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Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
September 25, 2020

Governor DeSantis to announce latest Executive Order for Phase 3 re-openings in Florida. Updated information will be posted here when available next week.

The Recreation Pool will be closed Wednesday, September 30th and Thursday, October 1st for maintenance.

THE CANDLER COMMUNITY POOL IS CLOSED FROM SEPTEMBER 15TH-22ND, FOR MAINTENANCE. THE POOL WILL REOPEN ON SEPTEMBER 23RD.

PARKWAY MAINTENANCE WILL BEGIN FERTILIZING ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO MOVE ALL VEHICLES IN YOUR GARAGE. AFTER FERTILIZING AND CLEAN UP IS COMPLETE PLEASE WATER LAWN.

CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW PDF OF NOTICE

OTOW is carefully monitoring Tropical Depression 13. At this time, the storm looks to have minimal impact on this area, however we highly recommend that all residents carefully monitor over the next few days so that you may take all needed precautions should the storm change its route. The after hour support number, 352-236-OTOW (6869) is available for residents to report any non-medical emergencies.

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE AT TIMBERRIDGE ER

Drive-up COVID-19 Testing will be available at the TimberRidge ER starting Monday, August 17, 2020. Advanced Registration is required. You may start calling today, 352-402-5111 between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday – Friday to register.
• A doctor’s order is not required for testing
• No out-of-pocket costs, regardless of insurance status
• The test is a nasal swab
• Test results are returned within 72 hours.
• Poster linked below with more details.
You may view results on your Advent App on a smart phone or create an Advent Account on line. Master the Possibilities (MTP) is graciously allowing residents access to the computer lab 8 am to noon, Monday and Wednesday, through the end of September to set up an account to view results.  Please check in at the Main Office of MTP, 8415 SW 80^th St., Ocala, FL  34481

• Ocala Advent Health Drive-Up COVID-19 Testing (PDF, 1mb)

• Advent Health Phone App Information (PDF, 812kb)

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
OTOW Reopen Plan – Phase 2
August 7, 2020

Florida Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-192 on August 6, 2020, rescinds EO 20-80 and EO 20-82. Persons traveling in from the Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) no longer need to quarantine for 14 days. EO 139 “Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery” remains in effect. As a reminder, key components of the order include:

Responsible Individual Activity
• All persons in Florida are encouraged to follow appropriate social distancing and safety protocols issued by the CDC and OSHA.
• Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• All persons in Florida are encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 50 persons.
• In-store retail businesses, including gyms and fitness centers, should maintain appropriate social distancing and sanitation protocols.

Safety protocols remain in place and are posted at each facility:
• All opened amenities and facilities have capacity limitations which are posted at each location and which allow for proper distancing.
• Masks are required in all indoor locations and standard operating hours will be implemented. Masks are recommended at outside facilities but not required.
• At this time, no non-resident guests are allowed. (Must be Gateway of Service member.)
• All residents must be responsible for their own personal safety and for compliance with the safety protocols for each location. Residents should bring their own hand sanitizer and wipes in the event that OTOW provided sanitizer is out.
• Do not utilize the facility/amenity if, within the past 14 days, you have had Covid-19 symptoms, have been in contact with or exposed to a person having Covid-19, have been asked to self-monitor at home, have been on a cruise or traveled to any U.S. city or foreign country on the CDC’s affected areas of widespread/sustained community transmission.

Now is not the time to become complacent. Cases are still increasing in Marion County. Please follow the safety protocols to help keep each other safe. Continued violations of the posted amenity rules may result in the amenity closing. Disrespect of employees enforcing amenity rules will not be tolerated and will result in suspension of use rights.

Resident Services will open the lobby on Monday 8/10/20 from 8:00 am to noon and from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Only 6 persons will be allowed in the lobby at any one time. Masks are required.

Keeping our residents and employees safe during this time, has been, and will remain, the primary focus. Stay safe all!

The OTOW Central Dog Park will be closed starting Friday 8/7 to reopen Saturday 8/8. We will be treating the parks for fleas, ticks and hookworms.

OTOW is carefully monitoring Hurricane Isaias and will be taking some preliminary precautions including removing umbrellas and stacking furniture at pools and other outdoor areas.  We urge residents to take a look around your home and yard and remove any items that could become airborne during heavy wind gusts.  At this time, the storm looks to have minimal impact on this area, however we highly recommend that all residents carefully monitor over the next 24 hours so that you may take all needed precautions should the storm take a more westerly route.  The after hour support number, 352-236-OTOW (6869) is available for residents to report any non-medical emergencies.  The National Hurricane Center link is: www.hurricanes.gov.  A link to Hurricane Preparedness website on www.otowinfo.com follows and has a list of resources and other important links for your use: https://ontopoftheworldinfo.com/hurricane-preparedness/

COVID-19 UPDATE: Message to Residents
Due the uptick in COVID-19 cases, OTOW Favorites at The Town Square on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays has been cancelled through July and August. Stay tuned for updates!

