Exposing Hogans Creek

[Noone]

Hogans Creek! I miss you.

Today in Downtown Jacksonville you have to ask. Who is going to put out the WELCOME MAT if you want to Promote, Celebrate, Preserve, and Access our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative in our Urban Core?

Chamber of commerce day and I took it to a natural kayak launch under Duval St. behind the Old St. Lukes Hospital and next to the casket factory. Conditions were ideal. Outgoing tide. The debris is back  not at elevated levels that we have experienced before. The shopping cart depth meter chart is showing two wheels exposed. See a kingfisher and his flight and presence just follows me out through the Maxwell House Plant.

Great paddling conditions. Outgoing tide so it was a good paddle to the brand new Waterways NO FISHING signs from the Hyatt all the way around to Berkman Plaza. Paddled by the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier and was saying to myself WTF ( Whiting, Trout, Flounder)

Entered with room to spare under the brand new NO FISHING signs. Did not see one person out on the Riverwalk and not even 1 boat in the 50 slip marina. What an experience to enter a vast cavern in the heart of our Downtown.

It wasn't long and I had a fish on. I have to give props to Captain Roger Bump and his fishing tips so I'm sharing this one with him.

I couldn't stay long but I'll definitely be back.

Now going back with the tide I'm just flying through the water. Take it under the pier and the birds are startled because you are just so close to them and they don't see you coming. The shopping cart depth meter chart is now showing the handlebars. The kingfisher hasn't left and its good to see that he is still there.

Did a good 1 full Vivian Harrell blue cleanup bag of the area then took it back to the house.

Who's next?

Special shout out to any media outside of Duval County.

Commissioners of FIND

Mayor Brown lets keep the kayak momentum going. Your getting props in my book.

Members of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission.

Anyone with the Recreational Fishing Alliance.

Board members of the St. Johns River Water Management District

Anyone on the Jacksonville city council. Councilman Love you have seen Hogans Creek and get pats on the back.

Tera Meeks
Kelly Boree
Paul Anderson
Daniel O'Byrne
Mark Middlebrook
Lisa Rinamon
Susan Grandin
Bonnie Barnes
Dave Roman

Jacksonville Khan Make It Happen.
   

Hogans Creek! I still miss you.

A year later and yesterday's kayak adventure was a rewarding challenge on so many levels as this community moves forward with a VISION for Downtown Jacksonville with a new 20 square mile plus Authority Zone that anyone accessing our Waterways will have us playing that game. (Can't recall the name of that game.) But it goes something like this. YOU RUN and STOP.

Hey, new Authority. MAY I put my kayak in at a safety zone next to a brand new connection from the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier (Shipyards III) up to Bay St. that would assist in creating an organic cluster of spontaneous economic growth and development that also would allow everyone to Promote, Celebrate, Protect, and Access our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative in your newly created Downtown Authority?

No, you MAY not.

Ben Warner, JCCI. We need to kayak Downtown before 2025!

So yesterday after listening to the fishing shows and still debating if I'll do the Polar Plunge out at Jacksonville Beach which  I did last year (Bucket list) and ran into At-Large and current alternate on the Jacksonville Waterways Commission Jacksonville city councilman Stephen Joost it was time to make a scene again DOWNTOWN.

  Yesterday's adventure was so important on so many levels. Where was I going to put in and do it safely. The weather with the rain and then briefly clearing out and the wind is the most unpredictable factor when navigating the open waters Downtown and lets throw in a little bit of that ripping current that if you don't have your game on you are going BY, BY. I literally was stopping and getting out and looking at the river, the boat traffic, It was an outgoing tide. Did I want to put in at RCB and cross the river?
Catherine St. On Hogans Creek would mean walking through mud to get to navigable water. The marina and that launch which is a real sporty trip in better conditions. Finally, I decided to take it behind the casket factory and the old St. Luke's Hospital on Hogans Creek.

I put in under Duval street. The homeless camps are increasing and lining the shore on the other side. Didn't see anyone. It was an outgoing tide and the herons were in the trees and the shopping cart depth meter chart has the wheels exposed and about 5 inches from the handlebars.

Entering the Maxwell House Plant the sand bar is exposed and I'm greeted by a kingfisher that is perched on top of one of the buildings. he flys off and the way that bird flys with little bursts and gliding with precision he circles around me and heads back up the creek. At the same time a plover has launched from its rocky perch and flys in front of me a foot above the water and his flight path is a straight line of 100's of yards to another concrete bank.

