Words from our Congregation President, Ricki Bauman
September 2025
Shalom, Congregants!
Within the past year, we have had two significant vehicle trespassing incidents at Beth Israel. The first, before Hurricane Milton, involved an Amazon truck that hit the canopy over the front entrance, damaged it, and left the scene! Thankfully, we were able to catch the driver, the incident was reported, their insurance paid for the damage fully, and it was repaired.
The second vehicle incident recently damaged the northeast (rear) corner of the building, damaging the soffit, trim, and the rain gutter. Again, it has since been repaired,
but we were not able to identify the truck as we do not have working rear cameras (we are
applying for a FEMA security grant to install a robust camera system). This leaving-the-scene
accident has cost us $3,000! Enough is enough!
I asked our resident Deputy Sheriff about the “No Trespassing” signs posted on the closed North Lake Golf Course. Deputy Merry told me that the color didn’t matter, but the text should be exactly the same; ours will be black on a white background instead of Clublink’s black on orange. These signs are being fabricated now and will be installed about the time that you read this column. Unfortunately, vehicles use our driveways as easy turnarounds instead of using the public roads. Going forward, these people can be arrested without warning under the Florida Statutes. The Sheriff’s Office will also give our facility special attention at night.
L’shalom,
Ricki