustainability 101.
Happy Halloween
Halloween is officially on Tuesday, but we can't wait; our celebration continues this evening in Founder's Square!

Golf Cart Trunk or Treat: Starting at 6:30 p.m., join us for a unique trunk-or-treat experience, where residents are invited to decorate their golf carts and bring candy to distribute to the kids, who will be dressed in their spookiest costumes.
Trick or Treating — Tuesday

For those who wish to participate, we will officially welcome Halloween with traditional trick-or-treating on Tuesday evening.

Community Trick-or-Treating Guidelines:
  • Hours: 4 – 8 p.m. Tuesday.
  • For consistency, we urge residents to distribute candy from driveways.
  • Not interested in participating? Keep your porch lights off. Self-serve option: Place a bowl of candy on the front porch.
  • An adult should accompany young children.
  • Bring a flashlight and follow all safety rules.
  • And, of course, if you're operating a vehicle, be extra careful.
An Informative Blog for Residents
Babcock Ranch Lakes and Ponds: Native Littoral Plantings

In this month's blog, Environmental Mitigation Manager Christina Kontos explains how lakes and ponds around Babcock Ranch Community provide many benefits to the environment, wildlife, and residents!

Please understand that Lakes, Ponds, and preserves are not manicured like landscaping and provide natural, wild, and healthy ecosystems for our surrounding wildlife. As a reminder, please do not dump or dispose of any garden plants, organics, or litter into our lakes, ponds, and preserves, as they will negatively impact our native plants, wildlife, and habitats. These natural areas are not a part of residential property, so residents must not harm littoral plantings behind their homes. All lakes, ponds, and preserves are maintained for exotic vegetation and litter pickup on a quarterly schedule.

Please enjoy reading about the importance of the littoral plantings inside the new blog Issue #7: "Babcock Ranch Lakes & Ponds: Native Littoral Plantings!" Please view previous blogs at this Bulletin's end and Wildlife Coexisting Education | Babcock Ranch Residents (babcockranchliving.com).
Friendly Safety Reminder from Christina Kontos about Feral Hog Traps
 
Please do NOT approach or release any feral hogs captured within our hog traps around the community. This is not only inherently dangerous but hinders the success of our Feral Hog Management Program for invasive species management across Babcock Ranch, which helps to mitigate damage to our preserves and residential properties as well for the safety of the community. Please review the blog issue below about feral hogs, and if you have any questions, please get in touch with wildlife@BabcockRanch.com
FPL Solar Ranch eco-discovery center is now underway, opening in early 2024
Babcock Ranch’s new FPL Solar Ranch is now underway and will be open to the public following completion. The new Solar Ranch provides the community with an opportunity to learn more about solar energy and sustainability and experience incredible aerial views of Babcock Ranch’s 870-acre solar field from the two-story observation tower. The eco-discovery center, expected to open in the first quarter of 2024, will provide an educational wayfinding experience with interactive displays, gaming stations, and “Sunny,” FPL’s talking virtual solar tree, exploring the environmental benefits of solar energy, electric vehicles and the unique collaboration between Babcock Ranch and FPL in creating America’s first solar-powered town.

“The Solar Ranch will allow visitors to discover a deeper understanding of the importance of solar energy as a sustainable, renewable energy source,” said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners. “It will be open to the public and school groups and become an integral part of the home buying experience at Babcock Ranch.”

Sunny will guide visitors on their Solar Ranch journey, explaining solar basics and the initiatives undertaken at Babcock Ranch. Displays include an energy-flow dashboard showcasing the solar field’s real-time power output, an interactive build-a-solar-town digital game table, and electric vehicle driving game stations. A large, covered lanai encourages natural discovery and overlooks an area featuring butterfly-attracting plants and FPL’s two 75-megawatt solar energy centers, encompassing 680,000 solar panels and a 10-megawatt battery backup. 

The Solar Ranch also marks the debut of public access to the solar observation tower.