Once out in the open water you can see the tide break. It's ripping out pretty good. it's about 3pm and so I'm also factoring in how much light I have before darkness can create another safety issue. The first pier was low enough that I could paddle through and not expose myself to the full current of the river. If you can get under this pier the rest of the piers are a piece of cake. I took it straight to Berkman Plaza- Plaza at Berkman and paddled straight under and into the darkness of a sunny window that was now just outside. This was going to be a short trip and I did bring my fishing poles and in the spirit of true MJ'ism I made a tactical urban cast under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways and had a respectable 22" red. I wasn't planning on keeping any of the fish but he swallowed that jig so into the cooler.

I didn't stay long and wanted to try other spots and the wind and the weather conditions were really changing fast. There are short windows of opportunity on the water Downtown and you can find yourself trapped real fast. naturally you come out of this awesome Downtown Destination and you are just staring at the SHIPYARDS III pier. Given the time of day and a Bowl weekend with a vibrancy thatyou  just want to scream "Hey Jacksonville" How about a pocket pier floating dock right here so Everyone can take it up to Bay St. Our new DIA can still way in on a resolution as it relates to the 2013 FIND grant application cycle 2012-402 that could Make this Happen and we could call it a Pub Crawl Paddle to Mark's. OK I'm saying "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

I check out the piers and I'm happy to report that I've now caught fish at all the piers. I spent the most time at the one by Hogans Creek this time and it was because of the weather. With the sun starting to fade the orange glow from the arena as I make my way back up Hogans Creek in the sheltered wind that is picking up. The tide is still heading out. An Osprey is now perched where the Kingfisher was earlier. The shopping cart depth meter is showing the handlebars below the water. The homeless camps have a fire that's smoldering but still there is no one around.

A year later and who is out of our lives.
Vivian Harrell-A true inspiration. Hogans Creek is not a fluff site.
Dan O'Byrne - We never got a chance to kayak this with councilman Joost. Hey councilman Joost, forget the Polar Plunge this year we need to kayak Hogans.
Paul Anderson-There may be a lot more people joining you!

A year ahead.
Governor Scott- Let's get to work- Just not in Jacksonville
Pam Bondi
Angela Corey
Cindy Laquidara
Carla Miller
Tony Allegretti
Dave Roman
Tera Meeks
Mark Middlebrook
Aaron Bowman
Kelley Boree
Terry Lorrince
Jim Bailey
Don Harris
Lisa Rinaman
Ben Warner
Any news media outside and inside of Duval county.
Let's kayak Downtown before 2025

Who's next?

I am Downtown and why you aren't.

[Noone]

The next Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting is 4/10/13.
I'm planning a RICO paddle on Hogans Creek. Anyone in?
Is there just one person that wants to write a check for a buck to 2009-442 the Artificial Reef Trust Fund that I will deliver personally on your behalf in 10 days.

I am Downtown and why you aren't.

[Noone]

On the 50Th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the famous quote  " Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country".  It was time for another BOLD tactical urban core kayak paddle. What can we do for our city?

Earlier in the day I had the pleasure of briefly seeing Emily Liska who we would all agree is an iconic piece of this community and all the important work that is being done at the Jacksonville Historical Society. I was thinking of launching my kayak at a couple of options but decided on the Jerry Spinks kayak beach location behind the casket factory. I miss that man.

The weather conditions were OK. It was after 4 and I knew that I wouldn't be there long.  It was an outgoing tide with little wind. It was a time crunch and I also wanted to put in and just throw a line in and see what would happen. Had one bite. Caught a blue crab. But the real surprise was the big snapping turtle. It's the biggest one that I ever caught. You really want to tell everyone to VISIT JACKSONVILLE.

Another reason for wanting to make a scene in this part of our new 20 square mile DIA zone was the DIA resolution of support for the USS Charles F. Adams at the 11/20/13 DIA Board meeting. DIA Board member Mike Saylor commented that we have over 3 miles of riverfront in this new zone. Where are the access points?

Public, Private, Partnership. Still trying to wrap my arms around it.

I didn't stay long. Did a respectable Vivian Harrell Blue bag cleanup and left it on the dumpster.

Who's next?

[Noone]

Remember Hogans Creek.

The last home game for the Jaguars against the Titans and the 14 year career of Brad Meester comes to an end.

2013-384- The armory for a buck and never the consideration by an elected legislative representative for an amendment for 24/7 Public Access to Hogans Creek and the legislation withdrawn.

2013-380- We are so LOST. Somebody ask Scott Shine about this one. We can't FIND FIND.

