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1999 Spring Tide ViewsFrom the Mayor QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE CITY OF —ATLANTIC BEACK, rE Top Ten Goals for `99 I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to tell me that you read these letters and enjoy them. We are fortunate to have a newsletter so profession- ally done by our new editor, Atlantic Beach resident Pam Bushnell, who has so nicely carried on the tradition begun by JoAnne Morriseau. Thank you, Pam. From feedback I receive, you're doing a great job. I have been asked to share my goals for Atlantic Beach 1999. Here are my "Top Ten', including the concrete as well as the philosophical. • Install storm water system which maintains character of older sections of City o Complete all remaining Town Centre renovations by early fall o Aggressively pursue cost-saving measures to keep our taxes low continued, pg 2 Meet City Commissioner Rick Beaver T "I have a terrible appetite for having to know what's going on," explains Rick Beaver about his service on the City Commission. Elected in 1997, Rick came to the position as a 20 -year resident of Atlantic Beach with previous involvement on the Beautification Committee and the Tree Board. Owner of AgriCare, a landscap- ing business serving corporate clients throughout Jacksonville, Rick values the unique natural environment of Atlantic Beach. With an understanding of how trees grow and survive, Rick points out there is more to tree conservation than protecting mature trees: It is also a matter of planting new trees that willtgro w into con TI DE -VH EWS 1015 Atlantic Blvd., Suite 230 Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 + nI: fJ Continue relationship of cooperation and respect with NAS Mayport o Develop newly acquired park land (Tresca and Mayor Suzanne Shaughnessy iAttorney Dutton Island) for public use and invest in park (249-3044) Alan C. Jensen recreational programs for our youth. Commissioners ' na r Increase awareness among citizens that they Richard Beaver David Thompson can really make a difference in Atlantic Beach - Friends of Mike Borno City Clerk Howell Park as an example. John Meserve Maureen King Use Citizen Advisory Boards to achieve Theo Mitchelson consensus up front on government projects, explaining what and The City Commission meets in City Hall at 7.•15p.m. on why beforehand, a process that increases mutual trust. the second and fourth Monday of each month. Select a new City Manager who, not only effi- ciently and effectively runs city operations, but who eEnforcement Aar ----- - ---- —--- --�.n,a�, `v:` also recognizes our unique environment and quality of Tami Deitchman Robert Etheridge Ken Rogosheske life as a coastal village community. James Pelkey Curtis M. Sanders Jr To begin planning now for growth management chard Mann Lou Etta Waters to preserve tree residential character of our city. �rrwrrrrrrrry rveCe1) ar With the announcement of Mayor Delaney's Robert Frohwein Don Wolfson "Preservation Project", I would like to lend our sup- Leonard H Buzzy Grunthal Patricia Pillmore Mary Walker port to this visionary idea of how to create needed Sharette Simpkins Dezmond Waters greenspaces for all to enjoy while controlling runaway a si a1' ®$rusteesa{.. growth. Mayor Delaney's daily commute from the .. Cindy L. Anderson y Barry Shaw Beach to downtown on Atlantic Blvd. has, no doubt, John C. Fletcher Jr. Timothy Townsend increased his awareness of growth and development Robert Jackson issues. His plan to take sensitive tracts of land "off the - �'ee ���O a' ®��— market" by buying them over a 5 -year period is a bold Richard Bell Mae Jones and creative solution to a statewide problem. To save a Judith Jacobson merson-Smith Dennis Sparks large tract from development not only increasesublic p Recreation n vis Board �� park land, it reduces the impact of overcrowdingon —_--- -- -�— — ��i-oflodi "W!"i ,='��� our schools and roadways. Peter Coalson Donald Coleman Barbara Hopson I encourage our City Commission to help identify Phillip Corp Stephen Jenkins Michael Levine sensitive tracts of land remaining at the Beach for Scott Debuty inclusion in the list of lands forpurchase. Our beauti- Cultural Arts Board3 r;t 7 31, ful intracoastal waterfront is fast disappearing. Please Karin Clark Alice Gartland take the time to congratulate Mayor Delaney if you Nancy Bodge Gary Seabrook agree with this visionary approach to perserving Nancy DeCandis Rosemary Fletcher Woody Winfree quality of life in our area. Wishing you and those you love a fabulous spring! See you at the Camp Out! Kindest r♦♦,�e♦♦nn gg�ards, - u Mayor Suzanne Shaughnessy �� �, Jim