Mike Sabin for Timber Creek POA

Making Our Neighborhood the Envy of the Area
Advocating for R & R (Respect and Responsibility) for all.

See my Notice of Intent to Run and Candidate Information Sheet here

I’m running for the POA Board because I care deeply about preserving the integrity, safety, and long-term value of our community. As a resident, I’ve listened to neighbors, studied our governing documents, and engaged in thoughtful discussions about how we can balance individual needs with the collective good.

I chose to make this community my home in 2022 because I saw more than just beautiful homes and the planned amenities—I saw the foundation of something truly special. I was drawn to the diversity of the members cultures and backgrounds, the presence of multigenerational families, and the potential to build lasting friendships. It felt like a place where neighbors could become extended family, and where a strong, inclusive community could thrive for years to come.

I believe in practical, transparent decision-making—whether it’s about parking policies, rental rules, or long-term financial planning. My goal is to ensure that our community remains a place we’re proud to call home, where thoughtful planning today prevents costly surprises tomorrow.

I bring a detail-oriented mindset and a collaborative spirit. I’m not running to push an agenda—I’m running to listen, to serve, and to help guide our community with fairness, foresight, and accountability.

My thoughts on recent topics of interest to community residents

Architectural Review Committee (ARC) - Solar Landscape Lights

The Declaration includes restrictions on landscape lighting. Currently, all landscape lighting must be timer-based and turned off by 11:00 PM each day. However, many homes keep their carriage lights (located next to the garage doors) on throughout the night, and FPL streetlights are positioned close to many properties—providing consistent overnight illumination.

My Position

  • I support allowing non-timer-based solar landscape lights, as they are low-impact, energy-efficient, and consistent with the level of lighting already present in the community.

Amentity Center

The Amentity Center is a draw and focal area for our community. It provides a sense of a central location in the area with a place to gather, have a meal, meet new people, and enjoy the full resort experience. It's a draw for many when deciding to purchase a home in the community, as well as for those owners who market it to tenants.

My Position

  • I am supportive of being the initial purchasor of the Amentity Center.
  • I am supportive of working with the Town Center staff to find options to:
    • extend hours for events, or specific days of the week
    • maintaining a restaurant, liquor license, and live events

Amenity Center - Racket Courts

The racquet courts have provided a place for individuals to improve skills, receive instructions and training, meet other neighbors, and establish friendships. Not just for Tennis or Pickleball, but also for the Timber Creek Cornhole league.

The pickleball courts are not lighted, and at times all four courts are in use. In addition, the lights on the Tennis Courts are on when no one is playing. This is a small opportunity to improve use, as well as look for opportunities to reduce operating costs for lighting.

My Position

  • I support adding striping to two tennis courts to accommodate pickleball play. Currently, the court lights remain on in the evening regardless of use. I recommend installing pole-mounted timers that allow players to activate the lights as needed. This would ensure the lights are off when the courts are not in use. The courts’ operating hours would remain unchanged

Amenity Center - Bocce Courts

Unfortunately this may be the least used Amenity that we have due to the issues with drainage, and surface of the playing field.

My Position

  • I'm supportive of reviewing quotes for improvement and fixing the issues.

Community Contracts
In our community, well-structured contracts and agreements are essential tools for ensuring consistency, fairness, and financial responsibility.

They provide a clear framework for expectations, protect the interests of the community, and help us build strong, professional relationships with vendors and service providers.

By formalizing our commitments through contracts, we promote transparency, reduce risk, and ensure that services are delivered reliably and at agreed-upon standards. Whether it’s landscaping, maintenance, security, or capital improvements, thoughtful agreements help us manage resources wisely and plan confidently for the future.
Strong contracts aren’t just about legal protection—they’re about building trust, maintaining quality, and upholding the shared values that make our community a great place to live.

My Position

  • Lumon/CenturyLink - This contract is in place for at least another 6-7 years based upon good faith. In the relationship I'd advocate for a clear support structure and escalation line for the residents to address their inquiries.
    In addition technology changes rapidly - I'd advocate for replacement modem/routers at least every 6 years.
  • SunnyGrove - Being a resident for multiple years within TimberCreek, I have seen improvements in the turf over the last two years. Lennar improved the turf for new home installations, and Sunnygrove and their subcontracts with TerraGreen have made improvements. Sunnygrove also provided some palm fertilization over the last year. There are still opportunities for weed management, and better communication on what is being applied to the turf and when. These would be areas I'd advocate for improvement in our contract.
  • Bulk Mulch - I'd like to see the community enter into a bulk mulch contract for delivery twice a year. Allowing residents whom apply their own mulch, a convenient purchase and delivery option.

