Write your own .

Email in opposition reprinted with permission:

Department of the Army
Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers
Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield
Chief, Planning and Policy Branch
803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096

Subject:  Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis); Unintended Consequences of Introducing Non-indigenous Species to Native Chesapeake Waters (Lynnhaven Inlet)

Dear Mr. Mark Mansfield,

Giving full consideration to and appreciation of a very busy schedule, which I am confident you maintain, I will attempt to be as succinct as possible regarding the subject matter.  I may or may not succeed as a matter of perspective.

It is a fair presumption that no one individual or organization has ever intentionally introduced a foreign species with the objective of doing ecological or economical spoil.  Regardless of introductory form, deliberate or inadvertent, non-native species have proven to constitute significant challenges and cost, typically in hindsight.  An exhaustive search and reference could be presented here, however, there are too many documented case studies to enumerate where this type impact adversely effected local, regional, state, and national environments.  As example:

“A native of Japan, KUDZU was brought to the southeastern United States at the turn of the century for use as a soil stabilizer, animal fodder, and ornamental vine. … Where it grows, kudzu has the ability to out-compete and eliminate native plant species and upset the natural diversity of plant and animal communities. Its extremely rapid growth rate and habit of growing over objects threatens natural areas by killing native vegetation through crowding and shading, and can seriously stifle agricultural and timber production”[1]

“Nutria (Myocaster coypus) is a non-native aquatic mammal that has inadvertently been introduced into Maryland wetlands and is proliferating, with negative impacts on natural ecosystems.”[2]

“Shortly after World War II, and before 1952, the brown Treesnake was accidentally transported from its native range in the South Pacific to Guam, probably as a stowaway in ship cargo.  As a result of abnormally abundant prey resources on Guam and the absence of natural predators and other population controls, brown Treesnake populations reached unprecedented numbers.  Snakes caused the extirpation of most of the native forest vertebrate species; thousands of power outages affecting private, commercial, and military activities; widespread loss of domestic birds and pets; and considerable emotional trauma to residents and visitors alike when snakes invaded human habitats with the potential for severe envenomation of small children.”[3]

“Zebra mussels arrived in the United States 20 years ago and quickly spread throughout the country. By 1989, they had made their way to New York; a year later, they were already causing problems.  Considered an invasive species, the tiny mollusk is notorious for clogging the intake pipes of power plants, and damaging boats and harbors. The only way to get rid of them was by using highly toxic, polluting pesticides.”[4]

As you may well know [or not] The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Agricultural Library (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/main.shtml) provides an extensive repository of case studies.

Suffice it to say that I am, as are a tremendous number of other local homeowners [that may not take the time/effort to send correspondence], adamantly against the proposal to introduce this foreign species, Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis), into native waters.  History tends to prove out actions, no matter how well intended, and it is my belief that adequate history presents this proposal as a highly imprudent consideration, especially if only to bolster oyster production for the benefit of restaurantiers and retailers (greed?), as I understand the primary impetus.  The current effort by LynnhavenNOW and local volunteers is making tremendous progress revitalizing the famous Lynnhaven oyster population.  Sometimes we really don’t NEED what we think we want…

If possible, the allocated funds for this proposal could be redirected to local efforts to restore the pristine characteristics of the Lynnhaven through repopulation of native species – – just a thought.

George Santayana stated, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.  But of course, George Bernard Shaw stated, “We learn from history that we learn nothing from history”.  The choice is now yours [and others], but the decision will ultimately be your [and the USACOE] legacy.  I strongly encourage a methodical deliberation on this decision.

Respectfully submitted,
Ken Scandell
Cape Henry Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Thank you.

Read entire story & comment at Pilotonline.com.

View map of proposal. [pop up window]
Pound Net Flyer in opposition being circulated. [2pg PDF]

Letter SDCC to VMRC opposing application:

November 24, 2008

Deputy Commissioner Jack Travelstead
VMRC Fisheries Management Division
2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Newport News, Virginia 23607

Subject: Opposition to the requests (October 6th and 31st) for 4 new pound pole fishing licenses off the shores of Cape Henry Beach in Virginia Beach.