Jarboe has resigned as City Manager for the City of Atlantic Beach to pursue a new career. He will be helping to set up and establish Catholic radio stations across the nation. Although he will be missed by the community and the city staff, this new venture is certain to provide him with new challenges and rewards. His list of accomplishments and contribu- tions to the community are extensive, and he has had a long lasting impact on preserving the quality of life that Atlantic Beach citizens cherish. The City of Atlantic Beach has established a Citizen's Committee and contracted with an executive search firm to help recruit and screen qualified appli- cants for the City Manager position. The final selec- tion will be made by the City Commission, and the process should be completed within the next sixty to ninety days. the environment as older trees reach the end of their lifespan. A realist, he believes there has to be a balance between preservation and development. Consistent with his interest in the natural environ- ment, Rick cites among his priorities better utilization and maintenance of city parks . "Too often communi- ties create parks without a budget to maintain them. I would like to see us keep an eye on the future well being of our parks." He is determined to see the Core City Project get started and completed. He is also enthusiastic about the discussion of the "Art Park" and the "turnabout", perhaps with a fountain, at the 5 -way intersection at City Hall. Rick's family, Frances, Dylan and Tara enjoy their spare time at the beach and their North Carolina cabin. A new venture this year for Rick is expanding his business into AgriCare International as a franchise for other landscape contractors. 1. -d Living at B That's Why We're Here Dad: I didn't want to be a but -den to my daughter - she has her own family to manage and take care of. Now when we're together there's real quality time. And I can retain my independence. Daughter: I worried about Dad living alone and not managing on his own as well as he once did. Knowing that Fleet Landing was such a wonderful retirement commu- nity, I was glad to know that Leeward Manor asssisted living residences were available to us when we needed it. 4- Fine Dining ❖ Planned Social Activities 4- Medication Management •°• Assistance with Daily Activities 4- Nurse on Premises 24 Hours • Rehabilitation Program • Respite (short term) Care Available • Continuum of Care • Available to the Jacksonville Community Call for a brochure today (904) 246-9900 ext.107 IXEWAIRP MA olut ASSISTED I,,IVIl G ESIDENcES at NDINQ One Fleet Landing Blvd. Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 www.LeewardManor.com assisted living facility 2107607 Appointment Not Always Necessary Atlantic Village •997 Atlantic Blvd. 249-4140 acrylic & fiberglass nails • manicures • pedicures Fire and Polke Departments Women: Caution Localin When people are out at a night spot socializing and dancing, they rarely concern themselves with the safety and security of their drink. After recent events at the Beaches, citizens are being cautioned to pay closer attention to their drinks. Although there has only been one official report, Atlantic Beach Police Officers have been contacted about several incidents where young women have gone to a local lounge/restaurant and possibly been "dosed." The term "dosed" means that someone introduced a drug into their drink without their knowledge. In these cases, the women almost immediately lost all memory about the events of the next several hours. They do not know where they went... what they did... or with whom they did it. In some cases, they believe that they may have been sexually assaulted, but they can not remember what happened. There are several drugs that can induce this type of memory loss including Rohypnol. This is often called the "date rape drug" because of its incapacitating effects and memory damage. This drug has been found throughout the state of Florida, and it has probably been used in some of these local incidents. To assure your safety, the police department recom- mends several precautions if you are going out for a drink: • Do not go out alone. Go with at least one friend, and stay together. Pledge to keep an eye on one another. • Do not accept a drink unless you saw it poured or unless you receive it directly from a waiter or waitress. Do not leave your drink unattended. If you leave it unattended, then don't drink it. If you believe that you may have been "dosed", ask for help immediately. Have someone call the police or rescue immediately. Some businesses have coached and trained their bartenders and staff to look for these nrohlemq ... an _._ provide you with immediate assistance. If you wake up after the fact and suspect that you may have been victimized, then you can be tested for the drug residue in your system. Do not hesitate to report it to the police and obtain a blood or urine test to confirm it. At this point, this type of offense has been very rare, and the victims have been exclusively female. Crime is not an equal opportunity phenomenon, and this crime typically targets women who are drinking in public places. By educating women in our community, we hope to prevent them from becoming victims of this type of criminal behavior. Negotiations on 1, COntrad Continue The City of Atlantic Beach is currently involved in contract negotiations with the City of Jacksonville over fire and rescue operations for the community. This process has been ongoing for several months, and both sides appear to agree on the service levels. Jacksonville has agreed to hire all Atlantic Beach firefighters into positions assuring that the firefighters will not have reductions in pay. The Atlantic Beach Fire Union is very supportive of this merger. Jacksonville will assure response times consis- tent with the Atlantic Beach response times on fire and rescue operations. Atlantic Beach will provide the facilities to house the fire and rescue operations at the existing Public Safety Building. Atlantic Beach will pay Jacksonville for the fire and rescue services. Although the actual price is under negotiations with Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach expects to save over $300,000 per year when com- pared to the 1998-99 Fire Department budget. Atlantic Beach will turn over its first line fire engine and its fire equipment to Jacksonville. There are many details in the contract that are not discussed in this article, and some of the provisions are still being negotiated. If and when a final agreement is reached, the transition promises to improve services in Atlantic Beach while reducing the costs to citizens. -vAG agr,' & TR&47mENT EMET?,GENC� CARE MINOR & MAJOR &RG MLg Keep your car in good health. 24 years experience, MV 10454 MAYPORT CAR CARE CENTER 2825 Mayport Road Parts 246-4805 • Service 246-7131 -r = Over the years, many local businesses have been loyal supporters of the Atlantic Beach city newsletter. Your support covers printing and production costs for our quarterly publi- cation, without which this newsletter would not be feasible. For many of you, your support has been as much a good will gesture as an advertising investment. In recognition of our loyal sponsors, we are introducing a new feature offering additional public relations opportunities to advertisers who annually contract for half or quarter page ads in Tide Views. Each sponsor will be offered, at no addi- tional cost, the opportunity to use their ad space once a year to tell us more about their business, to profile a business owner or em- ployee, to promote a favorite charity or other public relations purposes. Our editorial staff will be happy to share ideas on how to use this space effectively and to develop copy for you. A limited number of half and quarter page spaces are available. This feature is only one of several ideas brewing this year to enhance benefits to our newsletter sponsors. Your partcipation reflects a commitment to preserving the"hometown" character of our Beaches communities. The opportunity to know our neighbors, including those with whom we do business, and the opportunity to be actively involved in our city governments is why many of us choose to live on this side of "the ditch". Your support is greatly appreciated. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call TideViews Editor Pam Bushnell at 241-0320. 0 Tour Marketing Team. A network specializing in affordable strategies for small businesses • Copy Writing • Graphic Design • Event Coordination • Media Relations • Photography 1 � TA�KE'I"T STUDIO HOTOGRAPHY Whale Tail Graphics design & illustration z r II II it i I T- � contact Perceptions at 241-0320 a,115TIM .ins-il Htiantic Beach, Shoppes of Northshore Peter C. & Joan Sapia Vice President/ President Mana ement Comprehensive maintenance & repair program included at our expense City Telephone Numbers Animal Control Building Dept. City Clerk City Hall (Switchboard) City Manager Finance Director Garbage &Trash Collection J.E.A. (Street Lights) Parks & Recreation Dept. Police & Fire Emergencies Fire Dept./ Non -emergencies Police Records Police Dispatch Property Appraisers Office Public Works Purchasing Recycle Hotline Tax Collector's Office Utility Billing/New Connections Water/Sewer Problems .,.1 11 ,, t. Atlantic Beach Elementary