Community Financials

Having savings and a reserve inplace for community improvements, repairs or replacements is good financial planning. I see the need to have some reserves for those things that should not need a community vote (e.g. landscape improvements - tree replacements, curb/drain repair, etc).

My Position

  • I support completing an initial reserve study later this year to help establish a funding plan in time for the 2026 budget cycle. Even in the absence of a completed study.
  • For interest in community improvements for large items like: a retaining / sound barrier wall along State Road 82, it should require a special assessment, and community vote.
  • The CDD (see Southwest Community Development District) has reserves for Natural Disaster Cleanup & Restoration. This isn't adequate for ongoing lake management & repairs, as well as roadway maintenance (sealcoating) and repairs; and will likely need to be factored into the reserve study.

eBike Use

Florida HOAs are increasingly implementing rules around e-bike registration and use within their communities, especially as e-bikes grow in popularity. While Florida state law treats e-bikes similarly to traditional bicycles, HOAs have the authority to adopt their own community-specific rules to address safety, liability, and quality-of-life concerns. Under Florida State Law Statute §316.20655 regarding e-Bikes:

  • E-bikes are treated like bicycles and do not require registration, insurance, or a license.
  • Riders under 16 must wear helmets.
  • E-bikes are allowed on roads, bike lanes, and multi-use paths unless restricted by local ordinance.
  • E-bikes are classified into three classes based on speed and motor assistance.
  • HOAs can adopt their own rules and many have begun doing so.
Some common e-bike rules seen in other communities include:
  1. Registration - Require residents to register e-bikes with the HOA, similar to golf carts and vehicles.
  2. Speed Limits - Set lower speed limits for e-bikes than for cars, often 10–15 mph.
  3. Designated Areas - Restrict e-bike use to specific roads or paths; prohibit on sidewalks or trails.
  4. Hours of Operation - Limit riding to daylight hours or specific time windows.
  5. Age Restrictions - Require riders to be a minimum age (e.g., 16 or 18).
  6. Safety Gear - Mandate helmets, reflective clothing, or lights.
  7. Power Limits - Restrict use to Class 1 or 2 e-bikes; prohibit faster Class 3 models.

As of July 1, 2025, local governments in Florida can now:
  • Set minimum age limits for e-bike riders
  • Require government-issued ID
  • Mandate safety training
  • Define where e-bikes can operate

My Position

  • All residents in the community should be respectful of the speed limits, and that applies to e-bikes also.
  • At this time I'm not in favor of the additional administration for registering and tracking e-bikes.
  • E-Bikes should be operated on the road, and follow all roadway rules and regulations. All lights or reflectors should be installed and operable. The e-bike should not be operated on a sidewalk.

Golf Carts

Golf carts are allowed in the community, and I for one am looking forward to the day that we will be able to extend golf cart traffic outside of the community to the future Gateway Marketplace development at the corner of State Road 82, and Daniels.

The current Declaration and Rules and Regulations outline the following rules for golf carts.

  1. Operators shall be 14 years of age or older per State law.
  2. Proof of liability insurance shall be provided to the Association at the time of registration.
  3. All Golf Carts shall be registered with the Association and display the appropriate Association registration number at all times.

My Position

  • I have witnessed individuals younger than 14 driving golf carts. All drivers must meet the age requirements, and should follow speed limits, and stop sign requirements.
  • On October 1st, 2023 new legislation (House Bill 949) went into effect that requires all golf cart drivers on public roads possess a current driver's license and/or permit is under the age of 18. Timber Creek's roadways are not considered public roadways, unless they have been dedicated to the county or municipality.
  • While our roadway's remain private, I'm supportive for keeping language close to our current Declaration and Rules. 14 year olds are typically around the 9th grade/freshman class in highschool, and at that age many should be exposed and introduced to driving rule requirements.
  • If the association pursues law enforcement for speed and other traffic rules within the community, then the Declaration and Rules will need to be updated to be in alignment with Florida law, and all drivers under the age of 18 will need a license or permit.
  • Providing each registered cart their Association number to be displayed at all times, will assist in better visibility to others that the Cart has been registered with the Association.

Mailstations

There are multiple mailstations in the community. Regardless of mail delivery concerns, the POA does have a responsibility to ensure the facility and mail lockers are accessible and in a usable state.

My Position

  • I'm supportive of improving the drainage at the mailboxes near the Amenity Center. There is often standing water in the back corner, and this should be mitigated.
  • I'm open to getting designs and quotes for covering the mailboxes. Final decision and recommendation to proceed would be dependent upon cost, and further community member feedback.

