2022 Updates

December 28. 2022, 10:30 AM UpdateAs many have already heard, beginning January 2, 2023 the City of Sanibel will no longer require permits to come into the island. Having said that, the City points out that virtually everything on the island is closed…beaches, parks (including the lighthouse), fishing piers, most businesses and restaurants. 

As they said, “There is nothing to see or do – yet”. As a result, increased traffic from sightseers will only disrupt and slowdown debris removal and other rebuilding efforts.

As a reminder, Tortuga Beach Club is an active construction site and is closed to all visitors, including owners. Your Board, the Hilton management team and the contractors appreciate your respect of this policy.

Now, to end the year on a positive point, check out the progress at the pool…

December 22, 2021, 1:15 PM Update
The remediation work continues...

December 21, 2022, 10:30 AM Update
The following is the text of an update, yesterday, from our Resort Director, Lisa Diggins, to an inquiring owner:

At this time, utilities have not yet been restored to the resort. Electrical engineers have begun inspecting the property, and I am contacting our electric company tomorrow morning to get the transformers shut off so that we can complete the inspection of all electrical components. Once the inspection has been completed and everything is deemed safe, they will restore power to the resort. In the meantime, we do have generators running to allow the remediation/restoration company to continue their work. There have also been contractors out to look at the plumbing throughout the property so that we can get water and sewage turned on once we are ready for that step – at this time, I do not know the status of our plumbing and what, if any, repairs need to be made. We have been in contact with all of our vendors that service the property (pool companies, linen, landscaping, roofers, etc.) and those vendors are working with the restoration company to schedule inspections and repairs. Our two pool companies have been in touch with the project manager and have already scheduled visits to the property to assess and begin any repairs needed to the pool and hot tub. Our landscaper has been out to the property several times to remove dead vegetation as well as to assess any damaged trees to determine if they need to be removed. 

Most, if not all, of the AC condensers will need to be replaced, and once each unit has been tested, we will work with the restoration company and HGV to get them replaced. Our IT company has been out to look at the property so that he can order any servers, computers, access points, etc. that will need replacing. While we obviously don’t need Wi-Fi right this second, we know there is a long lead time on electronics, so we want to get those ordered ASAP. 

In regards to other construction and mechanical materials, it’s hard to provide a timeline. Things like pillows and mattresses will likely take less time as we can order those through HGV who works with companies throughout the country. While other items like AC condensers and electrical panels will likely take longer as those need to be ordered locally for warranty reasons. Because there are so many people that will need the same items (like AC and electrical panels), some companies are not allowing you to order items until you have a permit in hand. The reason is that they don’t want people hoarding these items and then selling them at ridiculously inflated prices. Sadly, there are people that wait for these types of disasters to do just that. 

We have drywall in storage for when we’re ready, but we’re still waiting for the final numbers on things like insulation, wiring, fixtures, appliances, etc. Then we have all of the furnishings: the insurance company needs to look at every single item: every chair, every sofa, every lamp, etc. to determine what is and isn’t salvageable and that takes time. Once they have completed that assessment, then we’ll know exactly how many of each item we’ll need and can begin ordering replacements. Not until all of that is done, will we truly know how long it will take to get items. There are also new codes that will likely be implemented because of this storm, so that may also cause a delay in certain items. All of our vendors are standing by though and are ready to get to work as soon as we give them the word. Currently, we are still planning to reopen in the fall of 2023, but I cannot say with 100% certainty that we will reopen at a specified time. 
We are doing our best to provide updates, but it is still very early and we are still in the beginning stages. That means that for now, updates are going to be redundant and new information will be scarce, because it really is the same thing over and over right now. As for overall conditions, I can honestly say that the pictures do little to truly show what the conditions are like on the island and the property. In the beginning, I saw pictures that made my cry and I thought I couldn’t see anything worse….and then I went to the island for the first time and cried again, because the pictures just don’t do it justice. In regards to progress pictures of the property, as Don stated, the work currently going on is what you’ve already seen – removing drywall, cleaning furniture, sanitizing every inch of every unit, etc. While we do receive daily reports with pictures, the pictures don’t mean much in regards to accurately showing progress. A picture of studs is simply that – a picture of studs. Once we begin the process of rebuilding the units and replacing the furniture and miscellaneous items, that will be when owners begin seeing pictures on a regular basis, because that will be when you can actually see the progress being made. 
I understand the frustration our owners are feeling and I can sympathize as I am also a timeshare owner on Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach. Please keep in mind though, while it has been almost 3 months since the storm, and to many that feels like a long time, for those of us that live and work here, there are days where it feels like the hurricane just happened yesterday. Shingled roofs have been replaced with blue tarps, lawns have been replaced with piles of debris, and some still don’t have internet or potable water. Some days it feels like tremendous progress is being made and other days it feels like a snail could make more progress. The hurricane is the quickest part – it’s everything that comes after that takes the longest. 

