Canaveral |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-2025. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
|
May 16, 1988 Location: North Beach According to other visitors, R.J.M. had consumed a large amount of alcohol before entering the water at the unguarded beach. A short time later his body was observed floating face down in the surf. He was removed from the water by guards from a nearby private guarded beach and pronounced dead at the scene. Velusia County Sheriff's Office is investigating.
On January 4th, fishermen found the body of a 23-year-old Florida man on the east side of Mosquito Lagoon. A shotgun was found near the body, and all indications are that the man died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds. An investigation into the incident is still underway. (Steve Smith, SERO). 1) The "Unsolved Mysteries" show on the arrest of S.C. at Lake Mead will air at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 11th. The episode was bumped from its scheduled appearance on the January 4th show. (Newt Sikes, Lake Mead). 2) Walt Dabney, Bobby Williams and Jim Loach, along with representatives from other DOI agencies, will meet with the staff of the House Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control on January 9th to answer questions on drug- related enforcement problems in DOI administered areas. (Walt Dabney, PAD). 3) Reminder to regional offices: The public comment period for the mandatory seatbelt regulation is open through February 21st. Please assure that the regulation is distributed to all areas and that comments are returned to RAD by that date. (Jim Loach, RAD). 4) Tom Ritter will be concluding his tenure as Assistant Director, Visitor Services, on January 20th, and will then be heading out to Sequoia - Kings Canyon to take up the superintendency of that area. (Bill Halainen, RAD).
A.R., 29, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was swimming with her husband at an unguarded beach in the park's Apollo District when she was swept out to sea by a strong current and drowned. Canaveral has no guarded beaches. (Report via phone from Steve Smith, RAD/SERO).
Cape Canaveral National Seashore Cape Canaveral, a barrier island seashore near the NASA center, had higher than usual tides and lost about $2,000 in boundary signs on the north end of its beach yesterday. It will be open today.
The four National Park Service areas in south Florida - Everglades, Big Cypress, Biscayne and Fort Jefferson - and one further up the east coast - Canaveral - completed all preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Andrew late yesterday and are currently riding out the storm: * Canaveral - Although the hurricane will pass well to the south of the park, all beaches and access roads were closed at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. As expected, efforts to contact the incident command center at Everglades headquarters this morning proved fruitless. Preliminary reports from Big Cypress are that the power is still on there and that the worst of the hurricane is hitting Everglades to the south. A follow-up report on the hurricane's impact will appear in tomorrow's morning report, which will also report on the situation at DeSoto, south of Tampa, and on preparations at Gulf Islands, along the Florida/Mississippi coast. [Debbie Ligget, IC team, EVER, 8/23; John Kalifarski, BICY, 8/23; Bill Springer, SERO, 8/24]
Hurricane Andrew caused significant damage to some park areas in south Florida, but none of those employees who sought refuge in the parks were injured. Preliminary damage reports have been received: * Canaveral - All areas of the park have been reopened. [Bill Springer, RCR, RAD/SERO; Bob Belous, SUPT, JELA; Tom McDaniel, PAIS; Ron Switzer, SUPT, BITH, 8/24 and 8/25]
Early last week, H.J.R. pleaded guilty to state charges of sexual molestation of several children in the park and was sentenced to five years in prison and 20 years' probation. H.J.R., who was already under investigation for child molestation, violated a court order and took six neighborhood children to a traditionally nude section of Klondike Beach in the park's North District on July 7th. Several incidents of molestation occurred there during that day and the ensuing night. After the parents reported the incident to the park the following day, a joint investigation was begun in conjunction with Volusia County sheriff's department officers. H.J.R. was arrested and a search warrant was executed. Incriminating evidence was found on the premises. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 10/26]
Just before midnight on December 17th, the park received from the Coast Guard that the "Annie", a 75-foot wooden shrimping vessel, had sunk offshore and that the boat was breaking up and washing ashore on Klondike Beach. All hands had made it shore and were unharmed and safe. The Coast Guard requested logistical assistance; a ranger accompanied two of their personnel to the scene the following morning. They found wreckage spread out over three miles of beach. Among the items found were three of the ship's four, 400-gallon fuel bladders. Two were completely empty and the third contained a few inches of water. Neither the fourth tank nor a lube oil bladder were found. The ship's tanks were reported to contain 1200 gallons of diesel fuel. Two 100-pound propane tanks that were on board were also found on the beach; both were empty. Investigation and salvage efforts continue. [CR, CANA, 12/21]
On Thursday, February 18th, David Alan Dace, a maintenance employee who's worked for the park for the past three years, failed to report for duty. His vehicle was found inside the maintenance compound with his car keys, post office box keys, and apartment keys locked inside. Dace's government keys were found in the padlock which secures the gate to the compound. Later that day, rangers found his apartment unlocked. Dace was last heard from when he made a phone call to a friend saying that someone was following him. A multi-agency search involving four federal and three local agencies was begun on February 19th, and Dace was listed as a missing and possibly endangered person. Late yesterday afternoon, Dace reappeared at the park in good condition. Investigators are attempting to determine where he's been for the past five days. Television, radio and newspaper coverage of the search was extensive during that period. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 2/22; Bill Springer, RCR, RAD/SERO, 2/23]
Late on the afternoon of August 15th, A.H. of Deland, Florida, drowned at Apollo Beach when he swam out into the surf to get his two sons. It appears that he swam out too far and was not able to make it back to shore. [Superintendent, CANA, 8/16]
On May 21st, Canaveral rangers began issuing citations for violations of the state law for nudity, which the park has assimilated under newly ceded concurrent jurisdiction. The state statute (800.03) makes public nudity a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $1,000 and a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year, but does not associate public nudity with either disorderly conduct or lewd and lascivious behavior. The park has issued 91 citations to date. At present, rangers are issuing nudity citations for mandatory court appearances for first offenses and citations for disorderly conduct and interfering with an agency function for subsequent offenses. On September 28th, the first 19 individuals were called before a U.S. magistrate. One pled guilty and was fined $100; the remaining 18 pled not guilty. Eight of them are scheduled for trial on October 26th, and the remainder for November 23rd. All of the individuals scheduled in October are being represented by the same attorney. It's expected that the other cases will follow the precedent established in the first case. The assistant U.S. attorney feels that rangers have full authority to issue these citations, and intends to prosecute to the full extent of the law. There is concern, however, over the degree of impact that continued violations may have on the U.S. attorney's office and the district court system. The magistrate's decision will likely be appealed no matter what he rules. In an effort to reduce the impact on the court system yet continue a positive course of enforcement, the U.S. attorney has discussed the possibility of postponing all but the first few cases until the appellate process has been completed. If the initial decision is not in the park's favor, other alternatives will be pursued. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 9/29]
J.T. was arrested for breaking into a vehicle at a Playalinda Beach parking area on the evening of October 3rd. He was found to be in possession of $1,450 worth of camera equipment belonging to the driver of the vehicle parked adjacent to his. During the subsequent investigation, rangers determined that J.T.'s vehicle had been stolen from the Orlando area on October 1st. After consultation with the U.S. attorney's office, the park arranged to have the Brevard County sheriff's office pursue the investigation and seek prosecution through the state attorney's office. Over 30 thefts from motor vehicles took place at Playalinda Beach over the summer; none of them have been resolved. Rangers do not believe that J.T. was involved in many of them because he was not released from prison until September 30th. [Brian Carey, DR, CANA, 10/4]
