Need Clarification on Watercolor Amenities

I'm not sure that the HOA covers the expense of these "priviledges." My understanding is that these "privileges" are paid for by Noble House/WC Rental Programs. The only question is regarding the boat house/dock, kayaks, canoes, which appear to be part of the commonly owned elements of the HOA, but that is still in question and being further investigated.

What makes it seem strange and illogical is that all of these "priviledges" appear to a common person as being part of what one would buy into if purchasing in WaterColor. When it comes to any development, there could always be twists, so be sure to ask the right questions, and get the answers in writing.

By the way, WaterColor hasn't had it's own sales team for a while. They are no longer building in WaterColor either. I'm pretty sure that horse left the gate already.

Regarding your idea of putting the house in an LLC and renting it to your kids, you could certainly do that, but it would also be rented to others if it is on the WC rental program. YOU do not get to pick and choose the renters.

Again, it sounds like these "priviledges" are not funded by the HOA, even though it sounds like at least a few owners would like them to be so that they can utilize them. I bet if enough homeowners were to get together, they could work out a change of the status quo.

One last thought. Please do your own due diligence regarding the WC Rental Program and WC ownership/HOA coverages/benefits.

I'm not sure that the HOA covers the expense of these "priviledges." My understanding is that these "privileges" are paid for by Noble House/WC Rental Programs. The only question is regarding the boat house/dock, kayaks, canoes, which appear to be part of the commonly owned elements of the HOA, but that is still in question and being further investigated.

What makes it seem strange and illogical is that all of these "priviledges" appear to a common person as being part of what one would buy into if purchasing in WaterColor. When it comes to any development, there could always be twists, so be sure to ask the right questions, and get the answers in writing.

By the way, WaterColor hasn't had it's own sales team for a while. They are no longer building in WaterColor either. I'm pretty sure that horse left the gate already.

Regarding your idea of putting the house in an LLC and renting it to your kids, you could certainly do that, but it would also be rented to others if it is on the WC rental program. YOU do not get to pick and choose the renters.

Again, it sounds like these "priviledges" are not funded by the HOA, even though it sounds like at least a few owners would like them to be so that they can utilize them. I bet if enough homeowners were to get together, they could work out a change of the status quo.

One last thought. Please do your own due diligence regarding the WC Rental Program and WC ownership/HOA coverages/benefits.

Thank you Smiling Joe for all the timely information. I have emboldened (above) the two points in your last post that I feel are the best pieces of advice that I have seen on this entire thread, thus far. For clarity sake, one's own due dilligence in this regard, with this issue, is paramount.

Ahem.

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine

[SIZE=-1](a) If any recreational facilities or other facilities offered by the developer and available to, or to be used by, unit owners are to be leased or have club membership associated, the following statement in conspicuous type shall be included: THERE IS A RECREATIONAL FACILITIES LEASE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CONDOMINIUM; or, THERE IS A CLUB MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CONDOMINIUM. There shall be a reference to the location in the disclosure materials where the recreation lease or club membership is described in detail.

[/SIZE][SIZE=-1](b) If it is mandatory that unit owners pay a fee, rent, dues, or other charges under a recreational facilities lease or club membership for the use of facilities, there shall be in conspicuous type the applicable statement: [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]1. MEMBERSHIP IN THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES CLUB IS MANDATORY FOR UNIT OWNERS; or [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]2. UNIT OWNERS ARE REQUIRED, AS A CONDITION OF OWNERSHIP, TO BE LESSEES UNDER THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES LEASE; or [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]3. UNIT OWNERS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY THEIR SHARE OF THE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF MAINTENANCE, MANAGEMENT, UPKEEP, REPLACEMENT, RENT, AND FEES UNDER THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES LEASE (OR THE OTHER INSTRUMENTS PROVIDING THE FACILITIES); or [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]4. A similar statement of the nature of the organization or the manner in which the use rights are created, and that unit owners are required to pay.

