Bay Oaks: status quo for lightning detection
There will not be any elaborate lightning warning devices, including sirens and lights, set up at the popular public recreational property on Estero Island at this time.
On Monday evening, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council decided not to implement a proposed lightning detection system at Bay Oaks Recreational Campus. Instead, Town employees will continue to utilize the nearby community pool radar system, extend its usage to the playing fields, train more staff members in its application and persist in other alert measures when storms are nearby.
Town officials have asked key staff members to report back in a month with any follow-up procedures to aid in the process. Some highlighted components involve ongoing educational practices, signage placement and modified language within property rental agreements.
“Our direction to staff is to find ways to safeguard the facility and improve lease agreements for the property and look at potential limitations to the existing agreement,” said Mayor Anita Cereceda.
There has been much research and discussion involved in lightning protection since a July 22 lightning strike on the beachfront left one person dead and two injured.
Even before that tragedy, the Town Public Safety Committee had been looking into the viability and cost of a lightning warning system to be placed on the entire island. The discussions became more intense afterwards.
After hopes of a full island coverage scheme (reported to cost just under $430,000) were dashed and a “limited” island approach was dismissed, Council began discussing detection coverage at Bay Oaks, Beach Elementary and the outlining area. The total cost estimate for that system through WeatherBug for installation and monitoring was stated to be $10,943.12.
A current radar system at the Town Pool has been operational for six years. That system is said to be in place Monday through Sunday until 6 p.m. No reported lightning-related incidents have occurred on the site since Town took over ownership of the property in 2009.
“The system in place has been working. We haven’t had any issues,” said Town Parks and Recreation Director Randy Norton. “Our lifeguards will also cover the fields when they are there,”
Concerns were expressed about what actions are taken when the pool radar is not in service. FMB Little League officials were said to have their own detection system, and insurance protection is expected to be added to any modified rental agreement to cover liability.
There were concerns about lightning detection equipment failure as well.
“If the operation is negligent in any way, then you may be liable,” said Town Attorney Derek Rooney. “By having insurance, we are covering ourselves from the liability issue.”
Norton reported that the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board, a Town committee, voted to decline the installation of the proposed lightning detection system, which would alert when storms are 10 miles away. A noise factor in the impact area also came into play.
“(BORCAB members) were afraid it would have the opposite effect on the kids and that they would never get any games in,” Norton said. “They were also concerned how it would affect the whole neighborhood.”
Town Public Works Director Scott Baker mentioned a National Weather System campaign involving signage that states “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.” The “30-30” lightning safety rule from NWS is defined as the following: 1) It is strongly recommended that you seek safe shelter when you first hear thunder, observe lightning or see dark threatening clouds developing. You should already be in a safe location when the time between the lightning flash and the rumble of thunder is 30 seconds or less. 2) You should not resume activities until 30 minutes after the last audible thunder.
“In my opinion, I think there are other avenues,” Baker said when asked about his feelings about the proposed system.
One Council member asked that Town staff members have a WeatherBug app added to their cell phones.
“I just would like to cover this in as many ways as we can,” said Councilwoman Rexann Hosafros.
Beach paid parking has extended hours/ costs
Council members have unanimously approved rules and regulations for paid parking on Fort Myers Beach.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 9, enforcement for paid parking hours has been extended to evening hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Cost for parking will be $2 per hour. There will be no free parking during holidays throughout the year.
The cost for an annual permit for Beach residents is now $25 (tax included), an increase from its $10 fee. It is still considered to be cheaper than a reported $50 fee that most beachfront communities on average possess, says officials.
Parking along Old San Carlos Boulevard will continue to have a two-hour maximum time limit. The rest of the island is unlimited, yet no overnight parking is still allowed at beach accesses, under Matanzas Bridge and at Newton Park. Handicap parking spaces will continue to be free.
The action was consensually approved during the Council’s Monday morning workshop and later officially approved at the evening meeting.
Town appoints resident to committee
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council appointed Denise Monahan to the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board. The appointment fills the only vacancy on the committee.