I hope I’ve been able to answer some of your questions and please feel free to reach out if I may be of further assistance.

December 18, 2022, 9:00 AM Update
Over the past week or so, several owners have contacted the Board expressing concerns over a lack of information and photos showing the work at the resort. The Board appreciates this frustration with a lack of detailed information. We wish we had more to provide. 

In past website updates, we’ve shared photos of the remediation process (the methodical content removal, controlled demolition, sanitizing, etc.) which continues and hopefully will be completed in the next month or so. It was decided to only post updates with new information. The important, but rather “mundane” work of cutting out wallboard, vacuuming furniture, and sanitizing exposed wall studs has been going on. Posting photos of “more of the same” serves no real purpose. Unfortunately, that is the state we are in.
Assessing the damage and preparing plans for moving forward are in progress, but there is still much to do. We still do not know if the clubhouse will need to be taken down, or repaired. All furnishings and cabinetry need to be assessed, all appliances and televisions need to be tested, all a/c condensers, electrical and plumbing systems must be evaluated. None of these activities are “photogenic”.

Supply chains, which were already strained, need to be checked, and availability of supplies/equipment need to be determined, We are only about 11 weeks post-Ian, and the damage to the resort and island infrastructure is extensive. This process takes time, and as anxious as we all are, we must be patient. Having said that, rest assured that all that can be done is being done. Once there are pictures that show the delivery of materials, or rebuilding, we’ll certainly begin to post them. But again, we’re a way off from that.

We welcome any comments and concerns that you might have so we can address them as best we can.

December 8, 2022, 11:10 AM Update
Further to the various posts regarding 2023 maintenance fees, we just learned that owners who have opted-in to HGV electronic communications will not receive an invoice by USPS mail. Those owners should have received an e-mail form HGV in mid-November with a subject line “Your 2023 Assessment Billing Notice”. That e-mail contains a link to the document being mailed to owners, with their invoice, who have not opted-in for electronic communications.
The additional FAQs document can be accessed by clicking on the link included below in our November 22nd posting.
You can pay your 2023 fees by logging into your HGV account. Additionally, if you need to download your 2023 fees statement, once you’ve logged into your HGV account, click on “HOA Documents” and scroll down until you get to “HOA Statements”. There you can click on “Download PDF” and you can print your statement.

November 22, 2022, 11:45 AM Update
In our November 13, 2022 update, we reported that the upcoming mailing of the 2023 fee invoices HGV would include an FAQ document about the 2023 fees. Additionally, responses to numerous individual owner questions e-mailed to the Board also referred to this FAQ document. Unfortunately, this document was inadvertently omitted from the fee invoice mailing. HGV is currently preparing a separate mailing so all owners receive the FAQ.
In the meantime, owners can read the FAQ by clicking here.

November 19, 2022, 9:15 AM Update
Work progresses in all buildings. This includes controlled demolition to remove damaged drywall, insulation and other impacted surfaces. Meanwhile, all contents of the units are being removed, inspected, cleaned and salvaged when possible. 

The parking areas under the buildings are being enclosed and turned into temporary storage while work in the units progresses.

