A Message from your City Manager

 

Public Service Announcement

 

A Message from Your City Manager Larry Newsom

 

January 6, 2017

 

On October 7, 2016, the City of Flagler Beach was deeply impacted by a Category 3 Hurricane named​​ Matthew.  We sustained severe damage, mostly to our coastline infrastructure, including our iconic Pier, the 52 Dune Crossovers used by the public to access the beach, and of course, the “shark bites” on SRA1A.

 

From my experience with similar storm events, e.g.,​​ Hurricanes Katrina, Ivan, and Dennis, and as the County Administrator for Escambia County (Pensacola) during the BP Oil Spill off the Deepwater Horizon, I’ve learned it takes a lot of time to recover. ​​ Local agencies have to deal with these events in administrative phases.  The primary goal is to reestablish for our citizen tax payers the quality of life they were accustomed to prior to the event. ​​ First and foremost is to return all citizens to their homes, issue permits to make repairs, and remove the debris. ​​ We are there!​​ 

 

Now staff must work with Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff to ensure we recover as much revenue as possible spent by the City to deal with​​ Hurricane Matthew’s​​ aftermath. ​​ This is very time consuming,​​ but will be complete within the next 12 months.​​ 

 

Debris Pick-Up

Here is the Funding Process for the debris pickup:

FEMA reimburses 75% of the cost (85% for debris picked up in the first 30 days)

State reimburses 12.5% of the cost

Local Government pays 12.5% of cost​​ 

(The Volunteer work for Beach Clean Up activities can be used by the City “in kind” to offset cost).

 

Pier – Existing Structure 

I know the existing pier looks sound, but a structural engineering report prepared within days following the storm​​ identifies major issues underneath, deeming the structure unsafe. ​​ Sorry, no access at this time! ​​ However, my staff has been working with engineering consultants to implement temporary repairs to the pier you see today in order to regain access by the public and to ensure no further loss to the structure, beyond the missing 160 feet. ​​ I am expecting an engineering bid package to repair the existing structure in the near future and look to open what is existing before summer approaches. This will be funded​​ by FEMA at 75% plus insurance. ​​ 

 

Pier - New

In late January or early February, I will be holding a workshop, open to the public, to discuss city preferences on the design of a new, more permanent pier. ​​ My goal is to be the longest pier on Florida’s east​​ coast.  I understand the pier and beach is our gem.  I must work with FEMA to determine what Federal Funds will be allocated for the rebuild.  I anticipate the full rebuild to occur next year.

 

Dune Crossovers

Our dune crossovers offer safe access to the​​ beach. ​​ There are 52 dune crossovers between Beverly Beach and the Flagler/Volusia County line for which the city is responsible. ​​ Staff and I have had numerous phone calls on “Why is this particular crossover not open?” or “When will this access be open?”  My immediate goal after the event was to open quickly all dune crossovers requiring minimal​​ repairs, and we did that.  Now my staff is circling back to review each and every access point to see if any additional crossovers can be “temporarily” repaired.  ​​​​ Our City Chief Building Official has reviewed the construction of the crossovers and notes that most will require additional modifications to ensure we meet current Building Code Standards, including the ones open now.

 

I do expect FEMA assistance on this as well.  Keep in mind the storm event may result in the City receiving funding to make improvements that typically would not be affordable.  I have procured an engineering firm that works with Disney on boardwalks to make sure we get the best results as​​ a final product.  It may take a year to have all dune crossovers rebuilt, but I am dedicated to get as many open as possible as we work through the process.  Any beach access deemed a total loss or unsafe will be first to be designed and rebuilt while all​​ temporary openings continue to be used.  If I can open a crossover safely, I will!

 

State Road A1A

We all know what happened to the Scenic Byway.  The state lost a 1.3 mile section of A1A on the south end of Flagler Beach, and a second two-block section between North 21st​​ and 23rd​​ Streets. ​​ The undermining of the road and the need to restore structural support led to the creation of painful detours to citizens of Flagler Beach.  There have been “temporary repairs” to both sections with discussions still​​ continuing on how best to shore up the road permanently.  I will continue to work with FDOT District 5, and the State FDOT Secretary during this process toward a final solution.