School Beaches Chamber of Commerce Bus Schedule Information Councilman Dick Brown (Dist. 3) Dial -A -Ride Driver's License Bureau Fletcher Middle School Fletcher Senior High School Mayport Middle School Public Library (Beaches) Rep. Joe Arnall (State House Dist 19) Supervisor of Elections Tax Collector (Auto Tags) State of Florida Information 247-5866 247-5826 247-5810 247-5800 247-5800 247-5800 247-5834 632-0300 247-5828 911 247-5859 247-5863 247-5859 630-2011 247-5834 247-5818 247-5834 630-2000 247-5816 247-5834 247-5924 247-3868 630-3100 630-1386 246-1477 270-2512 247-5929 247-5905 247-5977 241-1141 249-1990 630-1410 246-7407 359-6000 Community News Last Chance to Leave Legacy As the Town Center project nears completion citizens have one last chance to purchase pavement bricks for engravement. Bricks are $50 each and can be engraved with two lines, up to 22 characters. Bricks will be available only until May 15. For information, call Elaine Kenney, 246-6208. School News itudents toSing Abroad 1+.1 The Mayport Middle School Chorus is raising funds for an invitational performance in London! Participation in the American Celebration of Music in Britain is a great honor and privilege for our young people, many of whom are Atlantic Beach residents. Inquiries and donations should be directed to Ms. Janey King at 247-5977. Ms. King has guided her students to national and international honors year after year, and this event will bring further recognition to these talented young people and to our community. Elementary cl Wish list Thanks to the more than 40 community members and families who joined us at our Playground Work Day on January 22! As you may have read, budget cuts have affected all Beaches schools. To help address shortfalls and to make needed improvements, the School Advisory Council has established a "Wish List". As the only elementary school in Atlantic Beach, we look to our community to help us continue to improve our school. Financial gifts of any amount are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. We have a number of other special projects under way that could use your help. Our priorities are to update our computer lab and classrooms with new computers and software • refurbish our baseball and soccer fields • replace worn-out playground equipment Please call Laurie Melancon, PTA President, at 241-2050. Our kids thank you! 7 by John Meserve As a City Commis- sioner I am privileged to see the many good things happening in Atlantic Beach. For some time I have been aware of a particularly inspiring activity. We have in Atlan- tic Beach a truly marvelous group helping others. The Helping Hands Ministries, working at the New Friend- ship Missionary Baptist Church, 28 Dudley St., has been helping the needy for over four years with clothing, food and spiritual assistance. James Stackhouse has been the guiding light for this special ministry, which now has outgrown the church meeting hall and storage facilities. The ministry was able to acquire a condemned house at 31 Lewis St., in back of the church, and, with the help of many volunteers, the structure is being rebuilt to provide storage for food, clothing, and other donations as well as administrative spaces. Our help is needed now. Between $25,000 and $30,000 is needed for materi- als, including a walk-in freezer. I would ask everyone to consider giving to this enterprise. This is one time where we can support a local, grass-roots organization located in our own community, with the total assurance that 100% of any money given will go towards those in need. Reverend Marvin Nash (below) is asking for our help to ensure that the work of James and Betty Stackhouse and their volunteers can go on. Let us, the citizens of Atlan- tic Beach, come to their aid. A $25 donation from every family in Atlantic Beach would complete this worth- while project. Donations are tax deductible. R q,Wtk You�i°z 10 d{¢aGtkH en years ago this fall, Baptist Medical Center - Beaches began serving the community in our current facility. You've helped us thrive. Thanks to you these ten years have been phenominal in terms of utilization and growth for our medical center. We're proud to be a part of this community, and look forward to serving and growing with you for years to come. I BOAT O B_ k �.1_ .r�dm�.lt 1 �1is BEACHES 135013th Avenue South 0 Jacksonville Beach, FL 41 247-2900 _ rf F)eP 6010 ' d V? Safety In Numbers The City of Atlantic Beach and the Jacksonville Electric Authority both have rules and regulations requiring home owners and commercial properties to have the address numbers attached to the building. The City Code requires that the number assigned to any