On October 26th, the U.S. attorney's office and counsel representing G.B. and seven others charged with nudity in the park agreed to stipulations concerning most of the facts of the case - the presence of the defendant in the nude in the park, the jurisdiction of the NPS, and the existence of a substantial public information effort in advance of the enforcement of Florida nudity prohibitions assimilated by the park under newly granted concurrent jurisdiction. The defense moved to dismiss the nudity charges on the grounds that both sides stipulated that the defendant did not engage in any lewd or lascivious conduct. The U.S. magistrate set a November 9th deadline for the government to submit a brief on the legal issues at stake. The park expects a decision before the next set of trials, which are scheduled to begin on November 23rd. The U.S. attorney's office also filed a motion to stay all further proceedings for all other defendants currently awaiting initial appearance and anyone charged in the future until the expected appellate review on the legal issues at stake has taken place. [Brian Carey, ACR, CANA, 10/26]
During a resource protection surveillance operation in the pre-dawn hours of November 4th, rangers utilizing night vision equipment located and contacted a vessel running without lights in park waters. The boat's occupant, P.B., was wanted under a federal warrant for failure to appear after rangers caught him selling oysters which had been gathered from polluted waters to a local restaurant. The sale of such oysters is a serious public health problem in Florida, and in P.B.'s case was compunded by the fact that he owns a wholesale fish house. Rangers determined that P.B. had been on his way to retrieve an illegal gill net. The 100-yard net, approximately 400 fish, and the vessel were seized. P.B. appeared in federal court later that day and pled guilty to illegal commercial fishing. He was fined $500, and a trial date was set for the charge of selling contaminated oysters. P.B. is currently on state probation, which will likely be revoked. P.B. and his two sons and son-in-law are all known for their anti-government opinions and lifestyle. Other developments are expected. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 11/5]
On November 19th, a district court magistrate filed an order which in essence allows public nudity any place in the seashore. The magistrate stated that he was bound by a state supreme court decision which states that nudity must be accompanied by lewd and/or lascivious behavior to be illegal. This order, which has serious implications for both the seashore and state agencies, stemmed from a legal technicality which dictates that, when assimilating a state law, the state's interpretation of that law must also be assimilated - even though it may have been found in error by a higher federal court. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 11/23]
On June 3rd, ranger Brent McGinn contacted a man and woman in the North District regarding closure, sexually-oriented disorderly conduct, and under the influence violations. While being detained for a field sobriety test, the man attempted to punch McGinn in the face, and a scuffle ensued. The woman was directed to stay out of the fracas and did so. McGinn's assailant was finally subdued and arrested. McGinn was treated at the scene for minor abrasions; his assailant complained that he had been injured and could not walk, so he was taken to a local hospital by ambulance, where he was examined, treated for abrasion and back pains, and released. Following consultation with the U.S. attorney's office, both the man and woman were issued mandatory appearance citations for disorderly conduct and closure violations. A determination will be made this week as to whether or not to file an assault complaint against the man. The decision will be based on the U.S. attorney's current workload; aggressive pursuit of the charge is not expected. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 6/7]
Refugee rafts that have been abandoned by Cubans fleeing their native country continue to wash ashore on the park's beaches. As of September 12th, over 45 rafts of varying shapes and sizes had drifted in from the Gulf Stream, all without occupants. Some have been painted with "O.K." by the Coast Guard; the fate of the occupants of unmarked rafts is unknown. The rafts range in type from inner tubes and canvas tied to wooden frames to catamarans with styrofoam-sandwich-pontoons, bamboo masts and elaborate rudder systems. Food, water, miscellaneous clothing and identification papers are all that remain aboard as evidence of the occupants' crossings. Park staff will be treating the rafts as abandoned vessels and will attempt to remove the intact rafts and the debris of those which have broken apart. In the meantime, park visitors are being treated to "informal exhibits" interpreting the current exodus and impressions of freedom, liberty and rights. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 9/13])
On Sunday, September 25th, ranger Brent McGinn, who was working in plain clothes, received a report of a suspicious person in a beach parking area. McGinn found J.D. sitting in a vehicle, holding a marijuana pipe. When asked if he had any to share, J.D. said that he was in the park to sell marijuana, and that he had two pounds of "Gainesville Green" to offer. McGinn agreed to purchase a sample from J.D., learned that the rest could be seen at his home in Orlando, then arrested him. The subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a half ounce of marijuana and ten grams of crystal methamphetamine. Local drug task force investigators were notified and coordinated the seizure in Orlando. State felony charges were filed for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of methamphetamine. (Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 9/26)
A resource protection ranger on routine ATV patrol of the South District on March 23rd came across a package bound in plastic and sealed with packing tape lying on the beach. Based on prior knowledge and experience, the ranger suspected that it contained drugs of some kind. This type of packaging, however, was also consistent with an MO in which explosive devices are placed in a bale during transport, after which the bale is discarded. Great care was taken in performing a field test, which proved positive for marijuana. The package weighed about 50 pounds and is being held until disposition can be made. The value has been placed at $60,000. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 3/24]
H.B. was flying from West Palm Beach to New Jersey in a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza on June 27th when he began losing oil pressure. Around 6:40 a.m., he radioed Patrick Air Force Base and advised that he was putting the plan down. The Bonanza lost power and went down on the shore about 30 feet from the dune line. The plane sustained heavy damage to its left wing; the right landing gear was torn off. H.B., however, sustained only minor injuries. He was taken to a hospital in Titusville, where he was treated and released. Units from the park, Kennedy Space Center, Coast Guard and county sheriff's department responded to the incident. On June 28th, the plane was disassembled and removed from the park with little or no environmental impact. No oil was in the engine at the time of the impact, and remaining fuel was pumped out without incident. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA, 6/29]
Hurricane Erin, now downgraded to a tropical storm, came ashore just after 1 a.m. this morning just south of Vero Beach, a point more or less midway (from a park perspective) between Everglades on the south and Cape Canaveral on the north. Present movement is to the west-northwest at about 17 m.p.h. Tides as high as three feet above normal are possible along Florida's west coast later today. Projections indicate that the storm will strike the Gulf Coast between Mobile and New Orleans if it stays on its current track. The following reports have been received from affected parks since mid-afternoon yesterday: * Canaveral - The hurricane plan was activated yesterday, and the park closed at 2:30 p.m. Tie-down operations and photo-documentation of existing conditions were completed. Although a direct hit was not anticipated, the expected storm surge of eight feet would be sufficient to erode dunes, damage boardwalks, and have a serious impact on the approximately 3,800 turtle nests on the beach. Incident commander Bill DeHart reports this morning that power and telephones are out, but that the park apparently had not received any significant damage, except to the turtle nests. Winds at the time were at 50 knots, with gusts to 70 knots. About two inches of rain had fallen. [Steve Smith, SEFO; Steve Hickman, JELA; Mike Riley, Acting CR, DESO; Bill DeHart, CANA; Ben Morgan, EVER; FEMA National Emergency Coordination Center advisory]
A duck hunter reported finding a large patch of marijuana growing on an old dike road across from a remote beach area in the park during the first week of December. The site was located in an area jointly managed by the NPS and Fish and Wildlife Service. A joint surveillance task force monitored the site for four days. No suspects were observed, so the operation was terminated and 176 plants were seized. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA]
Some early reports have been received of the hurricane's impacts on Virgin Island and Puerto Rico parks, along with notifications regarding preparations underway on the mainland: o Canaveral - The park began preparations for Bertha yesterday morning along with the nearby Kennedy Space Center and Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Incident IC is Bill DeHart. [Mark Woods, VIIS; Mark Hardrove, SAJU; Steve Smith, SEFDO; Gary Bremen, PIO, BISC; Roberta D'Amico, IO, EVER; Bill DeHart, CR, CANA]
Preparations for Hurricane Bertha continue along the Eastern seaboard: o Canaveral - The park moved from Condition III to Condition II of its hurricane plan yesterday. The park was accordingly closed, effective this morning. Assessments of the projected hurricane route and prevailing surf conditions along park beaches will be made early today; a decision will then be made on whether or not to open the park and at what time. [Chuck Dale, CASA/FOMA; Bill DeHart, CR/IC, CANA; Roberta D'Amico, PIO, EVER; Gary Bremen, PIO, BISC; Wayne Landrum, Chief of Ops, DRTO; Mike Tennent, Superintendent, FOFR; Kent Cave, CR/IC, FOPU; Bob Woody, CI/VS, CAHA; Steve Smith, SEFDO]
