Exposing Hogans Creek

[Noone]

Chamber of Commerce  weather this week. So who wants to make a scene on the Waterway in our Downtown on the St. Johns River our American Heritage River?

The trip is about an hour. Open to all elected officials and those candidates running in the spring elections, Also open to anyone in the print media in Duval county and outside of Duval county, Also open to any of the civic council boys and anyone that is participating in the current JCCI study Recession, Recovery and Beyond that will be released to the people of Jacksonville in the coming months.

So who wants to experience this urban Waterway that will continue to be brought to the attention of the commissioners of FIND Florida Inland Navigation District representing the east coast of the state of Florida?

So who wants to experience this urban Waterway that will continue to be elevated as a destination especially in light of the SJRA and their goal to seek a state designation of a Blueway Paddling Trail for the entire St. Johns River our American Heritage River?

Who just wants to go out and just have some exercise and fun?

Call me 904-434-0839

Capt. Zissou and anyone else on this forum if you also want to see this urban Waterway we will Make it Happen

[JaxNative68]

I would love to join you folks for some urban paddling, but my saturday mornings are booked with youth football and baseball right now.  I live at the beach and have only paddled the ocean waves and intracoastal backwaters.

Do you guys every venture on the urban waterways on sunday?  Also I should add that I'm a whimp and am waiting for warmer weather.

[Noone]

JN, we'll do it on a Sunday. I've never paddled in the ocean. I'm thinking then that you could handle going under the Times Union.

Lets make it happen.

[Noone]

Making a scene Dowtown today on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River within our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District and total yet to be voted on boundary of a total takeover of the Entertainment District by a yet to be voted on and approved DIA was myself and CityLife.

What a great day to experience an urban Waterway. CityLife and I caught the outgoing tide at Hogans Creek and paddled out to the dense fog that was blanketing Downtown.

After paddling back and the shopping cart depth meter showing that we still had plenty of water to make back against the tide we decided to head over top RCB and then paddle under the TU.
Once we got over to the RCB the fog seemed even thicker.

With lunch time nearing and the craving for a sausage dog with the slaw and onions we headed up to Roberts Eatery at Evergreen and 26Th. He bounces between there and 8Th and Ionia.

After a quick energy boost it was my turn to get schooled on the sites and history of Springfield. CityLife took me to spots that literally I have never been to in this city. You can truly appreciate more what was Hogans Creek and the role that it played in Jacksonville's history. I truly want to learn more.

Well anyway who's next to paddle Hogans Creek or the sportier McCoys Creek under the Times Union? Elected officials and those running in the spring elections go to the front of the line. Anyone outside the Media of Jacksonville also gets to priority.

Its happening. Keep score.

[Noone]

Who's next? Slots are filling up. Elected officials and those running in the spring elections go to the front of the line. Any media outside of Duval county also gets top priority. Its happening.

[PatODo]

I took my dad out yesterday...it was his first time down the creek.  We had a good morning.  The tide was coming in so we had a pretty easy paddle both ways. He enjoyed the unique perspective on downtown.  There's still a lot more to clean-up!  Ill see you out there, Noone, for more kayak or cleanup adventures.  I'd really like to get out to McCoys, maybe Saturday morning. High tide is around 7:30.

[Noone]

Campaign Promise made and Campaign Promise kept. Friday afternoon I had the distinct pleasure of paddling an urban Waterway in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville with who I hope will be the next At-Large Group 5 Jacksonville city council member Michelle Tappouni.

It was a falling tide and when we met there was a break in the weather. Just a 1/2 hour earlier the wind was gusting and the clouds were not bright and cheerful. Remember its Florida and mother nature was now telling us that we could now play on the water. So standing on the bank and getting ready to launch the kayak Michelle exclaims "Theres a turtle". This spirit of adventure lasted the whole trip. And reinforces to me that she will be a great representative for the people of Jacksonville in so many ways and with so many issues.

Going with the falling tide allowed for a relaxed paddle out to our beautiful river. A couple hundred yards and a great Blue Heron is taking off from the bank and maneuvering upward between the narrow passage of tree limbs to finally make it above the canopy to fly unobstructed on its way.

Michelle as well as anyone else can experience this piece of our city's history and then realize that this opportunity needs to happen not only on Hogans Creek but other Waterways throughout our city.

As we made our way past my shopping cart depth chart with one wheel fully exposed I realized that we still had a little time before it would turn into a sportier trip back. We exited under the Bay St. Bridge and popped out into our St. Johns River our American Heritage River. We took a moment just to gather it all in and share a big" What If?" as our city is getting to move forward.

As we made our way back and saying hello to people who were walking along the roads above us and seeing the planes circling the stadium with their banners you are left with a feeling that we too are a part of this vibrancy that is wanting to be achieved. But instead of being on land or in the air. Were on water.

Michelle Tappouni I believe in my heart that you are going to make it happen for the people of Jacksonville.

Who's next?

 

[Noone]

Whos next? 21 days out and who wants to be part of Jacksonville's Maritime history that will happen on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River within our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District. Lets paddle Hogans Creek Sat. morning at 8:30 be done at 9:30 then go to the history making voyage of Mayor Peyton arriving by boat at the floating dock (pocket pier) at RAM Riverside Arts Market. Those running in the Spring election go to the front of the line. Its happening.

[JaxNative68]

I could possibly be in for the paddle portion of this offer this upcoming Saturday morning.

[Noone]

Today Mayor Peyton is making Maritime history in our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District when he officially opens the floating dock at RAM which will provide another opportunity for access to our River.

In an hour our own version of Maritime history will be occurring as we show the city the opportunity to paddle Hogans Creek and Make our own scene Downtown. Bringing a couple of kayaks forashort paddle then heading over to RAM to celebrate with everyone else this positive benefit not only for the people of Jacksonville but our country too.

