Feb 17th Port Meeting

Greetings Port Observers,

Here’s a brief summary of today’s Feb 17, 2009 monthly meet.   Official minutes and perspectives at www.staugustineport.com.

Treasury has $2.1 million.  Dredging for the San  Sebastian and Salt Run  are in permitting stages.  Historical Resources dept. of Florida is studying mooring fields for the known artifacts that have been located but not excavated, to ensure their continued preservation.

SAPD Barry Fox has 6 derelicts documented since last August; 3 on the hard already, three more should be removed within the week.  One boat was insured, and costs minimized with insurance reimbursement.

FWC Steve Zukowski is working to get larger “No Wake” buoys positioned  by our bridges.  Strong tidal flows lay present ones on their side, and the ticketed like to claim in court they couldn’t be seen.  The sailor who died on the N river should have been wearing his lifejacket.   Some lights may not be functioning on the inlet markers. (Anyone with firsthand knowledge plz notify the CG).

Dr. Sam Turner, Lighthouse archeologist,  outlined benefits to Port and public the yawlbuilding program they need funds for. Mark Helman, Conch House dockmaster, spoke for fast action in dredging Salt Run.  Will Smith and Vilano Beach Development asked for funding an engineering study for a floating dock at Vilano to improve public water access.  Board voted unanimously to provide $10K with matching funds coming from SJCo.   Florida Inland Navigation District money will also go into the project.

For the Salt Run dredging project FIND will also provide $450,000.  Port voted (not unanimously) to provide $150,000 for the effort.  Bliss abstained, matching City’s abstention of any matching $$.

Port sent a check to the St.Augustine Yacht club for $7000; that was their bill for showcasing Port St. Augustine at our Parade of Lights last December.  The yacht club has been doing this for some time; only in the last two years has the Port contributed to the event.