Parks from Florida to North Carolina accelerated preparations for Hurricane Bertha yesterday, with the anticipation of at least tropical storm level winds along the Florida coast and hurricane winds at more northerly locations. A follow-up report has also been received from the Virgin Islands. Please note that reports were received at different times. The balance were submitted late yesterday before the hurricane's shift to a more northerly course: o Canaveral - The park began final shutdown operations yesterday morning and closed as of 10 a.m. [Kent Cave, CR, FOPU; Bob Panko, IC, EVER; Bill DeHart, IC/CR, CANA; Wendell Simpson, Superintendent, CANA; Ray Morris, CI&RM, FOFR; Gary Bremen, PIO, BISC; John Tucker, FOSU; Mark Woods, VIIS; Bob Woody, CI&VS, CAHA; Chuck Harris, CR, CALO; C. Dale, CR/IC, CASA/FOMA; Suzanne Lewis, FOCA/TIMU; CRO, CUIS; Steve Smith, SEFDO]
Hurricane Fran, now a powerful category III storm, continues its steady progress toward the East Coast. Current projections call for land fall between northern Florida and North Carolina, most likely just south of Fort Sumter. Parks north of central Florida are continuing to complete necessary preparations; parks to the south have reopened: o Cape Canaveral - The park, Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Air Force Base went into condition III of their hurricane plan yesterday morning. This condition goes into effect when a hurricane is predicted to make landfall within 48 hours. Although forecasters don't believe that the hurricane will hit the area directly, it will be close enough to not take chances. Storm force winds and tidal surge are in any case probable. The park will probably be closed on Thursday. Bill DeHart is IC. [Bill DeHart, CR, CANA; C.L. Dale, CR, CASA; Newt Sikes, CR, CUIS; John Tucker, Superintendent, FOSU; Roberta D'Amico, IO, EVER; Gary Bremen, IO, BISC]
Two kilos of cocaine with an estimated value of $300,000 were found washed ashore in the park on October 3rd. A daily search of the park's 24 miles of beach will be instituted to locate any additional drug packages which may wash ashore. [John Stiner, CANA]
Parks along the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to North Carolina have been preparing for Hurricane Dennis since it neared the coastline late last week: o Canaveral NS (FL) - The park's hurricane plan was in effect as of Friday, but the area remained open to the public. Visitors were being cautioned about the strong northerly ocean current and rough surf conditions, and were being warned to be ready for evacuation if the hurricane moved toward the coast. The park resumed normal operations yesterday after Hurricane Dennis moved north and the hurricane watch and tropical storm warnings were lifted. All buildings, boardwalks and roads were inspected, but no major damage was found. The storm brought in sand to park beaches. [Denis Davis, CUIS, 8/28; Gary Bremen, IO, BISC, 8/26-27; Chuck Dale, CASA/FOMA, 8/27; Karren Brown and Jim Zahradka, CALO, 8/27 and 8/29; Chris Bernthal and Bob Woody, CAHA/FORA/WRBR, 8/27 and 8/29; Helga Fraze, CANA, 8/27-29; Bill Martin, PIO, FOSU/CHPI, 8/29; Ann Childress, MOCR, 8/29]
Parks in Southeast Region are preparing for the imminent and probable landfall of Hurricane Floyd somewhere between southern Florida and the Outer Banks. Should Floyd make landfall as a Category V hurricane, it will be only the third Category V storm to strike the United States this century, the other two being the Florida Keys Hurricane in 1935 and Hurricane Camille in 1969: o Cape Canaveral NS (FL) - The park instituted its hurricane plan yesterday. An incident command team is in place and preparations are underway. [Gary Bremen, PR, BICY, 9/12; CRO, CANA, 9/12; Bob Panko, EVER, 9/13; Larry Belles, BICY, 9/12]
Parks in the potential path of Hurricane Floyd have largely completed preparations for its arrival. The current highest probability track would take the storm almost directly over parks from Canaveral NS to Fort Frederica NM, including FLETC in Glynco, Georgia: o Canaveral NS (FL) - Park operations were shut down at noon yesterday. The closure will remain in effect until the hurricane passes. All park employees are being provided with a list of alternate points of contact (POC's) for the post-hurricane period, and have been asked to contact their POC's and report their location and situation. [Ben Morgan, Liaison Officer, IMT, EVER, 9/13; Gary Bremen, IO, BISC, 9/13; Ken Garvin, SERO, 9/13; Denis Davis, CUIS, 9/13; Chuck Dale, CR, CASA/FOMA, 9/13; Bob Panko, EVER, 9/14; Mike Tennant, FOFR, 9/13; Paul Henry, FLETC, 9/14]
The following updates have been received from parks being affected by Hurricane Floyd: o Canaveral NS (FL) - The park reports extensive damage to boardwalks and to some roofs. [Ken Garvin and Daryl Rhodes, SERO, 9/15-16; Barbara Goodman, Superintendent, TIMU/FOCA, 9/15; Linda Brown, CR, MOCR, 9/15; Jim Zahradka, IC, CALO, 9/15; Gary Bremen, IO, BISC, 9/15; Mike Johnson, CR, FRSP, 9/15; Doyle Nelson, CR, DEWA, 9/15; Rick Nolan, CR, FOMC, 9/15; Dave Griese, CR, FIIS, 9/15; Mike Litterst, PAO, COLO, 9/15; Denise Pearce, CAHA, 9/15; LES, CAHA, 9/16; Nora Martinez, CR, CANA, 9/16; Hattie Squires, MOCR, 9/16; Martha Bogle, COSW, 9/16; Dave Parker, FOMA, 9/16; Wally Mattis, CM, FOFR, 9/16; Gordie Wilson, FOMA/CASA, 9/16; John Tucker, Superintendent, FOSU/CHPI, 9/16; John Burn, CR, ASIS, 9/16]
The following updates have been received from parks affected by Hurricane Floyd (from north to south, more or less): o Canaveral NS (FL) - The impacts of Floyd include damage to about 1,400 feet of boardwalk, a pier, and several structures (mostly to shingles and roofs); substantial erosion to the side of the entrance road; one major washout; and loss of over a thousand turtle nests. Management's goal is to reopen the north end of the park by Saturday and the south end no later than Wednesday - both with limited access. [Ken Garvin and Daryl Rhodes, SERO, 9/16; Jim Burnett, CR, COLO, 9/16; Earle Kittleman, PAO, NCRO, 9/16; Robert Hickman, Superintendent, PRWI, 9/16; Norm Williams, CM, TIMU/FOCA, 9/16; Brian Peters, CR, CUIS, 9/16; Jim Zahradka, DR, CALO, 9/16; LES, CAHA, 9/16; Chris Revels, KIMO, 9/16; John Breen, Superintendent, FOPU, 9/16; Dispatch, DEWA, 9/17; Greg Stiles, Ken Johnson, SHEN, 9/16; Kevin FitzGerald, CR, CACO, 9/16; John Tucker, Superintendent, FOSU/CHPI, 9/16; Jose Rosario, CR, GATE, 9/16; Rosemary Williams, CANA, 9/16; Rick Nolan, CR, FOMC, 9/17; Tim Mauch, SPR, RICH, 9/17]
The following updates have been received from parks that were affected by Hurricane Floyd: o Canaveral NS (FL) - A damage assessment has been completed. The total long-term reconstruction costs have been placed at just over $336,000. About $230,000 of that sum will be needed to replace or repair the 21 boardwalks that were moderately to severely damaged. Much of the remainder will be needed to restore dunes, replace screens and stakes in an endangered sea turtle nesting area, fix park roads, and repair 14 restrooms in the Playlinda section of the park. [Ann Childress, Superintendent, MOCR, 9/28; Rosemary Williams, CANA, 9/22]
Hurricane Irene had varying effects on parks in the Southeast as it made its way northward: o Canaveral NS (FL) - The south half of the park was still closed as of Monday. Numerous trees were down and trails are closed. Extensive damage was inflicted on park inholder structures. Wooden walkways were damaged, and flooding and washover of the sand roadway limits travel. Little or no damage was reported at the other half dozen or so parks along the Southeast coast. [Ken Garvin, SERO, 10-16-18; Jim Zahradka, IC, CALO, 10/16; Steve Harrison, IC, CAHA, 10/16-18; Larry Belles, BICY, 10/18; Chuck Dale, CR/IC, CASA/FOMA, 10/16; Gary Bremen, IO, BISC, 10/18; Deb Nordeen, IO, EVER, 10/17
While on patrol on ATV's on the park's beach on November 15th, rangers Bill Hackett and John Wilkins found two 15-pound bales of marijuana washed up on the shore. Two days later, ranger George Yock found another 15-pound bale in the same general location, packaged identically to the first two bales. Customs agents were notified of the find and advised the park that the bales were part of a drop that had recently been made in the area. On November 18th, several pounds of the prescription drug serzone - all in vials - washed up on the beach. The manufacturer's name could not be distinguished from the labels. Rangers and county officers are investigating. [Eric Lugo, LES, CANA, 11/19]
On August 27, 1995, C.C., an amateur archeologist, advised rangers that he'd found some human bones, metal, old glass and granite rocks in the archeologically significant and sensitive lagoon area of the park. C.C. had made maps of the site indicating where the items had been found and had marked each with letters and numbers. He showed rangers the site and made arrangements to turn in the items he'd recovered. On August 9th, park staff and a regional archeologist accompanied B.B., a Semiole medicine man, to the site, where B.B. performed a burial ceremony for the remains. C.C. was later fined a civil penalty of over $300. On November 18, 1996, local police arrested D.G. on drug charges and found human skull pieces with markings on them in his possession. During the associated interview, the officer determined that D.G. knew that the fragments came from a Native American burial site in the park. He was also able to describe the exact location where the skull fragments had been buried the previous year. The bones were later confirmed as the bones from the C.C. case. D.G. denied that he'd dug them up and said that a companion, Steve Anderson, had been with him when he'd received them from a third party. Anderson confirmed D.G.'s story, but was also able to describe the exact location where the fragments had been buried in 1995. All of this information was turned over to the assistant U.S. attorney in 1997. On January 5th, rangers served an arrest warrant on D.G., charging him with ARPA (18 USC 470) and NAGPRA (18 USC 1170) violations and theft of government property (18 USC 641). He was placed under a $10,000 bond and required to submit to urinalysis for drug use. He is currently in county jail. [John Diefenbach, CANA, 1/23]
