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CITIZENS FOR PONCE INLET
NEWSLETTER
FALL 2021
Dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ponce Inlet
TOWN OF PONCE INLET
Congratulations go to Mayor-Elect Lois Paritsky, Councilmember Elizabeth Caswell and Current-Mayor/Councilmember-Elect Gary Smith for the Election in August! Please join us as at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday, November 18th at 6:00 p.m. Cake and refreshments will be served during a short break to follow.
Town Charter Review. The Ponce Inlet Town Council and the chairpersons of each of the Town’s advisory boards (Code Enforcement, Cultural Services, Essential Services, & Planning) are currently meeting once per month to review and discuss modifications to propose to all of you, as electors, next year. The Town Charter is the single most important document directing the town’s municipal operations; as such, any changes proposed are carefully vetted in this review process. Charter Review Committee meetings are noticed a week in advance and provide multiple opportunities for your thoughts and comments. You are welcome and encouraged to be part of this important process.
Budget for Fiscal Year 2021/2022. The final budget for the town for fiscal year 21/22 was approved by the Town Council on September 22nd with a millage rate of 5.9 mills; while this is the same millage rate as the prior year, it is considered a tax increase of 5.66% as it generates the additional revenue needed to meet or exceed our current level of service under rising costs of many things for which we need to operate. This budget enables us to take our first steps for implementation of the $15/hour minimum wage while addressing compression issues, to initiate a three-year fire service accreditation process, to complete the septic-to-sewer project on Ponce deLeon Circle, to address 2 failing retaining walls for which the town is responsible at Tina Marie Drive, to purchase additional public safety equipment, to provide park improvements at most of the town’s parks, including replacement of failing rip rap revetment at Elber’s Sunset Park and shade structures at the pickleball courts, and to complete a watershed master plan for increased ISO rating and subsequent town wide flood insurance rate reductions.
The town has been awarded over $927,000 in grants to assist in the completion of projects in FY 21/22. We have applied for another $200,000 in grant funding for fire equipment and a stormwater master plan in FY 21/22. We will also receive over $1.6 million in American Rescue Funds for use in accordance with federal requirements and as approved by Council upon recommendation by the Essential Services Advisory Board. We are 3rd in line for the award of $4 million in grant funding assistance for the South Peninsula Drive Sidewalk Improvements Project over an estimated five-year period. The town has never had such a grant influx and additional assistance has become necessary to manage them, but we are pleased to obtain and manage these funding opportunities for projects important to our residents and for the overall good of our community.
The town’s general fund stabilization reserve is now over $3.6 million, this is 61% which means we have at least 7 months of operations capability in the event of an emergency if income were to cease. The town’s reserve policy requires that we maintain between 3 and 9 months as a prudent reserve. In addition, we have a water operating fund for which we have a reserve of almost $1.3 million, which is a 100% reserve/12 months, for water infrastructure issues. You can rest assured that your town can respond quickly to ensure your health and safety in a variety of emergency situations.
There are certain types of expenditures which produce long-term benefits for the entire town but for which loans must be obtained in order to complete the projects; often very low interest loans are available due to these serving a public purpose. The town is mindful of its debt service for which there are currently 3 funds dedicated toward its repayment: 1) town hall & police department facility loan with 4 yrs remaining, 2) stormwater improvements loan with 5 yrs remaining, and 3) water system improvements loan with 15 yrs remaining.
While the town continues to provide premium service to our residents and maintain its prudent reserve, you can see from the table below that Ponce Inlet continues to have fall within the lower half in Volusia County using the composite millage rate comparison:
Comparison of Proposed Composite Millage Rates for FY 21/22
| Volusia County – Wilbur by the Sea | 19.5165 |
| Daytona Beach | 19.3364 |
| Daytona Beach Shores | 18.5026 |
| Debary | 16.6835 |
| DeLand | 20.5429 |
| Deltona | 21.6088 |
| Edgewater | 20.5500 |
| Holly Hill | 19.8170 |
| Lake Helen | 20.6088 |
| New Smyrna Beach | 17.7478 |
| Oak Hill | 23.1448 |
| Orange City | 21.5488 |
| Ormond Beach | 17.5978 |
| Pierson | 23.4358 |
| Ponce Inlet | 19.4670 |
| Port Orange | 18.7026 |
| South Daytona | 21.3170 |
Septic-to-Sewer Projects. The town has sought grants for septic-to-sewer improvements on Ponce deLeon Circle since February 2018. Our efforts paid off last year when we were awarded more a St Johns River Water Management District grant covering approximately 70% of the cost of this project, the City of Port Orange covering approximately 20%, and leaving just 10% remaining for the Town. This project will be completed in the next couple months and not only provides these residents with a state-of-the-art gravity sewer system, but also minor storm water and water system improvements, and a brand-new roadway.
