Art Fusion - Urban Arts Lofts - Friday, February 7 - 7 to 10 p.m.

Friends of the Library Meeting

Dear Friends,

Just a reminder,

The Friends of the Lake Worth Library will meet Tuesday, February 11, in the garden (back) at South Shores tavern from 5:30 till 6:30. Everyone is welcome.

Thanks you,

June Evans & Vickie Joslin, Library Services Supervisor

Purple flags go up as man-of-war float onto Palm Beach... | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

A reminder for those that use the beach that this is the season for Portuguese Man-of-War. Do not go near what looks like clear, blue plastic on the beach. These are being carried in by the predominant southeast wind we are experiencing recently. Click title for link.

Even the shore can be treacherous when the balloon-like creatures wash ashore. Wotton warns beachgoers to resist temptation to prick the bubbles with sticks — the exhale of gas can send out a tentacle in the process. And digging near a beached man-of-war can uncover a tentacle. Even when the man-of-war is dead, the tentacle continues to pack a sting.
That sting can at the very least can bring even the most stalwart beach-goers to tears and at worst trigger an anaphylactic reaction that requires quick action and a visit to the hospital.

Plan to save A1A from Flagler’s shifting sands | News-JournalOnline.com

This is in Flagler County, which is just north of Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast. Part of A1A is falling into the ocean due to shifting sands and sea level rise. It is interesting to note that our section of A1A was further east, for the most part, than it is today. When you drive along the east side of the Casino building, you are actually driving along the old right-of-way. After a series of storms in the late 1940s, the decision was made to move the road further west on Palm Beach island. That was also when fill was placed in the area west of the Casino building and west of the newly laid out A1A north of the Lake Worth bridge. This article, click title for link, explains some of the options when dealing with this situation. None of them are cheap and none are really that permanent. 

How is our seawall again? Is it adequately protecting our seawall?

Undulating sand dunes topped with sea oats and palmetto, weathered decks and wooden stairways to the beach, the occasional beach cruiser leaned against a speed-limit sign ... a lovely view to the east.
When the road was laid out in 1927, it was too close to the ocean to allow much development between the road and coast. The result is a nice approximation of pre-motel, pre-condo Florida.
Too bad parts of the highway are about to fall into the ocean.

If you are on Linked-In, this might be someone you want to connect with, or not...

My courtyard today, after a light rain...

You’ll Be Amazed by these Surreal Things to Wash Up on Florida’s Beaches… | Direct Villas Florida

The operator of this website sent me this link. It is amazing what washes upon the shores here. Also note that this website is based  in the U.K. and is all about short-term rentals in Florida. Click title for link.

Hope to see you tomorrow!

From the Netherlands...

This spectacular circular cycle bridge in the Dutch city of Eindhoven has recently been opened to the public. The cable-stayed bridge, designed by ipv Delft, offers cyclists and pedestrians an exciting crossover. With its impressive pylon, 72 metre diameter, thin deck and conspicuous lighting, the cyclist roundabout is a new landmark for the city.

Click here for more information on how it was constructed. How about something like this one day over the intersection of Okeechobee and Military? Locally, and something you can experience right now, is the nice bicycle/pedestrian underpass at the Royal Palm Park (middle) bridge. That was done when the bridge was reconstructed about 10 years or so ago.

Video best viewed full-screen.

EPA abandons major radiation cleanup in Florida, despite cancer concerns | Broward Bulldog

In-depth article by the Broward Bulldog about the state taking control of radiation cleanup of former phosphate mines near Lakeland. The fear is that the state will do nothing. People argue about the cost benefit of the clean-up. Click title for link.

The Environmental Protection Agency is walking away after a decades-long battle with Florida politicians and industry officials over cleaning up phosphate-mining waste in an area that could expose more than 100,000 residents to cancer-causing radiation levels.
Under a decision quietly finalized two weeks ago, the federal agency will leave it to state officials to decide the fate of the sites in and around Lakeland, an approximately 10-square-mile residential area midway between Orlando and Tampa.

Justice Alito: People should know more about Supreme Court | www.palmbeachdailynews.com

One of the Supremes was in town on Monday. I understand that our own Commissioner Amoroso was in attendance, perhaps other of our electeds too. Sounds like a fascinating talk and look into the nation's high court. Click title for link. From the article:

More Americans can name more Snow White’s dwarfs than U.S. Supreme Court justices, but Associate Justice Samuel Alito said the names aren’t important, just the job.
“It’s not important for the American people to know the names of every U.S. Supreme Court justice, but it is important to know something about the Constitution and the structure of our government, and, therefore, something about the Supreme Court and what we do,” he said.
While the lawyers, political followers and civic leaders attending a joint meeting of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches and the Palm Beach County Bar Association might be more informed than most, Alito spoke to the group Monday about “things that many people may not know about the Supreme Court.”

Passenger train service will increase time boaters blocked...

Some unintended consequences emerge related to increased train traffic on the FEC or eastern railroad tracks as All Aboard Florida creeps its way down the tracks. Click title for link. From the article:

“The Environmental Impact Statement Process being led by the Federal Railroad Administration will analyze and evaluate any potential impacts resulting from increased train service and determine mitigation efforts as appropriate. We recognize the importance that the marine industry contributes to Florida’s economy and job creation,” All Aboard Florida said in a written statement.
Numerous agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard which is responsible for bridge permitting and oversees bridge operations, are involved in the environmental study.
A revised draft of the study is expected in late spring, Railroad Administration spokesman Mike England said. The public will be able to comment formally at that time.

Kleid and Townsend Win Town of Palm Beach Election

Kleid is an incumbent, Townsend wins empty seat.

Boca Raton Police Use Social Media to Build Public Trust

Republicans resort to trickery to outfox Democrats (fake Dem websites send contributions to Repubs) - Democratic Underground

"Danger, danger, Will Robinson!" Make sure your political donations are going to the candidates you want to support, and not to those on the other side. Click title for link.

If you donate to a candidate online, pay attention to the fine print to make sure your donation goes to the candidate you want and not his or her opponent.
The National Republican Congressional Committee has launched a series of websites that look like they support a Democratic candidate for Congress, but instead direct contributions to the Republican Party instead.
The Tampa Bay Times interviews one donor who thought he was giving to Alex Sink's (D) congressional campaign. It even used the same blue and green color scheme as the candidate's official website.
But he didn't see the small print, which said, "Make a contribution today to help defeat Alex Sink and candidates like her."