Well? - That was......weird - wasn't it?

Just wanted to inform folks that I've made a follow-up email to the FDOT District Secretary regarding last night's meeting.  Hopefully this addresses many of the concerns that people presented to me last night.  If not, drop me an email to the miami@surfrider.org address and I'll pass it along.

TJ wrote to FDOT on Behalf of Surfrider:

Gus,

Just a quick follow-up from the public stakeholder meeting last night regarding the Haulover Bridge Property.  Attached are PDF versions of the letters from the Florida Wildlife Federation and Florida Sportsman magazine that I read into the record last night.  Those groups asked that I cc to Stephanie.

I provided you a copy of the 600 person petition I put into the record last night as well.  Finally, I've also included a PDF of the handout Surfrider provided its members last night - hopefully that provides a template for some of the concerns noted below.

We greatly appreciate the agency embracing an open, transparent stakeholder process for resolving issues regarding this very popular coastal access property.  Of course, in all fairness, we would be ignoring the elephant standing in the room if we did not mention that this type of process should have been initiated from the very beginning, when redesign plans for the area were first submitted to FDOT. 

Below is some of the feedback I received from people who attended.  Again, thank you for providing the public an opportunity to officially inform the Department of their concerns over the operation of this unique property under FDOT's supervision.

Feedback on the FDOT Meeting

1) It would have assisted if there had been some type of handout and initial presentation by FDOT explaining what the meeting was about.  More importantly, what "options" for operation of the property are being considered.  One person used the description of "wish they had clearly defined the football field".

2) Most people did not receive public notice from FDOT, rather via a 3rd Party.  It seemed there was not an effort to find and provide official communication with those that might have an interest in the operation of the property.  For example, frequent users of the area noted they did not see a simple sign or flyer posted at the property prior to the meeting.

3) Known stakeholders (such as Surfrider) did not receive any type of PDF flyer or official public notice document from FDOT 6 to circulate - rather they needed to interpret what the meeting would entail.

4) Folks did not receive any type of confirmation that signing-in or providing email addresses/contact information via documents into the public record ensures they will be notified of the operation plans that result from this effort, as well as any future meetings/issues regarding the property.

*******Letters noted above are attached to main post*******

TJ,

How could you call that boring when you have a little ole lady council woman, adorned in gold and Gouche talking about boning a fish and surfers screaming "WHAT!?!" (Is that like having sex with a snake?) Too funny. Surfers speaking their mind as only surfers can but making the point clearly with allot of humor. Again, TOO FUNNY. There were also moments when the tribe was standing and shouting back at that rude cow that called me a liar! Oh and how about that guy- I think his name was Osama Bal Harbor, yelling at us that they will never let us tell them how to run THEIR parking lot. Thanks for holding me down TJ.

No doubt can be in the minds of Bal Harbor administration/ council and residents, that that place is sacred for us.

Bottom line, we stood our ground, made our point in the spirit of cooperative determination, that we will never let that place be taken away again and from 10 to 6 the fisherman are on their own.

Thanks everyone,

peace and progress!

I went to bed thinking about what transpired last evening and thinking how proud I am that we, as Miami surfers, are being acknowledged, recognized and RESPECTED as stakeholders.  That we are actually making a difference in the battle and continue to make headway to ensure that we have and keep our parking and access to HH open. 

I also learned a pretty good lesson.  Sometimes, expect the unexpected and figure (rather quickly) how to combat the situation.  I also learned that for the most part, it appears that many Bal Harbor residents are indeed NOT AGAINST parking at all, but basically want the parking in "retirement home status".  There's a delicate balance.  In hindsight, I should have asked the gentleman who lives in the building adjacent to the parking why, if he wants absolute peace and quiet, would choose  to live under a bridge with heavy traffic above him 24 hours/day.....   

I look forward towards the battle of Wyatt vs. Mrs. Eraserhead who whines of her $50,000 (yes, fifty thousand dollar) property tax bill (as if someone twisted her arm to live in a multi-million dollar condo or something...) and would obviously love to take back the wrongdoing and misdeeds of their previous actions to strengthen their position.  She probably drove home singing "This land is my land, it isn't your land".  What a phucked up perception!  I'm sure she thinks that the beaches in Bal Harbor are thier property too...  Wyatt, it's beyond me how you didn't lose it with her, bruddah.

Despite what transpired last night, with the mix-up in agendas, and after speaking with Bal Harbor councilmen and constituates, it is clear that to me that our efforts are far from being in vein.  We have proven to be formidable and respected opponents whose guards are up and will continue to be up regarding these matters and a willingness from the Town of Bal Harbor to listen to us and continue to make positive steps forwards towards a little recohnciliation and ability to work together to resolve conflicts of this nature.

