http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Friday, November 30, 2012
Florida gets grant to help Franklin County oystermen
The governor’s office has announced that Florida
The State of Florida Franklin County
The state of Florida U.S.
The
Grant will go towards hiring 200 dislocated oystermen, working under the
supervision of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and the local
Seafood Workers Association to reshell the Bay with live and dead oyster
material from unaffected areas of the Bay to those oyster bars damaged by
drought and this summers tropical storms.
The
reshelling project will operate through June 30, 2013.
Because
this is a federally funded program it will have requirements not seen in
previous relaying and reshelling programs including mandatory drug tests for
participants.
Participants
will be paid an hourly wage, and will be employees of the leasing firm
overseeing the project so they will get a W-2 form.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Seven to Florida Building Commission
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Seven to Florida Building Commission
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced four appointments and three reappointments to the Florida Building Commission.
Oscar L. Calleja, 64, of Palmetto Bay, is vice-president of engineering at Engineered Air LLC. He succeeds Scott N. Mollan and is appointed for a term beginning November 30, 2012, and ending February 3, 2015.
Kevin M. Flanagan, 60, of Plantation, is president of C&F Electric of Fort Lauderdale Inc. He succeeds Mark C. Turner and is appointed for a term beginning November 30, 2012, and ending January 30, 2015.
Charles L. Frank, 47, of Crawfordville, is an operation review specialist at the Florida Division of State Fire Marshall. He succeeds James E. Goodloe and is appointed for a term beginning November 30, 2012, and ending March 11, 2013.
Bradley W. Schiffer, 63, of Naples, is the principal of Brad Schiffer / TAXIS Inc. He succeeds Angel Franco and is appointed for a term beginning November 30, 2012, and ending
August 11, 2015.
Robert “Bob” Boyer, 64, of Palm City, is the codes, product and training coordinator for Palm Beach County. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 30, 2012, and ending
July 26, 2015.
Jeffery Gross, 63, of Hollywood, is the president of Jeffery Gross & Associates/Architects PA. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 30, 2012, and ending November 21, 2015.
Jeffrey B. Stone, 68, of Saint Pete Beach, is an independent consultant with Stone Resource Systems LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 30, 2012, and ending
July 27, 2015.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
FWC DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY REPORT November 16-29, 2012
FWC DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
WEEKLY REPORT
November 16-29, 2012
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however,
it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement.
NORTHWEST REGION
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Matt Cushing checked a fisherman as he returned to the 17th Avenue Boat Ramp in Pensacola. The individual claimed he had only caught white trout. Upon inspection, Officer Cushing located two harvested red snapper and one oversized red drum. The season is closed for red snapper. Officer Cushing issued notice to appear citations for possession of red snapper during closed season and for possession of oversized red drum.
While on vessel patrol, Officer Matt Cushing inspected a vessel near the Three Mile Bridge in Pensacola Bay. Officer Cushing found the operator of the vessel in possession of an oversized red drum. A notice to appear citation was issued for the violation.
Officer Faris Livesay was working hunting complaints in the Beulah area when he heard a single gunshot. Officer Livesay went to the area he believed the shot originated, waited for a short time, and observed a vehicle drive into the area. When the vehicle exited the wooded area, Officer Livesay made contact and spoke with the two occupants. The driver was dressed in camouflage but the passenger was not. Neither individual was in possession of a firearm at the time of initial contact. After speaking to the individuals, Officer Livesay determined that the person dressed in camouflage shot a doe deer with a shotgun. It was archery only season. The suspect then went to the other individual’s home and asked for help to drag the deer out of the woods. Officer Livesay located the doe deer and seized related items for evidence. This week, Officer Livesay obtained a warrant on the driver for possession of a deer showing evidence of being illegally taken.
