USCG Licensed Captain Jay Bliss, who holds Seat 5 on the St. Augustine Port Waterway and Beach District, informed local government reporters with Historic City News about last night’s workshop at the St. Augustine Beach Municipal Building.
“There was standing room only,” Bliss said. “About 140 people attended the workshop.”
The purpose of the workshop was to listen to the community concerning the choking of the Summer Haven River; which Bliss describes as “a disaster that continues to evolve from its inception in 2008.”
According to Bliss, the vast sand flats of the Summer Haven River critically restrict the waterway’s flow.
A panel of representatives from regulating agencies listened to summaries of the debacle from residents in the area. Agencies represented included; Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Army Corps of Engineers, Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, St. Johns County, Florida Inland Navigation District and the St. Johns River Water Management District.
“The solidarity of the residents was remarkable,” Bliss told Historic City News.
According to Bliss, all agencies felt that there was a solution to restore the Summer Haven River. Bliss said, “Hopefully this can be accomplished without it being studied to death.”
Possible resolutions to the dilemma will be discussed by the port commissioners when the item comes up on the agenda at their regular meeting next week.
If you are planning to attend the St. Augustine Port Waterway and Beach District meeting, it is scheduled to be held Tuesday, February 15th at 3:00 p.m., in the St. Augustine Beach City Commission Meeting Room located at 2200 A1A South in St. Augustine Beach.
Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer
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