Public News

This Public News section of our website is a blog visible to the public and our members. It describes club events and news relevant to Tesla and electric vehicle owners living in or visiting Florida. The blog has a Comments feature that we made available to the public for a couple of months. Unfortunately, we were inundated with spam and inappropriate comments. As a result, we are forced to limit comments to our membership. Non-members can still view our news articles and the remarks submitted by our members, but we regret that they won’t be permitted to leave their own comments.

  • August 23, 2021 10:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    20 Tesla Enthusiasts attended a casual meet organized by the club at Delray’s Batch Gastropub, where the food is good and 18 Superchargers are conveniently nearby. For the last few years, Batch has offered our club members a 20% discount if you present your Tesla fob or key card - so if you are supercharging in Delray don't miss out!

    There was lots of discussion about things Tesla and non-Tesla, including hearing from Debbie and Tom about their Tesla Solar Roof installation, and Brett about his 3-week old Plaid Model S. It was great to see familiar faces and new club members who were attending their first event.

    Towards the end of the evening, Brett gave some of our members a ride in his Plaid Model S. They were amazed by the speed and power leaving them smiles from ear to ear.

    Erol Brenes

    Tesla Owners Florida
    Director
    Event Organizer Southeast Florida

  • August 14, 2021 3:46 PM | Anonymous member

    E-2020-045882-0000 () Electrical Vehicle Charging Station - Active

    Further Desc: INSTALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGIN STATION AND CONCRETE SLABS


    Please scroll down to the bottom of the article for current status.

    Members of the Tesla Motor Club Forum located a permit for the West Palm Beach Service Plaza on the Florida Turnpike and have photographed the start of construction.

    This location corresponds to the Tesla’s Find Us map’s “Coming Soon” West Palm Beach Supercharger Station targeted to open in the third quarter.

    The address is 9450 Florida’s Tpke, Wellington, FL 33414.

    Below is a vicinity map:

    The red arrow above marks the location of the "'Coming Soon" Supercharger Station at the West Palm Beach Service Plaza of the Florida Turnpike.

    FPL has already installed a DC Fast Charger at this location. The icon inside the red rectangle labels the charger, but based on actual photos shown below, the exact location of the charger is a few parking spaces west of the marked location. The blue rectangle shows the approximate location of fencing that Tesla's electrical contractor has erected. It encompasses 7 parking spaces. It's likely that a Tesla charging post will be installed next to the FPL charger for an even 8.  These parking spaces are belong to the Shell station. The gasoline pumps are just south of the image.


    The FPL DC Fast Charger can be seen between the Shell sign and Rack Electric's fencing for the Supercharger.

    In the foreground is the parking space reserved for the FPL DC Fast Charger. 


    Update as of August 7, 2021.


    These photos show two version 3 Supercharger cabinet, so this installation will have 8 charging posts.  We haven't yet seen a photo of the utility transformer or meter. The conduits in the middle of the above photo is probably for the transformer and meter.


    8 charging posts.

    If you visit this service plaza, please take some high-resolution photos of the construction progress and send them to me.

    Thanks.

    Larry Chanin

    Vice President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:         lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:     teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook:  Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    Twitter:       Tesla Owners Florida

  • August 13, 2021 4:20 PM | Anonymous member


    The editor for Supercharge.info, the website that tracks the status of Superchargers, located the permit application for a Supercharger installation at the Waterway Shoppes of Weston.

    As can be seen from the permit application, shown above, the address is  2210 Weston Rd, Weston, FL 33326, and it calls for 12 version 3 charging posts.

    Below is a vicinity map:


    The Waterway Shoppes of Weston are located adjacent to the red arrow above.

    Below is a Google view of the Waterway Shoppes of Weston's parking lot.


    Based on the location of underground high-voltage cable, I am guessing the the charging posts will be placed in the red rectangle.


    The permit for this installation has not been approved yet so construction hasn't started. When it does for those living or working near the location, please take some high-resolution photos of the construction progress and send them to me.

