Beaches Watch News & Updates |
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Upcoming Events & Important Dates |
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JACKSONVILLE MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUM
Friday, April 28 at 7pm
Location:
Beaches Vineyard Church
751 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach
Mayoral Candidates Davis and Deegan have confirmed their participation!
Come learn more about the candidates before you vote!
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RENEW YOUR 2023 MEMBERSHIP NOW!
Yearly memberships January thru December
Thank you for your continued support!
ATLANTIC BEACH CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS
4th Wednesdays at 6pm
Location: City Commission Chambers
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 6pm
The meetings are open to the public
JACKSONVILLE ELECTION DATES
Early voting: May 1 - May 14, 10am - 6pm
Location: Beaches Branch Library, 10am to 6pm
Election day: May 16, 2023
Sunday, April 30, 2 - 3:30pm
Jacksonville Beach downtown
SAVE THE DATE: May 3, 2023 at 7pm
May Beaches Watch Meeting
Topic: State of the St. Johns River
Guest Speakers: Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper
Dr. Gerry Pinto, Associate Research Scientist at the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University
NOTE NEW LOCATION: Carver Center, 777 5th Ave S, Jacksonville Beach
SATURDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS, 10AM - 2PM
Beaches Green Market
Location: Penman Park, 321 Penman Rd, Jacksonville Beach
SUNDAYS, 10AM - 2PM
Atlantic Beach Farmer's Market
Location: Jack Russell Park, 850 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach
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REMINDER:
Jacksonville Mayoral Forum Friday April 28
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As a service to beaches voters, Beaches Watch is sponsoring a second candidate forum for Jacksonville Mayor candidates, Daniel Davis and Donna Deegan (alphabetically listed) at 7 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Beaches Vineyard Church, 751 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach.
The candidate forum is open to the public and will give beaches voters another opportunity to hear more from the Jacksonville Mayor candidates before the election on May 16, 2023. Voters will also have an opportunity to talk individually with the candidates and get candidate literature.
The election will be held Tuesday, May 16, 7am to 7pm. Early voting will be held at the Beaches Branch Library, 600 3 rd St., Neptune Beach, May 1 through May 14, from 10am to 6pm.
“We look forward to hearing from the Mayor candidates so beaches voters can learn about the candidates’ positions on issues important to the beaches and make an informed decision when they vote,” said Beaches Watch President Maria Mark.
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Jax Beach: Make Your Voices Heard!
Vote on Height Increase Referendum on May 16 Ballot
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On Wednesday, April 5, Beaches Watch hosted a panel to discuss the Jacksonville Beach height increase referendum that will be on the May 16 ballot.
To help Jacksonville Beach voters understand this important issue, Beaches Watch hosted a panel of participants who represented various perspectives on the issue. Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman discussed her position in support of the height increase. Michelle Tipton, a representative from Better Beach 32250, a grassroots organization of Jacksonville Beach residents, discussed their position in opposition to the proposed height increase. Also on the panel was Georgette Dumont, representative from the Protect the Beach Life Political Action Committee, who discussed the Political Committee’s position on the proposed height increase.
You can watch the meeting video here:
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LEARN MORE ABOUT HEIGHT INCREASE REFERENDUM
On March 20, the Jacksonville Beach City Council voted 5-2 to put a referendum on the May 16 ballot proposing an amendment to the City Charter to allow a height increase to 55 feet on the Latham Plaza parking lot property to allow the City to redevelop the property with a mixed use development and parking garage.
In 2004, Jacksonville Beach voters approved placing the 35 foot height limit in the City's Charter because citizens wanted to protect our lower density, low rise beach community. Voters also wanted to ensure that any future change to the height in Jacksonville Beach would have to be approved by the voters, not 4 City Council members.
Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard. If you don't vote on anything else, Jacksonville Beach voters need to vote on the height referendum to let the City Council know what you want for your community. Do you approve or disapprove of a 55 foot building on the Latham Plaza parking lot?