Immediately following the applicable statement, the location in the disclosure materials where the development is described in detail shall be stated. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1](c) If the developer, or any other person other than the unit owners and other persons having use rights in the facilities, reserves, or is entitled to receive, any rent, fee, or other payment for the use of the facilities, then there shall be the following statement in conspicuous type: THE UNIT OWNERS OR THE ASSOCIATION(S) MUST PAY RENT OR LAND USE FEES FOR RECREATIONAL OR OTHER COMMONLY USED FACILITIES. Immediately following this statement, the location in the disclosure materials where the rent or land use fees are described in detail shall be stated.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1](11) The arrangements for management of the association and maintenance and operation of the condominium property and of other property that will serve the unit owners of the condominium property, and a description of the management contract and all other contracts for these purposes having a term in excess of 1 year, including the following: [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1](a) The names of contracting parties. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1](b) The term of the contract. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1](c) The nature of the services included. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1](d) The compensation, stated on a monthly and annual basis, and provisions for increases in the compensation. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1](e) A reference to the volumes and pages of the condominium documents and of the exhibits containing copies of such contracts.

Copies of all described contracts shall be attached as exhibits. If there is a contract for the management of the condominium property, then a statement in conspicuous type in substantially the following form shall appear, identifying the proposed or existing contract manager: THERE IS (IS TO BE) A CONTRACT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY WITH (NAME OF THE CONTRACT MANAGER). Immediately following this statement, the location in the disclosure materials of the contract for management of the condominium property shall be stated. [/SIZE]

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine

[SIZE=-1](b) Whether unit owners in any other condominium, or any other persons, will or may have the right to use recreational areas or any other facilities or amenities that are common elements of the condominium, and, if so, the specific formula by which the other users will share the common expenses related to those facilities or amenities. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1](c) Recreational and other commonly used facilities or amenities which the developer has committed to provide that will be owned, leased by, or dedicated by a recorded plat to the association but which are not included within any condominium operated by the association. The developer may reserve the right to add additional facilities or amenities if the declaration and prospectus for each condominium to be operated by the association contains the following statement in conspicuous type and in substantially the following form: RECREATIONAL FACILITIES MAY BE EXPANDED OR ADDED WITHOUT CONSENT OF UNIT OWNERS OR THE ASSOCIATION. [/SIZE]

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes :->2009->Ch0718->Section 107 : Online Sunshine

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes :->2009->Ch0718->Section 108 : Online Sunshine

I'm pretty sure that chapter 718 of Florida Statutes applies only to Condominiums. At least it is titled that way.
[SIZE=-1]CHAPTER 718 [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]CONDOMINIUMS [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART I [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]GENERAL PROVISIONS (ss. 718.101-718.127) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART II [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF DEVELOPERS (ss. 718.202, 718.203) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART III [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ASSOCIATION (ss. 718.301-718.303) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART IV [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]SPECIAL TYPES OF CONDOMINIUMS (ss. 718.401-718.405) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART V [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]REGULATION AND DISCLOSURE PRIOR TO SALE OF RESIDENTIAL
CONDOMINIUMS (ss. 718.501-718.509) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART VI [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]CONVERSIONS TO CONDOMINIUM (ss. 718.604-718.622) [/SIZE]

I'm pretty sure that chapter 718 of Florida Statutes applies only to Condominiums. At least it is titled that way.
[SIZE=-1]CHAPTER 718 [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]CONDOMINIUMS [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART I [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]GENERAL PROVISIONS (ss. 718.101-718.127) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART II [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF DEVELOPERS (ss. 718.202, 718.203) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART III [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ASSOCIATION (ss. 718.301-718.303) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART IV [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]SPECIAL TYPES OF CONDOMINIUMS (ss. 718.401-718.405) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART V [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]REGULATION AND DISCLOSURE PRIOR TO SALE OF RESIDENTIAL
CONDOMINIUMS (ss. 718.501-718.509) [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]PART VI [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]CONVERSIONS TO CONDOMINIUM (ss. 718.604-718.622) [/SIZE]

That is correct, and when an HOA has multiple phases including condominiums the governing "master" HOA is governed by the condominium act. Call them townhouses, bungalows, or any other name, but by law they are condos.

