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Old 07-07-2010, 12:08 PM
 
75 posts, read 194,658 times
Reputation: 15

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Hello all, we did in fact find a home we were happy with in a gated neighborhood in Land O Lakes. The schools will be Oakstead, Rusche and Sunlake anyone with personal experience want to chime in on them? I'm extremely active in the PTA and know that greatschools and schooldigger are great tools but not a whole snapshot.
Also what would be the closest swimming beach with nice sand for the kids to play in?
And lastly if anyone has any recommendations on great kid places to play or things to do in the immediate area I would love to hear them.

I'm completely wigged out at the thought of the wetland conservation area about 1/4 acre from the back of the house with no fence... Here our 18 lb dog has 1/2 acre with a big fence and well I just dont even think an underground fence would keep him safely from gators... (but Im a misplaced northerner with what is probably an irrational gator fear....)
Thanks in advance for any and all info
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Old 07-07-2010, 12:54 PM
 
Location: Myrtle Beach
3,381 posts, read 9,081,688 times
Reputation: 2943
Quote:
Originally Posted by sahara910 View Post
Hello all, we did in fact find a home we were happy with in a gated neighborhood in Land O Lakes. The schools will be Oakstead, Rusche and Sunlake anyone with personal experience want to chime in on them? I'm extremely active in the PTA and know that greatschools and schooldigger are great tools but not a whole snapshot.
Also what would be the closest swimming beach with nice sand for the kids to play in?
And lastly if anyone has any recommendations on great kid places to play or things to do in the immediate area I would love to hear them.

I'm completely wigged out at the thought of the wetland conservation area about 1/4 acre from the back of the house with no fence... Here our 18 lb dog has 1/2 acre with a big fence and well I just dont even think an underground fence would keep him safely from gators... (but Im a misplaced northerner with what is probably an irrational gator fear....)
Thanks in advance for any and all info
We too have Land O Lakes as one of our possible settling neighborhoods. I am looking forward to any replies you get that have information contained.
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Old 07-07-2010, 03:20 PM
 
Location: toledo ohio
12 posts, read 25,403 times
Reputation: 12
hey we are moving there too, seems like the place to be, do people swim in the lakes and ponds in the area or are they gator infested
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Old 07-07-2010, 07:27 PM
 
75 posts, read 194,658 times
Reputation: 15
I wouldn't think they do swim in them as the gators are everywhere but we need this thread to hit the ones who are familiar with the area and not us newbies!! LOL Do any of you have kids?
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Old 07-07-2010, 08:00 PM
 
Location: toledo ohio
12 posts, read 25,403 times
Reputation: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by sahara910 View Post
I wouldn't think they do swim in them as the gators are everywhere but we need this thread to hit the ones who are familiar with the area and not us newbies!! LOL Do any of you have kids?
We have a 16, 12 and 3 month old
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Old 07-07-2010, 08:16 PM
 
75 posts, read 194,658 times
Reputation: 15
You got a bigger jump than me Mine are 9, 7 and 5 months old.
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Old 07-07-2010, 09:06 PM
 
817 posts, read 2,240,546 times
Reputation: 1005
Quote:
Originally Posted by sahara910 View Post
Hello all, we did in fact find a home we were happy with in a gated neighborhood in Land O Lakes. The schools will be Oakstead, Rusche and Sunlake anyone with personal experience want to chime in on them? I'm extremely active in the PTA and know that greatschools and schooldigger are great tools but not a whole snapshot.
Also what would be the closest swimming beach with nice sand for the kids to play in?
And lastly if anyone has any recommendations on great kid places to play or things to do in the immediate area I would love to hear them.

I'm completely wigged out at the thought of the wetland conservation area about 1/4 acre from the back of the house with no fence... Here our 18 lb dog has 1/2 acre with a big fence and well I just dont even think an underground fence would keep him safely from gators... (but Im a misplaced northerner with what is probably an irrational gator fear....)
Thanks in advance for any and all info
I don't know much about the schools you mention other than a girl I coached in a youth basketball league goes to one and she's a super kid. AFAIK they're good schools. I know they are typically suburban-ish.

Closest swimming beach is gonna be Clearwater, realistically. One of the issues with living in the north Tampa burbs is that the beach is a bit of a drive.

The wetland conservation area near your property shouldn't be a major concern if you have a PHYSICAL fence, or just take your dog on walks. An "invisible" fence will not keep animals from coming in to your yard to mess with your dog. Will this happen? Probably not but I know I wouldn't trust one of those things to keep my dog safe. I live right on a conservation area, and I put up a fence so I could let my dog run in the back yard.

But fear of gators is overblown...I wouldn't let my dog swim in a freshwater river, canal, or lake but I take my dog on a walk by one all the time. Just keep a decent distance and don't do anything dumb and you'll never have a problem.
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Old 07-08-2010, 07:48 AM
 
75 posts, read 194,658 times
Reputation: 15
Hmmm I do not think we can have a physical fence. I knew that the invisible fence would only work for the dog himself, but was thinking maybe if it was closer to the house? Maybe not.. I suppose during mating season a gator could come closer to the house. Current owners said they have only seen one and it was a baby but you cant see the pond as well from our property due to hedges as the neighbors can.
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Old 07-08-2010, 11:54 AM
 
817 posts, read 2,240,546 times
Reputation: 1005
If that's the case, then I'd just put up a small "dog run" fence area in your yard and then take your dog on walks.

You'll likely never have a problem no matter what you do, but I know that I'd feel like crap if I lost my dog to a gator or coyote or whatever. They can't "escape" the invisible fence when another animal comes in to it.

I have to admit that I'm not a fan of those invisible fences. I was considering one myself but thought I'd shock myself with the collar. Holy crap, that hurt. I wouldn't want to subject my dog to such a pain. I just walk my dog a lot instead.
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Old 07-08-2010, 02:58 PM
 
Location: East Tennessee
3,928 posts, read 11,552,233 times
Reputation: 5259
The closest good beach to you is going to be Pinellas County's Fred Howard Park. Details here --> Fred Howard Park. A little south of Fred Howard Park are two state parks with great beaches, Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island. Details on them here --> Welcome to Florida State Parks.
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