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
GET OUT AND VOTE!
Early voting will be held May 1 - May 14, 10am - 6pm
Location: Beaches Branch Library
Election day: Tuesday, May 16, 7am to 7pm
MORE ABOUT THE HEIGHT INCREASE REFERENDUM
The proposed change to the Jacksonville Beach Charter would add the language highlighted below:
Section 52 - Zoning Authority:
(2)(a) In order to further protect the public health, safety, general welfare, and aesthetics, no new building height shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet, nor shall any existing building be altered to cause it to exceed a building height of thirty-five (35) feet, except the City shall have the power to redevelop the City-owned property bounded by 1st Street North, 2nd Street North, Latham Plaza, and 111 Beach Boulevard to a building height maximum not to exceed 55 feet, for a mixed-use redevelopment project with parking structure.
The referendum question on the May 16 ballot will be the following:
Shall the Jacksonville Beach Charter be amended to allow the redevelopment of a City-owned property bounded by 1st Street North, 2nd Street North, Latham Plaza, and 111 Beach Boulevard, exempting the property from the 35 feet height limit, to allow a maximum building height of 55 feet for a mixed use redevelopment with a parking structure?
Yes
No
ABOUT THE LATHAM PLAZA PARKING LOT REDEVELOPMENT
The Latham Plaza parking lot property is owned by the City and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has been discussing redeveloping this property to a height of 55 feet with a mixed use development that would include a parking garage, retail as well as residential or office space. The CRA would like to redevelop the Latham Plaza parking lot property through a Public Private Partnership (also known as a P3). The City Manager suggested that voting on the the Charter amendment in May would allow the CRA to move forward with their plan to solicit a development partner for the project.
It is important to note there are currently no plans or criteria for a proposed development on the Latham Plaza property. Whatever will be developed there will be decided AFTER the vote on the referendum.
The location of the Latham Plaza parking lot can be seen here in this aerial, with the property outlined in yellow.
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Because the referendum will be on the Jacksonville election ballot, Jacksonville Beach voters are not aware there is a Jacksonville Beach issue on the ballot. So it is important to spread the word to let Jax Beach voters know the height increase referendum is on the May 16 ballot.
We encourage you to help spread the word and educate your friends and neighbors about the importance of voting early or voting on May 16.
To help get the word out, there are several efforts underway by Jacksonville Beach citizens. Learn more about their efforts:
This is a Political Action Committee that has been formed to promoting participatory democracy in Jax Beach.
This is a grassroots advocacy group of citizens looking for volunteers to help in various ways (i.e. going door-to-door, making phone calls, waving signs, writing letters to the editor, etc.).
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NEW Pedestrian Crossings in Jax Beach and Neptune Beach |
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From the FDOT press release:
Two new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) facilities on 3rd Street (State Road A1A) at Bay Street in Neptune Beach and 15th Avenue North in Jacksonville Beach are scheduled to be activated for use Tuesday, April 18, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) are designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy or higher-speed roadways at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections, where a majority of pedestrian fatalities occur. Unlike traditional pre-timed pedestrian traffic signals, PHBs are activated only when needed by the pedestrian and allow motorists to proceed once the pedestrian has cleared the travel lane. More information about navigating PHBs, including instructions for both motorists and pedestrians, is available at trafficsafetyteam.org/pedestrian-hybrid-beacon.
These pedestrian safety improvements are part of a larger project that also includes improvements to the intersection of 3rd Street and Atlantic Boulevard (State Road 10). American Lighting and Signalization, Inc. is expected to complete the $1.9 million project later this spring.
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SAVE THE DATE:
State of the St. Johns River on May 3
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On Wednesday, May 3 at 7pm, Beaches Watch will host a State of the St. Johns River meeting.
