Hello apartment seekers. I have been a resident at Plantation Key since February of 2005, and am moving at the end of November. I am about to tell you my entire experience here at PK so try to accept the good with the bad. I'll start off with my recommendations.

FIRST, do not get a 1st floor apartment, because people of all ages come and go at all hours of the day; also it is said that living upstairs is safer anyways.

SECOND, if you have only 1-2 children and they are older, try to get the third floor. I have 2 children and I must say that it has always been quiet up here on top. The two bad sides to it is 32 steps and groceries.

THIRD, call maintenance @ 386-8186 for non-emergency and request an exterminator; I believe they come out on Tuesdays or Thursdays so call a day or two before hand. The reason for small roaches are due to vacancy, trash outside of doors, and of course the ground. Forth, do NOT leave open food out or unattended, because a creepy-crawler will visit it. Disinfect counter tops daily!

FOURTH, do NOT rely on maintenance to solve your problems. I had an a/c problem go on for almost a year with over 30 calls to maintenance and at least a dozen maintenance techs come by. I was able to get in contact with Danny (maintenance supervisor-drives the black F-150 you might see at the maintenance building), but all he said was everything looked okay, and there was nothing he could do. Luckily, there was the other maintenance manager (unfortunately, I do not remember his name but he knew mine by heart after all my calls), anyways, he promised to help me and after a long dilemma, I received an entire brand new outside a/c unit and a refund on part of my electric bill from Garden Management!

Well, now I will tell you the other pros and cons about the complex. Let's get real, the complex is rated at 31% and I would say that's pretty fair. Yes, the place is partially ghetto and there are more -------- than at a construction sight (sorry if I offend). True story, I was driving past an intersection in the apartments (I did not have a stop sign) and out of no where there is a guy backing up in the middle of the road going about 15 mph. I tried to dodge him but he hit me! I got out and got in front of his car because he was trying to leave. Yes, it was a Mexican. He told me that he did not have a license and that he would pay me for the damage. I followed him to his apartment where there was about 15 others living there and was paid. I guess that makes it better but still...you know' Another time I was walking to take my trash out and I saw a red car (yes, with --------) hit another car and tried to get away. Well they went the wrong way and got stuck. 3 guys got out and ran opposite ways and the driver drove towards the back of the complex. (*Note- there is only one way in-and-out of the complex) To help catch them, I ran after the car trying to follow him. I got to the back of the complex and found the car abandoned. (*Note- there are woods in the back so be cautions about living towards the back) Of course I'm not going to be an idiot and sit around, so I left back to the lady who got hit. The police arrived and I told the officer where I saw the car and gave him the license plate. I drove with him and the car was gone. He dropped me back off and said he would drive around the complex. Well, I decided to go walking around. I got towards the back left side and I saw the red car. All 4 of the guys were walking my direction so I went up to the 2nd floor of a complex. Thank God they didn't recognize me from earlier because they all went inside their apartment which was right next to where I was standing. Um yeah, I was a little freaked. I then went up to the front and told the officer where they lived. Come to find out, no license. In other words, don't drive fast in the complex and watch for others. Also, be careful when exiting out of the complex. I would say there is an accident about every month because someone tries to race through traffic or someone left there turn signal on and the person exiting thinks the other person is turning in. The obstacles in the parking lot is almost ridiculous with blind spots, quick turns, and minimal stop signs. WATCH OUT FOR DOMINO'S PIZZA DRIVERS (they're freakin' crazy a$$ drivers); not to mention some of the maintenance people in there golf carts.

If you are concerned about who was in your apartment before and how was it cleaned, I would give the apartment an A on maintaining the place. I have seen maintenance go in and strip everything down, replace carpet, paint, and replace appliances as needed (with new ones). They have these two ladies who go in with all sorts of cleaners and really work there tail-feathers off. The laminate flooring holds up well except by the washer/dryer opening. I had to have the area replaced twice. In my apartment, there where bb marks left on the walls, but you could see where they were painted over. Also, there were some paint splotches, but what can you expect, the Hyatt'

Another pro is the spaciousness of the rooms. I will say that there is plenty of room for furniture and walking room. I have one the earlier designs and my apartment is 1200 sq.ft. 2/2. The bathrooms are a bit small but not to where your dumping a load in the shower (pardon my bluntness). If you like color, get paint or lots of pictures because it looks like you're in a jail cell with white everywhere.

A con is the parking! To be frank, parking sucks. If you come home after 6 you're screwed. You will be lucky to even park in front of the complex. I would definitely recommend an alarm system before living here. No, the crime is not bad here, but there are people looking for an opportunity. My wife, by accident, left the passenger door unlocked and the next morning my ignition was torn apart by a screwdriver. I would check your doors before leaving it daily. The apartments are definitely not the most expensive apartments, so you will have all types here.

Another con, but possibly a pro, is neighbors. I have been fortunate to have a single Spanish guy next to me who keeps to himself. At the bottom have been the same 2 tenants since before me (good people). On the other hand, you might wake up Saturday morning hearing the radio from college students or from deaf rap listeners (no offense to rap, I some of it). At one time I had this crazy couple living downstairs who would walk around drunk or high. he hit on my wife once and since then she always runs upstairs if it's dark. I tried talking to him but he replied with, "so do you got some smoke"' Um...yeah. So, be careful who lives around you. You will be sharing a complex with 11 other tenants. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the rare occasions of little punk kids who decide to pull the fire alarm and run away. I totally recommend getting tape and cover the fire alarm located by the dining room. You will still be able to hear it, but it will not be ear piercing.

Last topic is Garden Management. At first, I thought what a bunch of carpet-munchers (sorry again for my bluntness). But, after speaking with them on occasion, I realized that those ladies really got it going on over there. The office is in New Tampa at Compton Place (I believe). You can look them up in the white pages. They are very helpful if you fall behind in a payment and are willing to help in other situations. I will say though, do not leave a message and expect a phone call. Keep calling and they'll answer. Be sarcastic with them and hive them a laugh, and they'll be your best friend.

Well dang, I really can't think of anymore stuff to write. I hope you gathered whatever information you needed from this and will make the best decision that works for you! Would I recommend this place to a friend or family member' Yes, but under the conditions I spoke about. It's just like going to buy a car; get the knowledge and use it to your advantage. The office staff only cares about the money. They have to report to Garden Management so this isn't a mommy/poppy place. Good luck and congrats on getting a place!

As a note, I am posting as anonymous because I do not want every viewer writing to me. I believe I have provided an ample amount of information. Thank you.

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