building shall be permanently attached in a con- spicuous place easily discernible from the street upon which the building faces. J.E.A. Rules and Regula- tions require street numbers be a minimum of three inches high.We suggest that building numbers be a contrasting color to your building. The absence of building numbers, readily visible, during the day and night is a detriment to your indi- vidual and family safety should you ever require the assistance of police, fire or medical emergency. We urge you to take a moment and check your home or business for the readily visible numbers as required by code. If you have any questions please call Karl Grunewald at 904-247-5855. wt, d V c or Animal Control receives numerous requests for traps. Currently there is a waiting list of twenty to thirty residents wishing to borrow traps. Traps are given out in the order they were requested, one trap per household, and to be used for no longer then a two week period. If Animal Control is off on the day in which you trap an animal, the recommendation is to place the trap in shade, let your garden hose trickle on one side of the trap and to drop table scraps through the top wire of the trap. Then call Animal Control and leave a message with your name, address and tele- phone number and Animal Control will pick up the animal upon their return. There have been some questions rc:cntly on whether cats can roam freely. Cats must have their city tags on the owners property. Cats who are off owners property must have their city tags and be on a leash. If you need assistance, have questions or concerns, please call 247-5866. If Animal Control is not in the office at that time (over 90% of their time is spent patrolling and doing follow ups on calls) then leave a message. And remember... Keep your pets safe. Leash and Tag them! Public Works Ms. Shawna Thies, meter reader for the City of Atlantic Beach, was recognized for superior achieve- ment in her duties. We congratulate her outstanding efforts in performing additional duties while short handed in this department. Ms. Donna Kaluzniak, Assistant Public Works Director, served for two years as the Chairman of the First Coast Chapter of the Florida Water Environ- ment Association, and we congratulate her for her efforts. Levy Road Construction has been completed on Levy Road which includes a widened roadway and a new 10" water main. A guard rail will be installed on the south side of Levy Road near the ditches. We have heard many compliments about the improved roadway and would like to thank Petticoat Contracting, Inc. and the Atlantic Beach Streets and Water/Sewer Divisions for their efforts. We would appreciate your efforts to maintain proper speed limits and assist us in keeping the area litter free. Bucaneer Wastewater Treatment Plant The Buccaneer Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 739 Wonderwood Road, will be expanded from 1.3 millions gallons per day to 1.9 million gallons per day to accommodate future growth in the area of Mayport. The contractor is Meadors Construction Company, the construction engineering team is Gannett Fleming, Inc., and the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) equipment is being purchased directly from the Fluidyne Corporation. Construction is scheduled to begin in March, 1999. Core City Drainage The R -A -M Professional Group, Inc. has been selected to perform the conceptual redesign of the Core City Project. Meetings have taken place with the citizens' Storm Water Review Committee and a presentation should be made to the City Commission by mid to late March. Storm Water Improvements An engineering design contract has been awarded to Smith & Gillespie Engineers, Inc. for storm water improvements on Pine Street; on Seminole Road from Seaspray to Palm Street; on Donner Road from Sandpiper to Keelens Street; and on Keelens Street to Donner Road. Also included is the replacement of the culvert and headwalls on Aquatic Drive, and the installation of oil skimmer basins at the Public Works Yard. WonderWood Connector The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is con- tinuing progress on the Wonderwood Connector and plans to award the first phase this Spring. The first phase will be from Mayport Road to Sandcastle Lane. O � edQtIO i e,b``K 3's , North Florida's Largest Selection of uality rea agn beaches Auonda/e pa6lo plaza t886,9. 