PLEASE NOTE NEW MEETING LOCATION:
Due to early voting at the library, the meeting will be held at the
Jacksonville Beach Carver Center
777 5th Ave S, Jacksonville Beach
The meeting is open to the public.
Join Dr. Gerard ”Gerry” F. Pinto, Associate Research Scientist at the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University and Lisa Rinaman, YOUR St. Johns Riverkeeper, as they give an in-depth report on the “2022 State of the River Report for the Lower St. Johns River Basin, Florida: Water Quality, Fisheries, Aquatic Life, & Contaminants (SRR).” Among many topics that will be covered, water quality, condition and status of fish, crab and shrimp populations in our area, and how are our river and marshes that support thriving populations of plants and animals, while also providing economic, recreational, and health benefits for our beaches communities.
Beaches Watch President Maria Mark said, “We are excited to have Dr. Pinto and Lisa Rinaman speak about the health of our St. Johns River. The river is one of our most precious resources and essential to supporting our lives and livelihoods. Learn what you can do to be a "St. Johns Riverkeeper" so it will continue to sustain us now and for future generations. ”
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Applications Being Accepted for
Fland Sharp Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: Sunday, April 30
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A Jacksonville Beach native and graduate of Fletcher High School, Fland Sharp was a life-long resident of the beaches who loved his community and enriched the quality of life through his community involvement and public service. Fland served as American Red Cross Lifesaving Captain, he was a founding member of Beaches Watch and served 16 years on the Jacksonville Beach City Council, including 8 years as Mayor. With a fierce love of Jacksonville Beach and a dedication to preserving the special quality of life of his beloved beach community, Fland's contributions and legacy as a community leader are a shining example for generations to come.
To honor Fland Sharp and inspire a deserving Fletcher High School senior to follow in Fland's footsteps of dedicated community involvement, Beaches Watch established the Fland Sharp Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is a needs-based and merit-based $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to a deserving Fletcher senior this May.
For the 7th year, Beaches Watch is soliciting applications for the Fland Sharp Memorial Scholarship to support a deserving senior in their next steps after high school. Applicants need to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be in good standing with the Dean’s Office, and submit the Fland Sharp Memorial Scholarship Application with a 500-word essay no later than 5pm, Sunday, April 30, 2023.
For the 500 word essay, students are asked to choose ONE of the following topics:
(a) How to improve the quality of life within the Beaches community; or
(b) how you can personally contribute to the quality of life at the Beaches; or
(c) propose and explain local Beach government legislation that would benefit the quality of life at the Beaches.
The applicant should provide collective data and factual research that supports their essay.
Please help us spread the word. We want to honor one of the Class of 2022 for his or her dedication to academics and service to our community. For more information, email info@beacheswatch.com.
If you would like to donate to support the Fland Sharp Memorial Scholarship, you can do so here:
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ADDITIONAL INFO ABOUT JACKSONVILLE CANDIDATES
ON THE MAY 16 BALLOT
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FEBRUARY MAYORAL FORUM
As a service to beaches voters, Beaches Watch sponsored a candidate forum for Jacksonville Mayor candidates on February 22. The candidate forum provided beaches voters with the unique opportunity to learn more about the mayoral candidates and their positions on issues important to beaches voters: communication with the beaches, the beaches interlocal agreements with Jacksonville, double taxation concerns for the beaches, Mayport Village and more!
If you were not able to attend the forum, you can learn more about Daniel Davis and Donna Deegan's positions on issues important to the beaches by watching the forum video below.
Please feel free to share the video with your friends and neighbors!
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CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES
Beaches Watch sent the Mayor and City Council candidates written questions about topics and issues important to beaches voters. You can see the questionnaires that have been returned by the candidates below. If responses were not returned, it is noted below that the candidate did not respond.