On November 18, 1996, local police arrested D.G. on drug charges and found human skull pieces with markings on them in his possession. It was soon determined that the fragments came from a Native American burial site in the park. Investigation led to charges being filed against D.G. for theft of government property and for ARPA and NAGPRA violations. On March 9th, D.G. pled guilty to the first two charges. He will be sentenced in federal district court in June. [Eric Lugo, LES, CANA, 3/15]
Three young swimmers, ages three, four and nine, were caught in a runout and swept into the ocean on the afternoon of June 8th. Lifeguard Eric Smith responded immediately from his lifeguard tower about 50 yards away. He swam to the first child, who was struggling and swimming against the current, and gave him a rescue buoy, then continued out and rescued the other two children. Smith then grabbed the buoy with the third child and brought them all back to shore, reuniting them with their mother. Smith also provided them with information on safe swimming, supervision, and dangerous surf conditions. An off-shore storm caused hazardous beach conditions throughout the week. Information on the surf condition was posted at the entrance station. [John Diefenbach, DR, Apollo District, CANA, 6/11]
On Friday, October 13th, a visitor reported that a suspicious package had washed up on the Playalinda Beach. The package was identified as a half-bale of marijuana, weighing about 30 pounds. A search of the entire seashore led to the discovery of three more complete bales, each weighing about 50 pounds. Another seven bales washed ashore on area beaches south of the park. The estimated value of all bales was placed at about $350,000. The Brevard County vice/narcotics unit and Customs are leading the investigation. [John Nichols, ADR, CANA, 10/19]
On the afternoon of May 19th, a 46-year-old man drowned at Playalinda Beach. He had arrived at the beach with a group of people and decided to go swimming by himself. Witnesses at the scene reported that he was a long distance from shore and that his friends had motioned him to swim back in closer to the beach. Minutes later, he was seen floating face down in the water. A former lifeguard visiting the beach retrieved him from the water. CPR was begun by several visitors with medical training; responding EMS units continued efforts to revive him, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead during transport to the hospital. Ranger John Nichols and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office are conducting an investigation of the incident. [Jim Cahill, DR, CANA, 5/23]
o Canaveral NS (FL) - On Tuesday, NASA Kennedy Space Center officials asked park staff to immediately clear and secure the South District's Playalinda Beach of park visitors due to the proximity to NASA property. The beach and parking lot were cleared and the park was closed and secured. All personnel were evacuated from NASA lands and security measures there were increased. Playalinda Beach remained closed yesterday. Apollo Beach in the North District remained open from the north entrance to parking lot #5. Barricades were placed on the beach at area #5 and staff posted to stop unauthorized persons from passing the barricades and entering NASA property. Playalinda will remain closed until further notice. The Kennedy Space Center and all areas in close proximity to the center remain in a heightened state of alert. [Lt. John Lauro, USPP, NYFO, 9/12; Gregory Smith, CR, MORR, 9/12; Norah Martinez, CR, CANA, 9/12; MORU, 9/12; Dennis Burnett, RAD/WASO, 9/13; Betty Knight, ARO, 9/12]
Further updates have been received on the status of NPS areas and/or staff responses to Tuesday's terrorist attacks: o Canaveral NS (FL) - North Beach, which is adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center, remains closed at NASA's request. Other closures and operations are essentially as noted yesterday. [Russ Wilson, GATE/SHU, 9/12; Clayton Jordan, IC, Type 3 IMT, SHEN, 9/13; Karl Merchant, Plans, Type 2 IMT, NERO, 9/13]
On Friday, the park went to its highest level of hurricane preparedness, as the forecast path of Tropical Storm Gabrielle carried it over east central Florida. A tornado watch was also in effect in Brevard County. At the time of the report late yesterday afternoon, some tornadoes had touched down south of the park. All park areas have been cleaned up, loose items have been secured, and vehicles and gas cans fueled. Heavy rainfall and high winds continued throughout the day. The storm was expected to pass over the park around 2 a.m. [CANA, 9/14]
The National Park Service continues to provide support to its parks and employees, gather information on the status of field areas for DOI, and deal with security issues throughout the country, including the brokering of numerous requests for operational support. Incident management in Washington has transitioned from Skip Brooks' Type 1 team to Eddie Lopez's Type 1 team. A regional Type 2 team from Southeast Region (Bob Panko, IC) continues to oversee the NPS expanded dispatch operation at Shenandoah NP. Members of the team in Washington are in the processing of making individual calls to every park in the nation to establish a comprehensive list of resources that can be utilized in emergencies if needed. About 230 calls have been made so far; more will follow this week. Callers are focusing on resources similar to those needed in past incidents, such as the floods in Yosemite and Hurricane Andrew. A report is due to Director Mainella by Friday. The following is a quick run down of continuing closures: o Playalinda Beach at Canaveral NS, located near Kennedy Space Center, remains closed. [EICC/Type 2 IMT, SHEN, 9/25; Kris Fister, NPS Type 1 IMT, WASO, 9/26]
The National Park Service continues to provide support to its parks and employees, gather information on the status of field areas for DOI, and deal with security issues throughout the country, including the brokering of numerous requests for operational support. The Service's Type 1 IMT (Eddie Lopez, IC) continues its operations from the South Interior Building; the Type 2 East Team (Bob Panko, IC) is overseeing the NPS expanded dispatch operation at Shenandoah NP. Here's a current report on the status of parks affected by this incident: o Canaveral - Playalinda Beach is closed, but all other areas are open. [EICC/Type 2 IMT, SHEN, 9/27; Kris Fister, NPS Type 1 IMT, WASO, 9/28; Pat Buccello, CISM Team, 9/28; Billy Garrett, Superintendent, Jamaica Bay Unit, GATE, 9/27]
A light plane crashed into Mosquito Lagoon at the north end of the park on Thursday, January 10th, killing the elderly pilot, who was the plane's sole occupant. The plane came down in three feet of water. Volusia County deputies and park staff responded. The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin. The FAA, NTSB and Coast Guard were all notified. DR Jim Cahill is the IC. [Kevin Hay, RLES, SERO, 1/14]
In response to visitor complaints of lewd acts occurring on the park's beach, rangers from both districts conducted intermittent plain clothes operations for a two month period. These operations resulted in the issuance of 41 citations for disorderly conduct (public sex acts and obscene acts), public intoxication and possession of controlled substances. Most of the citations were issued in areas frequented by nude sunbathers. [Submitted by Eric Lugo, Law Enforcement Specialist]
On January 10, T.R. and J.H. were found guilty of
engaging in a sex act on the park's beach and ordered to each pay a fine
of $500. After years of public complaints about similar activities in
the park and over 100 arrests, this was the first case of this kind to
go to trial. On August 30, ranger Wayne Rose had seen the two naked men
engaging in the act in front of other adults on the beach. The two men
claimed that they were brushing sand off each other's private parts.
Assistant U.S. attorney Bruce Ambrose argued that the ranger "saw what
he saw," and the magistrate agreed, finding the two guilty of "causing
public harm." The magistrate declined a request to ban the men from the
beach, but warned that a second arrest would not be dealt with so
leniently. Ambrose subsequently commented: "We intend to enforce the law
against obscene behavior (at the park)."
On the afternoon of April 14th, ranger Mike Chambers received a call
from the North District fee collector reporting that Volusia County FD
and other emergency vehicles had entered the park and headed toward the
beach. When he arrived shortly thereafter, he found that visitor K.W.,
54, had expired. K.W., who weighed between 350 and 400 pounds
and had a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol and other medical problems, had been
swimming in the ocean earlier that day when she experienced some
difficulty breathing. She'd gone back into the ocean, however, and had
been in the water for almost an hour when members of her family and
others noticed that she was having some difficulty in the water.
Attempts were made to rescue her and administer CPR, but were
unsuccessful.
A series of auto break-ins that occurred in the park this summer were
solved through the combined efforts of an alert victim and interagency
cooperation by rangers, USFWS refuge officers and Orange County
detectives. Two people were arrested in Orlando while using credit cards
stolen from a park visitor. When contacted by the sheriff's office, the
credit card owner put detectives in touch with NPS investigators, who in
turn contacted refuge officers at Merritt Island NWR. The agencies
exchanged information that resulted in the correlation of from three to
six car clouts with the two people in custody. The investigation
continues.