COVID-19 UPDATE: Message to Residents
Due the current uptick in COVID-19 cases in Marion County, the weekly Thursday Circle Square Commons Farmers Market has been cancelled through July.

COVID-19 UPDATE: JULY 20, 2020

Message to Residents
Out of an abundance of caution due to the increase in positive COVID-19 cases in our zip codes, we have temporarily closed Resident Services. We will be taking phone calls, answering emails and setting appointments if needed. We will continue to monitor other facilities and may take further safeguards by closing areas where safety protocols are not being followed. We are taking these precautions to ensure the safety of our employees and residents and will continue to do so until we see daily positive cases in our zip codes trending downward.

If you have any concerns regarding your health or having symptoms, please contact your health provider or the Marion County Health Department. The health department offers free COVID-19 testing by appointment ( 352-644-2590). You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested. Testing is also available at many other local medical providers, including urgent care facilities; call before visiting a facility if you would like to be tested for COVID-19.

COVID-19 UPDATE: JULY 17, 2020

Mask vs. No Mask Demo Video
The video posted below is from a news clip shared by a resident. It demonstrates respiratory droplets that are passed in the air when we speak, sing, cough or sneeze. It makes the point, using Petri dishes, that masks can make a difference in reducing or deleting the passing of droplets. Masks are required to be worn in indoor areas at OTOW and recommended when outdoors. Hopefully, this helps explain why. Optimistically, the video will provide all of us the encouragement needed to wear a mask to protect each other.

• CLICK HERE OR THE VIDEO BELOW TO VIEW THE MASK VS. NO MASK DEMO VIDEO – JULY 17, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE: JULY 17, 2020

Community Centers Updated Closing Times
The Lodge, Candler Hills Community Center, Indigo East Community Center and the Indigo South Fitness Centers buildings will be closing at 7:00 pm along with the pools.

COVID-19 UPDATE: JULY 15, 2020

NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO RELAX!

• CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE MESSAGE TO RESIDENTS – JULY 15, 2020

COVID-19 NEW OTOW CASES:

NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO RELAX!

On July 6, 2020, OTOW was made aware that a resident who participated at a craft show on June 23, 2020, allegedly tested positive for the COVID-19 Virus. We are advising you of this information to keep you vigilant for your safety and the safety of others. For perspective, thirteen days have elapsed since the June 23 craft show, and the standard for quarantine is 14 days, diminishing this particular threat.

Zip codes for our area are showing daily increases in those testing positive for Covid-19. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to continue following safety protocols—stay home if you are sick, practice social distancing, avoid large crowds, wear a face mask, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly.

The Pub will remain closed as we are awaiting employee test results to ensure the safety of patrons and employees.

If you have any concerns regarding your health or are having symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider or the Marion County Health Department. The health department offers free COVID-19 testing by appointment ( 352-644-2590). You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested. Testing is also available at many other local medical providers, including urgent care facilities; call before visiting a facility to let them know if you would like to be tested for COVID-19.

July 2, 2020

We were notified that an employee of Sid’s Coffee Shop recently tested positive for COVID-19, and an employee of The Pub has been in close contact with that employee. Safety protocols were followed by both the employees. Additionally, the employees had no symptoms during the period they were at work. Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed both restaurants for deep-cleaning and sanitizing. We are taking all precautions recommended by the CDC to ensure the safety of our employees and residents. Patrons who visited between June 22nd and June 27th and had known direct contact (within 6 ft. for 15 minutes or longer) will be notified directly. The CDC states that currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.

If you have any concerns regarding your health or having symptoms, please contact your health provider or the Marion County Health Department. The health department offers free COVID-19 testing by appointment ( 352-644-2590). You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested. Testing is also available at many other local medical providers, including urgent care facilities; call before visiting a facility to let them know if you would like to be tested for COVID-19.

Florida will see extreme heat this week, which can affect us all. Click the infographic below to check out these great tips from the CDC to help prevent heat-related illnesses throughout the day.

Click the image to view the full infographic.

The Victory Dog Parks will be closed from June 22, 2020 through August 10, 2020. This area is set for sodding of both Dog parks.