No Shoes
No Shirt
No Money
No Problem
Visit Jacksonville!

And so in the spirit of RICO it was time to showcase our trophy asset in another attempt at a unique retail opportunity on a tributary that leads to our St. johns River an American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone.

Given the tides, time of day, weather conditions, activities taking place in our new DIA zone, wanting to be All In, joining Mayor Brown in making Downtown a Destination and not a pass through I decided on launching at the official Mayor Brown kayak launch at the end of Catherine St.

I was catching the last of the outgoing tide and my ultimate trip was to originally have launched at Jacksonville's Downtown International Redneck kayak launch next to the School Board and the brand new JEA fence by country Boy's fence company ( what was wrong with the old fence?) and then take it across the river and fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. But the wind had picked up. The tidal conditions weren't Jax Chamber, DIA Chillin or OED Spacin, Boat traffic would be a factor, and I wanted to remain in the Entertainment District so it was back to Hogans Creek.

Like I said it was the last of the outgoing tide and it was early. Upon arrival a homeless camp was breaking camp with about 6 people and they wished me well as I was dragging my kayak to navigable water. My other stop where you have to get out was the rapids of Hogans Creek. Once past this I was back into the floating debris field and the garbage that is lining both sides of the banks. The bird activity was chopped for this trip. By that I mean a Great Blue Heron was flushed and it was the only bird that I saw in the beginning of the paddle and it's pattern of flight against a clear sky wiped away the frustrating start of this trip.

When I got to the mouth of the river the wind was strong and like I said it was the last of the outgoing and my destination would have been Berkman Plaza-Plaza at Berkman this is the open river not a retention pond so I opted to  stay and remember the times and create some new ones with Hogans Creek. So I anchored up and started fishing at the massive dredging project that by the way was never before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. I digress.

I took it in to the Maxwell House property and had two catfish. It was Gameday and so I continued back to Duval St. The shopping cart depth meter chart was a foot plus under the wheels and it was fun to listen to the pregame and the increased activity as it got closer to game time.

I just knew that the fishing would be hard at this time but there were also other reasons for Making a Scene and wanting to provide a spark in showing an organic activity in a dead zone that if more of these nodes are open than we can tell everyone to Visit Jacksonville.

The recent 12/18/13 DIA Board meeting was a HUGE positive meeting.
The recent DIA Board resolution of support for the USS. Charles F. Adams can now be backed up with a $50,000 shot in the arm.
The DIA Board resolution that now wants to get back their 6 projects that they voted away to OED before the new guy Aundra Wallace started.
The talk that MOSH may want a kayak launch next to the Main St. Redo on the Southbank is very positive.
The CRA/DIA in the USA is wrapping up.
The civic council director with previous JEDC (Shipyards) and FSCJ experience?
Palms Fish Camp- sign me up!
Who will be our new MarshKeeper?
Vision 2025
Paul Astleford is a hero.

Remember Hogans Creek.

Who's next?

[Noone]

Just left the 1/23/14  great 2014 FIND subcommittee meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission and it seems that there has been some massive clearing on Hogans Creek. Does anyone know what's going on? Planning a RICO paddle when the weather breaks. Let's hope we don't lose the canopy on McCoys Creek too.

[Noone]

HERO'S ON THE WATER

It was a kayak tournament that I participated in and even though I didn't catch a fish it was a game changer for me as I hope we can all come together as a community.

At the captains meeting I wore my Mayor Alvin Brown's Kayak Adventures t shirt. The foremat of the event was that you could basically launch anywhere. Some were talking about going to the Jetties, Dames Point, Guana, but for me I wanted to make a scene Downtown and provide another spark that will send a message to the world that is very simple. VISIT JACKSONVILLE!

For me the tides couldn't have been any worse given the time for the tournament. So on Sat. I was joined by some other good kayakers and anglers and we decided to put in at the official Mayor Brown Kayak Launch at RCB. It was an incoming tide and it was ripping. The only other time that I launched Downtown in these conditions was when Mayor Peyton was having a press conference on the Southbank. if you have the ability to pick your time and conditions it will make for a better fun experience.

So on Sunday I launched at another official Mayor Brown kayak launch and that was Metropolitan Park Marina. I arrived after 6:30 am and was glad that it was open. more on this later.