Dear Mr. Travelstead,

I am sending this letter on behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), an umbrella organization of civic and community associations representing approximately 8000 homes in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach.  At its November 24th general meeting, the SDCC voted unanimously to oppose the 4 new pound pole fishing licenses applied for on October 6th and October 31st for nets located off the shores of Cape Henry Beach (between the Lynnhaven Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean).

The community bases this opposition on the following concerns:
·      Adverse impact to the recreational use of these waters.
·      Increased safety concerns for boaters and kayakers.
·      Increased potential to harm or kill protected marine life.
·      Potential to overfish an area that already has restrictions on existing pound nets.

In addition to opposing these new licenses, the SDCC requests the VMRC to change legislation and code to prohibit any future licenses from being acquired off the shores of Virginia Beach.  This request is based on the fact that the Virginia Beach shorelines are the most densely populated sections in the City of Virginia Beach and that any new pound nets in these areas will result in the same problems mentioned above.

Thank you for your time and for listening to our concerns.  If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info

Sincerely,

Todd R. Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

Distribution:

Mayor Oberndorf
Mr. Clay Bernick
City Council Members
Mr. Kal Kassir, BAC Chairman
Mr. Jim Spore

Thanks to Grace for forwarding them.

10-16-08 BAC Minutes.pdf [4pg PDF]

Note: received as Word Doc file, reformatted, unedited into PDF file.

Stacey from Resort & Conference Center is attending our meeting Monday to pick up your canned goods.

Here’s what they’re looking for:

The Food Bank is in need of many items.  Please see below for the Top Ten Wanted List from the Southeastern Virginia Food Bank:

Most Wanted
·                      Peanut Butter
·                      Chunky Soups
·                      Canned Meats
·                      Canned Tuna
·                      Canned Vegetables
·                      Juice
·                      Cereal
·                      Macaroni and Cheese
·                      Pasta
·                      Pasta Sauces

Emergency Needs
·                      Water
·                      Canned Juice
·                      Snack Foods
·                      Boxed, Canned Powdered Milk
·                      Canned Vegetables
·                      Canned Fruits
·                      Canned Meats
·                      Canned Soups
·                      Spreads (peanut butter, jelly)
·                      Cereal

Senior Citizens
·                      Pudding cups/ Fruit Cups/ Jell-O cups
·                      Crackers
·                      Sugar free snacks
·                      Small packets of dried milk
·                      Small cans of vegetables
·                      Small jars of peanut butter and jelly
·                      Reduced sodium canned soups
·                      High fiber cereal
·                      Canned tuna and chicken
·                      Dried fruit

Thank you as always for your help!

In celebration of our volunteers and the completion of the 7 year tenure of our fearless leader, Todd, we invite you to join us Monday Nov.24 at 6:45pm at the rescue station (prior to our monthly meeting at 7:30pm) for a potluck dessert buffet.

Please bring a bag of your favorite store boughts or make your favorite homemade delight.

Let us celebrate and share the joy of community and give thanks for the time and energy so many people have given to our Coalition.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday November 24, 2008

SDCC General Meeting – Monday November 24th, 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation –

1.    Oyster Restoration Project – Native or Non-native, which is best?  Mrs. Laurie Sorabella, Assistant Director and Marine Scientist for Lynnhaven River NOW, will discuss the current Army Corp study and explain why LRN, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia, and all of the nearby Mid-Atlantic states are saying “no” to introducing Crassostrea ariakensis (Asian oyster) to the Cheapeake Bay.

2.  Pound pole fishing nets – Should more nets be allowed off the shores of Cape Henry Beaches?  Mr. Mark Swingle, Virginia Aquarium Director of Research and Conservation, will discuss pounds nets, their impact and the recent request to build 4 new nets off Cape Henry..

The general agenda for the evening will be:
Officer’s Reports – Brief Reports
Secretary – Tim
Treasurer’s Report – Leslie
Vice President & President – Daphne & Todd

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project – There will be no State Water Control Board hearing in December.  A new hearing date has not been set, but the WCB has told us that a 30 day notice has to be given prior to any hearing.  So the next notification by the applicant would have to be no later than Dec. 6th for a Jan hearing.  SDCC is working with our attorney, Richard Whittemore and some college law students on position statements and possible appeal processes.