Investigator Rob Goley responded to a call for assistance by the Florida Highway Patrol regarding a vehicle they had stopped for several traffic violations on I-10 near the Alabama/Florida state line. Upon arrival, Investigator Goley discovered the stopped truck contained numerous alligators. The driver of the truck produced FWC permits, which were expired. Investigator Shelby Williams also responded to assist. The investigation is ongoing, with possible charges pending.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Ken Manning and Lt. Dan Hahr located a man hunting near scattered corn within Blackwater WMA. The man advised them that his friend was hunting nearby, as well. While Officer Manning spoke to the first subject, Lieutenant Hahr located the second subject asleep in a tree stand. As Lieutenant Hahr approached, the man woke up and saw him. When Lieutenant Hahr asked him if he was hunting over corn, the man looked behind him and then replied that he had not put any out yet. Lieutenant Hahr located freshly scattered corn approximately 25 yards away in the direction the man had looked. Both men were issued notices to appear for hunting over bait in a management area. The first man was hunting with a modern firearm and had several prior felony convictions. The muzzleloading rifle was seized and charges are pending for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
FWC officers and supervisors assigned to Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties conducted a special operation for opening of general gun – quota hunt within the Blackwater WMA. Officers and supervisors targeted illegal hunting activity. During the detail, officers worked 525 hours, checked 859 users, issued 40 citations and warnings, and responded to several calls for service. Violations ranged from hunting over bait within the management area, possession of firearm by convicted felon, operating vehicle on closed roads, and failure to possess required licenses and permits.
OKALOOSA COUNTY
Officer Sulin Schafer received a call from Eglin Range Patrol regarding an illegal deer that had been taken by a hunter. When Officer Schafer responded, she observed the deer did not have the three antler points on one side that is required in that area of Eglin. The hunter was issued a notice to appear for the violation and the deer was seized and donated to an approved charitable organization.
On November 27, at approximately 3 a.m., Officer Ken Manning and Lt. Dan Hahr, working with NOAA Officer Grant Demesillo, conducted an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) inspection on a commercial fishing vessel near Destin. After the vessel docked, the captain and deckhand offloaded approximately 600 pounds of red snapper and triggerfish. The offload of fish is prohibited between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., and commercial harvest of triggerfish is closed. When the subjects attempted to leave in their vehicle, they were stopped and the officers conducted an inspection of the vehicle and vessel. The captain stated that he was transporting the fish to Alabama where they would be sold. During the inspection, drug paraphernalia and counterfeit 20 dollar bills were located in the vehicle. The deckhand admitted the paraphernalia belonged to him. The investigation will continue regarding the drug paraphernalia and counterfeit money. The captain was issued a federal notice of violation for offloading IFQ fish during prohibited hours and for failure to possess a dealer transaction number before transporting fish.
Officer Danny Arnette received a complaint about a game trail camera and feeder being stolen from private property. Officer Arnette tracked vehicle sign from the property to a residence, where he later identified two subjects with the missing items. The camera and feeder will be returned to the owner. Charges are pending.
Officer Andy Maltais recently received a favorable court disposition on a case he made during the Labor Day weekend. Officer Maltais observed a subject in a 40‑foot pleasure craft vessel traveling at a high rate of speed in a narrow congested channel. The subject vessel continually weaved in and out of the congested area, spraying and waking vessels with huge waves. The wake of the subject vessel was so large that several vessels became swamped and had to leave the channel to avoid an accident and sinking. Many of the other vessel operators in the channel observed this subject vessel and left the channel fearing for their safety. The vessel operator, charged with reckless operation, was convicted of the misdemeanor offense, sentenced to six months probation, ordered to pay $375 in fines, and required to complete a boater safety course.