 

Prior to my arrival as City Manager a year ago, the County, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has managed the beach renourishment project for our City. ​​ The primary goal is to make sure the final solution by FDOT will not impact the ability of the City or County to apply for Federal funds to maintain our beach for future​​ renourishment projects. In addition, during past workshops, the option was presented to divert traffic to our local roadways to alleviate the need to rebuild two lanes on SRA1A. ​​ Let me assure you this is “Not an Option.”  ​​​​ The state cannot proceed with this without the City’s approval, plus the cost/benefit is not there. ​​ 

 

I want to thank all citizens for your patience and to assure you City staff is working diligently to seek normalcy after Hurricane Matthew.​​ 

 

Sincerely,

 

Larry M. Newsom, City Manager

Flagler Beach​​ 

 

 

Rise in sick Raccoons

Sunset Picture

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This fellow may look cute and even friendly, but Flagler County is experiencing an increase in sick raccoons countywide. Experts say don’t approach raccoons at all but especially if they appear to be ill or acting strangely. Instead call Flagler Animal Services or the Sheriff’s Office.​​ 

 

 

 

 

 

Rise in Sick Raccoons Could Threaten Pets

Area animal control officials say they’ve seen an increase in sick raccoons being reported during the last two months. In fact, two sick raccoons were reported to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) this morning, Agricultural Deputy Steve Williams said.

 

While those cases occurred in different areas of Palm Coast, most of the recent rash of ill animals occurred in a small four-block area on the western part of the barrier island near the Intracoastal Waterway in Flagler Beach. But the incidents appear to be creeping into Palm Coast.​​ 

 

The pattern of sick raccoons comes in waves every couple of years and lasts a month or two. Animal control officials say it may be caused by canine distemper, a painful, fatal animal disease for which there’s no cure. They can’t be certain because funding isn’t available to do testing, said Amy Wade-Cartenuto, executive director of the Flagler Humane Society. Ill raccoons are brought to the Flagler Humane Society where they are euthanized, Williams said. “They have to be euthanized. It’s a painful death for them if you don’t.”

 

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness that affects dogs and certain wildlife, including raccoons, wolves, foxes and skunks. The disease is spread by bodily fluids. Raccoons with distemper may approach people or curl up to sleep in open areas near people. They act disoriented or lethargic, but can become aggressive if cornered. And they can have seizures, depending on the stage of the disease.

 

People shouldn’t be frightened of raccoons but should simply stay clear, Wade-Cartenuto said. “If they’re friendly, they are either sick or someone has tamed them.”

 

To help prevent this disease from spreading, make sure your animals are vaccinated, especially young animals. Dogs, or cats, who have not been vaccinated against distemper and come into contact with raccoons with distemper can catch the disease. People cannot get canine distemper. Still, it’s best to stay away from raccoons. You should never feed wild animals.

 

If you see a raccoon that appears to be friendly, sick or is injured, contact the following:

  • In unincorporated Flagler County, Bunnell or Flagler Beach, call Flagler Animal Services at​​ (386) 246-8612.​​ 

  • In Palm Coast, call Palm Coast Animal Control at (386) 986-2520.​​ 

  • Or call the Sheriff’s Office at (386) 313-4911.​​ 

 

Holiday Scams

 “ Active Holiday Scams”

 

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this awareness announcement in an effort to warn citizens in our community that there are active computer “scams” occurring nationwide during this holiday season.  To date there have been no victims in Flagler Beach and we hope this information thwarts anyone from becoming a victim.

 

The first scam involves an e-mail you receive from what appears to be Amazon.com claiming there is a problem processing orders. The email message says, “You will not be able to access your account or place orders with us until we confirm your information.”  A “click here” link connects you to an authentic-looking Amazon webpage and asks you to confirm your name, address and credit card information (including expiration and CVV security code).  After entering your personal information and hitting the “Save & Continue tab”, consumers are redirected to the actual Amazon website. The information you’ve submitted on this webpage provides the fraudsters with everything they need to make unauthorized charges on your account.  The initial e-mail message may appear as depicted below;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second scam involves an e-mail you’ll receive from either “Chase Support” or “USAA”.  The e-mails will advise that they’ve “noticed some possible problems with your account” and that they have to suspend your account temporarily “while they take a closer look.” The e-mail will then direct you to click on a link, an example of which follows;

 

Please follow the next steps on getting your account reactivated (be sure to reference your corresponding Chase or USAA account profile information).

Click here to resolve now.

By clicking on the link you’ll be forwarded to a website and asked to provide personal information, which will ultimately provide the fraudsters with information that will be used to their advantage.

If you receive suspicious e-mails of this nature please be cautious, do not click on any link or provide any personal information online in response to these e-mails.  If you do receive these types of e-mails, please contact your local Law Enforcement agency for assistance.

 

If you have any questions regarding these active scams, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2023.

