by The Meadows | Mar 5, 2020
Our Ecology and Nature Commitment
Ecology is a priority within The Meadows Community. The Meadows has an abundance of waterscapes—85
ponds and other water features with nearly 25 miles of shoreline! These aquatic habitats are not only attractive
and environmentally friendly, but they also enhance property values within the community.
Water and Wildlife Committee (WWC)
In 2017, marine biologist and Meadows resident, Dr. Robert Hueter came to the MCA Board with a desire to preserve our beautiful surroundings, and, in January 2018 the WWC was formed with Dr. Hueter as its chair. WWC has contributed greatly to the vitality of The Meadows. It has raised awareness about the importance of maintaining our natural assets and has launched a number of important projects to ensure the success of these goals. Examples are monitoring the health of our ponds and lakes, planting along the banks, and protecting our wildlife.
In 2018, The Meadows received the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful Volunteer Award for our community commitment to our ecology. In 2019, The Meadows was awarded a grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to help facilitate environmental improvements of waterways and wildlife habitats.
Maintaining these water and wildlife features is a major priority of the MCA Board of Directors, the WWC and our residents. On February 6, 2019, the MCA Board approved a policy statement committing the community to implement No Mow Zones to:
- Control pond erosion
- Trap stormwater runoff nutrients and chemicals
- Improve water quality
- Preserve and create habitats for fish, birds and other wildlife
MCA’s Vision for Water Bodies and Wildlife Management in The Meadows
Each of us has the ability to make a change. Here are the results of The Meadows’ volunteers supporting our ecology.
- Planted aquatic vegetation such as canna lilies, pickleweed and soft stem bulrush to keep our ponds clean and provide wildlife habitat.
- The community volunteers planted over 1300 aquatic plants as of March 2020.
- Sarasota City Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST) coordinator and Sarasota County Management Division Water Quality Scientists are working with The Meadows WWC to create eco-beautification.
- Grants have been secured from Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to finance the plantings
Today, The Meadows is home to a variety of bird species and is a source of enjoyment for Meadows birdwatchers.. The Meadows has partnered with the Sarasota Audubon Society to continue to broaden our residents’ knowledge and love for birds through bird walks and presentations.
To view the Water & Wildlife Committee Presentation Presented at the President’s Council on April 9, 2025 by WWL Committee Chair Bob Hueter, click HERE
The MCA and its WWC, have adopted a pro-environmental approach to improving the health and look of our community. This includes coexisting with our alligators because gators are important in maintaining ecological balance in Florida freshwater systems.
In The Meadows we live in harmony with the wildlife. Respecting their space and health includes:
- Don’t feed the alligators or any other wildlife.
- If you are fishing and see an alligator, relocate to a different spot.
- Keep children and pets away from waterways and banks.
- Never approach or attempt to capture or relocate an alligator and always keep at least a 50-ft. distance. Florida state law prohibits the general public from killing, harassing or possessing alligators.
- Never swim in a Meadows pond-it’s prohibited and the alligators that live there don’t appreciate it.
by The Meadows | Mar 5, 2020
Committees
Our unique community is one that believes in teamwork and volunteerism as was the vision of Frank Taylor.
Contribute to your community by volunteering. There are several ways to get involved, join a committee or volunteer to help MCA prepare for some of our fun filled events. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors and get into the party mode before the event starts!
See below for current volunteer openings, ways to get involved and committees.
MCA meetings cover various discussion topics, input into planning, volunteer opportunities & a voice within our community.
Get Involved – Let the MCA Committee Chairs know if you are interested in volunteering for the committee.
Click on each committee for their individual Charters.
Assembly – Alex Peake & Ned Boston
Communications– Marilyn Maleckas, Chair
Community Activities and Involvement – Michelle Johnston, Chair
Emergency Preparedness– Alex Peake, Chair
Finance and Budget– Mel Sykes, Chair
Hearing Committee– Marvin Glusman, Charlie Mericle and Charlie Schenck
Maintenance– Jo Evans, Chair
Personnel– Marilyn Maleckas, Chair
Pickleball– Ned Boston, Chair
Standards– Tom Bondur, Chair
Safety– Michelle Johnston, Chair
Water & Wildlife– Bob Hueter, Chair & Mark Pienkos
Here are some other ways our volunteers may help.
- Greeting residents
- Pre and post event set-up
- Serving Ice Cream at Ice Cream Social
- Decorating
- Assisting with food service (if applicable)
- Helping to guide traffic
- Being an Event Ambassador
- Supporting with logistical details
- Registration for an event
Contact MCA Lifestyle Coordinator at lifestyle@meadowsca.com for more information on how to get started.