The center, about five miles north of the town’s main entrance at Lake Babcock Drive/State Route 31, will be staffed by Babcock Ranch Town Ambassadors with initial operating hours Wednesday through Sunday.
New Sports Complex Coming 2024
William and Mary Ann Smith Sports Complex Coming Soon

Babcock Ranch is gearing up for the construction of the William and Mary Ann Smith Sports Complex, a regional park and outdoor sports facility for the public and Babcock Schools. Adjacent to the town’s educational campus and offering a trailhead to Bill Hammond Trails, the sports complex will offer softball, baseball, and multipurpose fields, a skate park, a game night field, a running track, expansive flex lawns, and ample parking.

“Our new sports complex complements the indoor amenities at the Field House and provides additional outdoor recreation spaces and athletic fields for the community, our residents, and students as both Babcock Ranch and the schools expand their sports programming,” said Syd Kitson, chairman, and CEO of Kitson & Partners. “We envision the facility hosting everything from Little League and youth soccer programs to adult leagues, company ballgames and picnics, track and field events, and outdoor yoga classes.”

Completed in August 2022 with the opening of Babcock High School, the Field House offers a large gym with three full-size basketball courts as well as a performance stage, fitness center, cafeteria, and locker rooms. It is also a top-rated emergency storm shelter and rental venue. The new 23-acre sports complex is expected to be completed by early 2024.
Dance Classes
Tiny Toes
  • 9 - 10 a.m.
  • Walkers to 4 years old (one parent/guardian attends with their child)

Class Description:
Creative movement activities that challenge their motor skills, listening skills, and social skills through music, song, and dance. The children will work on performing exercises that strengthen muscles and develop flexibility and self-expression while creating a bonding experience with their child.

Preschool Pastimes
  • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Ages 3-5 years old (must be potty trained)

Class Description:
Creative movement activities that challenge their motor skills, listening skills, and social skills through music, song, and dance. The children will work on performing exercises that strengthen muscles and develop flexibility and self-expression—basic ballet and tumbling.
Adult Ballet/Contemporary Dance Classes

Friday mornings from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | November 3, 10, 17, 24 | Cypress Lodge

Class Description:
Learning basic to intermediate ballet techniques as well as Contemporary dance can be danced to any style of music and united with other dance forms to create a new style of movement. Students learn to use their bodies in a variety of ways, including balance, core strength, and joint health. Technique, body alignment, and emotion are essential to establishing a mind-body connection.

Dress: Yoga attire clothing - barefoot or ballet shoes
Calling all Babcock Ranch-based businesses. We have an exciting holiday opportunity to showcase your business this season. Please reach out to Tori Grant at mgrant@ccmcnet.com for all the festive details.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Babcock Ranch prides itself on hosting fun and engaging events for our residents and the surrounding area. We love having opportunities for our community to come out and spend some time with their neighbors, and it is always more fun if it is free for them to attend!

To continue to provide low or no-cost events, we love to partner up with businesses and groups who will benefit by getting their name out there to hundreds of potential clients. By sponsoring an event, you will be sure to get the attention of our guests. Our sponsors are advertised through various outlets, including social media, community news, banners, and more.

You can be a partner in multiple ways, from monetary endorsements to product or service donations. If you are a non-profit, ask us how we can partner with you to support your cause at our next event!
Dog Policy

  • Dog owners shall remove their dog's waste from any common area or individual property immediately.
  • Residents must not allow their dog(s) to cause a nuisance or inconvenience to the occupants of other Units.
  • Dogs must be on a leash or properly confined within a restricted or fenced area.
  • Pets shall be registered, licensed, and inoculated as required by law.

Pet waste disposal stations are installed throughout the community, and more to come!
Nashville Night Music Festival
Join us as the Babcock Ranch Foundation hosts their inaugural Nashville Night music festival on Saturday, November 18. More than 2,000 residents, neighbors, and the public will gather in Founder’s Square for a night of blues, rock, and country music from some of the brightest stars in Music City.

The music festival includes blues, rock, and country performances by headliner singer-songwriter Deidre Thornell and starring artists Dave Isaacs, Meg Williams, and Travis Bowlin.

Seating on the event lawn overlooking Lake Babcock opens at 3:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Music begins at 4:00 p.m. and continues until 9:00 p.m.

Food and beverages will be served by crowd-favorite food trucks and the town’s restaurants: Square Scoops, Slater’s Goods & Provisions, and The Lake House Kitchen & Bar. Outside food and drink are prohibited.

General sale tickets are $35. Tickets will be $45 on the day of the music festival.