November 18, 2022, 10:10 AM Update
This update addresses weeks 38 & 39 fee reimbursements.

Week 38 owners will receive a reimbursement equal to three-sevenths of their 2022 maintenance fees for the lost days of September 27-29, 2022, while week 39 owners will receive a total reimbursement of the 2022 fees.

Since these two weeks were in the third quarter of the year, reimbursement paperwork is being processed now within HGV. Having said that, the next step involves the insurance company. As a result, the exact date of when accounts will be credited is unknown.

Owners are encouraged to pay their 2023 fees by the 1/1/23 due date to keep their account in good standing. Once credits have been applied to your account, there will be an opportunity to request that credit balance be sent to you.

November 16, 2022, 3:15 PM Update
Owners of weeks in October-December are asking if the reimbursement of their 2022 maintenance fees will impact their 2023 fees. This post addresses that question.

Credits for maintenance fees of unused weeks due to Hurricane Ian are processed 4-6 weeks following the close of a calendar quarter. Therefore, reimbursement for October-December will not hit owner accounts until sometime in February. Since 2023 fees are due 1/1/2023, these fees must be paid to maintain your account in good standing.

Sometime later in 2023 (date yet to be determined) owners will have the ability to request their credit balance be sent to them. This will also be an option for owners that have paid their 2023 fees and are unable to use their week(s). However, these owners will have to wait until their account is credited in the 4-6 weeks following close of the quarter. 

November 13, 2022, 4:10 PM Update
We now know what 2023 holds for us with regards to annual maintenance fees and HGV Club membership. This can be summarized as follows:
2023 fees are due 1/1/2023. Invoices will be sent out later this month, along with FAQs explaining why fees need to be paid. Fundamentally, our insurance company requires fees to be invoiced, paid and received before any refunds can be made.
If you are unable to use your week due to resort closure, fees paid will be refunded as credits to your account. The refunds will be split in two pieces. The fixed cost portion is refunded by our insurance company, while the variable cost portion will be credited by the Association.
These refunds will be made on a quarterly basis, in the 4-6 weeks after the close of a quarter. As an example, week 5 owners would be getting the credits to their account in April or early May 2023.
Existing HGV Club members can deposit their week(s) and collect their points to exchange for vacation time at another HGV property. However, the 2023 fee must be paid in advance.
Owners who deposit their week(s) with HGV Club will not be eligible for a maintenance fee refund. Likewise, owners who do not pay their 2023 fee, are not eligible for the fee refunds, and are subject to triggering legal action, as has been the case in the past

November 11, 2022, 12:30 PM Update
This update is a reminder that the property is an active construction zone and remains closed. To ensure your safety, Owners and Guests may not visit the property. 

As has been shown in the photos of recent updates, progress continues to be made at our resort. The restoration team has been removing damaged drywall, flooring, and debris from the units and from the property. In addition, power on the property has temporarily been restored via numerous generators aiding in the process. We will keep you advised as more information is received.

November 7, 2022, 5:45 PM Update
Our contracted remediation company, First on Site (FoS) is slowly but surely making significant progress. As they say…how do you eat an elephant…one bite at a time. And that is what they have been doing.On any given day there is a crew of about 30 workers at Tortuga. First task was clearing all the drives so equipment and supplies could come onto the property. The building structures were analyzed and no structural damage was noted. 

Since then, all building have received temporary roofs and temporary electricity as well as dehumidifiers and fans to help dry things out. All units have been inspected by industrial hygienists who moisture mapped all walls, floors and others surfaces to determine what needs to be removed by “controlled demolition. A previous update showed pictures of the moisture measurements and the carpet removal. Below are some pictures showing the drywall removal based on how high the moisture climbed up the walls.

Additionally, some ceilings are being partially or completely removed, as needed. As you can see from these pictures, salvaged furnishings were first “encapsulated” to prevent damage during the demolition and future reconstruction process. This work will continue for some time, as well as the continued clearing of large debris and downed trees.