So, technically, they can't refuse a homeowner, or his/her guests, access to the beach club, but possibly down the road, dining privileges... or towel service, or beach service? I'm not understanding the motive.... market share? It's just looks like plain greed and monopoly to me. If I own the dock and pay for its maintenance, or a building the amenity is being provided in, I darn well better be able to use the service. And so should my guests. I don't like dirty business and that is what this seems. If this is accurate, how can I trust that what I buy into today, will be the same quality in 5 years? It just seems underhanded and now I'm not confident in the product. Did the homeowners get notice of this change? Is there possibly an amenity fee that can be paid (beyond the .5% to the "St. Joe Foundation" at closing mind you) to allow these services to be provided?

In my opinion,if it don't look good,smell good or taste good,you are better off leaving it alone. I don't own property in Watercolor,but I imagine that it's just another way for them to make money.Most likely,they are not concerned with their current homeowners.
I hope it works out for you.

Homeowners in WC have access to all amenities as do their guests. If they rent their property through WC then their rental guests have access also, but if they don't rent through WC then their guests are restricted on access to some amenities (kayaks for ex. ). WC has est. a 2 tier rental program for 2010 with much reduced charges to the homeowner and more in line with other rental management cos.. This is a business at the end of the day and WC can and should have a business model which emphasizes their benefits to increase their customer base.

Homeowners in WC have access to all amenities as do their guests. If they rent their property through WC then their rental guests have access also, but if they don't rent through WC then their guests are restricted on access to some amenities (kayaks for ex. ). WC has est. a 2 tier rental program for 2010 with much reduced charges to the homeowner and more in line with other rental management cos.. This is a business at the end of the day and WC can and should have a business model which emphasizes their benefits to increase their customer base.

This is the way I have always understood it. I was going to call and verify but it sounds like you may have done that. Not sure who melscuba has been talking to but it sounds like miscommunication somewhere.

The way tsutcli describes it is the way I thought it always was, but that seems to be incorrect according to the information that WC Rental Program sent out, and it is not the way they communicated it to me on the phone. Maybe their communication is off.

The way tsutcli describes it is the way I thought it always was, but that seems to be incorrect according to the information that WC Rental Program sent out, and it is not the way they communicated it to me on the phone. Maybe their communication is off.

Unfortunately, this is a sign of things to come if you purchased within a St. Joe community. They will change the rules in the middle of the game to suit their needs, without a moment of pause to consider how the changes impact all of the individuals they have previously sold homes to over the years. They are making these changes in Watercolor in an attempt to force people to put their homes back into their rental program. It's as simple as that, but beware the future, especially when it becomes time for St. Joe to turn over the HOA to the residents, which is a process that is currently ongoing in Watersound Beach. Their approach is basically that they can do whatever it is they want to do, and could literally care less what they have been telling residents there over the years.

WCVR - Strategy for New Rental Program?

As far as I can tell (after reviewing their Elite & Advantage programs), WCVR is seeking to provide services to renters that they might not be able to enjoy if they were renting through another company. For example, they are offering:
- Discounts on some services (Camp Watercolor activities)
- Access to other ammenities (Watersound Beach Club)
- Discounts or Stays at the Watercolor Inn

For anyone who is interested, I have attached a full list of the services being offered to homeowners renting with WCVR. I apologize in advance for the lack of image resolution, but I had to reduce its size to meet the attachment guidelines.

For those who find value in obtaining these services, WCVR might be attrative for this reason. We have chosen to remove our home from their rental pool because we felt the relationship was disadvantagous.