On the morning of August 29th, ranger Dave Fuellner received a BOL
(be on the lookout message) from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office
regarding D.C., 57, a murder suspect thought to be in the area.
Shortly thereafter, Fuellner spotted D.C.'s blue Ford pickup in a
parking lot in the Apollo Beach District. He advised the sheriff's
office and waited for officers to arrive before taking any action.
Shortly after the officers appeared, a gunshot was heard from the truck,
and it was determined that D.C. had shot himself. D.C. had left home
on August 15th, telling his wife that he had to collect a debt from "a
guy who owed him money." When he failed to return, she'd filed a missing
person report. On August 28th, D.C. called his wife via cell phone and
told her that he'd done "something terrible" to a woman. The wife
advised police about her husband's call, and they found that the woman's
home had been forcibly entered and that she'd been tied up and shot.
Further investigation revealed that D.C. had called the park's visitor
center information number on his cell phone just prior to coming to the
park. The message provides directions and hours of operation.
Rangers in the park's north and south districts conducted a special
operation this past spring and summer to detect and reduce lewd and
lascivious behavior - an ongoing problem in the park. To date, they
have cited 103 people for disorderly conduct for public sex acts and
obscene and lewd behavior. This is more than double the number of
citations issued in a comparable period last year. Several registered
sex offenders were identified, contacted and cited. Rangers have
notified appropriate jurisdictions to report probation violations of
registered sex offenders. The majority of these violations have occurred
in areas of the beach where nudists congregate.
Hurricane Charley is forecast to make landfall in south Florida this morning. Parks in its immediate path have completed preparations for Charley's arrival. Meanwhile, parks further up the Eastern seaboard are preparing for the effects of heavy to very heavy rains. According to meteorologists, a strong southwesterly flow aloft will rapidly steer remnants of Bonnie and then Charley up the East Coast today and into the weekend. Flooding rain will be a major concern as these systems drench areas from Florida black"> to New York and New England. Here are reports from parks in the storm's path: Canaveral NS — The hurricane IMT met yesterday to begin preparations. The park will not open at its normal time this morning; the IMT will meet again, review information on the probable storm track, then decide by 10 a.m. whether or not to remain closed or reopen. Yesterday afternoon, representatives from Southeast, Northeast and
National Capital Regions, including emergency program coordinators,
regional chief rangers, and the Eastern IMT, conducted a conference call
to share information on preparations and coordinate responses.
Preparedness efforts will continue today.
Hurricane Charley's passage up the East Coast affected more than a dozen NPS areas. Here are reports from parks that were in or near the storm's path, south to north: Canaveral NS — The park returned to normal operations on Sunday morning, with both districts open to the public. Electrical service had been lost, but was restored Saturday evening. Although damage was minimal, cleanup is expected to take several days. Most park employees reported damage to their homes, but nobody was hurt. The above report was based on submissions from the following people: Ken Garvin, Southeast Regional Office; Bob Panko, IC, EVER; Mark Hardgrove, Deputy Superintendent, Outer Banks Group; Ann Childress, Superintendent, MOCR; John Tucker, Superintendent, FOSU; Jon Anglin, Acting Chief Ranger, CAHA; Wouter Ketel, Chief Ranger, CALO; Michelle Oehmichen, BISC; Charlie Fenwick, Superintendent, DESO; Gordie Wilson, CASA/FOMA; Barbara Goodman, Superintendent, TIMU/FOCA; Tom Nash, Chief Ranger, COLO; Timothy Morgan, Chief Ranger, CANA; Mary Doll, Management Assistant, Outer Banks Group; Larry Belles, BICY
Hurricane Frances is now forecast to hit Florida hard on Saturday morning, and those in its way are getting ready:
[Submitted by Larry Belles, BICY; Dave Parker, IC, CASA/FOMA; Timothy Morgan, Chief Ranger, CANA; Gary Bremen, BISC]
The following were submitted through yesterday afternoon: Canaveral NS — The Kennedy Space Center yesterday decided to close the NASA/Space Center complex — which includes the park as a component — on Wednesday afternoon. They also decided that no personnel would be permitted into the complex after 6 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The park therefore closed on Wednesday afternoon. [Submitted by Ken Garvin, SERO; Linda Canzanelli, Superintendent; Richard Bryant, IC, TIMU/FOCA; Mike Tennent, Superintendent, FOFR; Timothy Morgan, Chief Ranger, CANA]
Because Hurricane Frances' course skirted most National Park Service areas (at least in its incarnation as a hurricane), it caused only modest damage to parks in the Southeast Region. Reports on those impacts appear below. As a member of the federal interagency wildland fire community, however, NPS employees are among those responding to the larger impacts of the hurricane on residents of Florida. An area command team and six Type 1 incident management teams have been committed to assist FEMA with disaster relief and the operation of receiving and distribution centers, base camps and logistics staging areas for essential supplies. Also committed (as of Tuesday morning) are eleven helicopters and four buying teams. According to the a press release from the Forest Service's Region 8, "this mission represents the broadest application of the incident command system to a natural disaster or federal emergency." Reports from the parks follow: Canaveral NS — The park came through the storm better than expected. The park has completed a preliminary survey of the impacts of the hurricane. Frances had its greatest effect here along Florida's east coast. Brevard County (directly north of hurricane landfall) and Volusia County were two of the hardest hit areas and damages are expected to be significant given the duration of time the storm spent thrashing east central Florida. Although damages exist, assessment personnel have been surprised at the lack of severity: New Smyrna Beach/North End — Numerous electric/cable utility lines are down outside of park boundaries and on Route A1A approaching the park entrance. A curfew exists on the barrier island and admittance is on a "resident only" basis and enforced by local law enforcement. The park sustained minor to moderate roof damage on many buildings, primarily lost shingles. Several garage doors were damaged on facilities that faced east and endured direct winds off the oceanfront. One inholder residence suffered a partial roof failure. Two boardwalks were damaged, one of which is primarily administrative in use. The ranger station suffered minor to moderate damage, such as destruction of an upper story handrail and the collapse of a small park radio antennae. North district visitor access roads are primarily clear of debris. Some internal administrative roads are blocked with tree and vegetation debris, but will be cleared relatively quickly. The district can reopen to the public as soon as local utility companies clear electrical lines outside of the park entrance, restore electrical service, and all curfews/restrictions are lifted. Estimated time: Three or four days. South District near NASA Complex — Phone and electrical service to the district have been restored, and visitor access roads are clear. Three boardwalks are damaged, although one of them is used primarily for administrative purposes. Most structures have minor roof damage, including lost shingles. The roof covering the small water pump station was destroyed. Several outdoor storage sheds at the Wilson Interchange maintenance facility suffered moderate damage. Blown sand covers most parking lots and comfort station facilities beachside and will have to be cleaned off prior to opening. Some sign damage occurred, but is relatively minor. South District facilities will open today. Seminole Rest Mainland Site/Oak Hill — Severe tree and vegetation damage occurred at this small site. Many of the live oak trees and cedar trees were broken off or severely damaged by winds. Some moderate structural damage occurred to the Instone House (a large house that has not yet been restored). The porch, which was due to have been removed as part of the restoration work, collapsed. The area will likely remain closed until debris can be removed. Work should begin this week. An assessment of resource impacts is currently underway and will be reported later. Based on reports from Ken Garvin, SERO; Linda Canzanelli, Superintendent, BISC; Fred Sanchez, Chief Ranger, ANDE/JICA; Larry Belles, FMO, BICY; Timothy Morgan, CR, CANA; Charlie Fenwick, Superintendent, DESO; Mike Tennent, Superintendent, FOFR; Brian Loadholtz, Acting Superintendent, TIMU/FOCA; June Devisfruto, Chief Ranger, FOPU.
Recovery from the intense rains and more modest but strong winds of Hurricane Frances continues. Preparations for Hurricane Ivan, a Category 5 storm that the National Hurricane Center has characterized as "extremely dangerous," have begun in south Florida parks. The center is forecasting a high probability of landfall somewhere in that area by early next week. Here are the reports received yesterday: Canaveral NS — The South District (Kennedy Space Center) end of the park opened for normal operations on Wednesday morning. The North District remains closed due to public utility outages and downed lines outside the park. Widespread phone and electrical outages still exist across the barrier island. Due to the projected course of Hurricane Ivan and the status of numerous employee residences (roofs are still exposed due to damage from Frances), the park is tentatively planning to shutdown visitor operations at the close of business today. NASA remains closed. Reports from Ken Garvin, SERO; Phil Noblitt, BLRI; Linda Canzanelli, Superintendent, BISC; Carol Clark, Acting Superintendent, BICY/Larry Belles, FMO, BICY; Brian Loadholtz, TIMU/FOCA; Timothy Morgan, CANA.
