Mayor Brown wants to improve Exchange Club Island

[thelakelander]

Exchange Island falls just outside of the DIA's boundaries.

[Noone]

It's not from the Fuller Warren Bridge to the Mathews?

At the 4/30/14 special meeting of the CRA/DIA in the USA a member of the consultant team Michael Tabb of RedRock Global during a presentation indicated that there is 4.8 miles of Waterways control and that is a different number than 3 miles given by DIA Board member Mike Saylor during a previous DIA meeting. Welcome any correction to these numbers.

The biggest news is the new docking Rules and the penalties that were given at the 4/2/14 Noticed Public meeting attended by Chair of Waterways and Dist.4 Jacksonville city councilman Don Redman. Has any of this information been provided to the members of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission at the April 9th JWC meeting? I have left numerous messages. Scott Wilson feel free to jump in here at any time. Will this along with a FIND update be given at the next 5/14/14 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting.

Any news on the dredge?

[Noone]

CRA/DIA in the USA meeting today at 3pm 1st floor city hall and is open to the Public. New Rules for the Waterways. Will the next level include you? This CRA process is concluding then will move to the city council.

[thelakelander]

It's not from the Fuller Warren Bridge to the Mathews?

It is. However, I don't believe the boundary crosses the river near the Mathews.

[Noone]

Respectfully, I'd say yes.

[johnnyman]

Exchange Club Island used to be called "Rabbit Island".  A sea captain named "Captain Lucky" used to live in a house that was on the south tip of the island.  He brought a bunch of rabbits to the island that multiplied rapidly.  Well, so the story goes.  I fish there quite regularly.

[Overstreet]

Some people call it rattlesnake island.

There will be a kayak race from Metro park around it and back to Metro Park on May 17th.
http://www.rivercitychallenge.org/

[I-10east]

City receives $171,000 to make island into a kayaking destination

An island in the middle of the St. Johns River, close to the Mathews Bridge, has remained untouched for years. But now, the Exchange Club Island might be getting the amenities necessary to turn it into a travel destination for kayakers. Mayor Alvin Brown has thrown his support behind plans to boost visitation and use of the Exchange Club Island, according to the Florida Times-Union. His administration recently received funding from the Florida Inland Navigation District, totaling about $171,000 over two years. In addition, the city will spend about $194,000 of tax money on the project.

The money will be used to install a floating dock measuring about 60 feet, a kayak landing, as well as trails and picnic areas. A camping area may be added to the island later on. The 34-acre island has a history of plans falling through. Although owned by the city since the 1950s, plans by the Exchange Club to develop it were dropped due to repeated vandalism. Construction on the island could start as early as this summer.

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2014/12/city-receives-171-000-to-make-island-into-a.html

[Overstreet]

Its value is less as a kayak destination without a restroom.  However it was good to see the kayak beach next to the dock.  Kayaks, and canoes prefer beach entry and exit over docks.