Homeowners in WC have access to all amenities as do their guests. If they rent their property through WC then their rental guests have access also, but if they don't rent through WC then their guests are restricted on access to some amenities (kayaks for ex. ). WC has est. a 2 tier rental program for 2010 with much reduced charges to the homeowner and more in line with other rental management cos.. This is a business at the end of the day and WC can and should have a business model which emphasizes their benefits to increase their customer base.

Thank you! I have been waiting for someone to respond who knows the real deal. After all, the HOA owns the Beach Club, the Camp and the Tennis center. We were at the Homeowners meeting in October and there is no way they can deny access to these amenities for homeowners or their guests.

As far as I can tell (after reviewing their Elite & Advantage programs), WCVR is seeking to provide services to renters that they might not be able to enjoy if they were renting through another company. For example, they are offering:
- Discounts on some services (Camp Watercolor activities)
- Access to other ammenities (Watersound Beach Club)
- Discounts or Stays at the Watercolor Inn

For anyone who is interested, I have attached a full list of the services being offered to homeowners renting with WCVR. I apologize in advance for the lack of image resolution, but I had to reduce its size to meet the attachment guidelines.

For those who find value in obtaining these services, WCVR might be attrative for this reason. We have chosen to remove our home from their rental pool because we felt the relationship was disadvantagous.

Thank you! I agree completely.

Thank you! I have been waiting for someone to respond who knows the real deal. After all, the HOA owns the Beach Club, the Camp and the Tennis center. We were at the Homeowners meeting in October and there is no way they can deny access to these amenities for homeowners or their guests.

Yes, may I second that--THANK YOU!!!

Yes, may I second that--THANK YOU!!!

I agree that it seems there is no way WCVR can restrict access to the homeowners and guests, but according to the paperwork that has been posted on this thread, they are attempting to do just that. Although Tsutcli has given the answer I want, does he, or she, have any paper work that supports it?

Homeowners in WC have access to all amenities as do their guests. If they rent their property through WC then their rental guests have access also, but if they don't rent through WC then their guests are restricted on access to some amenities (kayaks for ex. ). WC has est. a 2 tier rental program for 2010 with much reduced charges to the homeowner and more in line with other rental management cos.. This is a business at the end of the day and WC can and should have a business model which emphasizes their benefits to increase their customer base.

Wait an minute, wait a minute. In the first sentence you state that homeowners and their guests have access to all amenities, but then you go on to say if they don't rent through WC, then the guests have restricted access to amenities. Isn't someone staying in my home as a renter a "guest" of mine? How can they tell the difference between someone who is staying as a guest of a full time resident, vs. a weekly renter? Doesn't the owner of a second home pay the exact same HOA fee as the full time resident? On another note, my information is coming straight from WCVR's mouth. They are telling people who are inquiring about renting a home over the summer that unless you rent through them, you do not have access to all of the amenities.... AND they are charging a "resort fee" for amenity access. I posted the question here because I felt sure the multiple reservationists I've spoken with have been given faulty information. I do appreciate all of the feedback, and am hoping someone can post some paperwork giving me the answer that falls on the side of the homeowner.

Quote:
I know that the past year has been economically tough and I appreciate your partnership and trust. As a special “Thank You” our team here at WaterColor Resort would like to offer you a newly lowered management fee and some additional benefits.

The WaterColor Elite Package offers all the great services that you enjoy now, plus some added benefits for a newly lowered fee of 35%. There is no need to worry about a new contract, we'll just add the newly lowered fee to your contract and you'll automatically be enrolled. You will enjoy the exclusivity that the WaterColor Resort Elite Package offers that no other homeowner or guest will have access to. Please view the WaterColor Elite Package.

We are also offering a new WaterColor Advantage Package that allows a lower commission structure of 25% and the option to add services ? la carte. Our team will be happy to go over the differences of the two packages to see which one best fits your needs. Please call (850) 231-7708.