    Thanks.

    Larry Chanin

    Vice President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:      lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:   teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook: Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

  • August 13, 2021 8:19 AM | Anonymous member


    Please scroll down to the bottom of the article for the most current status.

    I found the permit application and Tesla plans for the “Coming Soon” North Naples Supercharger Station noted on Tesla’s Find Us Map. It will be located at the Target at 2415 Tarpon Bay Blvd., Naples FL 34119.


    This will be another Version 3 Supercharger Station with 8 charging terminals.

    Here’s a vicinity map:


    Here’s the precise location at the Target parking lot.

    Here's an excerpt from Tesla's proposed plans. Note that the orientation is with north pointing to the left.


    The permit application appears to still be in planning review and approval and a permit has not yet been issued.

    Update as of January 26, 2021.

    On January 26, 2021, the Collier County Growth Management Department approved the development permit for Tesla's proposed Supercharger Station at Tarpon Bay Plaza.  I assume that Tesla now needs to proceed with a building permit application.

    Update as of March 27, 2021.

    The permit application is marked as "Ready for Issuance."  It looks like Tesla's contractor just has to pay the balance of $690 for permit fees to get the building permit approved. 

    Update as of March 30, 2021.

    The permit was issued on March 30, 2021. 

    Update as of August 10, 2021.


    Construction has started. The local utility installed the power transformer and the Tesla contractor has broken ground.

    People living or working nearby are requested to periodically visit the site.  When construction starts, please take high-resolution photos of the  progress and send them to me.

    Thanks.

    Larry Chanin

    Vice President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:        lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:    teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook:  Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    Twitter:       Tesla Owners Florida

  • August 07, 2021 1:03 PM | Anonymous member


    We are proud to have Blake Fuller as a member of our Tesla club. Blake broke two Pike's Peak records in an Electric Vehicle and holds the record for production electric vehicles at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He first set this World Record in a Tesla Model S P90D in 2016. 


    In 2020 Blake broke his previous record in a Tesla Model 3 Performance.


    In setting EV records at Pike's Peak, Blake's small team bested factory-backed automotive racing teams thanks to the support of many members of the Tesla community. Blake will again be offering small sponsorship opportunities to support an upcoming attempt at an EV record at Mount Washington.

    COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP - YOUR NAME - DECAL ON RACE CAR!

    Please note:

    • Blake has signed up and paid the entrance fee to race at Mount Washington.
    • He is now building a Tesla Plaid to compete and we can support!
    • Although extremely unlikely, there is always a chance that "Acts of God," etc., may prevent competing.
    • All donations for decals are non-refundable.
    • In the unlikely event that Blake doesn't compete at Mount Washington, donations and decals will be applied to other EV racing opportunities!



    Blake Fuller in yellow frame chats with members from Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    Blake treated us to a Virtual Meetup with members of Florida Tesla Enthusiasts, linked below, he discusses these record runs and his future plans to break electric vehicle records. 

    Blake Fuller Virtual Meetup June 30, 2021


    If you are a Tesla enthusiasts and would like to participate in our next Virtual Meetup, Scenic Drive, Track Day, or any of our next fun events throughout the state, please click on the Join Us menu item at the top of the page. 

    Larry Chanin

    Vice President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:        lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:    teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook:  Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    Twitter:     Tesla Owners Florida

  • August 03, 2021 5:41 PM | Anonymous member

    Members of the Tesla Motor Club forum photographed significant construction progress for a large Supercharger Station at the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce Service Plaza on the Florida Turnpike.

    This corresponds to the Tesla Find Us map's Port St. Lucie, FL Supercharger Station targeted to open in the third quarter.

    The address is Mile Marker 144, Florida's Turnpike, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984.

    Below is a vicinity map:

    The red arrow marks the location of a new Supercharger Station coming to the Port St. Lucie - Ft. Pierce Service Plaza on the Florida Turnpike.