The three resort service buildings have a wide range of conditions. Previous updates had some pictures of all three buildings.Being a raised structure, the office had minimal damage, but the telephone equipment under the building was washed away. The maintenance building was significantly damaged, but the structure appears to be salvageable. All interior walls/work benches/etc. have been removed. Finally, though there has not been a final decision, it is very likely that the clubhouse cannot be salvaged and if so, will be removed and rebuilt from the ground up. The structure is currently deemed too dangerous for workers to enter. 

November 2, 2022, 8:45 AM UpdateThis is REALLY important...it’s something that matters, and you don’t need to leave home to make a difference.
Earlier today it was reported that we still have not received enough votes to adopt the revised condominium documents. Only a handful of owners have voted to not adopt the new documents, while over a thousand have voted yes. But we still need about 300 more votes. As a result, the deadline for voting has been extended for 90 days but can’t be extended afterwards.

If you have not yet voted, we still need you to either mail back your ballot, or login and vote online. Those who had not yet voted as of mid-August should have received a reminder card toward the end of August. If you had opted-in for HGV e-mail communications, you should have received an e-mail on August 22nd. Both of these communications contained all the details needed to vote. 

This is VERY important. If you are unsure if you voted, or need your access code to vote, please contact Amy.High@hgv.com ASAP. Please don’t wait, the holiday season is fast approaching and with it, all the distractions that come with the season.

October 27, 2022, 10:45 AM UpdateThe adjective “warzone” has been used to describe the unbelievable devastation on the island and at our resort. You’ll see from the pictures included in this update, more of the magnitude of the damage. The maintenance building suffered severe damage, and the clubhouse is so damaged crews are not allowed in. You can see a horizontal crack in the clubhouse wall that makes it structurally unsound.  

Our remediation crew has been working tirelessly to clean-up the site. A tremendous amount of progress has been made removing the tons of sand that covered the entire resort. Dozens of downed trees have been removed so equipment could be brought in to expedite the cleanup.

Crews are systematically moving unit by unit, room by room to moisture map how much drywall, carpet, etc. most be removed. Mattresses and box springs have been moved out and stacked up on East Gulf Drive for pickup. Carpet is already being removed. The installation of temporary roofs have been completed to minimize damage from additional rain events. 

October 18, 2022, 2:30 PM Update
In case you had not yet heard, according to the City of Sanibel, FPL expects to have power restored on East Gulf Drive by October 28th. That’s a month, to the day, since Ian hit and is amazing news in light of the devastation to the island’s electric power infrastructure.
Travel of equipment and materials across the island is still challenging, but each day that debris is moved out of the way things get a little "easier". As you will see from the photos below, equipment and crews are at the resort and working hard to clear the way for more equipment and supplies. 

Materials for temporary roofs are arriving and lifts due in so that crews can begin constructing temporary roofs tomorrow. While other crews continue to assess interior damage through moisture mapping, tomorrow electricians will begin assessing the resort's electrical systems so short- and long-term plans can be formulated.

October 16, 2022, 2:40 PM UpdateA Family Reunion...Our TBC Family got together a few days ago for the first time in over 3 weeks. Unfortunately, Allison, Dana and Lisa S. we’re not able to be at the lunch, but hopefully we can get everyone together again soon. 

All are well and dealing with individual property issues, while working together as a team to move things forward at the resort.
As you may have heard from the City of Sanibel, water systems have been pressurized for construction and cleanup purposes, but not yet for any sanitary purposes. Progress continues during these challenging times. 
Let us not forget that Sanibel was a virtually direct hit just 3 weeks ago. Progress on the island is amazing. Our thanks go out to all first responders, and the hundreds of workers that have come to the island to restore power and other utilities so we can move forward with our rebuild.
We hope to get a more detailed account of the damage to Tortuga buildings in the coming week or so. In the meantime, know that remediation work has begun in an effort to move the rebuild forward as expeditiously as possible.  

