Celebrating 55 years as an incorporated community the Heritage Committee, with the support of neighbors and local businesses, organized a one-day commemoration on Saturday, March 31^st.  The Committee began planning for the event back in June of 2006.  The idea was to organize an event inviting family and friends to look back at the settlement of our one square-mile seaside community and its subsequent growth, and have fun.  The celebration began at Eastminster Presbyterian Church with a moderated interactive panel of long-time residents and historians discussing personal stories and recollections of Indialantic.  The morning’s event, attended by approximately 200 people, culminated with the announcement of a town photo post-card contest winner and the highly anticipated premiere of a documentary produced by the Heritage Committee entitled “Indialantic By-the-Sea: Portrait of a Community.”  The DVD was extremely well received and continues to be available for sale along with the winning photo contest post-cards at town hall.  At noon, festivities moved to Orlando Park where 300 people enjoyed family-styled fun, food and drinks, music, historical and informative displays, and the promotion of community safety.  Indialantic’s anniversary was a perfect occasion to enjoy Florida’s idyllic springtime weather, share time with friends, and celebrate our town’s history.  Happy 55^th Anniversary! 

Members are being sought to serve on a new task force created to review Fifth Avenue.  Council members agreed at their May meeting to create a task force to consider the appearance of Fifth Avenue as well as pedestrian and vehicular movements.

Seven residents will be appointed to the task force which will be expected to consider a variety of matters affecting Fifth Avenue including the following:  pedestrian walking areas, motor vehicle driving areas, design restrictions, parking, signs, level of public and private maintenance and street furniture.  A final report is expected in eighteen months from the task force’s first meeting with an interim report at the half-way mark.

Business owners/operators are requested to submit an application, however, the Town Charter requires that they also be a resident of the Town to be appointed.  Non-resident business owners/operators are being requested to attend and participate in task force meetings even though they cannot be members.

Interested residents are requested to complete an application noting the desire to serve on this task force.  Forms are available on the Town’s website or from the Town Clerk.  Appointments are expected to be made at the Council’s June 19, 2007 meeting.

RECENT COUNCIL ACTION

 April 17, 2007 Meeting

 ·     approved an agreement with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to receive Hazard Mitigation grant funds in the amount of $17,042 to install shutters on Town Hall (local match is $5,681)

 ·     approved a First Responder agreement with Brevard County to receive $34,897

 ·     agreed to test an e-mail sign up system to improve communications with Town residents

 May 15, 2007 Meeting

 ·      approved Amendment #1 to the Mowing and Landscape Maintenance Agreement for mowing Sunrise Park effective October 1

 ·      approved the allocation of Edward C. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant funds to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department for prisoner transportation/booking improvement

 ·      adopted Ordinance 07-07 prohibiting fires in or on any park structure

 ·      adopted Ordinance 07-08 relating to sea turtle preservation

 ·      adopted Ordinance 07-09 amending the Mayor’s compensation to be consistent with that paid to other Council members

 ·      agreed to create a task force to consider existing conditions and possible improvements for Fifth Avenue

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Hurricane season is again upon us and lasts through November 30. August and September are the peak months for storm activity. Hurricane hazards can include flooding, storm surge, high winds or tornados.  Please be prepared.

Have disaster supplies on hand – flashlight, battery operated radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, non-electric can opener, medications, three day supply of food and water, cash, gas in car.

Prepare your property – protect windows with shutters or plywood; secure garage door; bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings; store valuables and important papers in waterproof containers; and trim dead or weak branches from trees far enough in advance of hurricanes so that the debris can be removed by Harris Sanitation.

Evacuate if advised by officials – have an evacuation route planned (be prepared to drive 20 to 50 miles inland); make arrangements for pets; unplug appliances and turn off electricity and main water valve; return home only after officials advise that it is safe to do so.  Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated.

Public Works personnel construct a swale at 429 Eighth Avenue.  Swales are a commonly used stormwater practice recommended by federal and state officials to treat runoff to reduce pollutants.