Once in the water my destination was Berkman Plaza- Plaza at Berkman and to fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. Again given the time of the tournament and the tides it just wasn't a plus for me. The highlight of this trip for me was being near the end of the Promised Historic 680' Downtown Public Pier (Shipyards III) 2010-604 Oh and by the way there is $5,300,000 in the Historic Preservation Trust Fund that was disclosed at the 2/26/14 DIA Special meeting. I digress. Anyway I'm in my kayak and one of the the coolest things to ever experience is the changing of the tide. I witnessed this at the inlet of Exchange Club Island one day as well. But to be in the river next to this iconic structure was special. So now the tide is heading out

At this point I make a decision to take it back to Hogans Creek. The shopping cart depth meter chart is under water. The homeless camps though few are highly visible given the massive vegetation clearing. I take it all the way up to Washington and Beaver. The bird activity was strong . Saw more turtles which was very cool.

It had been awhile since Hogans Creek has touched this soul and now catching the outgoing tide later in the day made for the journey back to Metropolitan Park Marina the most relaxed journey back. There was a stoic calm the whole time on Hogans Creek. The shopping cart depth meter chart is still completely under water. There wasn't a football game or people anywhere. but that changed when I got back to Metropolitan Park Marina. As I approached the marina and just going with the tide there was a young couple on the dock looking to hook up a (what do you call it) Not a sling? between the dock pilings. Very creative. There was a family that just pulled up with kids and some loaves of bread to feed the gulls. Another father and son came up and asked me if they could fish off the docks. Another couple just riding their bikes by me. The Portolets  are gone and the bathrooms are open. A lot of spontaneous organic activity going on in this dead zone.

I am Downtown and why you aren't.

Who's next?

[Noone]

Bumping this thread for InnerCityPressure. I will be the site captain for the March 22, 2014 River celebration at Hogans Creek again. A special shout out to Emily Lisska with the Jacksonville Historical Society who has been so gracious over the years with their support of this positive activity.

ICP, I'll be bringing my kayak and if you want to experience this waterway then just show up. Low tide is at 9:12 Downtown and the event is from 8-11 am. As Vivian Harrell a former employee with COJ and an inspiration in past cleanups I would love it when she would say that Hogans Creek is not a fluff site.

You will be amazed at how this area has been cleared of trees and vegetation. I'm thinking that you will only be able to kayak up to the rapids of Hogans Creek.

[Noone]

Making a scene on a Downtown urban Waterway destination which is our St. Johns River our American Heritage River destination within our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District in Dist. 7 which leads to historic Springfield was ME. No One.

After my last paddle and sharing a fantastic informative, entertaining, visual, stimulating, challenging, political, Public/Private, engaging, historic, local, international, everlasting, brief kayak paddle with Tom Chatmon Jr the Executive Director with the Orlando Development Board I wanted to desperately get back on Hogans Creek and report back to the citizens of Jacksonville, the people of the world and report back on why we want to say

"Visit Jacksonville"
  Or  Don't Visit Jacksonville." 

Tides were perfect in the morning and this excursion started about 9:30 am. Instead of starting at Beaver and Washington st. This trip utilized what should be as our community moves forward a fantastic partnership with the Jacksonville Historical Society. An identifiable strip of access allowed for a cool launch location. As I was pulling in a homeless camp was immediately visual across the other side. Two JSO police cars were parked close by. I unloaded my kayak and fishing poles and before I started my trip I broke out a bag of  Fried Chicken Nuts (not really...its gourmet peanut candy) Its made by our own Jacksonville treasure. Pearl-YOU ROCK! Order a bag. I got a case.  Has anyone visited Roberts Eatery?

Before I embark on my paddle I walked up to the two police officers and told them of my plans. The first response was did I have my tetanus shot? "Yes" was my response back but the real reason that I wanted to get out there was to see if the wildlife is active and prevalent so we as a community can market our vibrant Downtown to the world. I wanted to see a manatee and gator.

It was an out going tide. Nice light breezes. I brought a couple of fishing poles and had some dead shrimp. Secretly I'm preparing for the Field fishing tournament challenge. Putting in at this location makes for a short paddle out to the river. I pass the homeless site where there was a congregation of people standing there when I arrived but were now gone. A couple of 100 yards up was the shopping cart depth meter chart completely under water. I'm in good shape.

At this part of the River you are flanked by Kraft Foods and the Maxwell House Plant. Its private property and unless you are in a watercraft you would then be trespassing if you then stood on land. This part of the Creek opens to a nice pond flanked by chunks of concrete that creates its own ecological landscape.