October 11, 2022, 5:40 PM Update
Incredible News!...In case you have not yet heard, the temporary repairs to the causeway have been completed and this afternoon a convoy of hundreds of trucks, including 200 bucket trucks, began making its way across to the island. October 21st is the new target for opening the causeway to individual traffic.

October 10, 2022, 5:25 PM Update
This post is dedicated to the subject of, “What do I do with my unit week?”
For those who are not a member of the HGV Club or RCI, like some of us on the Board, there are no options. Additionally, HGV is currently not accepting any new applications. (This was the case during the pandemic.)
For those who are members of RCI, you need to contact them directly. However, from what we understand, RCI is not taking any additional inventory from the area.
For those who are existing HGV Club members, you are able to deposit your week(s), collect your points, and book vacation time at another HGV property. However, as previously posted earlier today (just below), you cannot deposit your week if you have had your 2022 fees “reimbursed”.
Contact HGVC at 800-932-4482 for any Club related questions.

October 10, 2022, 4:10 PM Update
This post is dedicated to 2022 maintenance fees.
Unlike our insurance policy 18 years ago, our current insurance provides for “reimbursement” of 2022 maintenance fees for those owners who can not utilize their weeks. Fees paid for 2022, exclusive of the real estate tax portion, will be “reimbursed” for all owner weeks from September 28, 2022. That means those owners who were evacuated will receive a partial “reimbursement” for the rest of that week. This process will begin sometime in November. 
Please note that “reimbursement” will not be in the form of owners receiving a check in the mail. Instead, the “reimbursement” will be in the form of a credit to your account. This credit will be applied to future fees. However, if you are a HGV Club member and receive this credit to your account, you are no longer able to deposit your unused week to the Club and receive points to use at another HGV property. (See a separate upcoming post on regarding HGV Club).
As for 2023 fees, that will be the subject of a post later in the year when we get information from our insurance company.

October 10, 2022, 10:45 AM Update
It may be the farthest thing from your mind when thinking about our resort, but we must continue to focus on the issues that we were working on before the storm. One such item is the planning for our meetings on November 2-3, 2022. 

Clearly plans have changed since the Board and HGV can’t meet on the island. Therefore, we are working on how these meetings will be restructured.  The 11/2 “Tortuga Beach Club Revised Condo Documents Voting Results” meeting will be conducted as planned.  A registration link was sent to you earlier.  If registered, an invitation link was then sent to your email. Following that meeting, the “Tortuga Beach Club 2023 Budget Meeting – Day 1” meeting will be held. Again, a registration link was sent earlier and if registered, an invitation link was then sent to your email.  At that meeting, only the business of the 2023 budget will be determined. We will not be using that time for questions/answers or discussion. The Day 2 meeting has been cancelled.  

With regard to the vote, if you have not yet voted, we still need you to either mail back your ballot, or login and vote online. Those who had not yet voted as of mid-August, you should have received a reminder card toward the end of August. If you had opted-in for HGV e-mail communications, you should have received an e-mail on August 22nd. Both of these communications contained all the details needed to vote. 

This is VERY important. If you are unsure if you voted, or need your access code to vote, please contact Amy.High@hgv.com.

October 9, 2022, 3:15PM Update
Since we know that our HGV team families are all safe, though some just now getting power restored, first on everyone’s mind is the condition of our beloved resort. In summary, it could have been worse. However, there is extensive damage to roofs, a/c units, under-building plumbing, beachside stairs to lower units, boardwalks to the beach, tennis/pickleball courts, general landscaping, pavers, and the pool’s geothermal temperature control system. As you will see, there is sand and silt everywhere. 
The photos below are organized beginning at the front of the property, ending at the beach. Continue reading below the photos.

The team visiting the property included HGV management, Hilton Risk Management, our insurance adjuster, and our contracted remediation contractor. Besides walking around the resort, they entered a handful of units to do moisture mapping. All the units they visited have some level of water incursion. Clearly, much more investigating is needed and being planned. Additionally, the buildings will need to be inspected by a structural engineer before any work can begin. 

