After listening to the new Duval county school superintendent on First Coast Connect it was an opportunity to continue to make Downtown a Destination and not a pass through according to our Mayor. Public, Private, Partnership.
So proudly wearing my Mayor Alvin Brown's Kayak Adventures T shirt and his campaign account should include 2009-442. Public, Private, Partnership.
So putting my kayak in at the School Board building that does not have a Mayor Brown kayak logo next to the brand new Country Boy fence. That's right, a brand new JEA fence. This should have our new DIA saying WTF "Where's The Fence?"
What was wrong with the old fence. Who is the new guy at JEA? There is no new guy. How much did we just spend on a fence that didn't need to be replaced?
Makes me wonder if there were any rednecks that worked on this new fence. I digress.
I put in before noon and was catching the outgoing tide. Boat traffic was heavy as I was preparing but then it was non existent for my paddle over to fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. Caught 2 mangrove snapper and 2 drum and lost 2 big fish in the pilings.
The paddle back was rough. Boat traffic was high and had this one boat that just blew past me not even 50 yards away. A lady was driving the boat. There was a boat in distress and someone helped them get a tow. That was nice to see.
The dolphins were everywhere and had one surface just 25' in front of me. Very cool.
Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting just 3 days out. Just like this boat that was in distress. The same can happen for a kayaker and you show me on the Northbank where to get out.
Who's next?
Quote from: Noone on April 07, 2013, 05:47:01 PM
The paddle back was rough. Boat traffic was high and had this one boat that just blew past me not even 50 yards away. A lady was driving the boat. There was a boat in distress and someone helped them get a tow. That was nice to see.
The dolphins were everywhere and had one surface just 25' in front of me. Very cool.
John your a hoot! When I read that sentence it dawned on me that it might have been the woman driving the boat that was 'nice to see,' rather then the rescue! Tell me you didn't look.
OCK.
^Like the paragraph starts it was a rough paddle back. LOL! I do like your version.
5 days ago at the 8/21/13 DIA Board meeting and the first official day of the new guy and that would be CEO Aundra Wallace of our new DIA (Downtown Investment Authority) I not only welcomed him to Jacksonville but offered to show him Downtown from the Waterway. During Public comment I shared with him the 8/19/13 front page of the Florida Times Union (Every Issue Is Worth Getting Into) Metro section. A story not only about McCoys Creek but a paddling trail maps route from Virginia to Florida.
Now let's couple that with another new guy to Jacksonville and that would be Duval County School Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and it was a teachable moment that I launch from a previous FIND kayak launch submission recommendation by Tom Ingram.
So after listening to some of the fishing shows I arrived to FIND the chain on the ground. I stepped out of my van and was overwhelmed by the aroma of coffee from the Maxwell House Plant. The Jags were playing Philly and weather conditions were changing. it was an incoming tide and the window of FUN for me would be brief. I brought my fishing poles and a blue bag for a Vivian Harrell clean up.
There were people out enjoying the Riverwalk. One man was fishing. I put in and with overcast skies and an incoming tide no boat traffic it was an easy paddle over to the Northbank and the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. The pedestrian activity was mixed. Walkers, joggers, a guy on the trike bike that had the bob and weave thing going.
I brought my poles and caught a flounder and a trout. Didn't stay long And then took it back the the JEA site to do the Vivian Harrell Bluebag cleanup. The tides are high wind has picked up and boat traffic is increasing I'm over at the JEA site and it didn't take long to fill the blue bag.
Took it back to the Vitti launch and there were more people on the Riverwalk. Did we get new garbage cans? The area looked the best that I've seen it. Was greeted by a guy named James that was just having too much fun. he was retired and was offering to help me load up my gear. I left the Vivian Harrell blue bag on the new blue garbage can while I'm talking with James the whole time.
HUGE St. Johns River meeting tomorrow at 10am in council chambers. Will it be televised? The next day 8/28/13 The CRA in the USA of our DIA at 5pm first floor city hall. Both are Open to the PUBLIC. Mr. Vitti and Mr. Wallace I plan on going and speaking on your behalf not that I've been authorized to by either of you. But as a citizen who believes that the Public Trust has been just crushed in this community and it may take a truly new guy to make it right.
Ben- JCCI we need to kayak Downtown before 2025
We are going to transform what? We are going to measure what? Does anyone want to donate a buck to 2009-442? it's a TRUST fund.