Wait an minute, wait a minute. In the first sentence you state that homeowners and their guests have access to all amenities, but then you go on to say if they don't rent through WC, then the guests have restricted access to amenities. Isn't someone staying in my home as a renter a "guest" of mine? How can they tell the difference between someone who is staying as a guest of a full time resident, vs. a weekly renter? Doesn't the owner of a second home pay the exact same HOA fee as the full time resident? On another note, my information is coming straight from WCVR's mouth. They are telling people who are inquiring about renting a home over the summer that unless you rent through them, you do not have access to all of the amenities.... AND they are charging a "resort fee" for amenity access. I posted the question here because I felt sure the multiple reservationists I've spoken with have been given faulty information. I do appreciate all of the feedback, and am hoping someone can post some paperwork giving me the answer that falls on the side of the homeowner.

Quote:
I know that the past year has been economically tough and I appreciate your partnership and trust. As a special “Thank You” our team here at WaterColor Resort would like to offer you a newly lowered management fee and some additional benefits.

The WaterColor Elite Package offers all the great services that you enjoy now, plus some added benefits for a newly lowered fee of 35%. There is no need to worry about a new contract, we'll just add the newly lowered fee to your contract and you'll automatically be enrolled. You will enjoy the exclusivity that the WaterColor Resort Elite Package offers that no other homeowner or guest will have access to. Please view the WaterColor Elite Package.

We are also offering a new WaterColor Advantage Package that allows a lower commission structure of 25% and the option to add services ? la carte. Our team will be happy to go over the differences of the two packages to see which one best fits your needs. Please call (850) 231-7708.

OK, hot off the presses from WCVR. Please look at the attachment and the new addition of the asterisks on this second page. According to their office, all amenities are available for homeowners - period. Guests of homeowners (through other rental companies) have access to the Beach Club and Camp pool. However, guests renting through other companies will not have access to camp activities or DVD rentals. While the HOA owns the pools, it is Noble House that is in charge of some activities. So, this could be a real sticking point if the kids have their hearts set on making ceramics or stepping stones at the camp. On the other hand, not sure if the staff will be sticklers for this. Time will tell. As a homeowner, it makes me wonder if we should remain with WCVR instead of changing.

I think one of the big issues is that renters from other companies show up in the front office at the Inn requesting Ving cards and other items that have to be obtained at the Homeowner's association. They don't hear the last part and complain that they are being denied something. To my knowledge the HOA does not pay one red cent to staff the Inn or it's front desk. In other words if you rent a non-WCVR home and check in on Saturday you'll be waiting until Monday to get the Ving card to the pools.

Thank you! I have been waiting for someone to respond who knows the real deal. After all, the HOA owns the Beach Club, the Camp and the Tennis center. We were at the Homeowners meeting in October and there is no way they can deny access to these amenities for homeowners or their guests.

Unfortunately, two years ago at the Watersound Homeowners meeting, the Regional President of St. Joe stood up in front of the Homeowner's telling them that St. Joe only intended to retain ownership to the beach directly in front of the Beach Club when they turned over the HOA to the owners; however, now that it is turnover time, they are trying to retain ownership of 1,400 front feet of beach (one-third of the entire beach). In other words, they say one thing, and then do another thinking they are the 800 pound bully in the room and that no one will push back.

I think one of the big issues is that renters from other companies show up in the front office at the Inn requesting Ving cards and other items that have to be obtained at the Homeowner's association. They don't hear the last part and complain that they are being denied something. To my knowledge the HOA does not pay one red cent to staff the Inn or it's front desk. In other words if you rent a non-WCVR home and check in on Saturday you'll be waiting until Monday to get the Ving card to the pools.

Cards for non-WC renters are usually in the unit when renters arrive. But your point is valid that some renters will impose on WaterColor (Noble House) staff. I'm sure there is a lot of friction.

Cards for non-WC renters are usually in the unit when renters arrive. But your point is valid that some renters will impose on WaterColor (Noble House) staff. I'm sure there is a lot of friction.