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
Additional Reopenings
June 9, 2020

Additional OTOW Facilities are opening June 10th, standard operating hours with safety protocols in place, including 6 ft. distancing, limited gatherings, masks required indoors and recommended outdoors, and disinfection actions.  Maximum number that may gather at each facility is posted at the facility.  Other areas will be added to the list as safety protocols are completed for each. 

Table Tennis
Ballet Studio
Moonstruck Astronomy

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
Phase 2 Reopen Plan
June 5, 2020

• Click here for the Message to Residents – Phase 2 Reopen Plan 6/5/2020

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
Additional Facilities Opening
June 4, 2020

Additional OTOW Facilities opening June 4th, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with safety protocols in place, including 6 ft. distancing, gatherings limited to 10, masks required indoors and recommended outdoors, and disinfection protocols. Other areas will be added to the list as additional Executive Orders are issued by the Florida Governor.

Model Railroaders
Billiards
Mini Golf
Cornhole
Horse Shoes
Shuffleboard

Beginning, June 8th, the community bus will schedule runs to Publix and Walmart Monday through Thursday, by appointment only, as the bus has limited seating in order to comply with social distancing requirements. Please call Maggie at 352 387 7533 to schedule your ride.

Candler Hills dog park will be closed on Thursday AM until 11:00 AM.

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
Additional Facilities Opening
May 26, 2020

OTOW is happy to announce that additional OTOW Facilities are opening May 27th and May 28th, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with safety protocols in place, including 6 ft. distancing, gatherings limited to 10, masks required indoors and recommended outdoors, and disinfection actions. Other areas will be added to the list as safety protocols are completed for each facility.

Softball – Opens 5/27/20
Woodshop – Opens 5/28/20

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
Additional Facilities Opening
May 22, 2020

Additional OTOW Facilities are opening May 22nd, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with safety protocols in place, including 6 ft. distancing, gatherings limited to 10, masks required indoors and recommended outdoors, and disinfection actions. Other areas will be added to the list as safety protocols are completed for each facility.

Tennis
Pickleball
Candler Hills Community Center
Indigo East Community Center

• Click here for the Safety Protocols 5/18/2020

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
Message From Governor Desantis
and Safety Protocols
May 18, 2020

• Click here for the Message To Residents – COVID-19 Update 5/18/2020

• Click here for the Safety Protocols 5/18/2020

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
May 19, 2020

DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FOR COVID-19 TESTING AT OTOW, ALL APPOINTMENT TIMES ARE NOW FULL. YOU MAY CONTACT THE MARION COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR OTHER FREE TESTING LOCATIONS 352-644-2590.

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
Florida Department of Health in Marion County Testing
You can be tested for COVID-19 at various places within Marion County, including the Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion), Heart of Florida Health Center, Langley Medical Center, local urgent cares, hospitals and some primary care providers. If you are interested in testing at a specific facility, please contact that agency in advance to let them know you would like to be tested for COVID-19.
Testing is by appointment only; call the DOH-Marion COVID-19 Call Center at 352-644-2590 to be scheduled for a COVID-19 test. Testing sites scheduled through the call center include the DOH-Marion Ocala office (1801 SE 32nd Ave.) and the College of Central Florida Hampton Center (1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala).
352-629-0137
Info.Marion@FLHealth.gov

Mailing Address
1801 SE 32nd Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471-5532

Message To Residents: COVID-19 Update
On Florida Executive Order 20-123
May 15, 2020

• Click here for the Message To Residents – COVID-19 Update: Florida Executive Order Issued By Governor Desantis 5/15/2020

The Recreation and The Lodge office is currently working on issuing refunds to all residents that purchased tickets for events or trips in March, April, May, or June. Residents will be receiving phone calls with a scheduled date and time for your refunds.

OTOW Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Update: May 15, 2020

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management, Marion County Fire Rescue and the Florida Department of Health Marion County are conducting Covid-19 Drive Through Testing by Appointment Only in On Top of the World Communities, at the Arbor Conference Center on May 26th and 27th. To receive the test, you must call for an appointment. The Covid-19 appointment line is 352-369-7500 and is available from May 18th to May 22nd from 9 am to 3 pm. The test is free, no symptoms needed to be tested, and you must have a valid ID. 200 appointments will be scheduled each test day. Test results will take several days to come back. You will receive results by phone. A flyer is attached for more details and directions. You may also call 352-644-2590 for any questions.