Oh yea, 24 hour parking under the bridge?  Sorry guys, it ain't gonna fly and it ain't going happen.  So....  enjoy the parking for the 6:00am dawn patrol sesh and enjoy the parking for the afterwork session till it's dark.  Most importantly, it noted ON RECORD that there are no plans or intents to make 40 of 60 parking spots under the bridge permanent 24 hour "permit only" parking.

Was the Bal Harbor meeting videotaped?  I could not be there, but I'd love to see the exchanges.  Did they even say why they are closing the beach at night?  That's worth fighting for.  As you know, in California the government even provides fire rings so people can build a fire and enjoy the beach all night.

At the Lake Worth city commission meeting last night, the Town of Palm Beach appealed to Lake Worth not to opposed their dredge and 18 million dollar fill project that would surround the breaks at the pier.  The city of Lake Worth voted 5-0 to join Surfrider Foundation, the Snook Foundation, ESA and three individuals in the legal challenge of the project! The Town of Palm Beach announced that they are setting aside 2 milion dollars to fight us!  The meeting was packed with surfers, fishermen, divers and residents who want to protect their beach.  Only one person spoke in favor of the dredge project.  That guy hates the nearshore reef because he hurt his foot on it. The whole crowd laughed at him.

The actual court hearing is in late August, and we just finished all our depositions this week.  No group has ever stopped a project like this, so wish us luck, and send money. 

I'll post this morning's article from the Palm Beach Post here in a minute. 

Just wanted to say that the South Florida surf community, and to be more specific, the Dade County surf community is lucky to have TJ, Wyatt, Shane and those others who got up and spoke in clear manner in regards to what the surf/water enthusiast community is about down here.

You're right B, the 10 to 6 permit was for fishing access. OK with me but I agree it will never fly and I really am fine with 10 to 6.

DUDE! TJ had his boot on my throat!I couldn't get near that cow. I was signing in when she got there. She marches up to the table and demands a pen-no please, no thank you, then says she won't give her address and phone number. If I understand how public meetings work that means she won't have anything she said entered in to the record. She was probably the Mayors wife........or worse.

He he he.

I'm just anbout to email the chief for his police records of all the horrible crimes that have been committed under the bridge.

peace and progress!

Here's the link to  this morning's news about L.W.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/conten...

couldnt make it last night so i renewed my surfrider membership instead. glad to hear it went well?

naggo, i think u were the one who went to CR. how was it?

gosurfeen, to my knowledge, it wasn't videotaped, but I'll attest that there were humorous exchanges, heated exchanges, and at times, laughs and applause from EVERYONE in the room -from both sides of the fence for comments made from one of ours.  Even got laughs from the Police Chief of Bal Harbour.

The two main reasons for no 24 hour parking were:

1-crime

2-noise

Interstingly, access per sey was not debated.  In a twisted way, it was welcomed by saying "Hey, you can't park here 24 hours a day, but you are more than welcome to be dropped off after 10:00PM and picked up whenever you like.  You are not limited to access to the beach, no closed gates or anything, just limited to parking here 16 hours a day, not 24."  It's a weird message in a sense when you think about crime.  But then again, stranger things have been said before and everyone still needs to careful that a whole new can of worms can be opened with this.

That lady last night was ridiculous. "We giveth and we can taketh away!" 

Osama Bal Harbour..classic

Went out to malibu, ca last week and got scored some pretty fun waist high waves fri/sat. anyways, my shoulder has been bothering me (and its not just regular fatigue pain) a bit even now 3-4 days later. Usually, I would just let it ride out but im heading down to CR for 10 days and plan on surfing my brains out and the last thing I need is serious shoulder pain keeping me from catchin some waves. (This happened to me back in the winter as well. I would surf 2-3 days then feel my shoulder ache for a week or so after.)

So long story short, I have a feeling its tissue related (tear,strain) but it could also be as simple that I am just paddling wrong. Any suggestions as to what to do before CR?? anything would be appreciated. as of now, I plan on just stretching it out a lot and using those rubber bands to strengthen the muscles but wanted to see if you all had any suggestions.....

Boot on your throat? WTF! First , my buzz cut isn't a true "shaved head" - now this? :)

Alright Wyatt - you want to go a couple rounds with the old lady I can set it up but won't Quayny get jealous? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Yesterday's large, closed circulation over Tampa is now a large, closed circulation spinning west of Vero, moving ENE.  We just got a "feeder band" here in L.W.!

