Hills of Inverrary News

In Hills of Inverrary, the board of directors isn’t just a group of volunteers—it’s a fiduciary body entrusted with the financial and operational wellbeing of our community. That means every decision, especially regarding infrastructure like storm drains, sewer laterals, and roads, must reflect duty of care , duty of loyalty , and duty of obedience to the association’s governing documents. Ignoring Infrastructure Breaches That Duty When storm drains are clogged and flooding occurs, the issue isn’t merely aesthetic or inconvenient—it’s a failure to uphold the fiduciary obligation to protect common elements and maintain community value. Allowing critical infrastructure to deteriorate exposes the association to liability, reduces property values, and ultimately costs homeowners far more in the long run. Good Governance Means Smart Budgeting Effective infrastructure maintenance starts with forward-thinking financial planning. A responsible board doesn’t wait for failure—they anticipate...

In our community, the exterior maintenance of buildings—including architectural features like wood trellises—is the responsibility of the association. These trellises, while decorative, are part of the original design, lending charm, symmetry, and character to our homes. But recently, something troubling happened: after one resident’s trellis showed visible termite damage, the association sent someone out—not to repair it, but to saw it off and declare it wouldn’t be replaced. Why? Because the board decided trellises “attract termites.” Let’s be clear— removal is not maintenance. And under both state law and the spirit of our own governing documents, the association is obligated to maintain the exterior of the property—not selectively erase the parts it no longer wants to care for. 📜 What the Law Says Florida Statute 718.113 requires that associations maintain and repair the common elements—especially if those features are part of the original design. If trellises are considered “li...

In every community, there exists a delicate balance between governance and grassroots action. Here in our neighborhood, that balance has sometimes felt out of reach. Too often, during board meetings—particularly under the Good and Welfare agenda—residents find themselves interrupted, dismissed, or accused of being off-topic. Important concerns go unanswered, and meaningful discussions stall before they even begin. That’s why Hills News exists. This blog is more than just a space for updates—it's an independent community outlet designed to ensure that every resident has a voice. Whether it's holding the board accountable for decisions affecting our homes, advocating for changes that matter, or simply refusing to accept the same old cycle of closed-door discussions, this platform empowers residents to speak without fear of censorship. Why Hills News Matters Unfiltered Community Action – Here, residents can bring attention to overlooked concerns without being cut off mid-s...

At Hills of Inverrary, maintaining the shared infrastructure is not just about appearances—it’s about protecting our property values, preventing costly emergencies, and preserving the quality of life we all expect. But when critical repairs are repeatedly postponed, we enter dangerous territory known as deferred maintenance . This post is here to explain what that means, why it matters, and what we as residents can do to keep our community on the right track. 🛠️ What Is Deferred Maintenance? Deferred maintenance refers to repairs or replacements that are delayed, often due to budget constraints or competing priorities. While postponing some tasks may seem harmless short-term, chronic deferral can lead to equipment failures, increased repair costs, and a general decline in the community’s reputation. Here at Hills of Inverrary, examples include: Aging sewer lateral pipes that are nearing the end of their service life Clogged stormwater drainage systems that have caused ponding and p...

For too long, community communication in Hills of Inverrary has been filtered through a narrow lens—email blasts and “community updates” shaped largely by board insiders or former board members. While these messages often reflect important information, they’ve sometimes lacked balance, transparency, or room for open dialogue. That changes now. Welcome to your “No Spin” source for community updates—an independent blog and email group that serves residents first , not agendas. 🗣️ Why Independence Matters Independent voices are essential to a healthy, well-informed community. When communication flows only from one direction, it limits: Transparency about how and why decisions are made Constructive criticism of board actions or spending Resident feedback that deserves to be heard and shared This platform is not operated by the board , nor by any current or former board members acting as editors. It's run by residents, for residents —with a mission to shine light on what’s happenin...

In a condominium association like ours, transparency and accountability aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of good governance. That’s why one of the key purposes of this community blog is to shine a light on board decisions, foster open dialogue, and ensure that every member has a clear window into how our association is being managed. 🧭 Why Oversight Is So Important Board members are tasked with making big decisions: budgets, vendor contracts, rule changes, and major maintenance plans. These decisions impact our dues, property values, and overall quality of life. But good leadership relies on active, informed membership . Oversight ensures that decisions are: Well-informed and representative of resident needs Communicated clearly and transparently Open to respectful input and feedback When residents are engaged, it creates a healthier, more trustworthy board dynamic. 📓 What This Blog Is Here For Think of this blog as your informal watchdog and information hub . Here’s wha...

In Florida, condominium board members aren’t just volunteers—they’re legally bound to act in the best interest of the entire community. This responsibility is called a fiduciary duty . But what does that really mean? 💡 What Is Fiduciary Duty? When someone has a fiduciary duty, they must: Act loyally and in good faith Prioritize the association’s interests above personal gain Make informed, reasonable decisions on behalf of all owners In simple terms, it means the board must handle the association’s money, decisions, and policies with care and integrity—just like a trustee would manage a trust. ⚖️ What Does the Law Say? Under Florida law (specifically Florida Statute 718.111(1)(a) ), condo board members have a legal obligation to: Protect and manage association funds and property Avoid conflicts of interest Make decisions that serve the community, not individual board members A breach of this duty—like misusing funds, withholding information, or making self-serving deals—can have seri...

If you've ever wondered who’s responsible for what in our community, you’re not alone. Here's a quick, plain-language breakdown of the roles and responsibilities of the HOA, COA, and our management company. 🏡 Homeowners Association (HOA) The HOA represents homeowners in communities made up of individual houses (not condos). They: Enforce community rules and architectural guidelines Maintain shared spaces (like parks, entry signage) Collect dues to fund services and improvements Not all communities have an HOA—ours may be governed differently if we're a condo development. 🏢 Condominium Owners Association (COA) In a condo community like ours, the COA acts like an HOA but tailored to shared living spaces . They: Govern the common elements: hallways, roofs, elevators, amenities Collect maintenance dues and manage the annual budget Set community rules (with input from owners) and enforce them Are led by an elected board of unit owners Basically, the COA is your neighbors work...

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 , and preparation is key to keeping our community safe and resilient. Here’s what every Inverrary resident should know and do before the storm clouds roll in. ✅ Personal Prep Checklist Emergency Kit: Stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and first aid supplies. Important Documents: Keep copies of ID, insurance papers, and medical information in a waterproof container. Stay Connected: Subscribe to our blog or email group for timely updates from the association. 🏢 Condo-Specific Reminders Secure Balconies & Patios: Bring in furniture, plants, and anything that could become airborne. Windows & Shutters: Know your unit’s shutter procedures. If you're unsure, contact management before a storm approaches. Parking at High Ground:   Park your vehicle on higher ground if possible. 📣 Stay Informed Monitor alerts from Broward County Emergency Management and local weather servi...

🏡 Welcome to Our New Community News Blog and Resource Website! We’re thrilled to launch this new digital space for the Hills of Inverrary community—a place where staying informed, engaged, and connected is just a click away. Whether you’re looking for the latest updates, want to explore upcoming events, or need access to important documents, this site is built with you in mind. We’ll be sharing news, resources, and opportunities to get involved—plus helpful posts on topics that matter most to our residents. You’ll also find: A Community Resources page packed with contact info, documents, and helpful links A Blog section (right here!) where we’ll post stories, announcements, and spotlights on our neighbors And soon, more interactive features based on your feedback We invite you to bookmark the page, subscribe for updates, and become part of the ongoing conversation that makes Inverrary such a special place to call home. Thanks for being here—let’s grow this community, together. Note:...