December 2007.pdfVOL.3 NO.12DECEMBER 2007
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On November 6 the Atlantic
Beach Commission officially
turned over with two new
Commissioners, and myself
returning as Mayor. For the
community, I would recap
what I said that night. That
ceremony represented both
new leadership in Atlantic Beach with some
fresh faces and new ideas, but more importantly
a continuation of the rich history of our
community for those who have served in the
past. Everyone I have known over the years who
has chosen to run for office or has served on a
volunteer committee has done so out of a love
for this city.
We thank those who have gone before us, Don
Wolfson, who has served for many years on the
Community Development Board and as Mayor.
Sylvia Simmons has also been a community
activist in many capacities and served most
honorably as Commissioner, during some
turbulent times. In particular we thank Dezmond
Waters whose dedication and love for this
community in many capacities will always be
part of the fabric of our town.
As your Mayor, I have no particular agenda. I do
have some goals and we have quite a few
challenges that will test us over the next few
years. On goals, I believe we need to pull this
community back together. Secondly we have a
change to the Charter to initiate district elections
and we need to make that transition smooth and
successful. Third, I hope we might create a
“Candidate’s Code of Ethics” in the hope of
making future elections less divisive. I asked the
Commissioners to think about how to
accomplish those goals and I look forward to
working with them over the next several years. I
also welcome input from citizens.
John Meserve
city of atlantic beach newsletter
TOY COLLECTION DRIVE
The annual Toy Collection Drive begins Saturday,November 24 and continues through
Friday,December 21.
Toys can be dropped off at the Donner Park Community Center,the Fire Station on
Seminole Road and the Adele Grage Cultural Center (business hours only).Because of the
many toy recalls,the City can only accept new toys.For more information,contact the
Parks and Recreation Department at 247-5828.
HOLIDAY GIVING TREE
A Holiday Giving Tree, where you can select a child’s name and gift, will be located at
the Adele Grage Cultural Center at 716 Ocean Blvd. beginning November 27. The toy
giveaway will take place Saturday, December 22 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the
Donner Park Community Center located at 2042 George Street.All Beaches area kids
who are in need are welcome to attend the party. For toy pickup or for any other
items you would like to donate to make this party a success for the kids, contact Gail
Baker, Donner Park Recreation Leader at 247-5828.
HOLIDAY SING-ALONG
Come sing the “Songs of the Season”karaoke style Saturday,December 8th from 6 to 8p.m.
at Bull Memorial Park located at 716 Ocean Blvd. This year’s Holiday Sing-Along will
feature “snow”in Florida and Santa will be stopping by to visit with the kids. So grab the
family and come on out for an evening of entertainment. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information call the Parks and Recreation Department at 247-5828.
RAIN GARDENS - BEAUTIFUL AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
A rain garden is a shallow depression,
planted with native plants,that is designed
to capture rain and let it seep naturally into
the ground.The plants,soil and bacteria
clean the water while it drains.
This helps prevent runoff and saves
irrigation water. Locating your rain garden
near driveways or roof gutters makes your
garden even more effective. Rain gardens
are designed to drain within a day,so
mosquitoes won’t breed.
The native plants should be drought
tolerant,and thrive in our area without
fertilizers or pesticides if possible. These
plants often attract butterflies and birds.
Your rain garden will not only be lovely to
look at,but will reduce pollutants that
would normally go to our streams and
rivers. For more information on rain
gardens check out University of Florida’s
Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Web site at
http://cfyn.ifas.ufl.edu/theme.html.
Remember – Water your lawns no more than 2
days per week,before 10 a.m.or after 4 p.m. For
more information on water conservation go to
www.floridaswater.com.
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city of atlantic beach newsletter
CALENDAR
Meetings are held in the Commission Chambers
unless otherwise indicated.
* These events will be held at Adele Grage
Cultural Center,716 Ocean Blvd.
** These events will be held in the North
Conference Room at City Hall,
800 Seminole Road.
Jan 8 Code Enforcement Board
Mtg. | 7 p.m.
Jan 9 *Tree Conservation Board
Mtg | 7 p.m.