A new Authority
Embrace It
Or
It will Embrace Us
In the spirit of RICO and our newest PDO (Public Deserves Openness) scandal it was time for another BOLD urban core tactical paddle to make a scene and provide a spark so that everyone will have an opportunity to Experience, Promote, Celebrate, Protect, and Access our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone.
So sharing in the adventure was North Miami as we embarked again on one of our UWA outings. With an outgoing tide and numerous connect the dots locations along with specific tasks it was fun from start to finish. It seemed like we brought everything but the kitchen sink. We had everything for water gating.
Vince Seibold- Environmental Ethics still trying to figure that one out but hey we have until 2025. So loaded up and the outgoing tide it was next to nothing to take it around the corner to JEA Beach and do a Vivian Harrell blue bag cleanup. With this task under our belt it was now time to take it across the river to another restricted zone.
The paddle across had light boat traffic and dolphins were just everywhere. The next connect the dot location was a pier that we all have just given up on asking you know who about you know what. And its right next to the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel 26' Berkman Floating dock compromise that was misrepresented by OGC during the 2013 FIND grant application process. When we arrived at this location it was here were we left our bag of trash and celebrated a Winn Dixie purchase before our next connect the dot task and adventure. With a line in the water we had a bite but didn't set the hook. Onward.
In the sheltered Berkman marina with at least two boats it was a pleasant paddle as we made our way to our next destination and continue to connect the dots and that was to fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission.
On numerous other occasions when exploring Downtown from the Waterways the opportunity with NM didn't present itself for our next connect the dot experience but today would be different. To engulf the senses from light to darkness along with the physical maneuverability of a constant moving vessel in our vibrant Urban Core wanted me to scream to everyone VISIT JACKSONVILLE!
The readjustment for our cavernous exploration turned into a silent silhouette of our distant destinations. The excitement and energy from the start and to even this point has been action packed. We brought the fishing poles and given the conditions and areas you come to appreciate the big ones that get away. That was the case for Mike right from the start the rod bent over and game on. We ended with 3 catfish, 2 trout, Mangrove snapper, and a croaker.
The paddle back was a momentary pause as we just enjoyed all the dolphins that were in the river as we observed from our sheltered spot. The wind had picked up and the swells were apparent in stark contrast to earlier. The tide is heading out and we were taking it back to the School Board that was a Tom Ingram FIND recommendation for a Mayor Brown kayak launch. NO BIKE RACK! With curiosity we instead took it to JEA Beach for another celebratory reunion that captivated our time again in this unique part of our river.
Back at the launch is a man throwing a cast net. Telling us of his recent tarpon sightings. With our gear loaded and more stories to tell it was another memorable day with North Miami.
Who's next?
Visit Jacksonville- Yeah Right!
After attending the Friday 12/6/13 DIA ( Downtown Is Adrift) joint committee meeting of the Downtown Experience and Economy Tools meeting that was sparsely attended and everyone getting ready to stick their hand out it was again time to Make a Scene, provide a spark, in another BOLD (Building Our Local Divide) tactical kayak paddle from a kayak launch FIND recommendation to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission.
For those that emailed me back and called on the phone we will do it again and for the first timers you will definitely be telling everyone to VISIT JACKSONVILLE!
Vince Seibold- Environmental Ethics
Vivian Harrell and a Keep Jacksonville Beautiful blue bag special and that is just what I did when I arrived this morning at the Duval county school board to launch my kayak and take it across the river to fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. By the way that blue bag is at the end of one of the piers that we CAN'T ACCESS. We all digress.
In the future there is a big tire that needs to come out. It was a beautiful morning and the cleanup allowed for the fog to burn off and then it was a relaxed calm easy paddle over to the Northbank. There was just one boat in the 50 slip Berkman marina. The ospreys were everywhere and had a better fishing trip than I did.
It wasn't long and the tide had changed and it was now an incoming tide. The paddle by the Maxwell House Plant was aroma packed as I just slowly made my way to Hogans Creek. As soon as I entered into the Maxwell House Plant there was a kingfisher on the top of a building and an osprey was perched about 30 yards away on the same building. And this is in Downtown Jacksonville. It is an incoming tide and the shopping cart depth meter chart has both wheels under water.
I paddle all the way back to Washington and Beaver. There is still garbage everywhere and there has been some serious clearing out of underbrush on the east side of the creek. The weather was cooler and tried a couple of spots but didn't catch any fish. While anchored up another kayaker was enjoying Hogans Creek. Very cool to see.
The paddle back to the School Board had increased boat traffic but was very manageable. There were a few people fishing along with joggers, walkers, and cyclists.