JACKSON COUNTY
K-9 Officer Mike Guy was patrolling a hunting lease where he had received several complaints of subjects continually trespassing and night hunting. On his second night of surveillance, he observed a vehicle enter the hunting lease just before midnight. The subjects in the vehicle attached a magnetic remote controlled “Go-Light” to the cab of the truck and proceeded to spotlight the entire hunting lease, including the food plots and feeding stations. When Officer Guy left his concealed position to stop the vehicle, the passenger exited the vehicle and attempted to hide the light in the woods. Once stopped, the two subjects were found to be in possession of a loaded .223 caliber tactical rifle. Citations were issued for violating the night hunting deer statute.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
During the holiday weekend, Officers Lane Kinney and Larry Morris responded to the Choctawhatchee River to assist two subjects who overturned their canoe while duck hunting. The two subjects were unable to right their canoe and exit the water and requested our assistance. Upon arriving and getting the subjects out of the water, the officers discovered the subjects had overturned their canoe in a large amount of submerged corn, which they had placed in the water to attract ducks. The two subjects were short on life jackets, a state duck stamp, and a federal duck stamp. Appropriate citations were issued for the hunting and boating safety violations.
BAY COUNTY
Officers Nick Price and Dennis Palmer followed up on information they received concerning subjects trespassing on a private lease. On the opening day of gun season, two individuals were found in two separate locations and were each charged with trespass.
GULF COUNTY
Investigator Drew Nelson responded to a boating accident that resulted in a fatality on the Intracoastal Waterway at Searcy Creek. A subject fell out of a vessel while fishing and subsequently drowned. The investigation is ongoing.
Officers Arnie McMillion and Neal Goss worked a late night detail on Thanksgiving night in an effort to curtail illegal gill net fishing on St. Joe Bay. After locating a suspicious vehicle launching a vessel at an out-of-the-way boat ramp, they summoned the assistance of Investigator Tony Lee to conduct surveillance in the area. At approximately 5 a.m., a vessel returned to the ramp area where the officers observed two subjects offload something onto a nearby island. The officers conducted an inspection, which revealed approximately 600 pounds of pompano, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel. Further investigation revealed a large monofilament gill net that had been placed at the water’s edge at the island where the officers observed the vessel offload something. Both individuals were arrested for the unlawful use of a monofilament entangling net in state waters, and transported to the Gulf County Jail.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
Officers Terry Martin and Matt Gore conducted inspections on a couple of hunters hunting dove in a field. The inspection revealed that the field had been baited with cracked corn. The two hunters were issued misdemeanor citations for this violation and for hunting dove during closed season.
While working the illegal night harvest of oysters near West Pass, Officer John Allen spotted a shrimp vessel inside the three-mile line with what appeared to be three nets in the water. The inspection confirmed Officer Allen’s observations, and a misdemeanor citation was issued to the captain of the vessel for the violation.
While on patrol, Officer Matt Gore spotted a vehicle driving through Eastpoint loaded with bags of oysters. Officer Gore did not see any shade over the oysters and initiated a stop to speak with the harvesters about the violation. During the inspection, Officer Gore was assisted by Officer Steven Cook. The inspection revealed not only were the oysters unshaded, but they were also untagged. The officers seized approximately 40 bags of oysters and the two harvesters were issued misdemeanor citations for possession of unshaded oysters and untagged bags.
While conducting fisheries inspections on the St. George Island Fishing Pier, Officer John Allen found an angler who stated that he had only one fish in his cooler. An inspection revealed that the angler was in possession of six spotted sea trout, all of which were undersized. The angler also failed to buy a saltwater fishing license. The angler was issued a misdemeanor citation for possession of undersized spotted sea trout and warnings for being over the bag limit and possessing no saltwater fishing license.
Officers Terry Martin, Matt Gore, and Tyler Akos were conducting decoy deer operations in the Tate’s Hell WMA during the opening four days of general gun season. One of the contacts made was with a hunter who had been cited by Officer Martin during last year’s general gun season for taking antlerless deer. The hunter failed to appear for his court date on that charge and a warrant had been issued for his arrest. When asked by the officers why he did not appear for his previous court date, he responded that he had forgotten about it. The man was placed under arrest and transported to the Franklin County Jail.