Today's report on preparations for Ivan is based primarily on reports received late last week. It will be updated early on Tuesday. Also included are some follow-up notes on cleanup from Frances: Canaveral NS — All hurricane plan preparations were completed on Friday and the park has closed. Merritt Island NWR and the NASA complex have also closed. Reports from Ken Garvin, FMO, SERO; Linda Canzanelli, Superintendent, BISC; Timothy Morgan, Chief Ranger, CANA; Charlie Fenwick, Superintendent, DESO; Robert Degross, BICY; Rick Cook, EVER; Bob Panko, IC, EVER; Gordie Wilson, CASA/FOMA; Brian Loadholtz, TIMU/FOCA.
Here are today's updates on preparations for Hurricane Ivan: Canaveral NS — Due to the hurricane's continued westerly track, the park's south district has reopened for normal operations. Downed utility lines in the north district were repaired over the weekend, and it will reopen this morning. Reports from Ken Garvin, FMO, SERO; Bob Panko, IC, EVER; J.D. Lee, Chief Ranger, GUIS; Linda Canzanelli, Superintendent, BISC; Timothy Morgan, Chief Ranger, CANA.
The following reports, some preliminary, had been received through late Sunday regarding the impacts that Hurricane Ivan had from landfall on the Gulf Coast through departure in the Northeast: Canaveral NS — The storm wiped out about two-thirds of turtle nesting sites. Damage assessment will continue today and through the week, including
an evaluation of the park's many dams (more than any other park in the
system).
Here's today's roundup of post-hurricane reports: Canaveral NS — The park's turtle population was ravaged by Hurricane Frances. Three species of sea turtles regularly nest on the park's 24 miles of beach — loggerhead, leatherback and green. The nesting season generally extends from late April to early September, overlapping Florida's June through November hurricane season. This makes nests laid later in the season susceptible to storm surges associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. On August 13th, Hurricane Charley passed northwest of the seashore, damaging buildings and trees. However, since the storm made landfall on Florida's west coast, there was no storm surge and negligible damage was done to the beach. Three weeks later, on September 5th, a different scenario occurred. Hurricane Frances made landfall southeast of the park, bringing a storm surge which removed three to four feet of sand from the park's beach and washed away approximately 1,150 sea turtle nests, 46% of the total nests in the park. During most years, the majority of turtle young would have hatched by this time. This year, though, unusually cold ocean temperatures delayed nesting and 1,400 nests still remained on the beach. Only 230 nests were found after the hurricane had passed. Several other observations are noteworthy: The 2,500 nests established in 2004 was the lowest total recorded since 1988, far below the 1989 to 2003 average of 3,800 nests a year. In addition, an expected biennial peak in nesting green turtles did not occur. A few sea turtles remain undeterred. Since the storm, 35 new nests, all greens but one, have been deposited on the park's beach. Pelagic birds suffered from the hurricane as well. While looking for sea turtle nests, park staff counted the carcasses of 348 Cory's shearwaters along the 24 miles of beach. Reports from Peter Givens, IO, Incident Management Team, GUIS; Nancy Poe, CHAT; John Stiner, CANA; Phil Noblitt, PIO, BLRI; Bill Halainen, IO, Incident Management Team, DEWA; Al Henry, Chief Ranger, UPDE.
The following reports were received through Saturday: Canaveral NS — The IMT met on Thursday and began preparations on Friday. Public use areas wee closed and secured by 7 p.m. on Friday and employees were released to make preparations at home. From reports by Ken Garvin, FMO, SERO; Wayne Rose, Acting Chief Ranger, CANA; Bob DeGross, Chief of Interpretation, BICY; Susan Gonshor, Chief of Interpretation, BISC; Gordie Wilson, Superintendent, CASA/FOMA; Dann Trexler, Acting Chief Ranger, CAHA; Bill Wright, Chief Ranger, EVER; Julie Meeks, Chief of Administration, CUIS; Mike Tennent, Superintendent, FOFR; Norm Williams, IC, TIMU/FOCA; John Breen, Superintendent, FOPU; Raymond Hamel, Park Ranger, DESO.
The following reports were received through yesterday evening: Canaveral NS — When Hurricane Jeanne arrived, the park was well along the way toward completing damage assessments and making repairs to facilities damaged by Hurricanes Charley and Frances. Now staff are dealing with considerable new damage. All park personnel have been accounted for and are safe, although stress levels seem somewhat understandably elevated.
From reports by Ken Garvin, FMO, SERO; Mark Hardgrove, Deputy Superintendent, CAHA; Rick Clark, Plans Chief, IMT, and Gary Bremen, PIO, BISC; Charlie Fenwick, Superintendent, DESO; Steve Hurd, IC, IMT, EVER; Bruce W. Rosel, Maintenance Mechanic Foreman, CANA; Phil Noblitt, PAO, BLRI.
The following reports were received through yesterday evening: Canaveral NS — The park will reopen today, except for Seminole Rest and the damaged boardwalks in the North and South Districts. From reports by Ken Garvin, FMO, SERO; Rick Clark, Plans Chief, IMT, BISC; Gordie Wilson, Superintendent, CASA/FOMA; John Breen, Superintendent, FOPU; Mike Tennent, Superintendent, FOFR; Norman Williams, IC, TIMU/FOCA; Connie Backlund, Superintendent, CARL; Bruce Ross, IC, CANA; Phil Noblitt, PAO, BLRI; Chris Nelson, PAO, DEWA.
A privately-owned, 46-foot cabin cruiser grounded on a remote section of beach in the park's South District on the evening of October 3rd. The captain and two passengers were aboard. The park was closed and secured for the evening, but the captain was able to contact the Kennedy Space Center for assistance. NASA personnel responded and transported the group off the beach. The captain injured his back during the grounding and was taken to a hospital. The cabin cruiser has sustained major damage from the surf and extreme high tides. Debris from the vessel is scattered over a two mile section of beach. Ranger Dan Gillam is coordinating with the owner for removal of the
boat and clean-up of the beach.