While there are very limited uses for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, one of these is sewer infrastructure. The Town’s Essential Services Advisory Board recommended, and the Town Council approved the use of $600,000 in ARPA funding for the design of the town’s sewer master plan. Having a system design completed makes our projects shovel-ready and they become eligible for grant funding and the cooperative interlocal relationships which have enabled the completion of the Ponce deLeon Circle project.
Public Works has prepared some additional information specific to the progress of the Ponce deLeon Circle project. On July 6, 2021, work began on the Ponce deLeon Circle septic to sewer project. This is a project in conjunction with the City of Port Orange, and the St. John’s Water Management District. The firm of Mead and Hunt designed the project, and San-Pik construction is the contractor performing the work. As of October 12, 2021, over 900 feet of 8” gravity sewer has been laid along with a like amount of 3” force main. The work has been steady and there have been no delays. On an average day there is 60 feet of pipe put in the ground, and there has been only one complaint. And that was because of a delay in trash pickup, San-Pik construction was very responsive and a solution to that problem was quickly remedied.
The project overall has been orderly in fashion, and citizens were included in the process where they wanted their sewer lateral located. The construction company also found a solution to a homeowner who has sensitive trees in her front yard that wanted to connect but was worried that there would be irreparable damage to her trees.
Code Amendment – Micromobility Devices and E-bikes. In 2019 and 2020, the State Legislature adopted new regulations for electric scooters (aka “micromobility devices”) and electric bicycles (aka “e-bikes”). The new State regulations not only clarify the definitions, intended use, operation, and licensing of these devices, but empower local governments to adopt their own rules to address suitable locations and speeds, especially on public sidewalks.
In July 2020, the Town Council directed Staff and the Planning Board to begin working on an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to address the ramifications of this new legislation on the community. The first draft of the Micromobility and E-bike regulations was presented to the Planning Board for review and discussion in August 2021. The proposed ordinance, which also applies to bicycles, defines how these devices will be allowed to operate within the Town’s public sidewalks, pathways, and roadways. With the Town Council’s primary objective of safety in mind, the proposed rules identify various allowable and prohibited actions to protect both the operator of a micromobility device or e-bike and pedestrians when both are sharing the same space, sidewalk, or path.
Note that the Town’s proposed ordinance would not apply to the beach, which is under the jurisdiction of Volusia County. The second draft of the regulations will be presented to the Planning Board in October for its review and recommendation to the Town Council. The ordinance will take effect after its second reading by the Town Council.
Invasive Brazilian Pepper Trees. The Brazilian Pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is a highly invasive plant that disrupts natural habitats by pushing out native plants and the animals that rely on them. Brazilian Pepper trees are on the State of Florida’s prohibited plant list. They are illegal to transport, sell or cultivate anywhere in the State. Significant amounts of tax dollars are spent to remove this exotic invader from sensitive wetlands, fish-spawning waterfronts and nature preserves every year. That is why it is vital to diligently pursue its removal from public as well as private land.
Brazilian Pepper trees grow just about anywhere. In Ponce Inlet, you can find this plant invading neighborhoods, roadways, vacant lots, along the river, in mangroves and even along the beach. Brazilian Peppers can grow up to 10 feet per year and re-sprout if cut down. The roots are difficult to dig up and the prolific seeds are widely distributed by birds and animals. The plants are resistant to natural events; can grow in wet or dry soil; and are very salt-tolerant. Florida has no natural predators to keep them under control.
Effects of Brazilian Peppers
- They kill other vegetation by forming dense thickets and by chemically suppressing the growth of understory plants.
- They impact wildlife by destroying their usual food and shelter.
- They hurt shorelines by disturbing natural fish-breeding habitat.
- They crowd out valuable mangroves and their shallow root systems allow erosion.
- They are members of the same family as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, and part of the plant can cause skin irritation.
How to Identify Brazilian Peppers
- They are large multi-trunk plants that can grow up to 40 feet tall.
- They are evergreens with glossy, bright green leaves, smooth in texture.
- When crushed, the leaves smell like turpentine.
- The leaves are “compound,” meaning there are several leaflets arranged opposite each other on one stem.
