Year: 2018

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Drones and Sky Lanterns Prohibited

“Floating Sky Lanterns & Aerial Drones – July 4th Festivities”

 

This year the Flagler Beach Police Department is once again requesting that aerial drones and floating sky lanterns stay grounded during this year’s Fourth of July festivities.

“We issued a similar request for this event the last two (2) years and compliance by the public with those requests was outstanding.  We’re issuing this year’s request in advance of the event in order to obtain similar results’” said Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney. “The Fire-Flight helicopter allows us the opportunity to identify traffic related problems in real time and provide solutions that are not easily recognizable at ground level.  Having the helicopter operate in unoccupied airspace after the fireworks have concluded is a safety concern and the publics compliance with this request is greatly appreciated”.

The increased use of aerial drones by the public over the past few years, along with the release of numerous floating sky lanterns after the 2015 fireworks presentation, has prompted this request.

In cases requiring an emergency response by Fire Flight, the helicopter may be required to land in a public area or near the beach.  Flying drones in or near an emergency helicopter poses a risk to the pilot as well as the general public and under FAA guidelines, unless you have a permit, they’re unlawful in Flagler Beach due to our close proximity to Flagler County Airport.

“While floating sky lanterns and drones may be beautiful to look at or fun to fly, they create a serious conflict with airspace,” Doughney continued.  “The safety of the public and the flight crew is paramount”.

This request is being made in a proactive effort to reduce any conflicts in airspace.  We want this year’s event and its subsequent traffic egress to be as safe as possible.  Compliance with this request is greatly appreciated.

For more information regarding this request, please contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2024.

#Flagler4th

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Pier Closure Notice

“Pier Closed for July 4th Festivities”

 

In order to secure the fireworks for July 4th, the City Pier will be closed Monday, July 2nd at 11:59 p.m. and will remain closed until 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 5th.  During the closure, access to the Pier will be restricted.  Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

The fireworks presentation on July 4th will begin promptly at 9:00 p.m.  The show will last approximately 20-25 minutes.  We’re looking forward to a fantastic fireworks spectacular this year and hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday.

For more information regarding the closure of the Pier for the July 4th holiday, please contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2024.

#Flagler4th

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2018 Hurricane Season Preparation Tips

2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season – Preparation Tips

 

The Atlantic Hurricane season begins June 1, 2018 and runs through November 30, 2018.   The following information is being provided in advance of this year’s season to assist our community with preparation efforts should a Tropical Cyclone event threaten our City.  Our City recently endured two (2) Hurricanes within eleven (11) months of each other and those storms should serve as a reminder that Tropical Storms are highly unpredictable and they can pose a serious threat to our community.

 

Family Preparedness Tips

  • To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Don’t forget a plan for your pet(s).
  • Start purchasing necessary items (water, batteries, etc.) now and avoid the rush. Buy a few cases of water and a couple packages of batteries this week and store them in a safe place.  If you can accomplish this two (2) or three (3) times you’ll avoid having to rush to get these items; which will be in extremely high demand.
  • Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows.  A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.  Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
  • Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  • Install a generator for emergencies and test the generator before a storm.
  • Get any cash you may need before banks close (ATM’s may not work due to loss of electricity).
  • Locate and place important documents in a waterproof container.
  • Charge your cell phone battery as well as camera battery in case you need to take pictures of property damage. Keep a cell phone charger in your vehicle.
  • Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank because if there is a power outage in your area, gas pumps won’t work.
  • First sanitize and then fill your bathtubs, sinks and other containers with water for sanitary usage.
  • To keep food fresh, turn the settings on your refrigerator & freezer to their highest settings in case of a power outage.
  • Turn off and unplug any non-essential electrical equipment in your house.
  • If you’re asked to evacuate, please be assured there are valid concerns for your safety and you should consider implementing your evacuation plan immediately.
  • Please pay attention to local Law Enforcement announcements. The Flagler Beach Police Departments Facebook page will post timely and accurate information, both pre and post storm, for the City of Flagler Beach.  This will include evacuation and re-entry information should a storm impact our City.
  • Here’s the link to our Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/FlaglerBeachPolice/

 

Know a Safe Place to Take Your Pet(s)

  • Local and State health and safety regulations do not permit the Red Cross to allow pets in disaster shelters. (Service animals are allowed in Red Cross shelters.)
  • Contact hotels and motels outside your local area to check their policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if “no pet” policies can be waived in an emergency.  Keep a list of “pet friendly” places, including phone numbers, with your disaster supplies.
  • Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals.
  • Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include twenty-four (24) hour phone numbers.
  • Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets during a disaster.

Should you have any questions about the tips listed above, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2020.

Additional Hurricane preparedness information can be obtained by accessing any of the following websites;

FEMA website:  http://www.fema.gov/

FEMA for the Disabled & Elderly: http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2006/05/03/disabled-elderly-need-prepare-hurricanes

Red Cross website: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family

Humane Society: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html#.U2vnPNTD-70

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Community Shred Day

COMMUNITY SHRED DAY IN FLAGLER COUNTY ON MAY 5

 

It’s that time of the year to clear away any unwanted paper and documents from your home or office. The public is invited to a free community shredding event on Saturday, May 5th in the parking lot of Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home at     511 Old Kings Road South in Flagler Beach.  A large capacity shredding van will be available from 8:00 – 10:30 am. The shredding will be confidential and secure.

Watch your items on a video monitor as they are being shredded. The following are acceptable items to be destroyed; paper, files, folders, binders, spiral notebooks and stapled documents. Not permitted are metal, plastic, batteries, cell phones, three ring binders, binder clips and computer discs. Receipts will be available for tax purposes if needed.

According to Allen Whetsell, General Manager of Craig Flagler Palms; “We are pleased to provide this free service to the community as a token of our appreciation for the many years we have worked together. Hopefully, this event will help you and your neighbors in your spring cleaning efforts”.

For information, contact Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home at 386-439-5400.

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