*** It is important to note: the Jacksonville At-Large candidates represent the entire city, which means they should also represent the beaches. Please take the time to learn about these candidates before you vote!!! ***
Mayor:
Daniel Davis (REP) – Candidate did not respond
Donna Deegan (DEM) – Candidate did not respond
At-Large Group 5:
Charles Garrison (DEM) - Candidate did not respond
CANDIDATE WEBSITES
You can also learn more about the candidates by visiting their websites:
Mayor:
At-Large Group 5:
Property Appraiser:
GET OUT AND VOTE!
Early voting will be held May 1 - May 14, from 10am to 6pm at the Beaches Branch Library, 600 3rd St., Neptune Beach.
The election will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 7am to 7pm.
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Sign Up for Local Voices United Alerts |
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Local Voices United is a grassroots community of Floridians that aims to empower citizens and neighbors to defend local decision-making in the Sunshine State.
Local Voices believes that local works; that government closest to the people usually serves the people best.
What is local decision-making?
It’s the idea that our communities should be governed by the people who live in them. This idea was enshrined in Florida’s constitution over 50-years ago and it’s essential to American democracy today.
So, what’s the problem?
Government closest to the people is generally more responsive, accountable and effective. However, powerful special interests are trying to centralize control and override the decisions of local voters. “One-size-fits-all” doesn’t work in Florida. Each community is unique and should reflect the needs of its residents.
Local Voices United will keep you up to date about important legislation or issues that can directly impact your neighborhood, highlight local decision-making and why it works, and when it counts, give you clear and simple ways to speak out.
Together, we can make a difference in our communities and in the State Capitol by showing policymakers that local voices should make local choices.
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SERVE ON THE BEACHES WATCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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If you are interested in serving on the Beaches Watch board, we are currently seeking persons with any of the following experience:
- Finance/accounting
- Membership recruitment/retention
- Public relations/Marketing
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Beaches Watch Memberships
Memberships are valid from January thru December and available to residents of Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach.
Your membership fees and donations will be used to support the following Beaches Watch programs for 2023:
- Costs for virtual Zoom meetings
- Friend of the Beaches Award
- Fland Sharp Memorial Scholarship awarded to a deserving Fletcher High senior
- Give Back Donation for a worthy beaches nonprofit
- Candidate forums so beaches citizens can learn about the candidates who will represent them in elected office
- Monthly meeting programs
Membership fees:
- $15 for individual
- $20 for family
- $5 for student
- $15 for non-resident supporter (for supporters who don't live in Atlantic Beach, Jax Beach or Neptune Beach)
PAY ONLINE
To make it easier, you can pay your membership securely online through Paypal. It only takes a few minutes and will help save money and be kind to the environment.
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DONATIONS
In addition to your membership fee, donations are also appreciated to support the programs Beaches Watch provides to enrich our quality of life at the beaches.
DONATE TO THE FLAND SHARP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND:
A Jacksonville Beach native and graduate of Fletcher High School, Fland Sharp was a life-long resident of the beaches who loved his community and enriched the beaches quality of life through his community involvement and public service. The Beaches Watch Board of Directors believes the Fland Sharp Memorial Scholarship will serve to inspire a deserving Fletcher High School senior to follow in Fland's footsteps of dedicated community involvement.
Your donation will be used in its entirety to provide a monetary scholarship to a deserving Fletcher High School senior.
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MAIL YOUR MEMBERSHIP AND DONATION
If you would prefer to mail us your support, CLICK HERE to download the membership form.
With your support, you will help us continue our mission to promote and facilitate educated and productive citizen involvement in local and state decisions that affect the quality of life of our beaches communities in Duval County.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
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Beaches Watch is a non-profit, non-partisan civic organization whose mission is to promote and facilitate educated and productive citizen involvement in local and state government decisions that affect the future of our northeast Florida beaches communities. We achieve this by raising, monitoring and researching issues; providing factual issue information to the general public and government officials; encouraging citizen participation in the solutions to beaches growth and quality of life issues and organizing citizens for action. |
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BEACHES WATCH,INC. REGISTRATION # CH18582
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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