Jan 11 Friday Night Bowl Skate at
Jack Russell Park | 6-10 p.m.
Jan 14 City Commission Mtg |
7:15 p.m.
Jan 15 Community Development
Board Mtg | 7 p.m.
Jan 22 *Cultural Arts & Recreation
Advisory Committee | 7 p.m.
Jan 23 *Tree Conservation Board
Mtg | 7 p.m.
Jan 25 Friday Night Bowl Skate at Jack
Russell Park | 6-10 p.m.
Jan 28 City Commission Mtg |
7:15 p.m.
JANUARY 2008
John Meserve
MAYOR
John Fletcher
COMMISSIONER
Mike Borno
MAYOR PRO TEM
Paul Parsons
COMMISSIONER
Carolyn Woods
COMMISSIONER
Jim Hanson
CITY MANAGER
Alan Jensen
CITY ATTORNEY
Donna Bussey
CITY CLERK
CITY OFFICIALS
www.coab.us •(904) 247-5800
HOLIDAY SAFETY FOR TEENS
As the holiday season approaches, it is important to take measures to protect young
people from some of the hazards of the holidays. Specifically, it is important that as we
celebrate this holiday season, we continue to give a consistent message that underage
drinking is not acceptable, and it will not be tolerated at any time.
Underage alcohol consumption often results in accidents, injuries, and/or arrests.
As adults and/or parents, we have a responsibility to recognize our strong influence over
our children’s decisions to use or not use alcohol.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE AND E-WASTE COLLECTION
The City of Jacksonville will have a mobile household hazardous waste vehicle at the
Atlantic Beach City Hall parking lot (next to Russell Park), 800 Seminole Road Saturday,
December 8, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Many materials used in the home and gardens are considered hazardous waste and must
NOT be thrown into household trash. These materials can cause serious safety and health
problems. Check the list below for types of products to take to the household hazardous
waste and e-waste collection on December 8.
WILL BE ACCEPTED:
Paint, paint thinners & strippers
Fertilizer & Pesticides
Printers & Scanners
Terminals, CPUs
Computer monitors & Keyboards
Rechargeable batteries, Car batteries
Acids
Photographic chemicals
Flares
Used oil & Antifreeze
Pool chemicals
Drain cleaners
Stereo equipment
Aerosol cans
Varnish & Shellac
Desk & Mobile phones, Pagers
Pesticides
Car care chemicals
Small propane (lp) tanks
Fire extinguishers
Power tools
Small kitchen appliances
WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED:
Bio-Hazardous (medical) waste
Large household appliances (washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators)
Commercial e-waste or hazardous waste
Explosives
Tires
DECEMBER 2007
Dec 1 Holiday Celebration & Tree
Lighting Town Center | 2 - 6 p.m.
Dec 8 Holiday Sing-Along at Bull Park|
6-8 p.m.
Dec 8 Hazardous Waste Collection City
Hall | 8:30-3:00 p.m.
Dec 10 City Commission Mtg | 7:15 p.m.
Dec 12 *Tree Conservation Board Mtg |
7 p.m.
Dec 13 Board Member Review
Committee Mtg | 5 p.m.
Dec 18 Community Development
Board Mtg | 7 p.m.
Dec 24-25City Offices Closed
Dec 26 *Tree Conservation Board Mtg |
CANCELLED
Parents:
•Talk to your kids.
•Know your child’s friends and get to
know their parents.
•Set similar rules and talk to them.
•Establish limits and stick to them. Kids
need to know what their limits are.
•It is important for kids to know you will
be awake, aware, and waiting to talk
with them when they return home.
•Know the effects of alcohol on a
teenager’s body.
•Set good examples and be a positive
role model.
Community Members/Schools:
•Form an active partnership with families
of youth or students.
•Ensure policies, laws, and regulations are
being enforced and practiced.
•Involve all community members in
looking out for our youth.
If you would like any further information on
underage drinking,please contact Detective Tiffany
Layson at the Atlantic Beach Police Department,
tlayson@coab.us or (904) 247-5859.
What Can We Do?
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