Key meetings are coming up and if anyone were to say to me that we are getting more Public Access and Economic opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone. I'd say "We are so LOST." "We need to FIND FIND."
RAM dock only opened when RAM is open.
Palms Fish Camp- A million bucks for doing nothing.
2013-384- An amendment for 24/7 Public Access to Hogans Creek
2007-451- The Jacksonville Landing, Will it remain open? Public, Private, Partnership?
I am Downtown and why you aren't.
Who's next?
With my van parked down by the river next to the Duval county School Board building and staring at the new Country Boy fence at the JEA property ( What was wrong with the old fence?) and 3 days out from the Taxslayer Gator Bowl it was time to say VISIT JACKSONVILLE! - Yeah right!
I arrived a little after 11 and my one goal was to do a Vivian Harrell Bluebag special and take it over to the Northbank and explore more of the restricted zones and get an idea of how this community is looking to shut down more Public Access and economic opportunity in this new highly restricted DIA zone. It's all positive and that's what everyone keeps telling me. Yeah right!
As for weather conditions it couldn't have been better. Sure it was overcast and some fog engulfing the tops of the buildings but river traffic was minimum I saw two boats and the river taxi. I brought my fishing poles but it was more of wanting to be Downtown and being a part of an oasis which is our river that when you are on it you have a complete different perspective In how you are engaging a space that has you moving but then again just kicking back.
I was catching the last of the outgoing tide and paddled along the Southbank and was wondering what are the plans for the Public Access component of the new floating dock. That is the plan isn't it? Anyone? I've asked my elected legislative representative Don Redman Dist. 4 who is also the Chair of Waterways numerous times and even today I couldn't tell you. The super duper secret FIND list should be coming out. Ask councilman Redman what will be the biggest FIND project going forward? It's almost a million bucks. Hey, still have that open contest if anyone takes a picture of the new Waterway signage that was never before Waterways and tell everyone where it is and I'll treat you to Chopstick Charley's. Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting just 17 days out. Do you think anyone has a clue as to what is going on right now at the Shipyards property next to Hogans Creek? Seriously! Can anyone explain it? I digress.
Once on the Northbank I took it to Berkman Plaza-Plaza at Berkman and there was one boat in the 50 slip marina. Attempted to fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. Had a bite but didn't land anything. Then again the fishing wasn't the big focus of this active recreational option. So with the outgoing tide I'm again staring at my number one RICO spot and that would be the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel, 26' Berkman (Shipyards III) Floating dock compromise misrepresented by OGC during the 2013 FIND grant application process. Our tax money. I paddle by the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier 2010-604 and we have all given up asking you know who about this.
So now it's time to arrive at the last pier and all the construction equipment. There is a boat that is on top of a container. Seriously, is there anyone that knows what's going on?
After this and still catching the outgoing tide I take it to the JEA beach and do another Vivian Harrell Bluebag cleanup. The paddle over was very relaxed and I didn't even see one boat.
Key announcements are coming.
Vision 2025 and the big release
CRA/DIA in the USA and the big release
The super duper secret FIND list for 2014
OED and DIA super power struggle
No Shoes
No Shirt
No Money
No Problem
Visit Jacksonville!
A new Authority
Embrace It
Or
It will Embrace Us
Who's next?
After reading the lead MJ story with attorney's Hank Coxe and Gray Thomas and with the Super Duper Secret FIND subcommittee chaired by Gary Anderson of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission just two days out at 9:30 am and then hours later the introduction of 2014-22 at the full Jacksonville city council meeting I wanted to get to the Duval County School Board that was a Tom Ingram recommendation for a Mayor Brown kayak launch during the very Public 2013 FIND grant application process and yell. TIME OUT!
With my six stolen kayaks still missing and not yet recovered I brought and used a single kayak that was lent to someone and returned and in that spirit I brought it and used it today. It's the same brand as one of the stolen ones. My goal was also to do a Vivian Harrell Bluebag special and leave it on the JEA property next to the brand new Country Boy fence. What was wrong with the old fence? how did that cost? Anyone. Have a JEA house to sell you too.
It was a high tide and driving in there was a big police presence. Two crime scene vans and lots of cones out for what appears to be shell casing measurements. What a positive way to start this day. And this is in the Wyndham Parking lot next to the Duval County School Board. I hope that all the TV stations and high rises that have aerial shots of this area immediately look at their surveillance cameras.