City Marina Rezoning – In accordance with the SDCC’s Sept motion, a letter was sent on Oct 27th to Barry Frankenfield requesting that the City withdraw the request for rezoning of the City Marina property.  The SDCC received an email in return stating the request had been withdrawn.  The SDCC has subsequently requested the Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) to take the lead on any future plans regarding this property and to ensure that all applicable parties are represented from the start of discussions.

Update on Lesner Bridge Replacement – Figg, the new bridge design consultant, has made a presentation to the BAC at their September meeting.  No contact has been made with the SDCC to go over updates or alignment plans.  Do we want a speaker to come to our January meeting?  Also, what is the groups opinion on the bridge width and possible alignment?

New Business –

Oyster Restoration Project – Should SDCC take a position on this subject?  If so, should we send a letter to the Army Corp of Engineers in support of LRN’s and CBF’s position or a letter supporting the introduction of non-native oysters?

Pound Pole Fishing Nets – Should SDCC take a position on this subject?  If so, should we send a letter to the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) in opposition to these 4 specific permits or something broader that asks them to prohibit any new nets off the shores of Cape Henry & Chicks Beaches?  Also, what role should the BAC and the City play in this topic?

Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) Update – In an effort to get the BAC more involved in the community’s issues, the SDCC has been identifying concerns and asking the BAC for action.  To date, these are the issues that have been identified to BAC (City Marina Future, Pound Pole Net Licenses, Native vs. Non-native Oyster Restoration Project).  This is just a small number of our issues, the SDCC officers would like to have the group identify all of the additional issues so we can send them to the BAC for similar action.  Some suggestions are Create a future Lynnhaven River dredging plan that eliminates the boat ramp as a transfer site, Create a plan for the purchase or land swap deal to acquire Pleasure House Point (Indigo Dunes) from the Sandlers, Re-evaluate the currently funded 2 phases of the Shore Drive Improvements to reduce costs, Take a position on Sand Replenishment for Cape Henry Beach.

Crab Creek and Long Creek Dredging – According to Mr. Michael Kay, City Public Works, the City is planning to have Crab Creek dredged as well as providing some maintenance dredging to Long Creek in the coming months.  The specifications are under review and a survey of the Crab Creek and Long Creek channels and the associated material placement areas is underway.  It is anticipated that the project will be advertised for bid in late November to early December with award and Notice to Proceed in January.  The project will be packaged to allow either mechanical or hydraulic dredging; the contractors bidding the project will decide how they want to bid the project.  Historically mechanical means has been the preferred method by contractors.  In past contracts signs and notices were posted at the boat ramp as well as notification to the Coast Guard for issuance of a Notice to Mariners when the project is to begin and during construction, these procedures will be used again for this contract.

2009 SDCC Officer Election –  The following people will be running for 2009 SDCC Office.  They are currently unopposed; however, the SDCC by-laws allow nominations to be made from the floor with the nominees consent.  All members are eligible to vote. President – Grace Moran; Vice President – Steve Kohler; Treasurer – Leslie Cornwell; Secretary – Todd Solomon; Information Officer – Tim Solanic (Honorary Officer)

Printable Agenda [PDF file]

The official word is:
Indigo Dunes is not on the agenda for the Water Board December meeting.

From Laurie Sorabella:

Dear Lynnhaven River NOW members,

Everyone is looking at the Lynnhaven River’s recovering native oyster population with tremendous excitement.

Over the last 10 years, thousands of students and citizens have worked together with non-profits and governmental organizations to build oyster reefs in the Lynnhaven and to stock millions of reproductive oysters to the reefs.  These community-raised oysters reproduce in the river, thus their babies also contribute to the Lynnhaven’s impressive developing oyster population.  After only a decade of restoration activities, I am delighted to be able to report that all of this effort is working!  Ten years ago, the Lynnhaven’s oyster population was estimated to be at about 1% of historic abundance, and recent calculations estimate that we may have already increased the Lynnhaven’s population to as much as 10% of historic abundance.  That is a 10-fold increase in 10 years.

