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Eagle Eyes Feather A New Nest

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By STEPHEN HAMMILL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 17, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - For Bill Darou, the move into a bigger space is long overdue.

"We're almost ready," he said. "There are still some boxes to fill up, and we don't want to bring anything into it we don't need."

Darou refers to Fountainview Estates' new clubhouse, which will serve as headquarters for the development's neighborhood watch program, now in its 23rd year.

Eight months in the making and officially opened last month, the $300,000 facility also features a library, ceramics room, meeting room, beauty salon, laundry, game room and gym.

In addition to the new construction, the old clubhouse concurrently opened its computer office for residents, complete with Wi-Fi access.

"It's the busiest room in our clubhouse," said Christine Weber, who has managed Fountainview Estates with her husband, David, for 12 years. "A lot of them are learning how to use the Internet and to reach families out of state."

Though reserved for residents age 55 and older, the manufactured-home community off Sheldon Road is no retirement development, with 75 percent of residents in the work force.

About 120 of the neighborhood's more than 800 residents volunteer for the neighborhood watch program, a statistic that accounts for the hundreds of plaques and certificates awarded from mayors and governors - even a president - over the years.

In early 2006, on the 20th anniversary of the formation of the crime watch, President George W. Bush sent the group a letter of congratulations.

"We started with about 10 volunteers," said 88-year-old resident and original watch member Ted Piatek, who still patrols the streets. "There was nothing surrounding us then but steers."

Each night, one or two volunteers patrol the neighborhood in a golf cart, while others man the front gate

"I think it makes our elderly citizens feel very comfortable," said Rita Kirkness, a resident for three years.

As patrol coordinator, Kirkness ensures there are enough volunteers for every night of the month.

Crimes in the development are rare, residents said.

"Our presence makes it rare," said Darou, a former Army officer who took over watch operations 15 months ago.

"In the 14 years I've lived here, the incidents we've had have been minor. Every once in a while a bicycle goes missing.

"They know we're here. We work very closely with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. When we call, they're here. They do not make us wait."

The sheriff's office shares the praise.

"They're like a shining light for how good a neighborhood watch can be," said Michelle Branscomb, community resource deputy for Fountainview Estates the past 12 years.

"We have a super relationship with them. When we have communities that need crime watch, they'll come out and help. They're one of our greatest assets."

With many neighborhood watch programs struggling for volunteers, Darou chalks their success up to reputation.

"We do well by comparison, and it's because of the reputation this neighborhood watch has," he said. "They residents move in here specifically because we're the safest place around."

Weber confirmed most prospective buyers know about the neighborhood watch program in advance.

"They're known all over the state - all over the country," she said. "They ask about the process, and we ask that they volunteer in advance."

Fledgling watch programs should contact the sheriff's office for help, Weber said.

"There are grants out there if you ask," she said.

Darou said the new offices will allow the staff of eight to modernize the crime-watch operation. A tour of the old office reveals the need for a new space, with boxes of files crammed into every corner.

"We'll be ready to make the move soon," Darou said. "As you can see, we're packing things up."

From that office, the staff has published 1,000 phone books a year, listing every resident's name, number and address.

"We also have complete data on every vehicle in the park," Darou said. "If somebody's car gets stolen and they don't know the VIN number, we do."

They run the phone pals program there for residents who live alone. Those residents are expected to call into the office every day to check in. If they don't, Darou and his staff will pay them a visit.

For information about Fountainview Estates or its neighborhood watch program, call (813) 884-3407.

Reporter Stephen Hammill can be reached at (813) 865-1523 or shammill@tampatrib.com.

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