On the Riverwalk was a man who looked to be in a yoga position just meditating. I started the Vivian Harrell Bluebag cleanup in the area and then with a few fishing poles I just paddled next door and filled up the bag. Here is another contest for everyone. I wrote FBI on the bag and it's under the Country Boy fence sign and the first MJ'er that posts what the acronym stands for I'll treat you to Chopstick Charley's. Here is a hint. It does not stand for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. it's written on a piece of paper in a sealed baggy. Nobody ever claimed that Hess $5 gas card.
Also when I was paddling along the JEA property there was an injured Brown Pelican appears that his wing was hurt. After my cleanup I paddled along to see if it was still around and it wasn't. just throwing that out there.
Saw another kayaker which was cool and minimal boat traffic. What an interesting way to start a Sunday morning. HUGE meetings just days out. Will there be more Public Access and Economic opportunity in our new highly restricted DIA zone?
Right now I'd say NO. Don't Visit Jacksonville!
In the meantime.
I am Downtown and why you aren't.
Who's next?
In the spirit of RICO. The total crushing of the Public Trust. Wanting to provide a spark before the the new fences are up and more Public Access and Economic Opportunity to our St. johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone is taken away it was for me another teachable moment.
With an outgoing tide overcast sky's I launched my kayak next to the Southbank Riverwalk. A man named Scott had brought a chair and was truly enjoying everything about the location. I asked him if had caught anything. His response " I caught a ..... What do you call it?" I responded "a trout", No, "a red" No "a catfish" No, " a drum" That's it! "Cool".
As I'm getting ready I casually ask him if he has any idea what's going on with the $15,000,000 Southbank Riverwalk Project. "Not really" is his response. I share with him as I'm looking up at him and he is watching me get ready to launch. "Where are you going". I'm going over to the other side and fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. I told him to enjoy you time now because when you see those cranes and barges and when they get down here and rip this spot out in front of the School Board they aren't building it back. There was a pause and then he mentions the Old Fuller Warren bridge and how the city screwed up with that one. Scott wasn't young but neither old but to hear that from him unsolicited had me shaking my head. All I suggested was make a call.
With gear loaded and wanting to be a part of what should be an Armada of all kinds of positive energy for all of us Downtown I tracked over to Berkman Plaza- Plaza at Berkman and started fishing under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways.
It wasn't long and then the rains came and it just continued to rain. I eventually took it to the piers of Shipyards and sought shelter from the rain there. I have to cross the river.
Naturally, I'm just staring at my favorite spot of all Downtown and that is what I will always refer to as the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel 26' Berkman Floating dock compromise (Shipyards III) misrepresented by OGC to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission during the 2013 FIND grant application process. I will swear to that under oath!
With now thunder and showers and a good heavy rain and believe me I'm not complaining because even with this happening all around you there is an equal re adaptation to the environment that is occurring with the species of waterfowl that also call this river our home and neighbor. Birds will come in and seek shelter in the nooks and crannies. You also become more astute to the structures that have been standing for decades. In fact I noticed on a piling a date 2/22/46.
When there was finally a break in the weather. And I'm not saying that it stopped raining but it just wasn't coming down as hard it was time to cross over for another teachable moment. The highlight for me was now making it toward the end of one of the piers the rain is coming down grey skies there is no boat traffic around and at the base of the pier on a foot of a concrete overhang is a brown pelican. He is crunched over and his back is to me the slight wind creates the movement of feathers that reinforces that there is weather and everyone needs a break from it at times. So with this visual and being 50 yards out I am paddling toward this structure and against the current. I build up speed and as I pass from the back of the pelican to the front it was one of the most coolest and briefest of encounters. our eyes met and I was so close that I could have reached out and grabbed its foot long bill. There was ever so slightly a shifting in its web feet as it remained virtually motionless on that concrete outcrop as I glided by. in seconds I'm yards passed and most of the other birds have not moved from their perches.
Out in the open river my next destination is the Southbank Riverwalk next to our Educational Epicenter for Duval County Public Schools. Even in the distance and in a teeming rain I can see people on the Riverwalk.
As I get closer I can see that there are people fishing in the rain. What does that say? I swing wide and take it in. One fellow can see some of the catfish that are in my cooler. He was kind enough to come down and give me a hand getting it out of the water. I had some extra mud minnows and gave them to him. When I was getting ready to load my kayak another guy came over and offered to help me. before I left and in the drizzling rain I had to tell these people to enjoy what you are doing now because soon it will be taken away from you forever. The one guy goes "is that why all the lights have been shut off." "I guess so."
Duval County School Board/Our River/A teachable moment
Visit Jacksonville- A F city
I am Downtown and why you aren't
Who's next?