But today, there is a major threat to our burgeoning Lynnhaven River oyster population.

There is a heated debate underway right now with some parties favoring the introduction of a non-native oyster species to Chesapeake Bay waters.  The Suminoe oyster, Crassostrea ariakensis, is the oyster species under consideration.  If this asian oyster species is introduced into Chesapeake Bay and invades the Lynnhaven River (a likely scenario if the oyster is introduced), the asian oysters will surely hinder the restoration of our native oysters because the Suminoe oyster interferes with native oyster reproduction, undermining the laudable oyster restoration progress in the Lynnhaven.  In addition to jeopardizing our native oyster restoration efforts, the Suminoe oyster harbors human pathogens moreso than our native oyster, posing more risk for human consumption, and the Suminoe oyster may cause increased oyster disease risks to our existing native oysters.  For these, and several additional reasons, Lynnhaven River NOW, together with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia, and all of the nearby Mid-Atlantic states are saying “no” to introducing Crassostrea ariakensis to the Cheapeake Bay.

Please let the Army Corps of Engineers know that you oppose introducing Crassostrea ariakensis to the Cheapeake Bay.

You can make your position known by attending one of 2 upcoming public meetings or you can send a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers voicing your position.  Public meeting information is as follows:

    1.    Friday, November 7, 2008 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    Virginia Marine Resources Commission main office, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Va. 23607
    2.    Monday, November 10, 2008 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    Nandua High School, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, Va. 23418 (Eastern Shore)

If you would prefer to send a letter, you can write one of your own and send it to the address below, or you can check your e-mail in the next few days because Lynnhaven River NOW will be circulating a sample letter for you to work from.  Comments may be submitted through December 15, 2008 and mailed to:
          Department of the Army
          Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers
          Attn: Mr. Mark Mansfield
          Chief, Planning and Policy Branch
          803 Front Street , Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096
or e-mailed to: Mark.T.Mansfield@usace.army.mil
Comments should reference the Draft PEIS. For more information visit http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/OysterEIS/homepage.asp

Poll volunteers did an outstanding job! Thank you!
Took 51 minutes from getting there to voting.

Candidates’ written responses to your questions.*

Mayoral Candiates:

John Moss
Will Sessoms

Kempsville:

Andrew Jackson

Rose Hall:

Glenn Davis

At Large:

Lee Shuler
Rosemary Wilson

* All responses are posted.
All responses were reformatted into PDF files whether they were copy/pasted from an email or migrated from a Word file.
Our only goal was to post all responses as fairly & clearly as possible.
SDCC can not support or promote individual candidates.

Thanks to Lee for the info!

Her email about the dredging needed to open Crab Creek channel:

Subj: Crab Creek Dredging

Dear Mr. Kay:

  On behalf of the fishing and recreational boating communities, would you kindly give me a status report on having Crab Creek dredged this winter since October thru February is the time in which there are no restrictions on dredging for Crab Creek?  Information I would like to report back to the fishing and boating communities is as follows:

1.  Does the City have plans to have Crab Creek dredged between now and February, 2009?

2.  If not, then please explain why not, especially since Crab Creek is suppose to be 50 ft. wide and 5-6 feet at mean low water, and we know that it is less than 15 ft. wide and will continue to narrow if not dredged in a timely manner.  This can, of course, create a hazard to boating when an exiting boat and an entering boat into Crab Creek are forced to pass too closely or try to avoid hitting and end up beaching themselves along side of the Crab Creek Channel shoals.  I believe much of the depth of this channel at low tide is also under 3 feet.  If left undredge for another season, surely the opening of Crab Creek from the Lynnhaven Inlet will close, and an “exception” to the time of year restrictions will have to be applied for from VMRC.  Is it not better to plan ahead knowing the facts of the situation? 

3.  If Crab Creek will be dredged between now and February, 2009, what type of dredging will be performed, i.e., mechanical vs. hydraulic and please provide as much information as you can as to the bidding information, contractor, when will the dredging begin, and how long is the dredging anticipated to last and any other details in which boaters should be aware of when using Crab Creek during this period.