- Female Brazilian Pepper trees produce sprays of small yellowish-white flowers in spring, followed by clusters of small red berries in late fall.
Permit Required to Remove Brazilian Pepper
The Town of Ponce Inlet requires a permit to remove trees on private property, but for Brazilian pepper trees, all permit fees and tree replacement requirements are waived. The permit application is submitted with a survey of the property and identifies the number and location of Brazilian pepper plants to be removed, the location of nearby non-invasive trees that will remain on the site, and the method of removal to be used. It may be necessary to install a tree protection barricade around any nearby protected trees to prevent accidental damage or removal. If significant areas of the soil will be exposed after the tree removal, a plan to re-vegetate, seed, or sod the area to prevent wind and water erosion of the soil will also be needed. Once the permit has been issued and prior to starting any work, the property must be inspected by the Town to document the size and location of the plants and to verify that the tree protection barricades have been properly installed. The Town also conducts an inspection after the tree removal is completed.
Brazilian Pepper Removal Methods
The most effective means of controlling Brazilian Pepper is to remove the plant and its roots when the plant is not fruiting. Appropriate techniques for Brazilian Pepper control include hand-pulling, which does not require the use of chemicals, or cut-stump. For this process, plants are cut as close to the ground as possible and a water-soluble herbicide is immediately applied with a paint brush or spray bottle to the surface of the stump. Additional cutting and herbicide applications are required if re-sprouts occur. If the plants are too large to be safely removed by the property owner, professional assistance may be required.
Vacation Rentals. If you are renting or offering any part of your dwelling for rent, no matter how long of a duration, you are required to first obtain an annual rental permit from the Town. Currently, the Town has approximately 450 rental dwellings. These rentals are placed into two separate categories, long-term and short-term. Long-term rentals are those for 28 consecutive days or longer. Short-term rentals are defined as less than 28 consecutive days.
The Town’s Land Use and Development code only allows short-term rentals in the following condominium locations: Southpoint, Towers (buildings 1-6), Lighthouse Shores, Antigua, and Martinque. However, the covenants and restrictions of certain condo associations may prohibit rentals within their communities, regardless of whether they are allowed by the Town. It is up to each property owner to verify if rentals are allowed in their community. All other properties in Town are only allowed to rent long-term (28 consecutive days or longer). This includes all single-family homes, townhomes, and remaining condominiums.
The Town always attempts to assist the owners of rental properties to ensure that they obtain their annual rental permit and abide by the restrictions in the Town’s rental ordinance. Similarly, Staff works closely with HOA’s, property managers, real estate companies, management companies, and web-based businesses such as Airbnb, Home-A-Way, VRBO, Expedia, Trip Advisor, etc. to ensure that properties are rented out properly. The vast majority (almost 90%) of rental properties comply with the Town’s adopted rental regulations and procedures. That said, rental violations are still the third-most common type of code violation in Ponce Inlet, behind RV/boat/trailer parking violations and unpermitted construction work. Most complaints or violations are resolved with property owners quickly and voluntarily. However, if voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, violators are taken to the Town’s Code Enforcement Board for further adjudication, which may include payment of fees and daily fines.
From January through September of this year, Code Enforcement staff has prosecuted 32 rental violations. Of those, 16 (50%) were resolved through voluntarily, while 7 were taken before the Code Enforcement Board. Nine cases are open in progress. If you have any questions related to rentals, or if your HOA would like to discuss rental regulations and procedures with the Town’s Code Enforcement staff, please contact David Hooker at (386) 236-2187, or dhooker@ponce-inlet.org.
Florida Prohibits Anonymous Complaints. This past Spring, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 60 (SB60), prohibiting local code inspectors from responding to anonymous complaints. Effective July 1, 2021, the new law requires persons who report potential violations of codes and ordinances to provide their name and address. The only exceptions are cases in which the code inspector has reason to believe the alleged violation presents, “an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources.” The law also does not apply to violations that the code inspector independently and directly observes.
According to the Florida Senate, the official purpose for the law is to increase the transparency of the code enforcement process, consistent with the state’s Sunshine Laws. However, according to Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, who initially filed the bill, the actual intent is to curtail frivolous complaints filed by feuding neighbors, so that limited code enforcement resources can be focused on more serious issues. As per Florida law, Ponce Inlet residents submitting code enforcement complaints via e-mail, phone or the Code Enforcement web page are now required to provide their first and last names and address.
Watering Days:
It’s time to change your sprinkler timers. During the winter, watering lawns is restricted.