Upon entering this space I immediately had the feeling that I was entering an ambush. At first I thought it was JSO. On the bridge with binoculars was a blue uniform. I encountered two others on the parking lot side of Kraft. Someone yells to me that there is a 10' gator in there. Cool. I haven't seen it. I can see a 4 footer maybe 5'. I anchor up and I'm talking to one of the security guards. I'm realizing that its not JSO but probably the security for the plant. There is a cane pole with a piece of chicken suspended above the water with a hook and line attached to a pipe. A permit has been issued to get this gator.

I'm glad that I was doing this trip solo. In total contrast to the previous trips with Tom Chatmon Jr. from Orlando, Don Shea, Executive Director, of the Jacksonville Civic Council. Jill Dame, and Jim Love both candidates for Dist.14, Lyndsey Brock, Dist.1, Michelle Tappouni and Marc McCollough both former city council candidates.

Lets literally kill this potential tourist attraction so I continued on and decided to anchor up under Bay St. and see if I could catch a fish. Under this shaded and protective structure I'm just watching the active boat traffic that is passing north and south in the river. I'm eating more of my Fried Chicken Nuts. They are GOOD! I was there about 10 minutes and the piercing of the mirror slick calm of the water surface and heading into Hogans Creek is a Manatee. The broad nose and face of this stealth sea cow had cut through the surface about 8 feet off my port side. The whiskered face is still out of the water getting a good breath and the back swell indicated that it wasn't a real big one. I'm just saying how cool is this.

I pull up my anchor and poles. And I wanted to follow it back in. I get back to the pond where the gator is and there is the manatee again breaking the surface for a breath of air. WOW! The cane pole is just there to catch this nuisance gator. (Yeah Right!)   

"TOURISM" ?

I've had enough. I paddle past the 4' gator that is on a concrete chunk just 10' from my port side. I continue on The shopping cart depth meter chart is showing two wheels exposed. The tire is still in the Mulberry tree. Maybe this is what we truly want to market about our Downtown. I arrive at the  the FDOT launch site. I get out and the two JSO officers are still there. I go up and give them a report. I didn't catch any fish but I did see a gator and manatee. Really! Really! I wished them a good day. Very light clean up and I'm taking it back to the house.

As soon as I got inside I was on the phone with FWC and a nuisance gator permit had been issued. It is perfectly legal.

My question would be how many nuisance gator permits have been issued for Maxwell House over the years?

Who's next.

Any media outlet out Duval county gets top priority.

Any print media outside of Duval County call me 904-721-3321 that's my home number.

Bativac- This is another reason why I'm voting Mike Hogan for Mayor.

Be concerned, keep score.

Wanted to bump this thread for a host of reasons. All positive.
Tonight at the 8/27/14 Jacksonville city council meeting is 2014-560 and a new CRA/DIA plan.
I feel so sorry for the Baltimore guys 2014-412
2014-305- AAAAmend
Go Gators!

[Noone]

Remember Hogans Creek.

The last home game for the Jaguars against the Titans and the 14 year career of Brad Meester comes to an end.

2013-384- The armory for a buck and never the consideration by an elected legislative representative for an amendment for 24/7 Public Access to Hogans Creek and the legislation withdrawn.

2013-380- We are so LOST. Somebody ask Scott Shine about this one. We can't FIND FIND.

No Shoes
No Shirt
No Money
No Problem
Visit Jacksonville!

And so in the spirit of RICO it was time to showcase our trophy asset in another attempt at a unique retail opportunity on a tributary that leads to our St. johns River an American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone.

Given the tides, time of day, weather conditions, activities taking place in our new DIA zone, wanting to be All In, joining Mayor Brown in making Downtown a Destination and not a pass through I decided on launching at the official Mayor Brown kayak launch at the end of Catherine St.

I was catching the last of the outgoing tide and my ultimate trip was to originally have launched at Jacksonville's Downtown International Redneck kayak launch next to the School Board and the brand new JEA fence by country Boy's fence company ( what was wrong with the old fence?) and then take it across the river and fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. But the wind had picked up. The tidal conditions weren't Jax Chamber, DIA Chillin or OED Spacin, Boat traffic would be a factor, and I wanted to remain in the Entertainment District so it was back to Hogans Creek.

Like I said it was the last of the outgoing tide and it was early. Upon arrival a homeless camp was breaking camp with about 6 people and they wished me well as I was dragging my kayak to navigable water. My other stop where you have to get out was the rapids of Hogans Creek. Once past this I was back into the floating debris field and the garbage that is lining both sides of the banks. The bird activity was chopped for this trip. By that I mean a Great Blue Heron was flushed and it was the only bird that I saw in the beginning of the paddle and it's pattern of flight against a clear sky wiped away the frustrating start of this trip.