Proceeds benefit the Babcock Ranch Foundation and its mission of creating programs, initiatives, and scholarships that enhance, enrich, and positively impact the lives of at-risk children in Southwest Florida.
Join the Babcock Team
Lifestyle Associate

Do you thrive in helping create memorable experiences while being creative and organized? Are you looking for a position where you can make a positive difference?

We’re CCMC, a community management company specializing in large-scale communities. Our vision of revolutionizing the industry by inspiring a resident-centric focus is brought to life by our core values of Integrity, Respect, Service, and Community.

In this crucial role, you’ll work collaboratively with the Lifestyle Director to foster resident and community partnerships and facilitate connections through events, programming, and communications.
Commercial Vehicle Storage Lot
We offer uncovered parking spaces to store your commercial vehicles that cannot be parked on the street or in your neighborhood. Commercial Vehicles ONLY - NO trailers, recreational vehicles, or boats permitted. Overnight parking and extended stay accommodations can be made.

Please visit our website and fill out the form online and wait for approval, or print and fill out the application at home and bring it to the HOA office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wildlife Photo of the Week:
Great Egret
A Great Egret near Sunset Lake.
Species: Great Egret (Ardea alba)

Photographer: John Hutzler

Location: Babcock Ranch

Christina's Take: Insights from Babcock Ranch Environmental Mitigation Manager Christina Kontos:

  • The Great Egret is a large white wading bird that stands tall on stilt-like legs with a long S-curved neck and yellow bill.
  • During flight, this bird has an impressive wingspan and tucks its neck in while extending its long legs beyond its short tail.
  • Although great egrets fly slowly, they are quite powerful, with a cruising speed of 25 miles an hour with just two wingbeats per second!
  • These wading birds prefer to hunt fish, frogs, and other small aquatic critters within both freshwater and saltwater bodies of shallow marsh habitats.
  • While hunting, they stand very still and strike with surprising speed at unsuspecting prey with their long neck and dagger-like bills.
  • During the breeding season, the great egret often dresses for the occasion with long plumes, called aigrettes, that grow from their backs and a patch of skin on its face that turns neon green.
  • These birds are also colonial nesters, are often the first species to arrive amongst other nesting birds, and they build their nests high in trees on islands to mitigate predation from mammals.
LANDSCAPING
You can click below for detailed landscaping information for October. Please remember that these schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions.
BrightView Landscape Schedules

Please note that these are estimated schedules. These schedules can and will change due to weather or other unforeseen events.
You can click here to read more about BrightView's Scope of Services.
Landscape Notices

How to Resolve Landscape Issues Quickly

Submitting a work order is the fastest way to address landscaping concerns. Our Landscape Manager, James Carey, reviews tickets daily to ensure they are completed. If there is an emergency, he will reach out to you.
COMMUNITY PATROL
Community Patrol is Always Available
The Babcock Ranch Community Patrol is available to assist residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Hours: On patrol and available 24/7
  • Phone: 239.652.8000
  • Office: 42911 Lake Babcock Dr.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Founder's Day Fest at Founder's Square last week!
October Events
.
Friday Night Music | 6 - 9 p.m., Founder's Square
11/3: Stolen Fruit | 11/10: Relentless Fire | 11/17: MeKo (Field House)
11/24: Swingin' Clique | 11/25: Poelker Brothers Band
Pop-up Happenings

  • Every Friday: Fresh Catch Fish Co., 9 a.m. – noon, Founder's Square.
  • Every Sunday: Farmers' Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Founder's Square.
Lee Heath Events

  • 11/9: The MIND Diet, 10 - 11 a.m., Thursday, November 9, Lake Timber Lodge. Hear all about the latest science and research in the field of nutrition and the aging brain. Learn about powerful foods and habits to help slow memory and cognitive decline as you age.