Last night was great, good to know there's "boning fish" going on under the bridge. And wyatt if you get those stats on the crimes going on under the bridge i think it would be great to see. They might want to start with something basic like lights under the bridge as far as safety goes.

 GLos

G, didnt you know that was senior lingo for sex? What else would you call it at that age? Maybe ask Wyatt. He is old enough to know. :-P

Last night was great for the sheer number of people who showed up to support the cause. There was a lot of confusion on the meeting agenda, and I feel that if things were made more clear to all of the stake holders prior to the meeting, we would have all met in the middle nicely and could have passed over the negative back and forth that ensued.

Thanks to all our peeps who showed up to represent! You make us all proud to be a part of this crew.

cheers,
Shane

Anyone notice there is LOW sitting smack dab in the middle of the state with what appears to be an eye?  Notice the direction of the clouds on the radar?  Perhaps an intensification as it pulls away can lead to a lil sumtin at SoBe?  Look at the 600 mile radar.

What a fun little round of swell Bertha has produced. Too bad I have a ruptured disk and will not surf months to come as I haven't months back. Stoked tha FL got some though in mid July for a few days in row. Hopefully I will be back at the beginning of winter season.....

big ocean storm eating bertha alive as we speak, long strong fetch currently pointed from N.C to N.J (doesn't help us huh) they will get some quite large surf friday.

For us their is a chance the fetch sets up more NE by thursday and maybe sends something to palm beach area north for the weekend

also some shot from backside of bertha on friday (not holding breath) and that low over east central florida i don't think will make it offshore enough to send us anything, but it is worth watching.

bouy watching

pete, anyone we got enough NE in the latest quikscat?

As of this afternoon the little swell we had up in N. PB is all but gone. Bunch of folks still out trying to catch ankle high leftovers.

i think i speak for all when i say: more waves!!!!!!!

Kelly Slater with another win at JBay!!!!!!! can you say K9!!

GLos 

Dayyyaaam, talk about the epitome of a winning machine.  The only other surfer/bodyboarder I know with at least a 9X record is Mike Stewart, which, by the way, was once recognized as the greatest tube rider in the sport. 

Kelly keeps the title close to home and I couldn't be more stoked about it.

SLATER!!!! what a freakshow he is...SUBMERG send me your email..i banged my shoulder up and its still killing me after the 8 sessions i had upcoast this weekend, it still hurts today and im wondering whats up too...if you want to compare symptoms send me your email.

submerg, get that shoulder healed. ur gonna need it when the bomb sets show up at hermosa and we are far inside!!! get ready to learn how to accept hold unders!! namaste

cachimba, my email is srjoe39@aol.com

I saw you REAL TRUTH!~

Hay maybe some swell down south if invest 96 moves east as some models show. Intensity isn't that great but could be enough!.

peace and progress!

Hey guys, FYI, I had to submit this to the Miami Herald earlier today:

Dave Wilson

Managing Editor

The Miami Herald
One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132-1693

RE: Retraction for false statement by reporter Rodolfo Roman

Dear Mr. Wilson,

I am hereby requesting a printed retraction from the Miami Herald regarding reporter Rodolfo Roman’s recent article “Night Surfers in Bal Harbour could lose parking area”.  Mr. Roman not only misquoted me, he misstated my employment status. Mr. Roman’s article reads:

“The Village tries to connect these incidents just to keep the public out of public property, but it’s really the Bal Harbour police” at fault, Marshall said.  “This is just wrong.”

The second half of that statement, “…but it’s really the Bal Harbour police” at fault, Marshall said.  “This is just wrong” is fabrication by Mr. Roman.  Certainly an isolated incident eight years ago is not the fault of law enforcement, the city or the many residents who enjoy one of our County’s best coastal access locations for surfing and fishing.

The real story which The Miami Herald should be covering is the discrimination, ethical misconduct and government apathy to the plight of common citizens simply wanting to access a unique coastal location in order to surf, fish and enjoy the outdoor natural resources that Miami-Dade County is blessed to have.  The Surfrider Foundation broke the story two years ago when Bal Harbour illegally closed access to a federal taxpayer funded beach and placed millions of dollars for future beach projects at risk (http://www.surfrider.org/southflorida/beachaccess/index.html).  Surfrider raised awareness that “equal to all” beach parking and access are critical to millions of dollars of federal funding for the Miami-Dade Beach Erosion Control and Hurricane Protection Program.