Parking - General

When each homeowner purchased their property, they received the Master Declarations, which included specific provisions regarding parking. One key excerpt states: “Because guest parking may be limited in some areas, each Owner is specifically cautioned that he and the other Occupants of his Living Unit may be limited or restricted as to the number of motor vehicles they may keep on the Properties.” There is limited guest parking throughout the community, and the following rules are currently in place:

  • No overnight parking is permitted on the street.
  • Vehicles must not block sidewalks.
  • Vehicles may not park parallel to the road while on the driveway.
There are two designated parking lots near Gardener’s Way and Pine Lodge that provide additional spaces. However, it is common for vehicles to remain in these spots for extended periods without rotation.

My Position

I support continued enforcement of the rules that are noted above, but I recommend the following modifications to address occasional, short-term needs:

  • Allow residents to request up to two overnight parking passes per month, valid for 2–3 nights each. These passes could be used by residents or their guests for temporary overnight street parking.
  • This flexibility would accommodate situations such as hosting guests or when a resident’s driveway is temporarily inaccessible—for example, during driveway sealing or maintenance.
  • I also support formalizing a rule to allow street parking only on the even-numbered side of the street. This would improve traffic flow and safety, especially for emergency vehicles and service providers.

Refuse and Trash

Some owners have been storing their trash and recycling outside. Per the rules and regulations dated March 6, 2020:

  • Containers may not be placed out for collection sooner than 8:00pm the night before collection and must be removed by 8:00pm the day of collection.
  • Containers must be stored in the garage on non-collection days.
We have see videos of bears in the neighborhood going through trash, and vultures and other birds hanging around the construction dumpsters. Some people have worked to obscure and hide their containers outside behind scrubs and vegitative landscaping.

My Position

  • I'm supportive of maintaining the current rules and regulations. Outside storage bins would require bear proof containers, and situations will arise where owners are not able to store all of their refuse in the container, which can lead to refuse blowing about in the community. Birds and other animals will find these sources also contributing to refuse to be strune around the community.

Short-Term Rentals

Many individuals have purchased property in the community with the intention of generating rental income and are interested in maximizing its use. While the concept of short-term rentals—ranging from a few days to a few weeks—may be appealing to some owners, I believe the transient nature of frequent guest turnover does not contribute to a strong sense of community.

My Position

At this time, I do not support changing the current leasing rules, which require a minimum rental period of one month. I believe maintaining this standard helps preserve neighborhood stability and fosters a more connected and consistent residential environment.

Speed enforcement

In Florida, homeowners associations (HOAs) in gated communities with private roads do have the authority to enforce speed limits.
Our current Declaration outlines a speed limit of 25mph.
HOA's can fine residents for speeding, but they must:

  • Provide notice of the violation
  • Allow the resident an opportunity to be heard before a fining committee Follow procedures outlined in Florida Statute 720.305 Other Measures:
  • Warning letters or notices of violation
  • Suspension of use rights (e.g., access to amenities)
  • Legal action (e.g., seeking injunctive relief)
  • Physical deterrents like speed bumps or stop signs • Under Florida Statute 316.006, an HOA can enter into an agreement with local law enforcement to enforce state traffic laws on private roads. • Requires a majority vote of the board • Roads must be under HOA control • This allows police to issue actual speeding tickets within the community

    My Position

    Timber Creek is filled with children of all ages. Simple rules of defensive driving, cautious speeds, being aware of surroundings, driving without holding your phone; all seem logical and safe. I'm supportive of speed enforcement activities, which would require the association to:
    • Modifiy the Declaration per Florida Statute 720.305 to include procedures related to warnings, and notices, and suspension of use rights, and fines, with the ability to pursue legal action (injunctive relief).
    • Develop a penalty schedule for those that have been speeding.

    In addition, I'm supportive of

    • Lowering Speed Limit to 20 MPH
    • Entering into an agreement for local law enforcement
    • I am not in favor of speed humps

  • Southwest Community Development District (CDD)
    The CDD is responsible for:
    • Preparation of contract specifications for District operations, including community appearance, waterway management, street lighting and facilities maintenance
    • Preparation and submittal of a proposed operations and maintenance budgets for Board review and action
    • File all required forms and documents with state and local agencies
    Review their responsibilities here: https://timbercreeksouthwestcdd.org/AboutTheDistrict.php

    My Position

    • I am supportive of researching bringing the CDD under control of the POA.

    Townhome Association

    My Position

    • I am supportive of working to dissolve the situation of two different POA management companies, and have one.
    • This may require additional staffing of the one POA management company to handle the larger number of homes, owners, and residents.

    Last Updated: 7/6/2025