The Ocita Neighborhood - Ocita is the largest neighborhood in Hunter's Creek, with 296 properties (295 of which have been developed). It has two entrances along Hunter's Creek Boulevard. The main entry feature of the east entrance is Lake Ocita. In addition, there are five retention ponds in the neighborhood. Beautifully landscaped and well kept up, Ocita also has a park on Kiawa Drive (on the west side of the neighborhood) for resident use. The far northwest corner of the neighborhood has the beginning of a path for walking or jogging that travels between lakes and the pristine Shingle Creek conservation area, ending at Osprey Park, the main social and play area in the Hunter's Creek community.

The Ocita Name - There are conflicting historical documents about the name Ocita. Most agree that there was a tribe that was part of the Timucua Indian Nation called Ocita (it means "powerful"). Some accounts indicate that the chief of the tribe was named Ocita. In 1680, the tribe was estimated to have about 300 members in this area.

The Ocita Neighborhood Association - Ocita is one of the nine neighborhoods made up of single-family properties that are incorporated. While it is a member of the Hunter's Creek Community Association (HCCA), it has more independent authority than the other single-family neighborhoods that are represented by committees.

Keeping You Informed - At the two exits of Ocita, there are green weatherproof sign units that contain announcements of meetings and events. Almost all meetings are held in second floor meeting rooms at the Hunter's Creek Town Hall (14101 Town Loop Boulevard). Ocita Board of Directors meetings are usually held quarterly, and begin at 7:00 pm. The Ocita Neighborhood Association (Ocita N.A.) Board of Directors has (up to) five volunteers who manage certain aspects of the neighborhood operation and finances. Other management duties are handled by the master association: the Hunter's Creek Community Association (HCCA).

Frequently Asked Questions - For your convenience, we have included the FAQs below:

Q: What is the general relationship and responsibilities of the Ocita Neighborhood Association as compared to the Hunter's Creek Community Association?

A: The Ocita N.A. takes care of managing funds provided through resident fees, to pay for maintenance, improvements and repairs of Ocita property and other neighborhood expenses. This includes maintenance of common areas in the neighborhood owned by the Ocita N.A., such as lawn mowing, pond clean up, social events, keeping residents informed, collecting fees and maintaining a reserve account to handle unforeseen circumstances. There is an Ocita N.A. quarterly fee to fund this operating expense.

The HCCA (master association) is responsible for the balance of maintenance duties, including the upkeep of Ocita Lake (which is owned by the HCCA). They also provide management assistance and enforce the governing documents of the community. There is an association fee for the master association. The fact that there are two destinations for the association fees is sometimes forgotten by residents, because they are billed for a single fee, which is then divided among the two associations.

Q: How does a resident have an influence on what decisions are made in the community?

A: Residents are encouraged attend the Board of Directors meetings and are given an opportunity to address the Board with their questions, concerns and suggestions.

Q: What if I do not like the job any of the groups are doing?

A: Like the United States, the HCCA is a representative democracy. Therefore, the people who coordinate the activity and spending of funds are elected to office. If a majority of residents are unhappy with their performance, new representatives may be elected to these positions. All elected personnel are unpaid volunteers.

The Ocita Board is elected by the Ocita residents. The Board determines which of its members will serve in what capacities. The President of the Ocita Board (or his designate) votes to elect members of the HCCA Board of Directors, who oversee the operation of the HCCA by its staff of about 45 employees. Since the voting for these HCCA Board positions is based on the number of residences, Ocita's President represents 295 votes, whereas the thirty-five other single-family neighborhood leaders may represent between 24 and 251 votes, depending upon the number of homes in their neighborhood.

Q: What else can an Ocita resident do, other than be a member of the Board?

A: There are many ways to be actively involved in Ocita or the Hunter's Creek community. Residents are welcome to run for the Board, but they may also want to consider being a part of our Neighborhood Watch Program, the Ocita Social Committee or the Ocita Welcoming Committee. To be active in Hunter's Creek, there are about a dozen HCCA Board Committees working with finance, landscaping and several other assignments. There are also a number of community emergency teams and social groups you can join. Life at Hunter’s Creek magazine and the community website list many of the activities and amenities available to residents.

Q: If you were describing Hunter's Creek to a non-resident considering moving to this community, what would you tell them?

A: Hunter's Creek is unique in some ways. The governing documents are more strictly enforced here than in many other communities. If you consider it important to do whatever you wish with your property, such as parking a lot of cars around it, choosing unusual paint colors for your home, leaving a lot of items strewn around your lot or not maintaining the landscaping very well, this may not be your best choice of a place to live.

However, if your priorities are to live in a well-kept community where property values are not allowed to decline, there is a wealth of activities for active families, the population represents great diversity and excellent schools, the environment is aesthetic and friendly, and services are provided by a dedicated group of staff and volunteers who are also your neighbors, then you will love Hunter's Creek and Ocita.