Happy Monday

Greeetings and Happy Monday to all.

The Battle of the Badges fishing tournament and event raised well over $100,000 this weekend. Great news for the youth it supports. Nice article about it here, if you read down on the comments you can get differing opinions on it, personally I think the whiners should be quiet and be glad someone is doing something to benefit our youth, they need all the help they can get.

The surf was high at the beach, windy and big waves, not all the lifeguard towers are manned this time of year so be sure to swim near a staffed tower.

The Gallery Walk and Jazz Fest is this week, stay tuned for more on that later in the week.

Crabby

Are you feeling crabby? Well if so come on over to my house. Yesterday this little fellow was hanging out on my porch, then last night my son went in the garage and he and two of his friends came snapping out.....we chased them out with the broom and they went back to crabby world, not to be confused with Wally World or Obama World...(had to sorry)

So tonight I mowed the lawn, usually a happy task reserved for my brother, but the Red Sox and Yankees interfered so I did it myself. I went back to the garage and found I had six, count 'em with me now six of these little guys hanging out in my garage. I leaped on my broom (no comment dear friends and brothers) and sent them packing.....any crab experts out there that want to check in on why my garage is now crab central???? I know we just had a storm and I live across the street from the ocean but COME ON......

One more note...I have actually gotten HATE MAIL about yesterday's Obama post...I am amazed....check back tomorrow for more happy horseshit about our choices for president!!!

Beach Volleyball

I will not discuss the weather. Everyone is discussing the weather and I am sick of the weather. How about a fun New Smyrna Beach activity. Every Thursday night a great group of adults gets together at the North Beach Park, (north of Flagler, at Sapphire & Atlantic) to play volleyball, it starts at about 6pm, if it is raining they hang out til 630 to see if it will blow over. So our ridiculous weather permitting, head on over this Thursday and play some volleyball on the beach. Everyone is welcome, and of course children are welcome. (it is the beach after all!)

They Unlock Cars Too

I committed a heinous sin in the eyes of my son today. I locked my keys in the car at the beach as the tide was coming in. This is extremely embarrasing when you are eleven and have an image to uphold.. Can you say idiot. Say it with me now....you are an idiot. SO just before the locksmith could arrive to save me, the Beach Patrol came riding by and they have all the proper car thief tools needed to break into a car. In fact, the helpful law enforcement officer told me he probably breaks into 5 cars a day on the weekends....so it is apparent I am not the only idiot on the beach. He unlocked the thing in short order and set the alarm off so that in the event everyone in the immediate area did not know I was a dumbass, they were soon made aware.

Thanks, to the beach patrol, they do a good job.

This Is A Lifeguard

This big red chair with a person in it and a flag on top is a lifeguard. Volusia County has alot of these. You can actually stand at one lifeguard and see the next one down the beach. There is a lifeguard at every beach approach and then some. They are there to protect you from all sorts of things, rip currents, drowning, all forms of sea life that may bite you...and lightning.

Let's talk about lightning for a minute. We have lots of it here. You can usually see a storm coming from pretty far away.

So...if you are in the water and there are large black clouds with lightning shooting out of them, this is your first clue to get out of the water. It is not safe. If that is not a sufficent reason to vacate the water then the person standing on top of the big red stand waving the flag and blowing the whistle at you should give it away.

They are not waving at you to annoy you, they are not waving at you to say Hi, they are waving at you to save your life. So stay safe and get out of the water.

You have other beach choices if you do not want to obey the authority of our Volusia County Lifeguards. Head to Brevard County...where they have less than half the lifeguards that we have in Volusia. You can stay in the water in a thunderstorm all day if you want to.....

Do You Recycle?

If you live in New Smyrna Beach it is easy to recycle. Southard's Recycling picks up one day per week. If you do not have a recycle bin call them, they will drop one off at your house and tell you what day your pick-up is. Here is an information sheet on the program.

No this picture is not related to recycling, I just thought this sand dog was cute! Someone is very creative.

Things That Make You Say HUH?

So the news this week as been full of are you kidding me moments.....



Just a few to note:



Little Caylee Anthony, whose disapearance and probable murder is getting national attention. What in the world is her grandmother thinking? Even her husband is trying to get her to shut up. She is claiming that the decomp smell that cadaver dogs identified is from an old piece of pizza. I am fairly certain that these dogs do not confuse pizza with human remains. She has made a variety of other outrageous statements all caught forever by the news media, including not remembering when she saw this child last.....I am pretty sure if one of my kids was not around for 4 or 5 weeks my parents would remember when last they saw them and they would be flipping their lids to find out where they were...... It is very sad.

Barack Obama acting like he is already president. As frightening as that is....it is more ridiculous to think that the only choices we have to lead this country are him or John McCain. That is an are you kidding me all by itself.

But my favorite ridiculous moment came this week while browsing in The Big Bamboo on Flagler Ave. I overheard a woman telling her husband that they needed to find a new place to vacation because of our "dangerous, shark infested waters". He said to her, "Honey, you don't swim", she looked at him strangely and said "well if I did I would be afraid to get bit"........ My kids were with me and they were looking at me waiting, just waiting for me to comment., they know me so well. I waited til we got in the car and before I could even say anything, they both said at once...."ARE YOU KIDDING ME???"