When I got to the mouth of the river the wind was strong and like I said it was the last of the outgoing and my destination would have been Berkman Plaza-Plaza at Berkman this is the open river not a retention pond so I opted to  stay and remember the times and create some new ones with Hogans Creek. So I anchored up and started fishing at the massive dredging project that by the way was never before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. I digress.

I took it in to the Maxwell House property and had two catfish. It was Gameday and so I continued back to Duval St. The shopping cart depth meter chart was a foot plus under the wheels and it was fun to listen to the pregame and the increased activity as it got closer to game time.

I just knew that the fishing would be hard at this time but there were also other reasons for Making a Scene and wanting to provide a spark in showing an organic activity in a dead zone that if more of these nodes are open than we can tell everyone to Visit Jacksonville.

The recent 12/18/13 DIA Board meeting was a HUGE positive meeting.
The recent DIA Board resolution of support for the USS. Charles F. Adams can now be backed up with a $50,000 shot in the arm.
The DIA Board resolution that now wants to get back their 6 projects that they voted away to OED before the new guy Aundra Wallace started.
The talk that MOSH may want a kayak launch next to the Main St. Redo on the Southbank is very positive.
The CRA/DIA in the USA is wrapping up.
The civic council director with previous JEDC (Shipyards) and FSCJ experience?
Palms Fish Camp- sign me up!
Who will be our new MarshKeeper?
Vision 2025
Paul Astleford is a hero.

Remember Hogans Creek.

Who's next?

4 hours out from the 9/10/14 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting 9am 1st floor in council chambers.  Anyone going?

Will the new Downtown Docking Zone map be made available to the Public that became known at the 8/13/14 JWC meeting and the commissioners shared there displeasure of being left out. Did Toney Sleiman and Peter Rummell know about the map? Civic Council? DIA? City Council? HUGE news story.

Anyone else feel sorry for the Baltimore guys? 2014-412 The unauthorized Purchase of two water taxis by the Executive Branch defrauding and circumventing the Legislative Branch. Legislation withdrawn.

2014-305 is active legislation. New docking Rules and Penalties. Everyone thinks that the food truck guys got slipped a Mickey. Who will be the Jacksonville elected legislative representative that will offer a positive amendment?

2014-560 is active legislation. Our new CRA/DIA zone. According to a CRA consultant 4.8 miles of the rivers edge is in this new Authority zone.

On 9/20/14 Hogans Creek will be part of the International Coastal Cleanup. Special thanks to the Jacksonville Historical Society for their years of continued support.

Planning a Pre clean up paddle of this urban Waterway. Special shutout to anyone running in the Spring elections for any office who wants to experience the waters edge of a tributary that leads to our St. Johns River an American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new super duper restricted CRA/DIA zone.

Who's next?

[Noone]

Show and Tell

Making a Chamber of Commerce scene on an urban Waterway in the heart of our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District was Dist.7 owner and  entrepreneur of Robert's Eatery was Robert himself.

After listening to some of the morning fishing shows on the radio and the frustration and disappointment that they were expressing about how our city doesn't promote our Waterways I was fired up and wanted to echo those same frustrations. Robert has been mentioning for some time that he wanted to see this jewel of a Waterway himself especially after Marc McCollough a former candidate for Dist. 7 had seen it for himself months ago. So I called Robert 904-485-0273 and we were on the water within an hour and a half. That is how fast we made it happen.

Today's paddle was special for me on a number of fronts.

1st) I just received my order of Fried Chicken Nuts (not really....it's gourmet peanut candy) from our own Pearl. I hope that everyone gets an order in at friedchickennuts.com You go girl.

2ND) I was sharing the day with Robert who along with I will be effected by 2010-856 in its present state without any amendments.

So today's paddle started out with tastetesting Pearls Fried Chicken Nuts. They are GOOD!!! I downed almost half the bag before we even got on the water. I also brought a couple of fishing poles.

The tide was already making the turn out. It was a beautiful calm late morning the creek was glass. It was apparent that after all the heavy rains that the debris just flows into the creek. Unfortunately we weren't a 100 yards in and there is a new Winn Dixie shopping cart in the water.

The trip out was pleasent and Robert would comment about the potential. There were homeless on both sides of the banks in the usual areas. Its all over Jacksonville. We continued to enjoy the quiet paddle toward the Maxwell House plant and Robert would say that this is what Jill Dame saw. I said yes and Jim Love, Michelle Tappouni, Marc McCollough and so many others that aren't running for office. And so many more will also see it.

