Hanalei Ramos, The Tampa Tribune, Sunday September 2, 2012

Hurricane season started on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. And while no one can predict if the Tampa Bay area will get hit, we all can take steps to be prepared for this threat.

To help residents prepare, Hillsborough County has released the 2012 Hurricane Guide, The Official Guide For The Tampa Bay Area, both in English and Spanish, to local post offices and libraries. The guides are also available online.

This 2012 Hurricane Guide, The Official Guide For The Tampa Bay Area covers all aspects of hurricane preparedness.

Outdoor water use restrictions for all properties in unincorporated Hillsborough county, changes effective May 9, 2012.

As of May 9, 2012 outdoor water use for irrigation of established lawns and landscaping is restricted to a single day per week according to a property’s address.  Irrigation must be accomplished prior to 8:00 am or after 6:00 PM.  Any one zone of a property may only be watered once during the allowable day, NOT both in the morning and evening.  The rules apply to all sources of water, including private wells and surface water.  The prescribed days are as follows:

• Addresses ending in the number 0 or 1:  Mondays only
• Addresses ending in the number 2 or 3:  Tuesdays only
• Addresses ending in the number 4 or 5:  Wednesdays only
• Addresses ending in the number 6 or 7:  Thursdays only
• Addresses ending in the number 8 or 9, locations with no address (common areas, entry areas) and locations with mixed addresses (office complexes, shopping centers):  Fridays only

Irrigation of New Lawns and Landscaping is restricted as follows:

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Covington Estates was featured in this Sunday’s Tampa Tribune’s ‘Your Home’ section.

Cross Creek II Builds Community with Amenities for Every Lifestyle  by Helene Achanzar, published May 5, 2012

Situated in the heart of New Tampa, Cross Creek II is a community composed of several subdivisions that hold a total of 1,236 homes. With its convenient location — just minutes from Wiregrass Mall, Flatwoods Park, the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens — Cross Creek II attracts residents who appreciate the development of New Tampa and want to live near the action.

Covington Estates is a 94-home neighborhood that is one of several residential areas in New Tampa

Sitting on approximately 35 acres, Covington Estates is a gated community in Cross Creek II that consists of 94 contemporary homes surrounded by wetland preserves. The subdivision broke ground in 2000.

Arnie Bowers, president of Covington Estates’ board of directors, says that since development ended in 2005, home values have risen due to the superb planning that went into the construction of the community.  “Before the real estate market took a downward turn, families moved here to upgrade from smaller homes,” he said. “Now, wise investors are coming in to scoop up large homes on even larger pieces of land at a good price.”

Cross Creek II also includes two rental communities. Built in 1998, Andover Place and Addison Park offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that provide European-inspired design and, according to its website, “a comfortable and distinguished living environment.”

Bowers cites Cross Creek II’s family-oriented amenities and year-round events as one of the community’s biggest draws.  “It’s a nice environment to raise kids,” he said, noting the nearby library, parks and high-performing schools.  Residents also enjoy Cross Creek II’s proximity to golf courses, fine dining and Interstate Highway 75.

Source: Tampa Tribune