While on patrol at Alligator Point, Officer John Allen stopped to help some anglers who were returning from surf fishing and had bogged down their vehicle in the sand. After helping the anglers free their vehicle from the sand, Officer Allen asked if they had caught any fish during their outing. The anglers replied, “Not really.” An inspection of their cooler revealed a 37‑inch red drum. The anglers stated that the fish had just been given to them by someone else. Officer Allen stated he had not seen anyone else fishing in the area or anyone leaving the area other than them. At that point, one of the anglers assumed responsibility for the fish. The angler was issued a misdemeanor citation for possession of oversized red drum and the fish was seized.
While on patrol, Officer Matt Gore was traveling behind a truck pulling a boat and trailer. Officer Gore noticed the boat trailer had no brake lights and the tag expired in 2007. Without being directed by Officer Gore, the truck suddenly pulled over onto the shoulder of the road. As Officer Gore pulled in behind the truck, he activated his blue lights and the male operator exited and began walking to the back of the truck. The operator was unsteady and displaying signs of impairment. Officer Gore instructed the operator to stand at the back of the truck. At this time, a female passenger got behind the wheel and attempted to drive away, stalling the truck. As a result of Officer Gore’s investigation, both the male and female operators were arrested for DUI, as well as driving while license suspended/revoked. A third passenger in the vehicle was arrested on a warrant for possession of undersized oysters. While conducting an inventory of the vehicle and vessel for towing, several open beer cans and an open bottle of whiskey were found. Two large monofilament gill nets were also located in the vessel. Officer Percy Cook responded to assist.
Later in the week, Officer Matt Gore was off duty, duck hunting on Lake Wimico. Officer Gore observed a group of hunters who appeared to be taking over the bag limit of ducks. Without revealing his identity, Officer Gore engaged the hunters in idle conversation and determined that they had launched from the White City boat ramp. Officer Gore contacted an investigator to conduct surveillance at the boat ramp while he returned to his home to go on duty. Officer Gore was able to make it to the White City Boat ramp before the hunters returned. As a result of the efforts of Officer Gore and the investigator, two notices to appear were issued for possession of migratory birds (ducks) without a head and wing attached and obligation to permit search. Twenty-six duck breasts were seized and placed into evidence. Two written warnings were issued for failure to properly tag migratory birds.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Officer Tyler Harrison and K-9 Officer Chase Yarborough were patrolling Flint Rock WMA when they observed an individual shoot at an illegal deer. The officers stopped the individual and cited him for attempting to take the deer.
GADSDEN COUNTY
Lt. Harry Parker issued a citation to a Gadsden County man for possession of over the limit of bream in the Little River area of Lake Talquin. The individual was in possession of 79 fish, 29 over the legal limit.
Plain-clothes Officer Chris Jones was on patrol on Little River, working information received about individuals catching undersized and over the bag limit of crappie. Officer Jones observed some individuals fishing in the river and started a general conversation. During the exchange, he noticed fish that were separated. Some were in a bucket and some were behind the fisherman in a plastic bag and some were thrown into the bushes. It appeared that the fisherman was trying to conceal certain fish. Officer Jones identified himself and conducted a resource check on the individuals. During the check, five undersized crappie were located. The fishermen were cited, and one was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Gadsden County.
Officer Chris Jones was dispatched to a trespass call. During his investigation, he located an unsupervised 13‑year‑old male hunting deer with a .22 magnum in a neighborhood. The juvenile’s grandfather (guardian) was contacted, who stated he thought his grandson was hunting squirrels in the backyard. Officer Jones was able to determine that the young man had been hunting by himself for about three hours unsupervised in the neighborhood, and the grandfather did not know where his grandson was. After meeting with the State Attorney, Officer Jones was instructed to issue warrants for the grandfather.
LEON COUNTY
Plain-clothes Officer Chris Jones was working dock fishermen on Lake Talquin. At one public dock, he observed two individuals put what appeared to be undersized crappie in a bucket. During the surveillance, he counted numerous fish of questionable size placed in the bucket. A resource inspection revealed five undersized crappie. The individual was cited and the fish were returned back to the water.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
GOV. SCOTT ANNOUNCES $2.7 M DISASTER ASSISTANCE GRANT TO PUT DISPLACED OYSTERMEN BACK TO WORK
GOV. SCOTT ANNOUNCES $2.7 M DISASTER ASSISTANCE GRANT TO PUT DISPLACED OYSTERMEN BACK TO WORK
TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that in response to the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby on the Apalachicola Bay, the State of Florida received approval for a $2.7 million National Emergency Grant (NEG) to provide temporary employment for those Franklin County residents who were adversely impacted due to the decline of oysters and other fisheries in the region. The state of Florida made the request for disaster assistance to the U.S. Department of Labor in October.
