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Kings Point sees new spa, suspension, empty seats on board

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By PAUL CATALA THE SUN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2009

As many part-time residents took refuge from the Florida heat and humidity over the summer, activity in Kings Point certainly didn't go into hibernation.

Several issues made their ways to the forefront since June, some of which have just recently been discussed or resolved in this community with more than 9,000 residents.

Among the happenings seasonal residents may have missed or lost track of were the firing of Kings Point's director of security; the completion of a spa renovation and upgrades and five seats went up for re-election on the KP Federation Board of Directors for 2010.

After a two-week suspension beginning July 21 by employer Kings Point Management - Kings Point's management firm - Neal Desch, director of security for Kings Point, was fired in July by Frank Surface, president of Community Resource Systems, the parent company of KPM.

Desch, security director for six years, was given a list of various infractions made by co-workers and some residents.

Other homeowners, however, disagreed with the decision and started a campaign in support of Desch, stating they should have a voice in the decision. More than 200 people came out in his support during a July 21 meeting of the Kings Point Recreation Facilities Executive Committee.

As a contracted employee, Desch was offered a severance package, but not a full contract buyout. From his Apollo Beach home, Desch, 57, said he was offered a $10,000 buyout at his termination, which he declined. He is now working on getting a self-help seminar business going.

"I know a lot and they didn't like me there. They weren't going to buy my silence," he said. "I got a lot of support from the Kings Point community."

That community now has access to an improved, relocated spa complex, "Spa Serenity."

Ginger Anzalone, president and general manager of Kings Point Management, said about $25,000 - approved by the KP Federation board of directors - went into the re-location of the spa in Kings Point's South Club. The club, opened in July, now offers manicures, a pedicure station, facials, massages and merchandise.

In addition, the catering kitchen in the main clubhouse was renovated and Anzalone said the Entertainment Series begins in November, at lower ticket prices than last year.

"We hope returning residents will come visit Serenity Spa and take advantage of the wonderful new services, in the new location," she said.

Lastly, five seats on the 2010 Kings Point Federation Board of Directors are up for re-election at the Board annual district meeting in January. The outgoing directors are Betty Krajewski, District 1; Dick Fabiano, District 2; Pat Boussie, District 7; Richard Singer, District 8; and Ray Glover, District 9.

All Kings Point unit owners - about 3,500 - can vote in their districts through March 19, 2010, although Cliff Seder, Kings Point Federation president, said it's desirable that owners vote at the Annual Meeting. He said he hopes all residents take the opportunity to vote for strong leadership in the governance of the community.

"I hope residents will make every effort to get the facts regarding the governance of their community, ignore the political propaganda and vote," Seder said.

Reporter Paul Catala can be reached at (813) 731-1970 or pcatala@mediageneral.com.

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