Are we ready to say Visit Jacksonville!

[Noone]

Yesterday, Sharing a piece of Maritime history that happened on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River was JaxNative, Field and myself.

I thought it was Billy as Field and I were standing there and I said here comes a yellow Kayak and its a sit on top. Well two things.

1. It wasn't Billy but JaxNative and what a fantastic opportunity to meet someone else and to share in this special day in Jacksonville on an urban Waterway.
2. Billy, This means that we still haven't met and I'm looking forward to the day that we also paddle this Waterway Destination in our Downtown.

As JaxNative was unloading his kayak we were listening to Mike Hogan on the Just Fishing Show on 930am with Capt. Rick Ryals, Roger Walker, and John Botko. Our River and access to it is a huge campaign issue. This was just an added bonus to the start of our paddle on a beautiful Sat. morning.

JaxNative usually kayaks and fishes in the ocean. So this was the proverbial piece of cake. It was an incoming tide a  blue heron is flushed from the bank as we make our way out to the river. An easy paddle as we continue by some urban campers who are just getting up.

We are moving at a good clip because we also want to make it back for the opening ceremonies at RAM. I point out to JaxNative all the city land adjacent to the creek. We go past the site that will be the location for the March 19Th citywide cleanup and then everyone will head over to RAM. The 19Th will be a high tide and if anyone has a kayak small john boat, gheenoe, what an opportunity to think about it now and show the city and the community that this area of Downtown can be accessed immediately. Its happening.

We pop out into the river at about the same time an armada of ships are making there way to join Mayor Peyton in the floating dock ceremony at RAM.

It was a short trip. Field and I went over to RAM and participated as witnesses to a piece of Jacksonville's Maritime history.

JaxNative I can't wait to do it again with you and I'll bring my fishing pole. Man, I know you were ready to go all day. But lets really plan on it and do it.

So Who's next?    

[billy]

I put in at 11:00 am yesterday, at your launch spot, and then parked my rental minivan on Beaver.
Setting up was very easy. I paddled out to the Shipyard basin, and then turned around and came back.
Although I was somewhat familiar with the area from streetside views, and maps, I was very impressive with what I saw on the (short) trip, as far as the riparian landscape, flora, fauna and water quality.
Did not strike the shopping cart undr the steel pedestrian bridge. Three gutter punkish ( or really bad Eagle Scouts)lads were camping next to the Union 700 property, and made some Deliverance jokes on my way back  My kayak is reddish-orange. I ran down to RAM earlier and checked out the dock.

[Noone]

Billy, Glad that you got to paddle it and see it for yourself. Just sorry that I didn't share it with you. Its Happening.

One of the biggest city council and Mayoral campaign issues. 8 days out from the Spring elections. Billy, did you see the Florida Times Union story about the Palms Fish Camp? Its a Preservartion Park Project. Who gets the credit for that disaster?

Hogan Creek, McCoys Creek, 680' Bay Street Pier Park, Preservation Parks. Floating docks at Warefront Public Access street ends. If you think for one second that we are getting more access you are wrong.

Be concerned. Keep score.

Billy, Still can't wait to meet you.

Who's next? 

[Noone]

Another campaign Promise made and campaign Promise kept.

In less than 5 hours one of the biggest political hobnobs in Jacksonville's history will be taking place in what we all hope will be our exciting and vibrant Downtown at the Hyatt.

Everyone and especially the media needs to interview and talk to the newest future city council member that wants to experience first hand our St. Johns River our American Heritage River and that is Jill Dame Jacksonville city council candidate running in District 14. I'm serious everyone needs to ask her. How did you like paddling Hogans Creek?

She was on time and met her along with her husband Peter and we just immediately took advantage of the perfect weather conditions. It was an incoming tide and with the lush green vegetation along with the trees combined to make for a more picturesque paddle.

It wasn't long before what seems to be the resident blue heron was flushed from its bankside perch and flew forward towards the River.

We were both commenting on the potential. I showed her all the available parking that is right there. Shared with her the citywide cleanup that will be taking place March 19 behind the Jacksonville Historical Society.

Her husband Peter is now at the Pedestrian bridge taking pictures as we paddle underneath. I point out the shopping cart depth chart and one wheel is exposed but the tide is coming in so we are in great shape.

I spot a plover hovering above the water as it is going along the banks from rock to rock. The wind is starting to pick up as we go under Bay St. then pop out into the St. Johns River our American Heritage River.

The paddle back was swift going with the current. The wheel on the shopping cart depth chart was now 1/2 way exposed. Peter was right there on our return still taking pictures.

What a great trip. After the paddle I asked them if they wanted to get a bite to eat at Roberts Eatery and they were game. We went up to 26Th and Evergreen and had a delightful bite to eat.

Bring your campaign signs to Robert's because he is hanging them up.

If I was in District 14 I'd be voting for Jill Dame. She will Make it Happen.

So who's next in experiencing an urban Waterway?

Elected officials. Those running in the spring elections go to the front of the line. Anybody in the news media. Elected officials outside of Duval county.

Daniel O'Byrne and councilman Joost.
Tera Meeks.
Terry Lorince

Access is an issue.

Be concerned and keep score.   

[ElectJill]

Hogans Creek paddling with Noone was great!  Thank you so much for introducing me to this hidden treasure - just waiting to be discovered. With a little work this would be a great place for folks to access the St. Johns.

Also thanks for the intro to Robert's Eatery. 

I wish that I could be there for the clean up on March 19 and hope that there will be another one soon.

Thank you for all that you do to keep waterway issues in the forefront.