Lee Health events will now be held at Lake Timber Lodge. WellWay events are at WellWay/Lee Health Building, 42880 Crescent Loop. For more information, please call 239.343.2333.
Babcock Goes to the Bahamas

Date: March 15 - March 18
Ship: Liberty of the Seas
Itinerary: Ft. Lauderdale, Nassau Bahamas, Cococay Bahamas, Ft. Lauderdale

Pricing:
  • 4N Ocean View Room: $575.41/person plus tax and fees ($120.41)
  • 2D Regular Balcony: $596.41 per/person plus tax and fees ($120.41)
  • 4B Spacious Balcony: $689.41 per person plus tax and port fees ($120.41)

**Pricing quoted is based on Double Occupancy. For more than two in a room, please contact the travel agency for a rate.**

For more information or to make a reservation, contact:

Barbara Toney | Exclusive Travel
42881 Lake Babcock Drive Ste. 200, Babcock Ranch, FL. 33982
Phone: 239-887-1798 | 239-940-3859
Veterans Day Pickleball Tournament
Fundraiser for Babcock Ranch's American Legion Post 415

Sign up for the Veterans Day pickleball tournament happening on Saturday, November 11, 2023. It's a round-robin tournament and costs $40 per person to participate. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. There will be both relaxed and competitive play, so it should be a great time regardless of your skill level. Just keep in mind that spaces are limited, so registration is required if you want to secure your spot. Hope to see you there!
Babcock Ranch Lifestyle
WEEKEND PLANNER

Have you happened to see our Lifestyle Newsletter? Look for it in your email inbox every Wednesday. Think of it as your weekend planning guide for events and activities in our community. We even include photos of our past events! We will continue to list events in our Saturday newsletter and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Parks & Rec Membership Information
Memberships for the Babcock Ranch Parks and Recreation Department are now available - including Field House membership. Membership is open to the public, with deeply discounted rates for residents of Babcock Ranch.

To sign up, contact our Lifestyle team by email with the subject line "Parks and Recreation Membership." Someone from our staff will be able to help you.
Parks and Rec Open Gym
We are happy to announce that the weekly Open Gym is in full swing. Get your membership today!

Open Gym Schedule:
  • Monday: 5 - 10 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 5 - 10 p.m.
  • Sunday 1 - 6 p.m.

Membership is required for Monday and Wednesday open gym. Membership is not required for the open gym on Sunday. For more questions and membership inquiries, please email parksandrec@babcockranch.com
FOOD
Food Trucks
Fridays & Saturdays
5 – 9 p.m.
Founder's Square
Farmers Market
Every Sunday
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Founder's Square
RESOURCES
Useful Links for Residents of Babcock Ranch
SIGN UP NOW: You never know when an emergency may strike. Sign up today! Learn more about our emergency notification system here.
NEWS ARCHIVES
In Case You Missed It: Read past news by clicking on a date below.

  • Did You Know: Parking Violations
  • Founder's Day Activities
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Babcock Community Survey
  • Babcock Goes to the Bahamas
  • Developer Corner: New Sports Complex and Solar Ranch
  • Nashville Night
  • Join the Babcock Team
  • October Landscaping Calendar
  • Wildlife Photo of the Week: Killdeer Bird


  • Did You Know: Holiday Decorations
  • Founder's Day Activities
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Babcock Community Survey
  • Babcock Goes to the Bahamas
  • Christmas Light Canal Cruise
  • Nashville Night
  • Join the Babcock Team
  • October Landscaping Calendar
  • Wildlife Photo of the Week: Great Blue Heron

  • Did You Know: Residential Waste Policies
  • Founder's Day Activities
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Babcock Community Survey
  • Mobile Eyes
  • Babcock Goes to the Bahamas
  • Christmas Light Canal Cruise
  • Nashville Night
  • October Landscaping Calendar
  • Wildlife Photo of the Week: Barred Owl


  • Did You Know: Light Pollution
  • Master Assessments Due: October 1
  • Founder's Day Activities
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Breast Cancer Walk
  • TCU Volunteers Needed
  • Babcock Goes to the Bahamas
  • Adult Dance Classes
  • Nashville Night
  • September Landscaping Calendar
  • Wildlife Photo of the Week: Snowy Egret
CONTACT US
Babcock Ranch Residential Association
Office Address
42911 Lake Babcock Drive
Babcock Ranch, FL 33982
941.676.7191

Babcock Community
Patrol (24/7)
239.652.8000
Send an email

After Hours Emergency
800.274.3165
Office Hours
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. M-F

HOA Administration
941.676.7191
Send an email

Lifestyle Team
941.676.7251
Send an email

Town & Country Utilities
800.826.5721
719.599.4057 (fax)
Send an email
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