DECEMBER 2006 NEWSLETTER

Surfrider Foundation News and Events

By Greg Gordon

Quiksilver King of the Peak

Over 20 members and friends from all over Florida joined the Sebastian Inlet Chapter to camp out at Longpoint Park over the early November weekend. We displayed our new tent, gave out trash bags and literature on how to protect the ocean, and had petitions for beachgoers to sign asking for cleaner coastal waters. Although it was a little rainy and very windy, the waves and our spirits ran high and everyone pledged to camp out again next year.

Gambling Boat Pollution Meeting

A group of 15 concerned Brevard County residents met at the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame to discuss how to help Rep. Bob Allen and Senator Mike Haridopolos get the Clean Ocean Act passed. After treats by Sunseed Food Coop and sushi from Sushisurfs, there were a lot of great ideas shared. Our common goal is to ask the public to contact their representatives in the Florida Congress. Tell them to pass a bill that would prevent the 10-20 day cruisers from dumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of partially treated sewage three miles from the coast EVERY WEEK! If you wish to help in 2007, email Greg at surfrider@cfl.rr.com .

First Meeting to form an Indian River County Chapter

There are a lot of important issues passing south of the Sebastian Inlet, so a meeting was held on 11/20 to help form a chapter for that region. Dave Barney and Lawrence Brashears offered to co-advise the organizing committee. The current top priority is to get the county to mandate the new set back lines for septic tanks right off the beach. Email dave@ksmengineering.net if you want to come out to their next meeting.

Plans for Spanish House

The path to the beach is being moved south about 100 yards and we have been asked to provide the bodies to make the new one. This beach, part of the Archie Carr National Park, is under state care and they are providing the tools and expertise. Contact Dave at dave@ksmengineering.net to come help in January.

Around the State News

The regional coordinator, Ericka Davanzo, met with other leaders in the Florida Coasts and Oceans Coalition to strategize how to implement the Blueprint for Clean Water in Florida, which they wrote as a guide for Florida congressmen in 2006. Their goals include wetland protection, curbing unwise oceanfront development, and restoring marine ecosystems.

Ericka also has helped restructure the Florida Open Beach Act into a “Beach Access Amendment” which hopefully will give it a better chance to pass. Put under the State’s Comprehensive Plan, the amendment calls for preservation of existing, adequate parking, adequate temporary and alternative access, and no blockage by signs. It also gives municipalities the authority to add an impact fee for the oceanfront developer to pay for the amenities. Contact edavanzo@surfrider.org for a complete report and to get involved.

Retail Sponsors

Thanks to our newest sponsor – SurfGuru.com. Also, not to forget our current retail sponsors - Ultimate Sports Warehouse Inc., R & D Surf, Manitou Computer Services, Luna Sea Motel, Amstar Mortgage Corporation, and Tom Neilson Shapes. If you want to contribute, just send a note to Rick at surfridersi@yahoo.com or call 779-0279.

CALENDAR

The 5 th Annual Surfrider End of the Year Party

Saturday, December 30 th, 2006 - 5 p.m. until ??? The Place – the Hustler in Indialantic is the spot, but check the website for updates – www.surfrider.org/sebastianinlet. Everyone in the county is invited to bid on some amazing silent auction prizes, eat some barbeque, and listen to some sweet jams by your favorite local bands. If you want to help or need directions to the event – contact surfridersi@yahoo.com

Surfrider State Surfing Contest during the O’neill Sebastian Inlet Pro

January 7 th, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. This will be a tag team relay event with five members from each Florida chapter (at least one wahine, too) There will be Prize Money !!! You wanna surf First Peak to help your chapter win?? Contact surfridersi@yahoo.com . Also needed are volunteers to help at the tent from the 5 th to the 11 th for morning and afternoon shifts..

Florida Chapter Conference during Surf Expo

January 12 th through the 14 th. The top brass from the National Office will be in town to help in planning sessions. A Saturday night party will be hosted by the Orlando Chapter – email Kevin at ksa812@aol.com for time and directions. To get badges for the weekend and participate at the booth and the conference, email surfridersi@yahoo.com .

Statewide Online Forum – Speak you mind at http://www.surfrider.org/surfriderblog/forums/

If you want to join as a member – go to www.surfrider.org/join