Governor Scott said, “In October I met with families in Franklin County and saw their frustration and desire to return to the jobs they love. Apalachicola Bay is home to some of the best fisheries and oysters in the world, and we’re committed to getting much needed support to the area. This funding will provide desperately needed employment and paychecks to those hardworking families who have been impacted. This support will also help put families back to work and begin the road to recovery.”
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) coordinated with the Gulf Coast Workforce Development Board and the local community to develop a temporary jobs project to reshell the Bay and help it recover and re-open to harvesting. The Grant is provided by the Department of Labor and totals $2,699,712, which will go towards hiring 200 dislocated oystermen, working under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and the local Seafood Workers Association to reshell the Bay with live and dead oyster material from unaffected areas of the Bay to those oyster bars damaged by the storm. The reshelling project will operate through June 30, 2013.
“Under Governor Scott’s direction, DEO coordinated with our fellow state agencies, Franklin County and the local workforce board to develop the most effective plan to respond to this disaster and get the necessary resources and supplies to those affected,” said DEO Executive Director Hunting F. Deutsch. “I’m proud of the assistance we’ve been able to provide to the region and I look forward to continuing to assist Franklin County and its residents going forward.”
Other forms of assistance to the area by Florida’s workforce partners have included:
Training
The Gulf Coast Workforce Board developed an initiative, Franklin Works, to serve displaced seafood workers. It is comprised of three initiatives: classroom training, work-site based training and GED training for those who wish to earn their high school equivalency.
Clean up Employment
Florida received $256,953 in federal funding to support the hiring of 15 temporary workers to work for Franklin County and help complete the clean-up and restoration work in the region.
Long-Term Economic Diversification
DEO is currently working with Franklin County leaders to develop a long-term economic diversification strategy for the area. This effort includes profiling the community and inventorying valuable assets including vacant lands, natural resources, maritime and inland infrastructure, recreational and educational opportunities, as well as other resources. This information gathered will be analyzed based on economic trends, strengths, barriers and opportunities. Based on the outcome of the study, DEO will work with the county to develop goals and objectives, along with an action plan, to move the community toward economic diversification.
Food Drive
Thousands of pounds of food were delivered to Franklin’s Promise Coalition in October through the efforts of state agencies and local organizations.
Resource Fairs
Three Resource Fairs were held with approximately 1,200 total attendees. More than 150 individuals were assisted with filing and processing food stamp applications. More than 200 people signed up for assistance through workforce programs while approximately 300 families have applied for emergency assistance.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Oyster Recovery Meeting on Dec. 6 in Apalachicola
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill Mahan
850-653-9337
bmahan@ufl.edu
The University of Florida Oyster Recovery Team and the Seafood Management Assistance Resource
Recovery Team will hold an information sharing meeting on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. at
the Apalachicola Community Center. The meeting is open to the public.
The two teams will share information about completed and upcoming activities, discuss research results
and talk about opportunities for cooperation. Public input is encouraged, and there will be time for
questions and comments from the audience. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Bill Mahan at the Franklin County Extension Office, (850) 653-9337 or
bmahan@ufl.edu; or Karl Havens at Florida Sea Grant, (352) 392-5870 or khavens@ufl.edu.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Black bears very active during fall
For immediate release: November 30, 2012
Contact: Stan Kirkland, 850-265-3676
Black bears very active during fall
Fall is the most active time of year for Florida black bears as they stock up on calories for the coming winter. Though black bears don’t really need to put on pounds to survive the state’s usually mild winters, they behave as if they do – eating about three times as much as usual.