• Click here for the OTOW Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Flyer

OTOW Reopen Plan – Phase 1:
May 01, 2020

• Click here for the OTOW Reopen Plan – Phase 1 Update: Message to Residents 5/01/2020

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Update:
April 29, 2020

• Click here for the latest COVID-19 Update: Message to Residents 4/29/2020

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Update:
April 24, 2020

• Click here for the latest COVID-19 Update: Message to Residents 4/24/2020

Construction Gate (for contractors) at the West End of SW 80th St. Temporarily Closed: April 10th, 2020

The Construction Gate (for contractors) at the West End of SW 80th St. is closed temporarily for relocating the gate house and an extension of the roadway. Construction traffic will be heavier within the community until the work is completed. We expect the gate to reopen no later than August and are working diligently to move this date ahead. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Enviro Shred Event Cancelled!

The Enviro Shred Event scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2020 at the Recreation parking lot has been cancelled! This event will be rescheduled at a later date!

Update From Parkway Maintenance:  April 9, 2020

Click here for the latest notice for residents from Parkway Maintenance: Fertilization Notice for April 13th.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Update:  April 06, 2020

Click here for the latest COVID-19 Update: FAQs for EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-91.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Update:  April 02, 2020

Click here for the latest COVID-19 Update: Message to Residents – Stay at Home Order.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Update:  March 31, 2020

Click here for the latest COVID-19 Update: Message to Residents of On Top of the World.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Update & Executive Order:
March 25, 2020

As we at On Top of the World continue to closely monitor information surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak, we want to assure residents that the first and most important priority is to protect the health and safety of the community, including residents and employees. Please click the links below to view the latest update from On Top of the World and the Executive Order issued today by Governor DeSantis.

PLEASE CALL 352-236-6869 OR EMAIL OTOWSERVICE@OTOWFL.COM WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING LINKS

• Message to Residents – Community Update 3/25/2020

• EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS – 3/25/2020

DO NOT FLUSH NOTICE FROM BAY LAUREL CENTER
March 23, 2020

Click the link below to view the latest notice to residents from Bay Laurel Center CDD:

• Do Not Flush PSA

Sign Up For Alert Marion Now!

SIGN UP ONLINE TO RECEIVE ALERTS FROM MARION COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BY TEXT MESSAGE, EMAIL, OR VOICE MESSAGE. 

PLEASE VISIT: ALERTMARION.COM TO SIGN UP TODAY!

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Closure Notice:
March 20, 2020

CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC), FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AND OTHER STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES THIS FACILITY/AMENITY IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  ANY USE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.  ANY USE BY YOU DURING THIS CLOSURE WILL BE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

PLEASE CALL 352-236-6869 OR EMAIL OTOWSERVICE@OTOWFL.COM WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING LINKS

• Message to Residents – Community Update 3/20/2020

• OTOW Closed Facilities – Amenities

• COVID-19 Stop the Spread of Germs

• COVID-19 Fact Sheet

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Update:  March 17, 2020

Click here for the latest COVID-19 Facilities Closures update for On Top of the World.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Update: March 11th, 2020

On Top of the World Communities is in frequent communication with the Florida Department of Health in Marion County to ensure that we have the most up to date information possible for our residents and employees.   A management team from On Top of the World met with the Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Marion County on Thursday March 5 to discuss best management practices for handling this stressful time. 

At this time, the Department of Health (DOH) is not recommending the cancellation of any shows, clubs or events.  However, the DOH is suggesting that you avoid crowds, as much as possible, especially if you are at a higher risk for serious illness due to a serious long-term health problem or if you are immunosuppressed.

We recommend that anyone seeking the most accurate and current information about the COVID-19/Corona Virus review the following websites:  www.FloridaHealth.gov and the www.CDC.gov

The Florida Department of Health has a telephone hotline for any urgent concerns or questions:   Florida Coronavirus Hotline: 866.779.6121

On Top of the World Communities is implementing the recommended protocols from the President’s Coronavirus Task Force.  Employees and residents must take extra precautions to protect themselves and others from spreading the virus.   The precautions we are taking and recommending include:

• Stop handshaking – use other noncontact methods of greeting

• Clean hands at the door, and schedule regular hand washing reminders by email

• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly

• Utilize pleated filters for air conditioning systems

• Limit Food Sharing

• Stay at home if you are sick

• Self-quarantine if a sick family member is at home

The President’s Coronavirus Task Force protocols and recommendations are available atwww.coronavirus.gov

The maintenance department as well as each department within OTOW has stepped up the frequency of disinfecting high touch areas within our facilities—doors, handrails, phones, pens, chairs, etc.

Our most important goal is to keep our community safe and as such we are taking this issue seriously. We will continue to monitor communications from the CDC and will update our processes and procedures accordingly. 

It is every individual’s responsibility to take this matter seriously and participate in protecting each other.