Quite simply, the Surfrider Foundation should be lauded for their activism and not portrayed as a bunch of surfers with some odd fascination for surfing at night.  More so, Surfrider’s youthful nature, inspiring active young adults to speak out against environmental and social injustices, is a tremendous service to the Miami-Dade County community.

Regards,
Theodore J. Marshall

Wyatt, great photo of you at the mike, speaking truth to power!  Can't wait to see the video.

That low we've been watching for the last two days is now officially being investigated, as Wyatt noted, just off Duval County.  Some of the models show it may move north to the South Carolina coast, and then straight east into our swell window (see above).  That wouuld be a great swell angle for us if it happens.  Computers don't ever lie, but sometimes they get bewildered, so we'll see.

Chapter meeting tonight at Gound Swell Surf Shop in Juno at 7:30.  Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post is doing a story about the planned L.W. dredge and fill fiasco. That should be hilarious.

Damn, TJ.  Never a dull moment!

guys i don't think we are dependant on 96 L for swell

Bertha and the deep low are doing there thing and there is some rejuvinated NE swell in the atlantic water. Swells are basically picking up from NJ down to NE of the bahamas and this time (should the swell make it, the swell has enough angle to reach Juno for sure, but not much further south. This would likely be saturday.

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?sta... NE swell 4.6 at 10.8 headed this general direction

96 L will not give us much hope unless it reforms under the deeper convection further east (possible), we need it at least at 77W to give south B some hope.

cpick either you are really optomistic or a surf forecasting prodigy. i guess ill find out if we get something from this swell that is either nonexistant or has just been overlooked by all the other forecasters.

and i doubt that swell will make it all the way to npbc against 15 knot west winds

I dont know if my eyes are playing tricks on me ...but it sure looks like there are little waves on the delray cam. Can anyone verify?

False alarm....it must have been the set of the day that rolled through.
Thats what i get for missing last week's swell event...I'm halucinating.

Seems like all forcasters are missing any swell chances. Even the little swell we had over the last few days did not make the radar although it was very rideable. So not sure what to think for the weekend, guess just gotta show up at the beach and hope there is something.

Want to talk about an environmental problem, check this mess out.........

http://5ones.com/attempts-to-remove-padang-pa...

http://surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusive...

GLos 

Invest 96 (just off our coast) seems to be blowing up - at least from the satellite images I see.  Again, don't be too surprised if the pressure starts dropping on it.  If it moves more east than north, we may have a shot of something here from this.  It's July, and we're talking about tropical activity that we would normally not be talking for a month or so.  A sign of things to come?

Cachimba and submerge, shoot me an email And I will give you guys a low down on shoulders and simple strategies to prevent/improve pain and dysfuctions .I have 19 years experience in sports med Send to peteferrer@hotmail.com.

Nothing wrong with being optimistic but right now models do not show much swell producing winds with invest 96. Hopefully it will take the more Easterly tracks .

cpick, that bouy reading that you posted:

" http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?sta... NE swell 4.6 at 10.8 headed this general direction" 

does show a 4.6' swell at 10.8 seconds, but it appears to be headed AWAY from the coast, northeast bound.  The data is a little confusing when you look at it.  Even though the current winds out there are NE, the swell was a continuation of the swell generated by the previous SW winds.  Correct me if I am wrong, since I don't look at that bouy much.

naggo you know where there will be some waves im down to split the gas and room if you want to do a weekend trip 7862811212

i know where to get a room for 40 or 50 bucks

Glos - thanks for the weblink to 5ones.com, didn't have that one.  That totally sucks about Padang-Padang reef about to be destroyed due to a stupid human impact like a grounded vessel.  Glad that Rip Curl's "Somewhere" event happens to be bringing attention to this or I bet it would have largely gone unreported.

Mr. B you mentioned you know Joel Jacobi during Tuesday's meeting , right?  If so, can you pass a message along?

gosurfgreen i am 100% sure that means that is the direction it is coming from

so a NE swell heads to the sw.

we shall see if a bump in NE/ENE swell occurs saturday. If so should be popping up on the outer canaveral bouy in the wee hours. prob 3 feet at 13-14 sec. if not i learned something.

96L is going to be named either as depression or storm at 11 pm, like someone said earlier we need this to move ENE bout 125 miles and then we could see a N swell

canaveral bouys picking up bertha as scheduled

get it in the morning while the winds are good

nothin sig in npb yet

mr W is that a late evening visual? or from early afternoon, if late, i am surprised

however i am sure that other's were shocked when they say the waves in c. florida from round 3 bertha.

i did call waves for today, only problem was they made it down to jensen, not juno (apparently) so i will take some credit, and some flack

that was around 2pm