Homes with odd-numbered addresses or no address may water on Saturdays.
Homes with even-numbered addresses may water on Sundays, and non-residential properties may water on Tuesdays.
When Daylight Savings Time arrives on March 13, 2022, an extra watering day is permitted: Wednesdays for odd numbered addresses or no address, Thursday for even-numbered homes, and Friday for non-residential properties.
Along with following your designated watering days, please water only when needed and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Water for no more than 1 hour at a time and no more than 3/4-inch per zone. These restrictions apply to all water sources, including private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities.
For more information on “water-wise” landscapes or tips on saving water, or if you would like to take a home water use survey, please visit the St. Johns River Water Management District’s website at www.sjrwmd.com.
Flood Protection Information & FIRM Maps. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) Maps for the Ponce Inlet are located at Town Hall and can be reviewed during the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. All questions should be directed to Robert Baker, Chief Building Official/Certified Floodplain Manager.
Mr. Baker is also available for site visits at your property to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Mr. Baker’s contact information is: hbaker@ponce-inlet.org or (386) 236-2185. For more information visit: http://ponce-inlet.org/ then click Flood Management Information.
Note to Business Owners. Pursuant to FL Statutes § 205.42 and Section 22 of the Town of Ponce Inlet Code of Ordinances, a Business Tax Receipt is required for any business, including a satellite office, being conducted within the Town’s limits. Anyone considering opening a business in the Town should contact Ami Pierce in the Planning & Development Department at (386) 236-2186 for application information. As a reminder, all Business Tax Receipts expired on September 30, 2021. Renewal notices have been mailed. If you have not received your renewal notice, please contact Ami Pierce in the Planning & Development Department at (386)236-2186 or apierce@ponce-inlet.org.
Home-Based Businesses. As of July 1, 2021, Home Occupation Permits are no longer required for home-based businesses, pursuant to FL Statutes § 559.955. However, all home-based businesses are still required to obtain a Home Business Tax Receipt from the Town and must meet the following regulations:
- The business shall operate, in whole or in part, from a residential property.
- Employees of the business must reside in the residence, except for up to two employees or independent contractors who work at the residence along with any number of remote employees.
- Parking related to business shall comply with local zoning requirements, per LUDC Article 4.7, and may not be greater than would be expected at a residence where no business is conducted.
- The use and external modifications of the residential property shall be consistent with the uses, residential character, and architectural aesthetics of the neighborhood.
- The business shall comply with local regulations for signage, per LUDC Article 3.30.6.C.; noise, vibration, heat, smoke, dust, glare, fumes, noxious odors, hazardous or flammable materials, per Code of Ordinances Article IV (Part II); and with parking and screening of vehicles, and trailers, per LUDC Article 4.7.11.
- Business may not conduct retail transactions at a structure other than the residential dwelling, except for incidental and short-term business activities; and
- Activities of the home-based business shall be secondary to the use as a residential dwelling.
NOTE: F.S. § 559.955 does not supersede or exempt the business owner from compliance with:
- Any current or future declaration or declaration of condominium, cooperative document, or homeowners’ association declaration or declaration of covenant.
- Local laws, ordinances, or regulations related to transient public lodging establishments. or vacation rentals that are not otherwise preempted under F.S. § 509.
The Cultural Services Department is excited to begin safely bringing back in-person educational and cultural programs while observing CDC guidelines. In the past few months, the Ponce Inlet Historical Museum have hosted 51 visitors to participate in programs. Since July, our Museum Educator has used her past skills as an art teacher and has hosted a painting class once a month at the museum, walking participants step by step in painting a canvas she outlined for them ahead of time. In August, participants could celebrate Watermelon Day complete with watermelon bowling and painting a themed pot that they then planted with watermelon seeds. In September, the museum hosted Grandparents Day for grandparents and their grandchildren, where attendees could paint a clay keepsake together. National Public Lands Day was celebrated in Ponce Preserve with an autumn themed painting craft and a nature hike led by a native plant expert from the Florida Native Plant Society. And just recently, the museum hosted a local bee expert and attendees were able to safely visit with a small hive of bees in an observation box and later made bee-themed cards.
The museum is gearing up for a spooky October with Ghost of Ponce Past– a walking tour of the Pacetti cemetery. The ghosts of Bartolo Pacetti and his daughter, Seraphina, are some of the spirits sharing a piece of their past story with those who dare to attend. Additionally, this year, there will be two more painting classes with canvas themes of fall leaves and a poinsettia, and in December, a Very Merry Old Fashion Christmas will greet the museum with making a Christmas craft.