We made our way past the shopping cart depth meter and a wheel was 1/4 exposed. The tide was ripping out so we didn't have a lot of time left. We continued on and popped out into the river. We ventured out a couple of 100 yards and took in the skyline of our Downtown. There was a strong aroma of coffee and we entered back up into the creek and anchored up as the coffee engaged our senses. Also I broke out the fishing pole and put a fiddler crab on a jig head and just tossed it out there. This was also a good time to break out and finish off the rest of the Fried Chicken Nuts. We didn't fish long and wanted to get back before the water ran out of the creek and the fun factor diminishes unless your part of team Skiles. LOL. Doug I do owe you and Jacob a sausage dog and coke at Robert's.

We made the trip back with the shopping cart depth meter and the wheel 3/4 exposed. For Robert and all of us that have visited him over the months and when the conversation turns to Hogans Creek we will all be shaking our heads and asking why isn't anything happening.

Anyone running for office in the May elections call Robert at Roberts Campaign headquarters and he will proudly hang your yard sign on his tent. At-Large?

All I've got to say is "Who's Next?"     
   

Hogans Creek will always be a positive.

Jerry Spinks, Emily Lisska and the Jacksonville Historical Society will always be a big Thank You.

Yesterday was the International Coastal Clean Up.
Yesterday was the Heart Walk

Yesterday making a scene and being All In was my wife Noreen in the Heart Walk and me with the International Coastal Clean Up.

We both had various time commitments. But we were both United in being Downtown.

The 9 am start had overcast skies with light bursts of rain that would last a couple of minutes. I brought the fishing poles and the kayak and the spirit that all who have participated before that Hogans Creek is not a fluff site. There was someone sleeping under the Duval overpass and I did my best to not disturb his slumber.

I started around the immediate area on land and just filled the Vivian Harrell blue bags. At the same time I had a pole in the water with a float rig and had more fun with the painted turtles that were chasing the bait. It was a high outgoing tide and so the launch location with the sandy beach was Jax Chamber, OED'in and DIA Spacin.

Toward the end I decided to launch and fill a bag out at the mouth of Hogans Creek. There is no doubt that it was good sleep in weather because the homeless spots were occupied by a lot of people sleeping in. The walk is going over Bay St. And I just filled a bag with the new debris catch field that is the rocky shore next to Shipyards. I pulled out a backpack and a life preserver. And filled a bag in minutes.

The paddle back waiving to all the people on Bay St. reinforces the potential for so many organic opportunities for infill active recreational nodes that can expand on an outward vibrant feeling of community connectiveness.

The bird activity was strong. Saw the plover darting inches above the water. The water level was so high that you couldn't see the shopping cart depth meter chart.

When I arrived back the one guy was getting up and I wished him a good morning. I left some bags and told them that there are a bunch of aluminum cans in some various spots. Let's remember this is the Entertainment District.

Hogans Creek will always be positive.

Who's next?

[Noone]

The erogenous zone of Jacksonville's Emerald necklace is a pornographic orgy of dirty decadence that has to be experienced not just in pictures but an engulfing sense of the senses that will leave you in an obscene state of pleasure and delight.

Unity Plaza- It's not just a retention pond

MOCA- Come to Hogans Creek

Hogans Creek as fast as it opened with Vivian Harrell leading a SUNDAY cleanup with the Jaycees so to have an official Mayor Brown kayak launch it has been censored with NO TRESPASSING signs that screams DON'T VISIT JACKSONVILLE!

So to be All In. Making a Scene and watching the boat parade, fireworks the night before and the Jaguars playing the New York Giants with Tom Coughlin it was again time to show the world that if you think for one second that we are getting more Public Access and Economic opportunity on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL initiative in our yet to be voted on 2014-739, 2014-560 you are nuts. We are going to crush you. Pick and choose the winners and losers. Just ask the Baltimore guys 2014-412.

So with Roxy Tyler canned. Davis Furniture building at Jefferson and Forsyth destroyed by arson? Clay Yarborough and the MOCA woman (Marlboro Man). Is everyone just stoked that we recently gave a convicted child molester a taxpayer subsidized pension for life with board approval and community support.(What's wrong with that picture?)  It was time again to Expose Hogans Creek.

Conditions were Jax Chamber, OED Spacin and DIA Chillin. I was catching the last of the outgoing and launching at the NO TRESPASSING signs that is now passing as ART in PUBLIC PLACES. Dave and Tera this doesn't say VISIT JACKSONVILLE. That will all be cleared up with the soon to be NEW Parks Director Tony Lopez. Should be in Rules today. I digress.

