Hello neighbors!  I want to give you an update on some things happening in our community that I’m sure you will want to know about. 

 

First of all, the WLNA has a new Board of Directors and we believe all areas of our community are well represented.  The ten directors are as follows:

 

Olivia Mead and Mike Coffey are Co-Presidents (too much work to do this year)

Cheryl Ayres – Vice President

Michael Hunt – Treasurer

Tamara Cribben – Secretary

Shawn Austin – Director

Tom Mead – Director

Michelle Cimino – Director

Bob Donaghy – Director

Doug Fisher – Director

 

Over the next couple of weeks your board members will be canvassing the neighborhood to provide you information on ongoing board activities, get your feedback and concerns, and solicit your enrollment for 2006.  We have a lot of activities planned for this year and we hope we can count on your support.  If you have not paid your dues and you would like to send it to the Board please send a check or money order for $50 to:

 

                        Michael Hunt, Treasurer

                        Wilson Lakes Neighborhood Association

                        19101 North Dale Mabry Highway

                        Lutz, Florida 33548

 

Secondly, something that has recently come to our attention is the mercury levels of fish in Lake Wilson.  The Florida Department of Health and the Freshwater Fish and Game Commission have completed a recent study and found that mercury contained in fish in Lake Wilson is at unsafe levels.  Consumption of fish from these lakes at this time can be harmful to children and women of child-bearing age. Consumption of fish can be harmful to all adults if they exceed the DOH recommended consumption levels and they are more harmful to these age groups because mercury attacks developing nervous systems.  The advisory is available at the attached link.

 

 http://epchc.org/fish.htm

 

I spoke with Ed Sherwood, a scientist with the Environmental Protection Commission in Hillsborough County, and he informed me that increasing mercury levels are primarily a result of changes in the atmosphere and sediment.  I am doing more research on this matter and will share feedback from LakeWatch, DOH, and other organizations once I learn more about what has caused this problem and how we might deal with it.  You can learn more by visiting the attached website:

 

Florida Department of Health Current Statewide Fish Consumption

Advisories:  http://doh.state.fl.us/floridafishadvice/

 

Since fish travel between both lakes I believe we should assume that fish in Little Lake Wilson have been impacted as well.  I strongly urge you to refrain from eating Bass, Bowfin, and Gar (who would eat that?) on either lake. 

 

Lastly, about two weeks ago LakeWatch conducted its 4th annual testing of fish in Lake Wilson.  Eric Schulz reported “There are plenty of fish in Lake Wilson.  I haven’t seen so many big bass!”  It’s good to know our fish population is still strong.  I urge you to catch and release until we determine that mercury levels have reduced to an acceptable level.  George, this isn’t to be confused with “fillet and release”. 

 

As we continue to monitor our lakes and community your membership and support are an integral part of helping us ensure we have the people and resources necessary to communicate and act as needed.  Our goal is to continue to provide a quality neighborhood and environment for all residents in the Wilson Lakes area.  Through the Lake Management Plan, relationships with State and County resources, community events and meetings, and your help, we can get a lot done.  If you have any questions, ideas, or just need information, feel free to contact any member of the board. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Mike Coffey

Co-President

http://wilsonlakes.org/