Hurricane Katrina passed over south Florida during the night, bringing sustained winds in the 80 mph range and up to 15 inches of rain. Here are reports received from three parks early yesterday:
The storm is now in the Gulf of Mexico and headed toward the Florida panhandle, where it is expected to again make landfall as a hurricane. [Submitted by Scott Anderson, Canaveral; Rick Cook, Everglades; Ed Clark, Big Cypress]
Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage in Everglades NP, but so far appears not to have had a major impact on other Florida parks. This morning, the hurricane will again make landfall, probably in Louisiana. It will then move to the north and east, bringing heavy rains along its path. This morning's summary begins with preparations in Louisiana, then reports on the hurricane's impacts in Florida: Canaveral NS Due to the change in the hurricane's track on Friday, the park returned to normal operations that same day. [Submitted by Ken Garvin, Regional FMO, SERO; Leigh Zahm, Ranger, JELA; Bill Wright, Chief Ranger, EVER; Scott Anderson, Program Assistant, CANA; Brenda Lanzendorf, IC, BISC; Ed Clark, Chief Ranger, BICY]
M.C., 31, of Titusville, Florida, was struck by lightning on the beach in the park's South District on the afternoon of September 1st. Supervisory lifeguard Aaron Critchfield was nearby and was in the process of clearing the beach when he felt the ground tremble and saw M.C. fall over. Critchfield responded with medical gear and had a companion of M.C.'s call 911. M.C. was at first conscious but suddenly stopped breathing and had no pulse. Critchfield began CPR and M.C. regained his vital signs and consciousness. Park law enforcement rangers responded along with Kennedy Space Center EMS units. M.C. was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital and was alert and responsive at that time. He was admitted to intensive care with burns on his right leg. [Wayne Rose, Park Ranger]
The park's incident management team met yesterday morning to discuss plans and actions for approaching Tropical Storm Ophelia. Hurricane Condition IV was set, boat ramps at three locations were closed, the radio communications and medical contact plans were updated, the list of employee locations and phone numbers was updated, and a post-hurricane contact list was disseminated to all employees. The team will meet again this morning to review the latest storm information and modify the park's preparedness level if needed. [Bruce W. Rosel, Maintenance Mechanic Foreman]
Here are today's updates from North Carolina parks in Ophelia's probable path: Meanwhile, Canaveral NS has returned to normal operations, effective yesterday. The storm's impact was limited to the south district, where sand drifts temporarily blocked the roadway, and a handicapped boardwalk that was damaged by rough surf. Some turtles nests were disturbed and some beach erosion was reported. [Dare County Emergency Management; Wouter Ketel, Chief Ranger, CALO; Bruce Rosel, CANA; Ann Childress, Superintendent, MOCR]
As Hurricane Wilma winds up in the Caribbean, parks in south Florida within the possible path of this intense hurricane are once again shutting down: Canaveral NS The park is in Condition V and putting its hurricane plan into effect. Staff will determine if it's necessary to close down and evacuate either today or tomorrow, depending on local and NOAA forecasts for the area. Current plans are to begin battening down after the IMT meeting today. [Ken Garvin, FMO, Southeast Regional Office; Bob Panko, IC, EVER/DRTO; Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger, CANA; Kevin Walsh, FMO, BITH; Maria Beotegui, BISC]
The Service's National Incident Management Team (JD Swed, IC) has been pre-positioned in Orlando, Florida, for immediate response, if needed. Thirteen overhead team members are planning and preparing to assist parks with employee accounting and assistance, emergency damage mitigation and park recovery. Establishment of the ICP in Orlando in advance of the storm's arrival enables the team to respond at the first safe opportunity to the storm-related needs of NPS employees and park units. The general trend in lessons learned in responses to Isabel, Katrina and Rita, is that pre-positioning a team in advance of a hurricane results in more successful and rapid recovery of parks and employees from the effects of these weather events. Canaveral NS Due to the possible effects of Hurricane Wilma, the park was closed at 6 p.m. on Sunday and will remain closed until at least 6 a.m. tomorrow. The current expected arrival of the storm is sometime early Monday morning, with potential waves of 10 to 15 feet, winds of 40 to 70 mph and possible power outages. [Ken Garvin, FMO, SERO; Shauna Dyas, IO, National IMT; Rick Cook, PAO, EVER; Ed Clark, Chief Ranger, BICY; John Stiner, CANA; Charlie Fenwick, Acting Superintendent, DESO]
The National IMT (JD Swed, IC) continues to gather information and prepare to assist south Florida NPS units now that Hurricane Wilma has passed out of the state and into the Atlantic. Operations and logistics have been coordinating with parks and local entities to prepare to address employee and park needs. Preliminary damage assessments have been received by the team, regional director and WASO. Some employees at Everglades and Biscayne have still not been accounted for. Since cellular communications and land phone lines have been damaged, it's likely that employees are fine but having trouble connecting with their park. While some areas still have not been inspected, indications are that Everglades and Big Cypress have sustained significant damage to visitor centers, housing, and other infrastructure. Biscayne is scheduled to give the team an accurate damage assessment today after park staff gain access to headquarters, docks and islands. Park staff on the mainland hope to inspect Dry Tortugas by helicopter today to assess damage there. Generally, power, water and communications are non-existent or spotty in all areas. Wind damage to roofs, structures, docks, power lines and downed trees are widespread throughout south Florida. A small number of incident management team members will travel to the Everglades/Big Cypress/Biscayne area today and the rest of the team will follow as soon as they can be supported logistically. Canaveral NS The bridges at Canaveral are still closed, so no damage assessment has been made. It's expected that Hurricane Wilma caused significant erosion of the beaches and damage to boardwalks. Details will be reported after Tuesday's assessment. [Shauna Dyas, IO, National IMT]
Canaveral NS All employees have been accounted for. The park is open, but the causeway sustained structural damage. Visitors and employees must access the park the long way from the north. There is some damage to boardwalks and the comfort stations are flooded. Brevard County officials advise that the Max Brewer bridge sustained structural damage during Hurricane Wilma, and will be closed for repairs a minimum of three weeks. [Submitted by Michelle Fidler, Fire Education Specialist, SER; Shauna Dyas, IO, National IMT; Mark Lewis, Superintendent, BISC; Susan Gonshor, Chief of Interpretation, BISC; Dan Kimball, Superintendent, EVER/DRTO.]
On the afternoon of Saturday, July 22nd, a 13-year-old boy who was standing in waist-deep water at Playalinda Beach with his mother was bitten on the leg by a shark. The Kennedy Space Center received a 911 call reporting the incident and notified protection rangers; other visitors told park lifeguards what had happened. Lifeguards bandaged the wound and an ambulance from the space center took the boy to Parrish Medical Center, 16 miles away in Titusville. Doctors determined that the foot and leg injury needed additional care, so the boy was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He's expected to make a full recovery. A week later, on July 29th, a 15-year-old boy on his surfboard at the same beach was bitten on the top of one of his feet by a three- to four-foot black tip shark while waiting for some good waves. Fellow surfers confirmed the identity of the shark and said that they're a common sight at this time of the year. The boy was taken to Parrish Hospital, where he received eight stitches on his foot. He was then released and is reportedly doing fine. [Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger]
Parks along the Florida coastline have largely completed preparations for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which may again be a hurricane when it reaches the United States mainland: Canaveral NS - The park was in the process of buttoning up yesterday. [Jeff Brice, NPS Assistant Coordinator, Southern Area Coordination Center]
The following summarizes actions that parks in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina are taking in response to Tropical Storm Ernesto (as of 11 a.m. on Wednesday): Canaveral NS - The park closed on Tuesday and employees were released around noon. Park staff will conduct an assessment after the storm moves through the area. If all goes well, the park will reopen this afternoon. Employees who have been evacuated have been asked to contact the Emergency Incident Coordination Center (EICC) at Shenandoah NP to report their status and location. The call in number is 888-246-4335. [Jeff Brice, NPS Assistant Coordinator, Southern Area Coordination Center]
The following summarizes actions that have been or are being taken in Eastern parks in response to Tropical Storm Ernesto (as of 11 a.m. on Thursday): Canaveral NS - The park reopened at 8 a.m. No damage has been found. Employees who have been evacuated have been asked to contact the Emergency Incident Coordination Center (EICC) at Shenandoah NP to report their status and location. The call in number is 888-246-4335. [Jeff Brice, NPS Assistant Coordinator, Southern Area Coordination Center; Cyndy Holda, Outer Banks Group; Bill Halainen, Delaware Water Gap NRA]
Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched from the Kennedy Space Center just after 11 a.m. on September 9th. Rangers assisted in securing an area within the park for NASA cameramen to film the launch. Immediately thereafter, a NASA helicopter landed on site and picked up the film. [Eric Lugo]
Kennedy Space Center dispatch notified protection rangers of a possible drowning in the park shortly after 4 p.m. on Monday, May 21st. Rangers and incoming seasonal lifeguards immediately began a search for the victim. He was soon found face down in the water about 150 yards offshore. Seasonal lead lifeguard Ray Propost and lifeguard David Ward entered the ocean while lifeguard Todd Bittner provided directions from shore, guiding the two guards to the victim's location. Propst and Ward retrieved him and brought him to shore, where Kennedy Space Center rescuers began resuscitation efforts. They were unable to revive him. The victim, a 20-year-old Ohio man, had been in Florida on vacation for only a short period of time. An investigation is underway. [Dan Gillam, South District Ranger]
On January 20th, J.M., 20, was bitten on the left foot while sitting on his surfboard about 50 yards from shore. He quickly paddled to the beach, thinking that he'd suffered a jellyfish sting. When he looked at the side of his foot, though, he was shocked to find three round, bloody holes. Ranger Kathy Roman responded to his 911 call and administered first aid. J.M. declined ambulance transport to a hospital, but went there himself and was admitted. Small shark tooth fragments were removed from his wounds. Despite the scare and the injury, J.M. told Roman that he's looking forward to returning to surfing every day. [Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger]