BEST KEPT COMMITTEE
Best Kept is now looking for volunteers. Best Kept Committee recognizes the pride of ownership residents show in their Association and Single Family Homes by awarding Best Kept First Place and Runner -up awards to those that show exceptional maintenance of their home and landscaping.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
MCA is looking for volunteers for their various activities and events. If you enjoy the fun of preparing for a special event, decorating or maybe you just love the laughter and special moments that happen behind the scenes that are just as fun as the event itself, volunteer to help with our activities and events. It’s a great way to meet people in smaller groups before a special event, while getting a glimpse of what’s to come.
by The Meadows | Mar 5, 2020
MCA Staff
The number one priority for MCA staff members is to assure that their interactions with residents reflect the mission and vision of the MCA and convey the spirit of community that is so much a part of our lives at The Meadows. Residents come first. We want to make it easy for you to contact the MCA and to get the help you may need so we have provided you with information about our staff and what they do to help familiarize yourself with our team’s areas of responsibility and expertise.
MCA HOURS OF OPERATION
MON-THURS 8 AM-4 PM, FRI-8 AM-3 PM
2026 HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY MAY 25
INDEPENDENCE DAY, FRIDAY, JULY 3
LABOR DAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
THANKSGIVING- THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26 AND FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 AND FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
NEW YEAR’S DAY, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 AND JANUARY 1, 2027
Frances, the General Manager of The Meadows is a licensed Community Association Manager. She has more than 20 years of experience designing high-end communities focused on state-of-the- art amenities and design excellence. Frances’ leadership and strategic thinking allows her to assist the Board in carrying out The Meadows Renaissance plan. She oversees the beautification plans, collaborates with the MCA/TMCC Strategic Committee and works with architectural and engineering firms to implement The Meadows vision. Frances utilizes her management skills in guiding her staff, providing them with the tools they need to implement MCA strategies while creating an environment where new ideas and approaches are welcome.
Mike is the liaison between The Meadows Community Association, Condominium/Homeowners Associations and committees of the Board. He is actively engaged in Human Resources, administrative and accounting functions for the MCA. Mike is responsible for tracking legal documents and records management.
Luisa brings over 6 years of experience in community management, a strong background in ensuring compliance with Florida Statutes, association governing documents and policies, Human Resources, and quality resident services. Her approach is rooted in responsiveness and proactive problem-solving. Luisa is responsible for records management, team building, personnel functions, variance requests, community communications and more.
Lisa administers all financial transactions for the MCA including; assessments, payroll and Accounts Payable/Receivable. She works with the Finance Committee, is responsible for updating our contact database, advertising contracts, parking/boat lot storage fees, warranty deeds and estoppel fees.
Sandy oversees the operations of buildings, grounds and maintenance for The Meadows Community Association common areas while ensuring that the improvements, beautification, standards and regulations of the MCA is being implemented. She works closely with the Maintenance and Standards Committees resulting in the beautification of our grounds and many properties coming into compliance. Sandy builds strong relationships with residents finding creative solutions to challenges regarding architectural review and supporting residents in their desires to improve their properties.
Al spends his days repairing, painting, trimming and fixing our community’s extensive infrastructure as well as focusing on preventative maintenance and keeping The Meadows beautiful. Our Maintenance Committee and staff identify issues, prioritize work, set standards and make recommendations. It’s Al who solves the problems.
by The Meadows | Mar 5, 2020
True to Our Open Spaces
Welcome to The Meadows Community Association, Inc.’s official website. The Meadows is a community like no other. Located conveniently between downtown Sarasota and UTC Mall and I-75. Developer Frank Taylor had a vision of a community with strong social relationships, grand open spaces, and a commitment to wildlife and ecology. A place where friends and family gather to build meaningful relationships with their neighbors and loved ones. Where the community becomes the playground and the lifestyle connects one another through socializing, lifelong learning, enjoyment, and contributing to our quality of life together.
Our Mission & Vision
Today, our mission and vision stands strong for our future. Our mission is to preserve the property values, green space, ambiance and vitality of our community. Our vision is to be known as a well-maintained, welcoming, safe community with up-to-date housing, activities and services designed to meet the needs of all residents. Our strategic plan is one that will improve the quality of our lives and bring our mission and vision to life.
For those who want to enjoy the lifestyle that the community has to offer, there is something for everyone at The Meadows. Our extensive amenities, clubs, activities and events make for a busy social life. The Meadows is a community that continues to enhance quality of life by meeting the needs of its residents. Take a look at our new Community Lifestyle and Wellness Facility,Tennis Complex and 8 brand new Pickleball Courts, all to enjoy the beauty of The Meadows nature, our active social lifestyle and embrace our health and wellness.
by The Meadows | Mar 5, 2020
Welcome To The Official Website Of
The Meadows Community Master Association
The Meadows is located near I-75, close to downtown Sarasota, minutes from University Town Center Mall and Benderson Park. With 1650 acres of open space, The Meadows is home to an abundance of canopied oaks,
over 85 lakes and waterways, and 14 miles of walking and bike trails.
We offer a lifestyle like no other, everlasting relationships, engaging activities and a variety of amenities that reflect our diverse interests.
Live the Lifestyle.