Here is the information/response posted by one of the non-St. Joe Managment Companies:

As some of you have heard, over the last few weeks St. Joe & Noble House have begun working on plans to impose new restrictions on the use of certain amenities at WaterColor.
Since we first heard whispers of the plans, we have been actively engaged in trying to understand exactly what is proposed so that we can both plan effectively and communicate directly with you and our guests to ensure that everyone understands the issue and anticipated changes. To date, I have met with Patrick Murphy who runs the operations for WaterColor, spoken many times with Alicia who manages their onsite rental team, had several discussions with Brad Yuhas who manages the HOA, and most recently appeared before the WaterColor board of directors. Based on these discussions, this is my understanding as of this morning.
Why Is St. Joe Making Changes?
As most of you are keenly aware, over the past few years St. Joe has steadily been losing properties off of their rental program to newer companies that offer better service at better rates. Most recently, thanks to your loyalty and your generosity in spreading the word about 360 Blue to your neighbors, we have had a significant number of new WaterColor properties leave St. Joe to join our program in the last two months. The issues for these owners were always consistent -- they were paying too high of a commission rate, they were pay too much in maintenance fees, they felt that their homes were not being cared for, and despite the high costs, their homes were not being rented as often as they should be.
With properties leaving their program in rapid succession, it appears to us that St. Joe decided a few weeks ago that rather than attempting to compete with improved service, they would essentially try to coerce owners and guests into staying with their program by limiting access to the amenities that they directly own.
St. Joe's Plan
The plan, as communicated to us, is that effective immediately St. Joe will be limiting the use of the three amenities that they directly own -- (1) the fitness center; (2) the Camp (the building only); and (3) the Boat House -- to be available to only Owners and guests of Owners that have their property on St. Joe's rental program. Guests of owners who do not rent, and guests of owners who either rent themselves or rent through outside agencies would have limited or no use of these three facilities. The use of the other main amenities in WaterColor including the pools, lawns, tennis center, beach, etc., which are all owned by the homeowners, would be unaffected.
Under this new scheme, the fitness center will not be available to any guests unless they purchase a monthly membership. The Camp WaterColor classes will not be open to guests of any owners not on the St. Joe rental program. The HOA owns the Camp pool and playground so those will still be available to everyone. The only restriction will be on the use of the Camp building and the Camp classes. With respect to the Boat House, the restrictions will be identical. Guests of owners who do not rent and guests of owners not on the St. Joe program will not be allowed to rent canoes and kayaks from the Boat House.
Our Response
Our response to St. Joe’s plans is essentially twofold: (1) first and foremost, ensure that we provide our owners and guests with the best possible experience during their stay; and (2) to proactively challenge St. Joe’s efforts because they are bad for WaterColor.
Guest Experience
In terms of guests' experiences, they will continue to respond to those companies and properties that provide exceptional service and convenience at the best value. For the many, many guests that we have discussed the proposed changes with over the last two weeks, we have not had a single guest that elected to book with St. Joe because of the proposed changes. They love your properties, the way they are maintained and cared for, the friendliness of our staff, the competitive rates of our listings, and the overall experience we provide them during the reservation process and during their stay.
Despite this, however, we still recognize that it is important to address guests’ perceptions, and it is important to have a great answer when guests ask – “Do we still get all the same type amenities, etc. when we rent through you? Along those same lines, we want the right answers for the minority of guests who are very focused on one particular type of amenity. We want to be able to provide those amenities in a seamless an effortless fashion. As such, we are taking the following steps:
(1) Fitness Center - we are finalizing arrangements with Grayton Beach Fitness to allow our guests to conveniently use this facility, which is immediately west of WaterColor, and which offers larger and better facilities than the St. Joe fitness room.