  Thank you for your assistance to this matter.  I look forward to hearing from you so that I may continue to keep our boating community safe and informed on important issues, especially during striped bass season.

Master Captain Leona “Lee” M. Shuler
2008 At-Large City Council Candidate
2448 Rose Hall Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
757-481-5371
757-718-1457
Email:  CaptainShuler@aol.com
cc:  Mr. Justin Worrell, VMRC
Capt. Reese, WTAR Radio Fishing Talk Show Host
City Council
Lee Tolliver, Virginian Pilot

The response from Mr. Kay:

Subj: RE: Crab Creek Dredging

Ms. Shuler,

Yes the City is planning to have Crab Creek dredged as well as providing some maintenance dredging to Long Creek in the coming months.  The specifications are currently under review and a survey of the Crab Creek and Long Creek channels and the associated material placement areas is underway.  Upon completion of the survey the necessary calculations will be performed and incorporated into the specifications.  It is anticipated that the project will be advertised for bid in late November to early December with award and Notice to Proceed in January.  The project will be packaged to allow either mechanical or hydraulic dredging; the contractors bidding the project will decide how they want to bid the project.  Historically mechanical means has been the preferred method by contractors.

In past contracts signs and notices were posted at the boat ramp as well as notification to the Coast Guard for issuance of a Notice To Mariners when the project is to begin and during construction, these procedures will be used again for this contract.

Sincerely,

Michael F. Kay
Coastal Engineering Division
Public Works Engineering
City of Virginia Beach
ph. (757) 385-4511 fax. (757) 385-5783

From Barry:

Todd,

Thank you for your recent letter and email dated October 27, 2008 from the Shore Drive Community Coalition. In response to your request and in our continued efforts to work with community representatives, the Department of Parks and Recreation will withdraw the applications for re-zoning and conditional use permit for the Lynnhaven Marina effective immediately. In addition, we commit to continue to work with you and community representatives to ensure we are providing valued services and facilities.  A signed letter of this same information is attached.

As always, please feel free to distribute or post this information as needed. Should you have any questions or comments, please let me know. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Barry

J. Barry Frankenfield, FASLA, AICP
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-385-1104 (Phone) – 757-385-1130 (FAX)

bfranken@vbgov.com

Our vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that creates a sense of community.

SDCC’s letter requesting withdrawal.

From Regina in Cape Story:
On Monday, Oct 27 , at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Sandalwood Rd. at the beach walkway entrance, a car toppled the City dune sign, ran over the large retainer logs and continued about 10 feet into the bushes. Three males abandoned the vehicle and fled the seen on foot. The Police had the vehicle towed away and are investigating the incident. This is all that is known at this time.

Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity.

Check out our letter from Todd to the City. [1pg PDF]

SDCC General Meeting – Monday October 27th, 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation – No planned presentation.  There is a good chance that a few candidates will be present and we will allow them a couple minutes each to impress us.

The general agenda for the evening will be:

Officer’s Reports – Brief Reports
Secretary – Tim
Treasurer’s Report – Leslie
Vice President & President – Daphne & Todd

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project – Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) completed their recommendation and submitted it along with responses to the public comets to the State Water Control Board (WCB) on Sept 30th.  The WCB hearing set for October 17th was deferred at the request of the applicant (the Sandlers).  A new hearing date has not been set, but the next WCB hearing will take place on Dec 3rd & 4th.  The applicant must notify the WCB no later than Nov. 5th if they want to be placed on the agenda.  SDCC is working with our attorney, Richard Whittemore and some college law students on position statements and possible appeal processes.

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – All Mayor and City Council candidates were opposed to using the LBR as a transfer station and supported having multiple sites in the areas where the dredging supports.  Lee Shuler FOIA’d the City and received a bridge impact study that says if a fully loaded barge traveling at 2 knots were to hit the bridge pillar, the pillar would fail.  Just imagine what would happen if it hits at the actual speeds we all know are there (5-6 knots).  The study was dated Oct 3rd, 2 days after the SDCC forum.  Is the City still pursuing the LBR as a possible site? 