Rest assured, HGV has put together a very capable team to go through the planning and execution of the rebuilding process. We will update you via this website as things move forward and more information becomes available.
We rebuilt 18 years ago after Charlie visited. Ian’s visit was far worse, but we will build back..We are “TortugaStrong”.

October 8, 2022, 3:15 PM Update
We had an emergency Board meeting with our Hilton management team. A lot of ground was covered, but there are still countless questions that remain to be answered moving forward. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we post information as we receive it.
We will break-up the information received at this meeting into manageable “bites” based on subject matter, and post in the coming days. 
Two resolutions were passed by the Board. The first was salary continuance through yearend for the entire TBC staff. Subsequently the staff passed along their heartfelt thanks to the TBC ownership.
The second resolution officially closed the property to all owners and visitors until further notice. This resolution is to protect individuals from injury.
We know everyone is anxious to see pictures. We will be posting some photos taken this past Wednesday in the coming days. Again, your patience is appreciated.

October 6, 2022, 8:30 AM Update
A team of professionals from Hilton were on the island yesterday to assess the damage at our resort. As soon as we get their report, details will be posted on this website.

October 4, 2022, 6:45 PM Update
Hilton Grand Vacations sent out it's first update at about 5:00 PM today. There is a link to that e-mail below.

If you did not receive that e-mail, you are strongly encouraged to "opt-in" for e-mail communications from HGV. There are simple instructions posted on this website. Simply go to the "2021 Updates" page and scroll down to the June 17, 2021 update.

To access today's e-mail from HGV, click here.

October 3, 2022, 2:55 PM Update
We've been contacted by numerous owners asking about any available options for trading their weeks through HGV. We currently do not have an answer for this. We will post, on this website, whatever we learn from HGV when we are able to raise this important question. We appreciate your patience during this very busy time.

September 30, 2022, 5:15 PM Update
We have been in contact with the Hilton Grand Vacations team. With over a dozen resorts in the immediate area, they have a lot "on their plate". Having said that, they are upbeat and have already begun to mobilze resources where possible. 

Specific to Tortuga and other Sanibel Island properties, they have begun the process of getting approval to have a professional get on the island to get a first hand look at the actual damage. We are looking to schedule a more detailed discussion with them in the near future.

In addition to monitoring this website, you are encouraged to check your HGV HOA website. Currently they have only posted that the resort is closed for an indefinite period of time. As soon as they have additional information, they will update that site with new details.

September 29, 2022, 6:00 PM ET UpdateFirst and foremost, our prayers go out to all impacted by this horrible storm. The damage is far beyond anyone could have ever imagined. The extent of the damage will take some time to assess, particularly on the island itself, due to the closure of the causeway.
We are very pleased to say that all our TBC team members have reported in. They are well, but as can be imagined all are dealing with the damage to home and property, not to mention power outages, fresh water issues and the like.
Your Board has been in touch with Hilton Grand Vacations, who has been proactive in moving forward with remediation planning. We will report back through this website as information comes in, but again, access to the island will delay things.
Click here to read an extremely well written update from Mayor Holly Smith, released earlier today. You can also signup for automatic notifications like this from the city by going to www.mysanibel.com.

September 27, 2022, 12:46 PM ET UpdateHurricane Ian is passing over Cuba headed into the Gulf of Mexico and is aimed at the Tampa area. Having said that, the entire west coast of Florida is under high alert for winds, rain and storm surge along the shore. As result, our great staff has spent the last days preparing the resort for the storm. All pool furniture was removed as was anything that could become a dangerous projectile.
This morning Lee County issued a mandatory evacuation order for the zone which includes Sanibel Island. All TBC guests have left the resort, which will be officially closed at 1:00 PM. All staff will leave by 3:00 PM so they can attend to their homes and families.
We will keep you advised via this website as we hear more over the coming days and into next week.
Please do not try to contact the office or staff during this very critical time.
We wish safety for all impacted.

September 20, 2022 Update
Our units are getting a major “face lift”! 

All interior doors are being replaced with 6-panel doors and the baseboard/door trim is being replaced with a more upscale/modern style. Our plan is to have all units done by year end.