(2) Canoes & Kayaks - We have confirmed that our guests still have use of the main dock at the Boat House facility, so guests can still rent canoes and & kayaks from any of the many vendors in town, and they can still launch from and return to the Boat House dock. We are finalizing options with various vendors to make this a seamless option for our guests, and of course there is option to provide these with the house -- as with bikes. More importantly, we are working with the HOA through Brad Yuhas to get approval from the Design Review Board for the installation of storage facilities at an alternative WaterColor HOA dock for our guests and other owner's guests. Pending permission, we plan to build facilities that would allow our guests to use at their convenience a fleet of 360 Blue canoes, kayaks and YOLO boards. It is not a frequently requested item, but we actually look forward to this being one of the potential specia l perks of renting through 360 Blue.
(3) Camp Experience - All guests at WaterColor, including 360 Blue's guests and non-rental owners' guests will still have access to the Camp pool, lawn, playground, etc. To offer an alternative to the camp 'classes,' which principally function as a unique babysitting service for the guests, we are finalizing arrangements with a large, local well-known sitting service to create a seamless baby-sitting arrangement that offers a true 'experience' for the guests' kids. The concept is to offer a service for the adults to get away, while providing a fun beach related experience for the kids. To accomplish this, the sitting service would come to the house during one of the offered time periods, and would have pre-set beach related activities for the kids based on their respective age groups. Whether it is coloring starfish, or something similar, the idea is to create a unique in-home experience for a few hours for the kids to have fun, an d the adults to get away.
Challenging St. Joe's Efforts
Despite the ability to replace St. Joe's in-house amenities, we nevertheless firmly believe that St. Joe's plan is counter-productive for the community, unnecessarily divisive for the home owners and guests, and quite frankly a plan that flies in the face of the collective good faith 'partnership' that we all have with St. Joe as WaterColor homeowners. We believe that it also has the potential to decrease the property values of all of our homes because of the perceived impact to new investment purchasers. Finally, we have been told by counsel that it potentially runs afoul of federal anti-trust provisions. For these reasons, and as homeowners in WaterColor, owners of 360 Blue, and representatives of our collective group of owners, we believe that it is important we challenge St. Joe's efforts.
To date, I expressed our concerns to St. Joe and Noble house's employees, and more importantly, met with the Board of Directors of the HOA. Currently, our board is made up of three St. Joe developer's representatives and two regular homeowner appointed representatives. I made clear to the Board that I believed that their failure, on behalf of homeowners as whole, to proactively defend against St. Joe's actions would be a breach of their fiduciary duties to all of us as homeowners.
I think in the end a combination of pressure from the collective group of homeowner's and concern over potential legal violations will convince St. Joe that this plan is bad for the entire community, the owners and St. Joe themselves. In fact, based on the conversations I've had with prospective owners to date, I think their approach will backfire and just cause more owners to be turned off by their tactics and overall approach to customer service. We think business and owner loyalty should be earned, not forced -- and we intend to continue to earn that trust one owner, one phone call, and one booking at a time.

Ok....Eureka...just as I was thinking as this thread has progressed.... There are posters on this particular thread that own or have interests in a competing rental company (or companies) operating within Watercolor currently. How naive of me!

The point is, for those that purchased homes in Watercolor from St. Joe, or otherwise, was it ever disclosed to you by St. Joe that if you chose to rent your home when it otherwise wasn't in use and you for whatever reason elected not to rent it through their management company that they would deny your guests the right to use certain community amenities?

The point is, for those that purchased homes in Watercolor from St. Joe, or otherwise, was it ever disclosed to you by St. Joe that if you chose to rent your home when it otherwise wasn't in use and you for whatever reason elected not to rent it through their management company that they would deny your guests the right to use certain community amenities?

Thank you Coondog for re-centering the thread. I have appreciated the responses however and have found them very helpful. There should be concern about future buyers and what this might mean to them. It is my hope this gets resolved openly and honestly.

[ As a homeowner, it makes me wonder if we should remain with WCVR instead of changing.[/QUOTE]

That is exactly what they are banking on! For what it's worth, we just finished booking our two week stay in WC with an outside agency. We love Camp Watercolor, but it wasn't worth the $2,000 more in price. We figured we can rent a kayak from a local place and we'll have bikes supplied with home.