With clear blue skies and listening to the Jaguar game on the radio I launched with out having to get out and walk to deeper water that can be the case at times. Saw some turtles and the bird activity was strong. The Kingfisher was a delight and makes me wonder if there was more than one this time around. At one point he had a fish as he came around a corner and landed on a branch then immediately left when realizing my presence.

The shopping cart depth meter chart had both wheels exposed and the island was exposed going through the Maxwell House plant. just realized that I'm using the word exposed a bit loosely. Clean it up. But it's Hogans Creek! Environmental Ethics- Vince Seibold.

Once in the open water the shuttles were running for the Jag game. Boat traffic was heavy. I brought a Vivian Harrell Blue Bag and did a light cleanup and left it on the 680' promised Downtown Public Pier 2010-604 with TC and Giants written on it. After that I took it to the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. Didn't stay long. The tide started to change and when taking it back to Hogans Creek it was just a relaxed float back in. The shopping cart depth meter chart had one wheel exposed. People were everywhere and the 64,000 plus was a nice number that were at the game.

The homeless camps are diminishing in number. Not the concentration that we have seen in the early days. The garbage though is thick as ever.

This week I hope to hear back from Geri Boyce with JEA- Building Community and the opportunity to do cleanups on that polluted visual blight stretch that can be a key element for river access.

New people
Aundra Wallace
Tony Lopez

Public Access to our Waterway?
Will the next level include you?
I say we are going to get crushed!

Who's next?

[Noone]

Houston, We have a problem.

And it's not that the Texans just beat the Jacksonvillians 27-13. Khan's ship just came in and the Baltimore fleet was sent packin back to the Inner Harbor. 2014-412. Public, Private, Partnershp? Jags, Ravens, new rivalry on the water. We are so LOST.

So two days out from the confirmation by the 19 members of the Legislative Branch of the appointment by the Executive Branch of Tony Lopez as the new Parks Director for the city of Jacksonville replacing Kelley Boree and interim Parks Director Daryl Joseph.

So being All In and wanting to Make a scene it was time to put in at Hogans Creek and do a Vivian Harrell Bluebag cleanup. The biggest positive were the tidal conditions as I launched at the official Mayor Brown Kayak launch location that has been replaced with NO TRESPASSING signs. Mr. Lopez will fix this. He's the new guy. Does anyone remember John Culbreath? I digress.

So with a high outgoing tide it was one of the easiest launches yet. With overcast skies it was tshirt in the beginning, brought the hoodie, and it was rainwear before it was over. The pregame arial show with the airplanes flying  their banners overhead may not be the Blue Angels but I'll take it to add to a Downtown Urban Waterway Experience any day.

Brought the fishing poles along with the radio and the only thing that I'm missing is the Jaguar on the bow of my kayak. Mr. Lopez will fix this. Didn't fish long and it's probably because I wasn't catching anything and the weather conditions they were a changing.

With the high flood tides the garbage was everywhere and concentrated in all the usual spots. So from the kayak I did not only one Vivian Harrell Bluebag but two. I miss Vivian. Love her quote. "Hogans Creek, It's not a fluff site." I left the bags on a concrete elevated area that can double as another MJ urban mystery quiz. What was it previously connected or used for? I couldn't tell you.

With a light rain starting to fall it was time to take it back to the NO TRESPASSING signs. Are we going to be getting more economic opportunity on our Waterways Downtown as we tell the world to Visit Jacksonville? What is being reported anywhere about the super duper Community First FIND sub committee meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission?  Mr. Lopez will fix it.

We are so LOST.

Who's next?

[mbwright]

Why don't you just take down the no trespassing signs.  I doubt anybody would notice.

[Noone]

Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting at 9 am this morning in council chambers anyone going? Audra Wallace with the DIA is on the agenda. Also on the agenda a presentation about handicap access to the St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our Super restricted 4.8mile CRA zone from the Fuller Warren Bridge to the Mathews Bridge.

Could a handicap watercraft hand launch be possible next to Healthy Town and the DCPS building at the easterly strip of land next to the new Southbank Riverwalk? I'd say YES! I hope that Alice Krauss, Adaptive Sports & Recreation with Brooks Rehabilitation can comment on that.

[RattlerGator]

I may have forgotten but I don't recall ever seeing this thread before. Great job, Ennis. What a great job. To be so central, Hogan's Creek is so incredibly unknown.

And, isn't it high time to change the name of Confederate Park back to its original name of Dignan Park