If you had mirrors in your entrance hallway and/or behind your bed in the master suite, they are being removed. Please be patient while we find suitable artwork to add to the entrance hallway. 

Take a look…

August 30, 2022 Update
At long last some added relief from the sun!

After numerous supply-chain delays, our three 13-foot umbrellas were finally installed last week. We needed to bring in a forklift to position each of the 669 pound bases. They are rated for 40 mph winds and will be removed if a serious storm is approaching. 

Two are located on the beach side of the pool deck between two of the new Christmas Palms. They are on custom built wood decks off the edge of the actual pool deck, so as to minimize any tripping risk, and not "eat up" valuable pool deck space. 

The third is located outside the clubhouse, on the grill side deck. Take a look... 

They have been a big hit from the minute they were installed. 

Our maintenance team will put them up each morning and folks are asked to not try to adjust them during the day. The umbrellas will be taken down and covered (as in center photo above) each day about 6:00 PM, except Tuesday/Wednesday/Mark's days off, when they will be "packed up" at about 4:00 PM.

August 22, 2022 Update
Look who is back for her August beach vacation. She brought her new cub. Only one this year.

July 17, 2022 Update
In late May, all TBC owners were sent updated condominium documents that have been revised and need to be approved by at least 51% of the ownership. If you have previously opted-in to receive HGV notices by e-mail, this notification was sent to you via e-mail, on or about May 25, 2022, from HGV/Tortuga. Otherwise the documentation was sent via the U. S. Postal Service. Only one ballot is needed. if you own multiple weeks, your single vote will apply to all of your unit weeks.

Unfortunalely, to date we have received only about 25% of owner votes. It is critical that the ownership vote on these revised documents.

If you have not already voted, either electronically or by return mail, please do so as soon as possible.

Also note that if you are returning a paper ballot, you must sign and indicate if you are voting in favor of the revised documents. Blank ballots cannot be counted as a "yes" or a "no".

This is your resort so we need you to take an active role in approving these updated documents.

April 25, 2022 Update
Several owners have notified the office that they have been contacted via either text or e-mail messages regarding selling their Tortuga timeshare weeks. You should note that neither the resort management nor the Board would contact you in this manner. Be careful about these types of scams and avoid clicking on any links included in these communications. The HGV web site and this Board web site are the only official online communications tools.

April 19, 2022 Update
As the saying goes...When it rains, it pours! 

Since staff recognized that the pump for the pool was faulty, a new one was ordered in early March with a lead time estimated at 10 weeks. As a proactive backup, we ordered a submersible pump, but it too has a long lead time. Unfortunately, now the pool’s heater began tripping. If it trips too often, it could crack the pool’s compressor, causing a bigger problem. To avoid this, the decision was made to shut down the pool heater. Rain can cool things down, but currently there is no cooler weather in the forecast and the pool will remain open for use.  

But the storm continues…The compressor for the spa malfunctioned this past Friday afternoon. It’s been ordered, with a lead time of 6-8 weeks. Per our request, the service company has elevated our order on emergency priority. Given supply chain challenges, we are cautiously optimistic. Unfortunately, since the spa can’t be heated without the compressor, there’s no choice but to close the spa. Management is determining if the spa jets can function without operating the heater.

We commend staff response, and our management team is doing everything humanly possible to deal with these unforeseen mechanical issues. Please know water quality remains high and is unaffected.  The TBC Board appreciates staff efforts and also appreciates the patience and understanding of owners and visitors during this challenging time.

April 14, 2022 Update
In our ongoing goal of increased communication and information sharing, our Resort Director Lisa Diggins has prepared a document that includes updates on what has been and will be done in the near future at the resort. She's also included some additional helpful information. This document is now included in owner welcome packets.
 Click here to download the April update.