    This service plaza will have 16 Tesla charging posts.


    If you happen to visit this service plaza, please take high-resolution photos of the construction progress and send them to me.

    Thanks.

    Larry Chanin

    Vice President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:        lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:    teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook:  Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    Twitter:     Tesla Owners Florida

  • August 03, 2021 5:06 PM | Anonymous member

    Please scroll down to the bottom of the article for current status.

    The Editor for Supercharge.info, the website that tracks the status of Superchargers, has located the permit for a pending Supercharger installations in Miami.

    It is at 959 West Avenue, Miami. This is the Supercharger Station designated as Miami Beach, FL - West Avenue on Tesla's Find Us map.

    The permits states:

    Tesla is proposing to install their charging station at the existing parking garage. This will include the installation of (9) Tesla charging station cabinets, (18) Tesla charging posts, (9) auto transformers, (1) utility transformer, (2) sub-panels. The auto transformers and sub-panels will be installed within electrical room of garage. Utility transformer will be installed along 10th street.

    Update as of January 18, 2021.



    The permit above was issued on February 21, 2020 and expires on May 19, 2021. Tesla has updated its Find Us page and now designates this location as one of two "Miami Beach Coming Soon" Superchargers with a target opening of first Quarter 2021. Construction has since been proceeding  on the 2nd level of the parking garage at The Shoppes at West Avenue. It passed Public Works Final Inspection on November 20, 2020.

    Update as of February 10, 2021.




    A total of 18 Urban style Supercharger charging posts have been installed on the 2nd level of The Shoppes at West Avenue parking garage via paid access. I believe that the first 30 minutes of parking is free.

    Update as of July 3, 2021

    This Supercharger Station went operational around July 3, 2021. It is located at on the 2nd level of The Shoppes at West Avenue  parking garage. The entrance to the parking lot is on 10th Street. 


    Larry Chanin

    Vice President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:             lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:          teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook:        Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

  • July 27, 2021 5:49 PM | Anonymous member


    Please scroll down to the bottom of the article for current status.

    The Tesla Find Us map lists two “Coming Soon” West Palm Beach Superchargers. On May 24, 2021, a permit, shown above, was issued for the Palm Beach Outlets to install a Tesla Charging Station.  

    Below is a vicinity map:


    The permit location at 1801 Palm Beach Lake Blvd, is the Palm Beach Outlets marked by the red arrow.  It is less than 5 miles south of the West Palm Beach Supercharger located at the Wawa on Garden Rd and about 3 mils from the West Palm Beach Tesla Store.  

    The following photo was posted on the Tesla Lounge on reddit.

    It shows and almost complete charging station with two Version 3 Supercharger cabinets powering 8 - charging posts.


    The Google aerial photo above shows that the Supercharger Station is located in the north parking lot of the Palm Beach Outlets just opposite the rear of the Under Armour outlet store.

    Update as of July 27, 2021.

    This Supercharger Station was energized on around July 23, 2021.



    As can be seen in the photos above, the Supercharger cabinets, main switchgear and protective bollards were nicely decorated.


    Above is a photo of the utility transformer powering the Supercharger station and the meter cabinet before the meter was installed.


    Larry Chanin

    President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:      lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:   teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook: Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

  • July 16, 2021 3:16 PM | Anonymous member


    Chris Castro is a member of our club, the Director of Sustainability & Resilience for the City of Orlando, and Senior Advisor to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. He is also the co-chair of the 'Future-Ready' steering committee. This group develops comprehensive policies and programs that advance the City's sustainability, climate action, and smart city goals. He is an award-winning sustainability professional, clean energy enthusiast, eco-entrepreneur, and the proud owner of a new Model 3.


    Club member Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability & Resilience for the City of Orlando, participates in a Virtual Meetup with Florida Tesla Enthusiasts.


    During this impressive and comprehensive presentation to members of Florida Tesla Enthusiasts, Chris discusses Orlando's sustainability efforts, transportation initiatives, including electric mobility and EV readiness plans.