They Are Out There~part 2

I took my son the 11 year old surfer dude to the beach yesterday, great day, not to crowded, he and a friend surfed for awile and then came in to throw a football around. The beach patrol went flying by lights and sirens blaring, and stopped about 20 feet from us up the beach. So of course the nosy boys had to go see what was happening, meanwhile some lady goes running by yelling shark, shark, get the kids out of the water. I am thinking shut up lady. The funny part was no one was jumping up and running or responding to her attempt to incite a riot.

The boys came back to inform me that indeed a guy was sitting on his board and got bit by "something, about 4 feet long" and it was a superficial wound, the beach patrol provided first aid and he was reclining on a beach chair. I am not sure if he went on to the hospital, but since there was no front page news screaming about the "shark bite capitol of the world" I am guessing not.

I asked the boys if they were ready to go, they looked at me like I was nuts, picked up their boards and headed for the water. I am not sure if I should be happy they are not scared or nervous.

Did you know that more people are killed each year by falling vending machines than shark attacks? Thanks to the Marine Discovery Center summer camp for that piece of shark trivia.

Weekend at the Beach

The weather is supposed to be great for the beach this weekend. A few other things going on...

Free Stuff includes Fireworks on Saturday night at Daytona Beach Pier, they start at 9:45pm and the Flagler Ave Motorcycle Show & Stroll is also Saturday night in New Smyrna Beach from 5-9pm

Of course the beach is always free....well except for that pesky toll.

The Dark Knight premieres today. Show times for the Beacon Theater, 104 Dixie Freeway are:

12:30PM 0 1:00PM 0 1:30PM 0 3:45PM 0 4:15PM 0 5:00PM 0 7:00PM 0 7:30PM 0 8:15PM 010:15PM 012:00AM

You can call them at 428-8484 to see what is sold out.

New Smyrna Speedway has a full schedule of events as well if racing is your thing.

Have a great weekend.

They Are Out There!

Just when you think the shark hoopla has died down, they are back!!! Check out these awesome photos by Kem McNair taken this weekend at the inlet.

They really need no comment, but I am sure someone will be clamoring to close the beach by day's end!

Beach Tolls

So what do you think about the toll dilemma? Volusia Commissioners are revisiting this again. Some think that dropping the tolls will bring more people to the beach. News Journal has both sides of the issue in yesterday's edition. I see both sides, I guess. I am not sure that $5.00 is prohibiting anyone from visiting our beaches for the day. A gallon of gas is over $4.00 so paying 5.00 to get on the beach does not seem like much to me. If you are a county resident you can pay $20.00 for the year. This is perfectly reasonable. I drive on the beach 4 or more times a week, I think $20.00 is a great deal for the privilege.

According to the article: Volusia expects to collect about $2 million from the beach tolls this year, a fraction of the $12 million the county plans to spend to manage the beach.
Republic Parking will get nearly $800,000 this year to collect the beach tolls. The county also budgeted $400,000 for capital improvements. That means the county will net about $855,000 of the $2 million in beach tolls.

I think 855K is a pretty big number to give up. Although it is a drop in the 12 million dollar bucket that is costs to maintain the beach. It is still going to be expensive to maintain the beach, no matter how you look at it or how many tolls you charge. Anyone can visit the beach, we just pay to drive on it. I think that is fair.

Save the Beach~Part 2

Remember Beach Renourishment? It is still going on and the dredging has moved up the river, here is what that looks like.

Beachfront Park-one more update

Just when I tell you it is done, I find out I am lying....New Smyrna City Commisioners are STILL debating the park at the end of Esther. The News Journal has it here.

Lynne Plaskett does not want to give it up. It is a great project, I agree with her. Our new MAYOR however says it is 7 million dollars for 52 parking spaces. IT is much more than that and I think she shows her true colors and what is important to her with that statement.

They may decide on this on Tuesday at the next meeting. I will keep you posted.

Chum Checks In

Another blogger checks in on the brilliant Brenda Quiles and her economically sound, scientific backed plan to close our beaches. The Chum Slick is hysterical.

Enjoy!

Sea Turtle Protection & Other Beach Stuff

It is Sea Turtle Nesting Season, this runs from May 1 until October 31, Beach Driving hours are 8am-7pm in Volusia County, signs like the ones above can be found all along the beach. The Sea Turtle Patrol places tape(similar to crime tape) and stakes around the sea turtle nests. Do not mess with the Sea Turtle Nests. Same goes for the birds, leave them alone too. Mainly because it is the right thing to do. If that is not enough, there are Beach Patrol Officers in big white trucks with lights and guns patrolling the beach all day and into the evening. They will be HAPPY to explain the reasons why you don't mess with the sea turtles.





