Request From the Islands to Send Out a Communication to the Community

April 15, 2026

Re: Request from the Islands to Send out a Communication to the Community

Dear Residents,

It has come to our attention that in connection with the Islands updating the Fort Hamer gate (the “FH Gate”) to accept the same resident RFID codes used at the Old Tampa Gate (the “OT Gate”) for resident access, a board member of the Islands has circulated on Facebook certain forms for residents of RW to complete in order to access the resident side of the FH Gate. In addition to the information requested, the Islands is requiring RW residents pay a one-time activation fee of $25 per vehicle.

This Board has been in discussions with the Islands concerning resident access at the FH Gate; however, the Board was not advised by the Islands that the forms were being attached to a Facebook post or that the Islands was seeking an activation fee. Upon learning of this, the Board has contacted the Board of the Islands and sent the proposed forms to our attorneys for review and advice as to whether the Islands has the authority to take the steps it is proposing with respect to the FH Gate. The Islands is insisting that RW residents execute the forms as is or they will not permit RW residents to access the resident side of the FH Gate.

To be clear, the Islands cannot prohibit RW residents from using the FH Gate. The issue is whether RW residents can use the resident access side of the entrance if they do not execute the forms and pay the fee. The Board believes that there are legal and practical issues with the demands of the Islands and that it is premature for us to circulate the forms and advise resident to comply until we receive direction from our counsel and reach a resolution of any issues with the Islands.

However, it is possible that until such time as there is a resolution, the Islands may try to restrict RW residents from using the resident access at the FH Gate, thereby requiring RW residents to use the guest entry at the FH Gate. This may present an inconvenience for residents. If any resident does not wish to wait for a final resolution of the issue, you may obtain a copy of the Islands’ forms from the Islands by emailing a request to RIV1SLE@ciramail.com submitting the forms and payment on your own behalf.

BE ADVISED, THIS BOARD IS NOT ENDORSING THE CONTENT THEREOF OR AGREEING THAT THE FORMS ARE OF ANY LEGAL FORCE AND EFFECT OR THAT ISLANDS HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DEMAND THAT RW RESIDENTS AGREE TO THEIR TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO UTILIZE THE RESIDENT SIDE OF THE FH GATE. THIS BOARD RESERVES ALL RIGHTS TO PURSUE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND CAUSES OF ACTION FOR DAMAGES OR OTHERWISE, IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE ISLANDS HAS ACTED BEYOND ITS LEGAL AUTHORITY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MATTER.

Once we have clarity we will provide an update.

Regards,
River Wilderness of Bradenton Foundation

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