Because bears are now busy filling their bellies, residents in Wakulla and Franklin counties may have even more bear sightings than usual. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) asks people to be extra diligent in securing food sources around their homes and businesses that can attract bears and create problems.
“Preventing bears’ access to food is the most important thing people can do to keep bears and other wild animals out of neighborhoods,” said Capt. Rob Beaton, area supervisor for the FWC. “If you are a Florida black bear, raiding a garbage can to eat leftovers may be more appealing than foraging in the woods for palmetto berries and acorns.”
It is against the law to have food and attractants out for bears to access. And as bears are looking for food, the easier a food item is to get, the more likely it is that a bear will take advantage of it.
Bear-related calls to the FWC are up this year in many parts of the state. The FWC has received 152 calls in Wakulla County and 131 in Franklin County so far this year. Last year’s totals were 110 and 93, respectively.
“Now more than ever we are relying on residents to keep bears from getting rewarded for being in neighborhoods,” Beaton said. “You can call your local trash pickup companies for options. Waste Pro in Wakulla and Franklin counties offers a $6 retrofit to trash cans that has proved effective.”
To keep bears away from your home and neighborhood, follow these tips:
§ Feed your pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding.
§ Secure household garbage in a shed, garage or a wildlife-resistant container.
§ Put household garbage out on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
§ Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters with metal lids or metal-reinforced plastic lids and lock bars.
§ Clean grills and store them in a locked, secure place.
§ Protect gardens, apiaries, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
§ Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
§ Encourage your homeowners association or local government to institute ordinances on keeping foods secure that would attract wildlife.
“Conflicts between Florida black bears and people are preventable,” said Beaton. “Most people who follow the FWC’s advice on how to bear-proof their homes and businesses don’t have conflicts with these large and powerful wild animals.”
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
NWFWMD Approves Funding To Improve Water Supply
HAVANA — The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board today approved up to $106,000 in grant funding to the City of Port St. Joe, which will enable the city to replace the diesel engine that powers the city’s primary water supply pump. This action will allow Port St. Joe to maintain two operational pumps at the Chipola Pump Station and provide a reliable drinking water supply.
“Ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for the citizens of northwest Florida is a core mission of the District,” said Paul Thorpe, Director of the District’s Resource Planning Section. “The District has worked closely with the City of Port St. Joe and is pleased that we can help them ensure a dependable facility with appropriate backup capability.”
The pump station repair is consistent with the District’s Regional Water Supply Plan for Gulf and Franklin counties, which identifies surface water as the preferred alternative water supply source for Port St. Joe. The District will continue to work in cooperation with communities throughout the region to develop sustainable water supplies.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Everything you ever wanted to know about oysters November 30th, 2012
- How to make Hogtown oyster chowder: Urban Cookbook
- gone oyster pickin' | transient travels
- Fal estuary oysters under threat from contaminated mine at Baldhu near Truro
- Tackling an ocean menace
- Oyster harvests at historic lows east of the Mississippi River
- Feds deny Pt. Reyes oyster farm lease renewal
- ENC Fishermen Blame Superstorm Sandy For Recent Oyster Price Spike
- Workers devastated by oyster farm closure
- Clare Oyster Producers Organise Group Clean Up
- Troubled waters: Farmers and scientists work together to save oysters
- Celeriac, oyster and apple soup, by Madalene Bonvini-Hamel
2012 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON ENDS TODAY
~Floridians reminded to stay aware of severe weather and remain prepared~
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) marks the official end of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season today and reminds Floridians that emergency preparedness does not end with hurricane season. It is important for Floridians to remember that the end of hurricane season brings the beginning of Florida’s severe weather season, as strong cold fronts move through the state.
“This year, Floridians were reminded of the effects tropical systems can have on our communities and that it only takes one storm to have an impact,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “As we move into severe weather season in Florida, I urge all Floridians to maintain emergency plans and disaster supply kits to ensure preparedness for all types of hazards.”