3rd St. x/74/8 Mersche/(9 "COOLING THE BEACHES SINCE 1975" S 40f 0e�* RESIDENTIAL41Z§�i AI SERVICE & CONDITION & -�L �/� INSTALLATION COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS HEATING on all brands Lic # CAC049310 () 249-8251 Fudge Bunnies & Cusfom fosfep BaAefs (o11er early) sppillcj flag.", N✓it1C!S0C1� sil[ NOW421>s f101101 lakle litiens El) C)t.lc19s Ninnies 40 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach TREE 9#9a__ ­�� Brhn Out The Best in Youl Select your most flattering makeup shades based on your skin tone, hair color, wardrobe choices and lifestyles. Call today for a free consultation. &�� KA N/ Y® Margaret Gorizly Senior Sales Director L2243 Beachcomber Trail, Atlantic Beach (904) 247-2868 A REALTORS - Watson Realty Corporation RealtorJan Shields Parks & Recreation To participate in or inquire about any of the activities listed below, call the Recreation Department at 247-5828. Tuesdays & Thursdays / Adele Grage After school program for ages 8 to 13 begins February 2 thru May 27 in the Adele Grage Community Cen- ter from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $50 per student which will include all classes. Camp Out Under the Stars Saturday, March 6 in Russell Park. Registration will begin Monday, February 8, in the Adele Grage Community Center (716 Ocean Blvd.) from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. The cost is $10 per camp site. This year we will have a crazy hat contest, so purchase, make or rent a crazy hat and bring it on. Annual Egg Hunt Saturday, April 4 in Jordan Park (Francis Ave.) at 10 a.m. This event is for ages 2 to 12. Please come out and enjoy. After -School Rec Program Jordan ar The main focus of this new program is homework assistance, team work and self -enrichment. Volun- teers and participants are encouraged to call the Rec Dept. The Teen Council is looking for additional members. The council will plan and organize future events in the City of Atlantic Beach. If you are in grades 7 through 12 and are interested in participating, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 247-5810. Meetings will be held every other Tuesday from 7:00 p.m to 8:15p.m. beginning February 9. Beautification Committee Got some extra plants that need a new home? An up -coming event will give you an opportunity to exchange them. The First Annual Atlantic Beach Plant Swap Meet will be held on April 17th in con- junction with Earth Fest. This event will be held in Russell Park. Please check your local listing for more details. The Committee is working on plans to have an Arbor Day Tree sale similar to the one the City of Jacksonville does with Greenscape. The Committee would love to hear your ideas and/ or plans to improve the appearance of our community. An easy way to do this is to join us for our monthly meetings the second Wednesday of every month in the City Hall Conference Room at 7:30 p.m. Use your yard waste rather than placing it curbside for collection. V Leave grass clipppings on the lawn V One bag contains up to 1/41b. of organic nitrogen vital to plant growth as well as nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium V Clippings shade the soil and help retain moisture during hot summer months V Mowing tips V Set you mower to the proper height: remove no more than 1/3 of the height of the grass when you mow. V Mow with a sharp blade. V Mow when the grass is dry. V Compost and mulch V Use your oak leaves and pine needles as mulch to retain soil moisture, reduce weeds and prevent erosion. V Make your own backyard compost, including vegetative waste from the kitchen. - Think Globally - Act Locally! Atlantic Beach will celebrate it's 4th Annual Earth Day this year. Events to look forward to: ® Sunsational Cookout ® Community Art Project ® Beautification Plant Swap ® Intracoastal Canoeing ® Earthfest Celebration Watch for more information! Call 247-1702 or 247-5828 to become involved! The Importance of Being Earnest A comedy of manners by Oscar Wilde March 4, 5, 6, 11,12, 13, 18,19, 20 - 8.00 p. m. March 14 - 2:00p. m. Frankie & Johnny in the Claire de Lune A comedy by Terence McNally April29, 30 - 8: 00 p. m. May 1, 6 , 7 , 8, 13, 14, 15 - 8: 00 p. m. May 9 - 2:00p. m. All Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre perfor- mances are held at the Adele Grage Community Center, 716 Ocean Blvd. Reservations are recom- mended. Call 249-7177. TIDE -VIEWS I(h �u T 13 112 113TAUIANT tri r �v� ry ALL "YOU t�:Av 1108(428 Q9 I V—�244��16 Pull z4l ,�Al (L�JF� T�E A18�47 hrV 7�� 1 ' aelva Niel rinei Cowntry Clwb �:.:. Celebrates F. l i F77, I f, Cat s" . vr..,IT� 1'' Igsynr u C rp a• • F�Fr•s _r Ye4rs in �. 4 F.r. � •ee •er•� Mantic S c ea h. I KAUI I IUN... WITH AN EYE ON THE FUTURE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT KIRSTEN Nim @ 246-4827. ARSAmerican Residential Services, Inc. BEACHES REPAIR & REPIPE SPECIALISTS "SINCE 1958" • SLAB LEAKS o WATER HEATERS • WATER SOFTENERS • CFC#056776 [249.71