SKIP AND ILONA MARTIN OUTSIDE THEIR SABAL SPRINGS HOME.
SABAL SPRINGS’ EARLY DAYS
James (Skip) and Ilona Martin coined the phrase – August 23, 2012 – Sabal Springs’ Independence Day – when they witnessed the transformation of Sabal Springs from an “over 40” housing development to an “Over 55 Retirement Community” in 1995, to the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) it is today.
When the Martins moved here from Connecticut in 1993, theirs was the first “custom home” built among the many variations of the original five “stock” floor plans. Skip designed his first home at 17731 Pineapple Palm, then redesigned it for his current home with a three-car garage at 3585 Sabal Springs Blvd., when the final section of the development was opened. They were enticed by the developer’s marketing strategy, a free round of golf, and a free lunch or dinner. But the Martins made the commitment because they were able to build the home they wanted for a decent price and the low monthly maintenance fee of $99.
In 2010 a retired IRS auditor Bob Pombriant became concerned about the community’s finances and an ADHOC Committee was formed to investigate. At the time the secretary Alice “did it all,” including collecting payments, overseeing contracts, and keeping the books. She was well-respected but the developer’s nephew Kareem had inserted himself into the business and eventually admitted to $600,000 of the $1.2 million embezzlement that was uncovered. Skip is the only member of the ADHOC Committee still living here. He negotiated the final settlement via conference call. To resolve the issue faster for all parties, the developer agreed to repay $150,000 in installments and turned over $5 million in property to the homeowners. Thus, the August 23, 2012, settlement date became Sabal Springs HOA’s “Independence Day.”
Bob became the first HOA president and Skip the first vice president. Skip acted as the “go-between” for a while delivering paychecks to the maintenance workers outside the gates, as Kareem was barred from the community. The committee was guided in every step by the expertise of their attorney Richard Deboest. An office was set up in what was known then as the Ladies’ Card Room for the new Board of Directors (BOD) to go through the boxes that were delivered from the developer to organize the community’s business. They had to post that they were meeting every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week, to satisfy the FL 720 law. All homeowners were welcome to check out the work being done to establish the HOA.
Over the years, the Martins have taken full advantage of all the amenities, enjoying the pool, golf, bowling, ceramics, and games in the card rooms. They’ve helped with the Entertainment Committee, Coffee Hour, Bingo, and even started the softball team in 1994. Skip was the manager for 10 years – securing sponsorships and uniforms. In the 1990s, the Martins hand delivered the Sabal Sun Times door to door. Ilona says they have seen 10 different restauranteurs come and go at the clubhouse. Some good and some “not so much,” ranging from white tablecloths to sandwich/bar service. Each has had its own unique flavor.
1992 HOA GUIDE
SOFTBALL LEAGUE LEADERSHIP.
Skip and Ilona have two living sons, five grandchildren, and eight great- grandchildren, most living in close proximity. They get together here and at a cottage they own on Lake Josephine in the “old Florida” town of Sebring, a short 1.5-hour drive where they often go to relax. The Martins bought the cottage, built in 1952, two weeks before Hurricane Irma arrived in 2017 and over time have made many improvements.
As Ilona’s health has declined since 2001, so has the couple’s involvement in the community. Yet, they still keep a watchful eye on the workings of the HOA. Skip remains active on the Contracts Committee. Both of them agree that the best thing they have seen in recent years is how the community has come together to support the revitalization of the Tennis/Pickleball Complex and look forward to their grandchildren enjoying the use of it soon.
