Saved the Day
By Jody Steele, Member Since 2005
As all grandparents know, we have to be great planners so our family events are almost perfect. However, the reality is all sorts of pieces can fall apart in a minute so we have to be ready to go to “Plan B” or in this case to Ocean Reef for help.
Our bevy of five grandchildren were all set for the annual Trick or Treating last weekend on their decorated golf carts. Off we went in a flurry, and then the dreaded call….”Mom, we have a flat tire that is actually split” and of course, they have three year old Cinderella on board. What do we do?
On to the Bell Stand we traveled, and a bit panicked asked if they knew of any golf carts available. Immediately, with an encouraging word—they sent us to Cart Rental where we filled out a form and rented a golf cart for a few hours—all in a flash! Cinderella and her parents arrived in two minutes by car and on they all journeyed forward in their new pumpkin coach.
The grandparents just sighed in disbelief that with ready assistance nearby, everyone was back on their quest for candy in only a few minutes.
Juan Cortez and Ashleigh Courtney collaborate as Lodging Operations Managers, sharing in the responsibilities of overseeing the operations of Golf Cart Rental, Bell Stand, and Transportation departments for the Club. During a recent conversation, Juan enlightened me about more of the services the team provides Members. After 19 years of working at The Reef, Juan emphasizes their goal is to have their crews ready to help Members in any way they can.
First of all, Cart Rental has a variety of cart sizes, from four passengers to six passengers. They are available for daily and monthly rental, however they can also be rented for a half day or even for an hour as we happily discovered!
Along with carts, they also rent three kinds of bikes. One is a “road bike” that is for the serious bicyclist that might like to ride to Key Largo, another type is an “elliptical bike” that provides a great workout, and for the rest of us there are “cruiser bikes” for men and women, plus 20” bikes for the younger set.
Cart Rental is open from 9-5 seven days a week with later hours during busy periods. However, the Bell Stand has carts available after hours for late requests or arrivals. Carts can be rented by calling 305 367 6520, emailing cartrental@oceanreef.com, or stopping in the beautiful office that was renovated after Irma.
Juan highly recommends that reservations should be made as early as possible, especially for holiday periods. He also stressed that Ocean Reef carts have a strong frame, a roller bar, and three point seat belts so you and your guests will be driving safe carts. We do appreciate this capable staff for saving the day for our family.