 

Additional information on these scams can be found at the following websites;

AARP website; http://blog.aarp.org/2016/12/02/new-amazon-phishing-scam-confirm-your- information-to-process-order/

Chase website:   https://www.chase.com/digital/resources/privacy-security/security/how-you- can-protect

USAA website; https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/security_how_avoid_identify_scams

Arrest Warrant Phone Scam

“Federal Arrest Warrant – Phone Scam”

 

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this awareness announcement in an effort to warn and alert citizens in our community that there is a telephone “scam” currently taking place in the area. To date there have been no victims in Flagler Beach and we hope this information thwarts anyone from becoming a victim.

The scam involves a fraudulent caller (or an automated call) contacting members of the public and alleging they have an active federal arrest warrant for tax fraud and demanding payment of fines.  The phone number associated with this scam is (202) 621-0123.

According to a 2014 release from the United States Marshall’s Service a similar phone scam was active in Dayton, Ohio in 2014 when a fraudster identified himself as a Law Enforcement Officer and informed potential victims they had active federal warrants for their arrest.  The caller then gave the potential victims a contact number and information to pay the fine. The phony Law Enforcement Officer threatened the potential victims with arrest if the fine was not paid.  The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency and does not seek payment of fines or fees via the telephone for individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.

Citizens in our community should stay vigilant and maintain a healthy skepticism should they receive any telephone calls of this nature.  If you receive a call of this nature please be cautious, hang up and contact your local Law Enforcement agency for assistance.

If you have any questions regarding this active phone scam, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2023.

Additional information on the United States Marshall’s Service can be located at their website; https://www.usmarshals.gov/

 

Winter Holiday Safety Tips

Winter Holiday Safety Tips

The winter holiday season is a special time of year and the following safety tips are provided in an effort to make this the safest season possible. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware; so please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. The Flagler Beach Police Department wishes everyone a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

Holiday Shopping Tips

  • Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
  • If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area. Consider shopping with a friend or family member rather than going alone.
  • Make sure purses and wallets are secure on your person and you are aware of their location at all times.
  • If you must use an ATM, choose one (1) that is located in a store, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
  • Credit cards offer convenience and security, however, keep track of all cards and keep receipts to compare to your monthly statement.
  • Have keys ready before getting to your car so you do not have to search for them while walking to or standing near it.
  • Report any suspicious persons or activity to Law Enforcement immediately!
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason, especially in parking lots. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Home Safety Tips

  • Valuable items, such as televisions, stereos, and computers should be inscribed with an identifying number unique to its owner (do not use your entire social security number).
  • Create an up-to-date home inventory including make, model, serial numbers, other detailed descriptions, and photographs of items of value (including jewelry). This inventory should be kept somewhere safe, out of the house.
  • It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved. Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
  • The motion detector or other alarm system (if you have one) should be activated when you leave home.
  • Mail and newspaper deliveries should be stopped or arrangements for a neighbor/friend to pick them up should be made when you are away from home for a period of time.
  • Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home when you are away or have a trusted friend or relative house sit in your absence.
  • Make sure all doors and windows are locked when you leave, even if you have an alarm system.
  • Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
  • Contact the Flagler Beach Police Department (386) 517-2023 to request House Watchchecks of your residence while you are out of town.

Hosting a Party

  • Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
  • Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
  • Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink alcoholic beverages.
  • Don’t drink and drive.

Pedestrian & Vehicle Safety

FBPD Banner Background

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing the following information in an effort to educate our citizens and visitors on Florida State Statute 316.130; Pedestrians Traffic Regulations.  By increasing public awareness with this Statute we hope to gain compliance from pedestrians and motorists. Our goal in providing this information is to make the City of Flagler Beach a safer place to live, work and visit.

 

Our City has marked pedestrian crosswalks along SR100 (Moody Blvd) and SRA1A (Oceanshore Boulevard).

316.130    Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations

(1)    A pedestrian shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device specifically applicable to the pedestrian unless otherwise directed by a Police Officer.

(3)    Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.

(4)    Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

(5)    No person shall stand in the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic for the purpose of soliciting a ride, employment, or business from the occupant of any vehicle. (i.e. hitchhiking)

(7)(a)    The driver of a vehicle at an intersection that has a traffic control signal in place shall stop before entering the crosswalk and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian, with a permitted signal, to cross a roadway.  This applies when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk, or steps into the crosswalk, and is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

(b)    The driver of a vehicle at any crosswalk where signage so indicates shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross a roadway when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk or steps into the crosswalk and is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

(c)    When traffic control signals are not in place or in operation and there is no signage indicating otherwise, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be, to yield to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(8)    No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

(9)    Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

(10)    Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

 

Florida State Statue 316.130 in its entirety can be located at the following website; http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mo de=Display_Statute&Search_String=yield+to+pedestrians&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.130.html

 

If you have any questions about the information contained within this announcement, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2020.