City Council Candidate Forum– SDCC and OPCL held a Candidate Forum on Wednesday Oct 1st at Baylake United Methodist Church.  About 120 residents came to hear 14 of the 15 candidates answer 9 questions pertaining to the Shore Drive area.  If you attended, the SDCC would like to have you comment on the forum, good or bad, so we can capture ideas for the next one in 2 years.

SDCC Officer Nomination Committee – The nominating committee finalized the candidate list for 2009.  The following people will be running for 2009 SDCC Office.  They are currently unopposed, however, the SDCC by-laws allow nominations to be made from the floor with the nominees consent.  Elections will be held at the November SDCC General Meeting.  All members are eligible to vote.

President – Grace Moran; Vice President – Steve Kohler; Treasurer – Leslie Cornwell; Secretary – Todd Solomon; Information Officer – Tim Solanic (Honorary Officer)

New Business –

Update on Lesner Bridge Replacement – Figg, the new bridge design consultant, was in town performing interviews regarding bridge alignment.  Residents of 3556 were contacted and found out that current plans have the new bridge being placed to the north.  The bridge will come right next to 3556’s access road.  SDCC needs to discuss taking a formal position on the bridge width.  Should the bridge be built 8 lanes wide as currently planned or should it be reduced to 6 lanes wide?  (Both plans only have the road striped for 4 lanes).  Figg wants the 8 lanes so they can maintain 4 lanes of traffic during all phases of construction.  A 6 lane wide bridge would only allow 3 lanes during construction.

Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) Update – The BAC discussed plans to move ahead with neighborhood signage to be part of each demonstration project.  The signs will be minimal design and consistent.  Something that shows the theme of the live oak.  BAC is also deciding if the Shore Drive area should be included in the City strategic growth areas (SGA) in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan.  Being an SGA may bring more funding to the area, but may also designate us as an area that wants high density development.

Virginia Beach Neighborhood Conference – One key discussion held dealt with the intersection of Kendall and Shore Drive.  Traffic engineers were asked to look into lowering the speed limit from N. Great Neck to First Landing State Park.  They were also asked to look at a flashing light triggered by a car at the stop sign and/or pedestrian push buttons.

The City’s New Comprehensive Plan – Based on the BAC’s position, should SDCC take a position on our area relative to the Comp Plan?  Lynnhaven River NOW has also submitted a position paper.

Printable agenda. [1pg PDF]

Remember the crazy idea to have a permanent public & private dredge spoils transfer station at the LBR&BR?
The idea is not dead yet but we finally have more info we can share.

We finally received a summary of the report done by Clark-Nexsen studying what damage would be done if a loaded barge operating at the proposed transfer station would strike the Lesner.
Scope and Work Summary [4pg PDF].
This is the report that was requested back in April.

Remember the hit and run barge strike in May ‘08 that didn’t make the MSM?
Here’s the Accident Report [5pg PDF].

Thanks to Lee for both docs from her FOIA request.

We picked up 7 bags, about 140lbs of litter, including the typical unlimited amount of cig butts, plus metal sign holders, corrugated cardboard jammed into a storm drain, a power lawn mower blade, & unsightly, unnecessary litter.

Thanks to all who came out!

Anyone know what this Police escorted bike ride was for?
There were about 75 riders.

From Regina:

A young man riding a bike was struck by a vehicle this morning (Tuesday, Oct 14) at approximately 9:30 a.m. on the bike path.  The biker did not stop at the cross street but fortunately the vehicle was going slow and the biker was not hurt. This is the third known incident of this nature in the past 2 years.  Our City Traffic Engineers refuse to put stop signs on our streets that cross the bike path because in their words, they would cause rear end collisions.  Drivers, please be aware of the bike path and be prepared for a bike or pedestrian to run their stop sign and cross in front of you.

Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity.

Regina Wallace
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
Cape Story by the Sea
496-6458

Come on out to our Starbucks for our Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup of Shore Drive.

Saturday, tomorrow: 9am
Tips: wear clothes you’d “work” in, bring gloves, wear your walking shoes…

As a thank you, receive a free drink from Starbucks!

Check out our last clean up.