Below is a list of the Town’s upcoming events; please continue to visit the Town of Ponce Inlet website and Facebook page for additional details!
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
The Ghosts of Ponce Past
Come hear spooky tales about Ponce Inlet and take a walking ghost tour of the Pacetti Cemetery.
Saturday, October 23, 2021 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Ponce Inlet Historical Museum and at the Pacetti Cemetery, 143 Beach Street
Free; Jennifer: Jlagreca@ponce-inlet.org or (386)761-2408
Children’s Halloween Party
Come in costume and have spooktacular fun with children’s games, haunted hay rides and more!
Saturday, October 30, 2021 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Davies Lighthouse Park, 4933 S. Peninsula
Free; Jackie: Jfrench@ponce-inlet.org or (386)322-6703
Lecture Series- Keep Volusia Clean
“Keep Volusia Clean Anti-Litter Campaign” by Suzanne Scheiber of Dream Green Volusia
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Town Council Chambers at Ponce Inlet Town Hall, 4300 South Atlantic Avenue
Free; RSVP by 11/4 required: Jennifer: Jlagreca@ponce-inlet.org or (386)761-2408
Painting at the Museum-Autumn Trees
Acrylic Canvas Painting Class for ages 12 and up.
No experience necessary, instructor will guide you step by step.
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ponce Inlet Historical Museum, 143 Beach Street, outside on the lawn.
$10.00 per person, all supplies included. Space is limited to 12 people.
Pre-payment required at Town Hall by November 5th.
Veterans Day Ceremony in Ponce Inlet
November 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Davies Lighthouse Park
Free; Jackie: Jfrench@ponce-inlet.org (386)322-6703
Lecture Series- Florida Friend or Foe
“Florida Friend or Foe: Native, Introduced and Invasive Species” by Duane Price of the Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center.
Tuesday, November 18, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Town Council Chambers at Ponce Inlet Town Hall, 4300 South Atlantic Avenue
Free; RSVP by 11/15 required: Jennifer: Jlagreca@ponce-inlet.org or (386)761-2408
Be a Friend to Native Birds
Learn about Florida’s native birds with a guest educator from the Marine Science Center. Interactive hands on experiences, bird games and fun bird craft. Open to all ages but geared to 5 through 9.
Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Ponce Preserve, 4401 South Peninsula Dr.
Free; RSVP by 11/17 required: Jennifer: Jlagreca@ponce-inlet.org or (386)761-2408
Town Tree Lighting and Children’s Christmas Party
Friday, December 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Ponce Inlet Community Center, 4670 S. Peninsula Drive
Free; Jackie: Jfrench@ponce-inlet.org or (386)322-6703
Ponce Inlet Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 4, 2021 beginning at noon
The Parade will proceed along South Peninsula from Harbour Village to Davies Lighthouse Park.
Contact: Jackie: Jfrench@ponce-inlet.org or (386)322-6703
Painting at the Museum-Poinsettia
Acrylic Canvas Painting Class for ages 12 and up.
No experience necessary, instructor will guide you step by step.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ponce Inlet Historical Museum, 143 Beach Street, outside on the lawn.
$10.00 per person, all supplies included.
$10.00 per person, all supplies included. Space is limited to 12 people.
Pre-payment required at Town Hall by Dec. 3rd.
Programs in the Parks- Timucuan Oaks
Bird watch led by David Hartgrove of the Halifax River Audubon Society.
Friday, December 10, 2021 at 10:00 am
Timucuan Oaks, 4550 South Peninsula Drive
Free; RSVP by 12/7 required: Jennifer: Jlagreca@ponce-inlet.org or (386)761-2408
A Very Merry Old Fashioned Christmas
Come play old fashioned games, make Christmas crafts, and tour the museum.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Ponce Inlet Historical Museum, 143 Beach Street.
Free; RSVP by 12/7 required: Jennifer Jlagreca@Ponce-Inlet.org or (386)761-2408
Kids Day at the Park
Come create and paint an adorable clay holly bowl as we learn about the invasive aspects of the holly tree within our parks.
Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10:00 am
Ponce Preserve, 4401 South Peninsula Dr.
Free; RSVP by 12/16: Jennifer: Jlagreca@ponce-inlet.org or 386.761.2408
Special Events
The Town of Ponce Inlet has numerous special events throughout the year. To determine if your event requires a Special Event permit, please review the Special Event regulations in the Town’s Code of Ordinances found on the Town’s website under “Division: Cultural Services”.
