August 2021.pdfThe early start to hurricane ssason is a reminder to make preparations now. Individuals need to stock up on the usual supplies. If you
have pets, have documentation from the vet that their vaccinations are updated. Gas up vehicles and withdraw some cash. What
valuables and mementos will you protect? Photograph household furnishing and locate your insurance policies.
The City prepares for storms for both the immediate threat and for long-term protection. Public Works and Utilities use the recently
purchased vacuum truck to clear out storm drains, clean out drainage ditches, and lower the water level in the Aquatic Gardens
retention pond. They trim trees and sequester City property from wind damage. There is a contract to mobilize extra trucks to remove
storm tree debris, if needed. Upgrades to the Police and City Hall buildings will enable City officials to operate command centers.
Long-term preparations have been implemented over the last few years in a multipronged approach to manage water. We
commissioned a stormwater management study, which identified the No. 1 project: tackle the water threat to Aquatic Gardens. With
the assistance of our lobbyist in Tallahassee, COAB has received grants totaling $700.000 for that project. Another grant paid for a
coastal resilience survey, which will further our preparations for the future. We benefit from federal dune restoration and have a
vigorous sea oats planting program.
Atlantic Beach has fine-tuned several provisions in our codes and ordinances to further protect our environment from water damage.
Every property will be required to retain stormwater on site through engineering designs. Properties will not be able to build up height
of their property, so water should not flow down to neighboring lots. The impermeable portion of the property is limited to 45%,
including all concrete/brick areas.
The most recent update in City codes has been to the tree code. Trees are of great consequence in managing water. Each tree retains
up to 30% of the water in their root system. Trees mitigate the effects of wind on housing and the dunes. They keep neighborhoods
cooler and add to property values. Trees are so valuable that the City has been planting them on City property and in rights-of-way,
offering them for free to property owners. The tree subcommittee of the Environmental Stewardship Committee recommends the
appropriate tree species for our maritime forest. Property owners who cut healthy trees have an obligation to replant suitable trees of
a size/species or to pay 50% of the required amount into the tree fund.
Hurricane preparation is a public-private partnership. Wishing you all an uneventful season.
Candace Kelly
ckelly@coab.us
FROM COMMISSIONER KELLY
HURRICANE PREPARATION
IS A PUBLIC, PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
Monthly Newsletter
A U G U S T 2 0 2 1 | V O L . 1 7 N O . 8
CITY CALENDAR
Updates and information on attending and
participating in meetings are published at
www.coab.us/calendar.
August 2021
Aug 9 City Commission 6:30 pm
Aug 11 Environmental Stewardship 6 pm
Aug 12 Pension Board 6:30 pm
Aug 17 Community Development Board 6 pm
Aug 18 ESC Outreach Subcommittee 6:30 pm
Aug 19 Commission Budget Workshop 6 pm
Aug 23 Commission Meeting 6:30 pm
September 2021
Sept 2 Code Enf. Special Magistrate 2 pm
Sept 6 Labor Day – City Offices Closed
Sept 8 Environmental Stewardship 6 pm
Sept 13 City Commission 6:30 pm
Sept 14 Cultural Arts/Recreation 6 pm
Sept 15 ESC Outreach Subcommittee 6:30 pm
Sept 21 Community Development Board 6 pm
Sept 27 City Commission 6:30 pm