Team Hyjenx

Team Hyjenx in the Bahama Islands

Hurricane Dorian was the most powerful tropical cyclone on record to strike the Bahamas, and certainly the worst natural disaster in Bahamian history. Those of us on Florida’s Atlantic Coast prepared for the worst, yet were spared. This is the story of Team Hyjenx and the roles that Jenkins Landscape and friends played to bring hope and relief to small cays of the Bahama Islands.

On Sunday, September 8, at 11:00 p.m. the National Hurricane Center issued the final advisory on Hurricane Dorian. But what it left behind is a terrifying story of perseverance, survival and hope.

After Dorian squatted over the Bahamas for days, getting aid to survivors was a logistical nightmare. Roads, airports, communications grids, and electrical services were all down. In spite of these challenges, the outpouring of support from the citizens all along the coast of South Florida was truly inspiring. Jenkins Landscape, under the direction of Landscape and Irrigation Manager Steven Jenkins and friends formed Team Hyjenx. Together, they made multiple crossings on Jenkins’ boat Hyjenx to deliver over almost 10,000 pounds of supplies to Grand Cay, Turtle Cay, Abaco and other smaller islands unable to get immediate airlift support.

Grand Cay, 14 September 2019

Video credit: Hyjenx Team member Daniel Massey.

We cannot thank enough the employees, friends, and residents of our area that so generously donated supplies, and the bravery of the Team Hyjenx crew that faced uncertainty on the water crossing and at the docks.

Abaco Cay, 27 September 2019

Video credit: Hyjenx Team member Daniel Massey.

Over sixty boats from South Florida made the crossing, none for the accolades. Similar to Team Hyjenx, they were simply determined to support those who took the hit from the storm that may well have been ours. 

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.

Charles Dickens

Danger! Hiring Unlicensed Landscapers in Florida

Did you know that in Florida, hiring an unlicensed landscape contractor can be illegal? According to State law, if an unlicensed landscape contractor uses pesticides on your property or has been hired to do hardscape or softscape work, the state may issue a cease and desist notice to stop. Worse yet, you may find yourself 100% responsible for any damages or worker injuries since uninsured contractors rarely, if ever, carry their own insurance.

If you have a dispute about the quality of the work, the methods and materials used, the plants, mulch, rock and other material used for your garden and lawn, you have no recourse except to hire a lawyer. 

What kind of landscape work requires a Florida license?

  • General garden and yard maintenance does not require a license—unless you want to use pesticides. A commercial applicator license is required to apply pesticides as a business service to residential and other properties.
  • Landscape Designers who mow, trim, plant and maintain yards require only a business license from the State of Florida, but they can’t use pesticides without at least a certification from FDACS.
  • Landscape Architects who actually contour the land for proper drainage, build or install walls and fences, install and maintain irrigation systems, or build structures require a license. 

What many homeowners don’t know is that, according to Florida Statute 455.228, if you knowingly hire an unlicensed contractor to perform any landscape job that requires a license you become the general contractor! Unlicensed contractors tend to operate without general liability and/or workers’ compensation insurance. This could mean that if they, or their employees, are injured while doing work on your property, you are responsible and could even be sued by the unlicensed contractor — or by anyone working for him. It’s worthwhile to note that contractor unwilling or unable to pay for licensing fees tend to use below-par equipment and deliver shoddy service.

You received this newsletter because you value the Jenkins commitment to education and proper licensing procedures. If you know someone who may benefit from this information, please feel free to share.