On January 19th, a ranger on patrol in a beach area frequented by nudists came upon a naked man engaged in lewd behavior with beachgoers no more than 75 yards away and in the direction in which he was walking. While citing the man - identified as J.F. - for disorderly conduct (36 CFR 2.34), she found that J.F. had been cited twice before for the same offence - once in 2005, then again in 2006. Her citation therefore called for a mandatory appearance before a federal magistrate. On April 10th, J.F. appeared in court and pled guilty to the offence. He was fined $1,000 and banned from the park for life. Lewd behavior in the nudist area has been an ongoing problem for rangers. [Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger] Tropical Storm Fay made landfall in the United States in South Florida yesterday and is currently moving up the state's east coast: Everglades NP/Dry Tortugas NP - Dry Tortugas reports no damage. The M/V Fort Jefferson will be returning to Key West from Miami today when sea conditions improve. Everglades fared well, too, with only minor tree damage and flooding reported. Park staff returned to their residences in Flamingo last night. The power is still out at the Trail Center on the Tamiami Trail. Both parks will reopen to visitors this morning. Canaveral NS - The park is closed. [Pedro Ramos, BICY; Susan Gonshor, BISC; Dan Kimball, EVER; Mike Anderson, SERO]
Tropical Storm Fay continues to be an issue for some parks in the southeastern United States, while others have reopened to the public. Here's a status report, as of yesterday evening: Canaveral NS - The park is closed and will not reopen until the storm has passed. [Larry Perez, EVER; Richard Bryant, TIMU/FOCA; Dennis Parsons, CUIS; Susan Gonshor, BISC; Mark Ruggiero, SERO; Dean Ross, WASO]
Tropical Storm Fay moved across Florida and southern Georgia and along the Gulf Coast over the weekend before diminishing to a tropical depression. Little damage was done, but facilities in some parks remain closed. Canaveral NS - The park reopened around noon on Friday. The storm caused minor damage to homes and left lots of debris. The park suffered about $3,000 in damage. Several hundred dead birds were found at the visitor center and at a few beachside comfort stations. As of the late Friday, the park had cleared its main entrance roads of debris. Smaller loop roads remained closed and were in the process of being cleared. All boat ramps were closed due to water flowing over the docks. [Richard Bryant, TIMU; Clay Jordan, GUIS; Eric Lugo, CANA]
A visitor who was building sand sculptures on the beach on the morning of November 12th found a package on the shoreline. He broke it open with a small shovel, discovered that it contained white powder, and notified staff at the visitor center. Ranger Dave Fuellner and district ranger Mike Chambers responded and conducted a field test, which revealed that the powder was cocaine. The two rangers then searched the beach and found another 25 packages tightly wrapped in plastic and rubber, each measuring about five inches by ten inches by an inch and a half. The total came to about 25 kilos of cocaine, with a street value roughly estimated at $1.5 million. The packages were turned over to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office for destruction. [Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger]
On Sunday, March 14th, ranger Robert Romer responded to a radio request from Brevard County Sherriff's Office dispatch for help in locating an overturned vessel in the area of Haulover Canal on the Indian River. The vessel was described by the dispatcher as a small canoe-type craft. Romer, who was on road patrol, headed to the Haulover boat ramp, where he flagged down a passing boat for assistance. The operator agreed to assist Romer and they set off for the location of the overturned vessel. Romer had difficulty locating the vessel due to heavy chop and wind gusts of 45 mph, but finally found it west of the canal. The victims were in 60 degree water and fighting the heavy chop. Romer could see an older man holding a small boy above the water. Romer lifted the boy, then the father, into the vessel. A third boy clinging to a red gas can was found nearby and also hoisted aboard. Romer immediately started treating all three for hypothermia. Once safely back at the boat ramp, the two boys were carried to a National Park Service vehicle to start the warming process while awaiting the arrival of Kennedy Space Center EMS. Romer's quick thinking resulted in a positive outcome, with three lives saved. [Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger]
Rangers from the park's Playalinda District recently investigated a Wisconsin man for filming an unclothed minor on a park beach. This area has been frequented for many years by nudists. A local family had come to the beach for a day of nude recreation. As the young girl's mother dried the girl off, the man attempted to film her. The girl's father confronted him and a fight ensued. Rangers Rob Romer and Ben Hansel responded to a 911 call from the Brevard County Sherriff's Office concerning a fight in progress. The man with the camera fled south on the beach, but Hansel found him and obtained his consent to look at the images on the camera. These were shared with the sex crimes unit of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. Information obtained during a joint agency interview led to a search warrant being issued for the man's home in Evansville, Wisconsin. Detectives with the Rock County Sherriff's Office who served the warrant discovered child erotica, child pornography, and a number of camera systems. The Rock County Sherriff's office arrested the man when he arrived at the local airport on his return trip from Florida. Romer's investigation led to the arrest of a man who hadn't been on any agency's radar and showed excellent interagency cooperation. [Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger]
Responders to an emergency call for assistance discovered V.G.'s nude body about one mile south of the parking lot 5 boardwalk floating offshore on Tuesday morning, July 12th. An autopsy conducted by the Volusia County medical examiner's office determined that V.G., a 45-year-old Ohio resident, suffered a heart attack, then drowned in the surf shortly before 11:20 a.m. Volusia County Sheriff's department, the first responders to arrive on scene, told park ranger Edwin Correa that beach visitors had seen V.G. walking with another person along the beach earlier that morning. Although they searched the beachfront, responders were unsuccessful in locating the other person. [Submitted by Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger]
Ranger Ben Hansel received a dispatch call through the Kennedy Space Center's emergency operations center on December 29th. The dispatcher said that the center had received a 911 call reporting that a man was in the water near one of Canaveral's parking areas and was being swept out to sea. Hansel commandeered a paddleboat from a park visitor and asked for his help. Hansel then stripped down to his undergarments and the two men paddled out through the surf. They reached the drowning man but were pulled south by strong currents. They made several more attempts, but were still unable to reach him. Kennedy Center security officers and Brevard County deputies soon arrived and joined in the rescue effort. Together, they were able to reach the man and get him to shore, where he was checked by paramedics and declined further treatment. The quick thinking and immediate actions taken by Hansel and the officers' disregard for their own safety in carrying out their duty to protect human life averted what would otherwise likely have been a drowning death. [Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger]
On August 26th, protection ranger Doug Mullan received a complaint from a visitor who reported that her purse had been stolen from her husband's vehicle while visiting the park. When Mullan advised her to cancel all her credit cards and to let him know if they were used, she replied that a card had also been used at two establishments, Panda Express and Red Lobster. During interviews with the managers of these two businesses, Mullan obtained descriptions of the two men who'd purchased food with the card. While on patrol in the park the next day, Mullan saw two men who matched the descriptions he'd obtained and interviewed them. During the interview, he noticed that one of the men was drinking out of a Panda Express cup. Both men provided their licenses, which Mullan ran through Volusia County Sheriff's Office dispatch. Mullan then contacted the sheriff's office and joined officers from that department in stopping their vehicle outside the park. Numerous items were found in the vehicle that appeared to have been stolen in vehicle burglaries. The two men then admitted to committing vehicle break-ins from Miami all the way up the East Coast. They were arrested. [Edwin Correa, Acting Chief Ranger]
Forecasters continue to predict that Hurricane Dorian will closely follow the coastline from Florida to North Carolina before it moves out into the open ocean. Watches and warnings have been issued for portions of the Florida coast and evacuation orders are in place for coastal areas in the Southeast. National parks from Big Cypress to Cape Hatteras are preparing for potential impacts and implementing storm plans. The parks below have closed or will soon close in preparation for the storm: Florida — Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park, Canaveral National Seashore, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Everglades National Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve Source: National Park Service.
From September 25-30, many parks around the southeastern United States enacted closures due to the forecasted path of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ian. Biscayne, Fort Pulaski, Gulf Islands, and Timucuan have reopened for normal operations. Canaveral National Seashore, Carl Sandburg, Everglades and Dry Tortugas partially reopened some areas. Other parks remain closed and have not yet publicly disclosed the effects of the storm, as of October 2. Source: WALA, Everglades National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Congaree National Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Fort Frederica National Monument, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Canaveral National Seashore, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, National Parks Traveler
Cape Canaveral sustained some damage from the hurricane, causing the park to close. On November 14, parts of Apollo Beach reopened. Other areas, including parts of Apollo, Seminole Rest, and Playalinda Beach remained closed for assessment and repair. Source: Canaveral National Seashore December 14, 2022
Playalinda Beach reopened on January 3. The beach and dune area were severely impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole and have been closed since mid-November. The cleanup and restoration efforts are ongoing, with half of the seashore still closed. Some parking areas also remain closed. Source: Canaveral National Seashore
Many NPS units along the southeastern seaboard closed or advised strong visitor caution ahead of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Idalia, which was expected to bring high winds and many inches of rain to the area. Additionally, Hurricane Franklin has caused elevated tides and "life threatening rip currents." Canaveral partially reopened, with Apollo boardwalk 1a and parking area 6, and Playalinda parking area 3 still closed. Source: National Parks Traveler, Canaveral National Seashore (8/29, 8/31)
Many parks were affected by Hurricane Helene, up and down the Eastern seaboard the week of September 22. Several parks were still in recovery when Hurricane Milton landed the week of October 6. The following updates are as of Monday, October 14. For the latest updates, please see each park's website. Canaveral National Seashore: As of October 15, the park remains closed for cleanup and recovery after Hurricane Milton. Apollo Beach is expected to reopen with limited access on October 18. | |