    Please click on the following link to view a video of our Virtual Meetup with Chris. 

    EV Ready Orlando: Solutions from the Most Visited City in America!

    Below are the slides from Chris' presentation.  Club members are encouraged to provide comments at bottom of this article. 



    The City of Orlando, along with Drive Electric Florida and the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) are hosting this year's National Drive Electric Week. Please mark your calendars for September 25.  This event will be held at the Ace Café which is adjacent to the EV Recharge Mobility Hub being constructed on 129 West Robinson St in Orlando. I will be sending out reminders for this event and other NDEW events in Florida.

    _____________________________________

     

    If you are a Tesla enthusiasts and would like to participate in our next Virtual Meetup, Scenic Drive, Track Day, or any of our next fun events throughout the state, please click on the Join Us menu item at the top of the page. 

    Larry Chanin

    President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:        lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:    teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook:  Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    Twitter:     Tesla Owners Florida

  • July 09, 2021 12:55 PM | Anonymous member


    The Saturday, June 26, 2021, meet-up at the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park provided some surprises and lots of camaraderie.

    The surprise was the distance Florida Tesla Enthusiasts (FTE) members traveled to enjoy our meet-up. They came from Melbourne, Punta Gorda, Orlando, Live Oak, Apalachicola, Milton, Niceville, and of course, Tallahassee.

    Eleven FTE members, each with a guest, attended and enjoyed lots of conversation and a buffet of boiled shrimp and fried chicken.

    Attendees were able to arrange to participate in the various ticketed park activities on their own and guest rooms for those traveling a distance were available at the historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs.

    About The Lodge at Wakulla Springs


    Surrounded by 6,000 acres of pristine forest, the Lodge at Wakulla Springs is North Florida's castle. Built in 1937 by industrialist Edward Ball, the Lodge is one of the most beautiful buildings of its period and one of the few where you can stay overnight. Located in the middle of Wakulla Springs State Park, the Lodge's 27 rooms overlook one of the country's largest springs. 


    One discussion topic was the urgent need for a Tesla Service Center in Tallahassee, the nearest current facility being nearly 200 miles in any direction.  Another suggestion to help with the adjustment to EVs is the development of a standard training class for new owners and/or spouses to overcome reluctance to driving an EV.

    The next gathering, in the planning stage, will be an effort to be more accessible to our Western panhandle members out near Pensacola. Suggested sites were Marianna or DeFuniak Springs.

    Many thanks go to David Fountain for organizing this friendly event.

    Below are some photos:


    Wakulla Springs is home to the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs, Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators, and a host of diverse wildlife. Several movies have used the springs for location shoots.



    Are you a Tesla enthusiasts and feeling a bit of cabin fever during the pandemic?  If you're not a member, but would like to participate in our next fun event throughout the state, please click on the Join Us menu item at the top of the page. 

    Larry Chanin

    President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    email:        lfchanin@gmail.com

    Website:    teslaownersflorida.org

    Facebook:  Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

    Twitter:     Tesla Owners Florida

Florida Tesla Enthusiasts, Inc. is an enthusiast club and 501(c) 7 non-profit organization. It is registered with the Florida Department of State and is also registered to do business in Florida as Tesla Owners Florida.

The use of the trademarked name "Tesla" in our club names is strictly for the nominative purposes of description and identification as granted by the Lanham Act for fair use of trademarks. Its use is in no way intended to imply any business affiliation with Tesla or its subsidiaries.

Our club is an official partner of the Tesla Owners Club Program. While it is recognized and sanctioned by Tesla through the program, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts, a/k/a Tesla Owners Club of Florida, is an independent enthusiast organization and is not affiliated with Tesla or its subsidiaries. TESLA, MODEL S, MODEL X, MODEL 3, POWERWALL and the “TESLA,” “T” and “TESLA and T Flag” designs, and certain other marks, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

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