The 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season was more active than predicted, tying with four previous seasons as the third most active season in recorded history. There were 19 named tropical systems, 10 of which were hurricanes. Two storms, Alberto and Beryl, formed before the official start of hurricane season, an occurrence not seen since 1908.
Four storms, Beryl, Debby, Isaac and Sandy, had significant impacts in Florida. Tropical Storm Beryl made landfall in Jacksonville Beach, Florida on May 28, 2012. Beryl's landfall was the strongest landfall in the United States for any pre-season Atlantic tropical cyclone on record.
Tropical Storm Debby made landfall in Steinhatchee, Florida on June 26, bringing record breaking amounts of rainfall and flooding across. Five Florida rivers reached major flood stage, including two rivers, the Sopchoppy and the St. Marys, that reached record breaking crests. Due to the impacts of the storm, a federal major disaster declaration granted 30 counties Public Assistance, and 22 counties Individual Assistance.
Hurricane Isaac made landfall twice in southern Louisiana on August 28 and 29, 2012, but not before impacting Florida counties. Areas of Florida experienced record rainfall and flooding, as well as tornadoes spawned from the storm. Preliminary damage assessments performed in 15 Florida counties revealed $48,345,637 in total damage due to Isaac’s impacts, and a federal major disaster declaration for Public Assistance was declared in 11 counties.
Hurricane Sandy developed as a tropical depression in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, eventually becoming a Category One Hurricane and making landfall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 29, 2012. Tropical Storm Warnings were issued for all 13 Atlantic Coast counties in Florida, and tropical storm force winds were observed across coastal areas of southeast and east central Florida. Increased surf and coastal flooding caused significant damage to Florida’s beaches, and preliminary damage assessments found total community damage of more than $44.9 million. Florida’s initial request for a federal major disaster declaration for public assistance was denied.
With the potential for more storms systems to affect Florida during the coming months, the threat for flooding and severe weather, especially in the form of tornadoes, increases across the state. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of dangerous storms in the coming months.
“It is difficult to forecast when and where severe weather will occur this winter and spring, so the best course of action is to have a preparedness plan in place,” said FDEM State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “It is important to ensure that your family knows in advance what actions to take in the event of severe weather and to respond quickly if a warning is issued for your area.”
To monitor potential weather conditions, residents and visitors are encouraged to have a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio. This portable radio alerts listeners to warnings of possible tornadoes, severe storms and potential for wildfire. In addition, it is suggested that you have an alternate method to receive weather alerts, such as using a text message service that sends warnings directly to your cellular phone.
To learn more about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan!, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org, www.KidsGetAPlan.com and follow FDEM on Twitter at @FLSERT, on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and on Google+ at FLSERT.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Gulf County pair arrested for netting violations
For immediate release: November 30, 2012
Contact: Stan Kirkland, 850-265-3676
Gulf County pair arrested for netting violations
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers arrested two Gulf County men on St. Joe Bay before daylight Nov. 23 with an almost-8,000-square-foot gill net and more than 600 pounds of illegally netted pompano, Spanish mackerel and sheepshead.
Florida’s constitution prohibits the use of gill nets and entangling nets for the taking of marine species.
Ashley David Haddock (DOB 09/24/85) of Wewahitchka and Randall Lamar Moore (DOB 02/06/82) of Port St. Joe face numerous felony and misdemeanor charges for using a gill net. Using high-tech, night-vision equipment, officers watched the pair on the bay on Haddock’s 22-foot boat from late on Thanksgiving night to the time of arrest the next morning.
“The fish had obvious signs of being gill-netted,” said FWC Officer Neal Goss IV, one of three officers who made the arrests.
Both Haddock and Moore are commercial fishermen and possess saltwater products licenses.
The two were booked into the Gulf County Jail. They were released on $2,000 bond each on Nov. 24.
The fish were seized and sold to a Panama City seafood business. The money will be held in escrow, pending the outcome of the case.
The FWC seized the vessel and the gill net as evidence in the case.
-30-
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH FLORIDA STATE PARKS
|
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)