April 6, 2022 Update
Owners will soon be receiving a packet of revised condominium documents that require a 51% vote by owners to approve the changes. Included in the changes is the ability to have virtual owner participation at Annual Owners' and Board meetings.  This is one more reason to be sure to send your proxy in earlier, because what is included below is contingent on the ownership approving the adoption of the revised documents. The pandemic has changed the way we live and work. As a result, owners have been asking to participate virtually at the Annual Owners Meeting and at Board meetings. Here's what was decided at the recent Board meeting: The Annual Owners' Meeting will be held virtually ONLY (no in-person participation) beginning in 2023. Through the annual proxy mailing in the spring, and through the semi-annual Sandscript newsletter, owners will be given a link to register for the Annual Owners' Meeting. Owners MUST register in advance by simply providing your name and e-mail address following the provided link. Once registered, you will immediately receive a confirmation notice and an e-mail containing a link to use to enter the meeting on the determined meeting date. Owners will be able to see and hear the presenters but will only be able to provide written questions via the system's Q&A function.  For the Fall and Spring Board meetings, the same process will be followed. The meeting dates and registration link will be included in the semi-annual Sandscript newsletter and the annual proxy mailing or the annual assessment billing notice. The first meeting will be in the Fall of 2022. At the present time, only the Fall and Spring meetings can include virtual participation by the ownership. Other Board meetings that may be called on short notice cannot follow this process because we currently have no mechanism to communicate the meeting details to the full ownership and will only be posted at the resort per Florida statutes. The Board has heard the call from the ownership to move in this direction and is pleased at this first step. As we make this move forward, we ask for everyone's patience as any new process may have a few growing pains. We deeply value your feedback and support and feel this will allow for increased owner representation and participation.

March 30, 2022 Update
In our September 2, 2021 website update we reported that an engineering firm had been contracted to conduct a full structural assessment of our buildings. This action was a proactive step taken following the tragic condo collapse in Surfside, Florida. We are pleased to announce that Karins Engineering has completed the survey of Tortuga Beach Club and documented no issues of concern. To see the cover letter of their report, click here.

February 16, 2022 Update
The pool area makeover continues…Starting last May with the new pool and pool deck (see the pictures in our June 4, 2021 update), we now have replaced the awning on the front of the clubhouse. We are also replacing the chaise lounge slings over the next few months.Check it out…

February 2, 2022 Update
From time to time owners question the commissions, charged by Hilton Grand Vacations, for both rentals and unit sales. The Board met with HGV and discussed this in detail and can now pass along what we learned:  • For rentals, HGV charges a 35% commission, basically an industry standard.  • For unit sales, HGV's commission rate is 25%, while the industry standard is 35%; but a major brand in Florida is upwards of 50%!  • Our request to lower the current HGV commission rates was rejected because all southwest Florida HGV properties have this same commission structure.  • We also learned that owners who rent a unit, and repeat renters get a 10% discount on the rental rate, while HGV Club members get a 15% discounted rate. However, these discounts apply to only full 7-night rentals.

January 20, 2022 Update
Check out our new sand chairs!

Two have been put on the balcony in every unit. They are lightweight, taller than previous sand chairs and initial reviews are excellent. 

Old sand chairs that are in good condition are being re-purposed as back-up stock so anyone who needs an extra chair can check one out at the office.

Please, please, please remember to wash off the sand before bringing them back up to your unit. As you know, there are water showers at the corners of every building, so cleanup is not a burden. Just like you, others want to find clean chairs on the balcony when they arrive.

January 6, 2022 Update
It's been brought to our attention that there were a few errors in the most recent Sandscript issue. We'd like to correct/clarify as follows:      Dates for several weeks were incorrect. The correct 2022 dates are:        - Week 34:  Aug 26 - Sep 2        - Week 45: Nov 11-18        - Week 52: Dec 30 - Jan 6         For a calendar of all weeks for 2022 - 2026, click here.      Regarding the schedule for the 2022 Annual Meeting, it will be held in the clubhouse at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Other Board meetings are held off site and the agenda will be posted in the office 48 hours in advance. Our apologies for these errors and appreciate your understanding. 

January 2, 2022 Update
This page will have the latest news for 2022.  For the previous years news, click here. 