BUCKHEAD RIDGE — A full agenda and a wonderful pot luck dinner drew 44 residents of Buckhead Ridge (BHR) including new-to-our-community Bob and Jeanette Jenkins, Laurie Fairchild and Debra Wieland to the regular monthly meeting held every fourth Tuesday at the Community Center behind the Fire Station.

Several Glades County officials, including Alice Beth Barfield - School Superintendent, Aletris Farnum - Supervisor of Elections, Tami Simmons - Clerk of Court and Tim Stanley - BHR Commissioner were present.

Glades County Sheriff’s Officer Louis-Pierre reported an uptick in vehicle thefts and burglaries and urged all citizens to keep both vehicles and residences locked at all times. He also announced increased patrols in this area and an increased presence of deputies so one will be in the area at all times. He urged citizens “If you see something, say something.” A call to 911 will get rapid response and at the same time let the Sheriff’s Office know that there is a need. He also announced increased radar stations to cut down the speeding vehicles through the community. If residents will be gone from their home for a period of time, they are urged to notify the Sheriff’s Office so patrols can keep an eye on the property.

Stu Taylor, Chairman of the Mosquito Control Board, reported progress on the new 8’x40’ boat dock/ramp launch site and the continued efforts to clean out BHR canals for safer boating. He asked citizens to report the dumping of materials, yard waste, etc into the canals so the Board can help clean them to keep debris from damaging engine props.

BHR Commissioner Tim Stanley announced the recent death of Code Enforcement officer Cody Burrelson. A search for his replacement is ongoing. Stanley is also working with Hendry County Fire to get sufficient service coverage for both counties to have a fireman and a paramedic at both the western county line for Glades/Hendry and the eastern line for Glades County which is Buckhead Ridge. The cost for this service – which will mean on-site personnel — will possibly be only $120 a year. Stanley said “$10 a month for such security is a very good bargain.”

Stanley also said road markings and surveying for the sidewalk along State Road 78, have been completed. Work on the sidewalk, which will stretch from Dollar General to the Fire Department, is expected to begin shortly. He also urged residents and visitors to visit the “Sam Griffin Lake Okeechobee Scenic Overlook Tower” at Harney Pond, near Lakeport. The view of the Lake and scenery is worth the climb.

For more information on Buckhead Ridge, please call Vickie Anderson at 863-634-4106 or Tim Stanley at 863-632-9891.