Please do not litter, there are big blue cans all along the beach for your trash. I followed the beach trash guys this morning on my bike, they were stopping every few feet to pick up cans, bags, and other refuse left behind. Not only is it ugly but it is terribly bad for the wildlife and the environment.




The Speed Limit is 10mph. There are many children on the beach, they will run in front of you. If that is not a good reason to go 10mph refer back to the big bad white trucks that contain Beach Patrol Officers. They WILL pull you over and have full authority to write you a ticket. I saw someone getting one this morning.

We have miles of gorgeous beaches here in New Smyrna with a little cooperation everyone can enjoy them..especially the sea turtles.

Save the Beach

The Beach Renourishment Project continues, this is what is looks like when the sand is running full force. They are situated right off Flager in front of The Breakers Restaurant. You can click on the webcam on the right hand menu to watch it live and listen to the waves of course!

I found some old information from 2006 on the Save the Beach effort if you are interested in how it works. It does not appear to have been updated in awhile but it is very interesting reading if you are not familiar with what has gone on.

Big Weekend at the Beach

Lots of things going on at the Beach this weekend!

Riverfest is going on at the Marine Discovery Center both Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. It is Free and there will be food vendors, a kids area and much more. All proceeds benefits the Marine Discovery Center Programs.

The 20th Annual Halifax/Indian River Cleanup is Saturday beginning at 8am.

The Gallery Walk along Riverside Drive and Canal Street is also Saturday from 4-8 pm.
Check out my favorite The Clay Gallery

It will also be another great weekend for the beach, if you are headed over to the beach be aware. The Beach Renourishment Project has moved down to Esther and Flagler. The Flager Beach Ramp will be closed this weekend. Head up to Beachway on the North Side of Flagler, park at Sapphire or head down to the South Side for several approaches.

Make it a great weekend!

Red Tide

Red Tide has invaded New Smyrna and the Volusia beaches yet again. I understand this is a rare thing here but it has hit us hard since October. The picture above shows red tide invading Little Gasparilla Island in SW Florida several years ago. The west coast of FL has many more problems than we do but it is here now and is a problem.

Four Dolphins were found dead at Canaveral National Seashore this week, pets are struggling, humans are sniffing, sneezing and coughing. I myself have had major allergy like issues all week. IT is so rare in non-Gulf areas that NOAA does not even track it in the Atlantic. I found a few resources on it:

Red Tide Alert

Red Tide

FL Natural Resources

Here are some documented symptoms:

1. Headache/migraine

2. Dry mouth, cracked lips

3. Extreme fatigue

4. Constant thirst

5. Extreme respiratory problems, coughing, lack of breath, laryngitis, sinusitis, and extreme irritation of the lungs.

6. Upset stomach

Pet symptoms include:

1. Limited to uncontrollable sneezing.

2. Backwards cough, it's a cross between a cough and a choke. Once a dog has had a high exposure they can continue this type of coughing even if they have been brought inside. Beware, this has proven to be a strong indicator of impending problems. Keep the animals in clean air.

3. Uncontrollable swallowing accompanied by foaming at the mouth. This is seen when they get high doses of toxic air on the beach. Dogs have dropped as they walked on the beach. This happened on our island. And letters also pointed this out in St.Pete.

4. Drunken walk, they lose their motor skills, and are not sure of the location of their feet. They are losing sensory perception. This is FACT.

5. Lack of appetite and lack of energy for a day or two. This is seen in the dogs that have the toxins building in their systems. At times they may swallow constantly like they have something stuck in their throat, and droll slightly. This may pass or continue to full blown seizures.

6. Intestinal problems, digestive problems.

7. If exposure is severe there will be a Total shutdown of the nervous system, accompanied by blindness and deafness.

Thepet symptoms were observed in dogs in the SW area of FL were Red Tide is far more prevalent. But this bears watching in our NSB Pets.

Please send me your comments and observations, I will compile and send to the red tide alert site.

Rip Currents

Rip Currents are prevalent in our area of Florida, be smart and you will be safe.

When at the beach:

1. Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach
2. Never swim alone
3. Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
4. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to
identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. Our lifeguard stands here in Volusia County offer the surf conditions, they can also be found at each drive on beach ramp.
5. Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
6. Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean's surface.
7. Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

If caught in a rip current:

1. Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
2. Never fight the current.
3. Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, of which you need to step to the side.
4. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle -- away from the current -- towards shore.
5. If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water.When out of the current, swim towards shore.
6. If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim:

1. Get help from a lifeguard.
2. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
3. Throw the rip current victim something that floats -- a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
4. Yell instructions on how to escape.
5. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Finally Friday!

Today was the big surf lesson, We met Luke at Inlet Charley's and I was quite impressed, I was watching from the beach, (of course)and I saw the improvement in an hour. His ten year old balance is not the greatest but he did get up a few times.

Luke was great, he spent alot of time explaining the whole concept and then well over an hour in the water. Then he arranged for him to use one of the shop boards for a couple hours after his lesson so he could practice, of course then I could not get him out of the water!

So, tomorrow is another day I told him and we will be renting a board for the day....ugh!