All questions should be directed to Jackie French, jfrench@ponce-inlet.org or (386) 322-6703.
PONCE INLET POLICE DEPARTMENT
Holiday Safety and Crime Reduction Tips
The holiday season is always a special time of the year. The Ponce Inlet Police Department wants you and your family to be safe. Here are a few holiday safety tips to remember.
When shopping:
- Park as close as you can to your destination and remember where you parked
- Never leave your car unoccupied with your motor running
- Never leave packages or valuables in plain sight. Remove them or lock them in the trunk and out of sight
- Be sure to locate your keys prior to walking to your car
- If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member
- Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con-artists are everywhere this time of year
How to stop a Porch Pirate: Porch Pirates steal newly delivered packages from other people’s porches. If you will be doing some online shopping this holiday season, here are some tips to avoid being the victim of a porch pirate.
- If your neighbors are home most of the day, you could have your packages shipped to their home
- Ship your packages to your work address
- If you receive numerous packages, a post office box or a mail drop at a pack and ship retailer may be a sound investment
- Sign up for tracking and delivery alerts to take the guessing game out of when your packages will arrive.
- Use the “Delivery Instructions” to tell the delivery person where to hide your packages.
- The mere presence of a security camera or doorbell camera may cause criminals to go elsewhere
Report all suspicious persons and vehicles to the Ponce Inlet Police Department:
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 386-248-1777
PONCE INLET FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
With the upcoming holiday season approaching and cooler weather, the Ponce Inlet Fire Rescue Department would like to make sure everyone stays safe in their homes and does their part in preventing fires.
Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips – “Cook with Caution”
• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire…
• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…
• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.
Christmas Tree Tips.
• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Placing the tree
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water
• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
The Ponce Inlet Fire Department is honored to serve our residents and visitors. We are happy to provide the following non-emergency services to residents upon request.
- Home safety surveys
- Birthday party visits from the firefighters
- Public information speaking at your organization or HOA
- Vital signs checks
- Diabetic sharps container exchange program
- Public CPR classes
Please contact the fire department at 386-322-6720 (non-emergency), or on the Town’s webpage at www.ponce-inlet.org if you are interested in any of the above services or have general questions about the fire department.
PONCE INLET PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Water Meter Access. Please be sure that your water meter box is free of vegetation and obstructions, such as vehicles, landscaping décor (stone), and potted plants.
Our Meter Readers physically access the meter box monthly and it is necessary to keep these areas clear to obtain readings.
Please contact the Public Works Department if you have any questions or concerns at 386-322-6729.
Town Holiday Closings. Town offices will be closed:
Thursday, November 11th – Veterans Day
Thursday & Friday, November 25th & 26th – Thanksgiving holiday
Thursday & Friday, December 23rd & 24th – Christmas holiday
Friday, December 31st – New Year’s holiday
Monday, January 17th – Martin Luther King, Jr Day.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.
Town Businesses on Website. Please check out our webpage for a directory of Ponce Inlet businesses. You’ll be surprised by the variety of services so close at hand. This is a compilation of those within the Town limits who have obtained the required business tax receipt (formerly known as occupational license). This business directory can be found as a link to the Town’s home page – www.ponce-inlet.org.
Town Council & Board Meetings. The Town Council meets the third Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers, 4300 S. Atlantic Avenue. Special meetings are scheduled and noticed as needed. The agendas are for all Town Council and Town Boards are posted at Town Hall, on the Town’s Facebook page and on the Town’s website.
Keep up with what’s happening in your Town. Please visit our website www.ponce-inlet.org for all public meeting notices and minutes, general information, and status of current or upcoming projects. Further, be sure to read the back of your utility bills for special announcements and important information. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up for our e-mail list through the website. If you have a Facebook account, please be sure to “like” us so you’ll receive information regularly from our Facebook newsfeed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1 – Town of Ponce Inlet
Page 2 – Citizens for Ponce Inlet (C4Pi)
Page 3 – Garden Club of Ponce Inlet
Page 4 – Ponce Animal Welfare (PAW), Women’s Club
Page 5 – Ponce Inlet Lions Club
Page 6 – PICCI – Ponce Inlet Community Center
Page 7 – Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Assoc.
Page 8 – Ponce Inlet Veterans Assoc.
Page 9 – Marine Science Center
Page 10 – Ponce Church