Castillo De San Marcos |  |
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 | |
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Friday, September 22, 1989 The following update on Hurricane Hugo's impacts on units of the National Park System in the Southeast was prepared by staff in the Service's Southeast Regional Office from phone calls made to each park's superintendent or chief ranger early today. It was forwarded to the Washington Office at 6 a.m. this morning. Because of darkness and winds, it was not always possible to get an accurate assessment of the storm's effects to this point. Reports on the Virgin Islands were received yesterday afternoon. Further updates will be provided as soon as parks are able to evaluate the hurricane's impact and report to the regional office. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument The fort, located south of Jacksonville, received higher than normal tides yesterday, but no rain or winds. It will be open on a regular schedule today.
Sometime during the early morning hours of May 24th, a person or persons exploded a gasoline Molotov cocktail against the north side of the Castillo moat wall. Park employees discovered the burned area on the wall during routine opening procedures. Damage to the wall, which is over 300 years old, is minor and was limited to surface scorching to the coquina stone used in the fort's construction. Investigation of the incident is continuing. [C. L. Dale, CR, CASA, 5/25]
A male juvenile was sexually assaulted by two adult males with knives on park grounds around 2:30 a.m. on September 30th. Rangers and St. Augustine police have obtained a description of the assailants from the victim, and an investigation is underway. (C. Dale, CR, CASA]
Preparations for Hurricane Bertha continue along the Eastern seaboard: o Castillo de San Marcos/Fort Matanzas - The park's hurricane plan is being implemented. Equipment is being packed and moved. [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]
The Olympic torch passed through the park on its way to Atlanta on July 8th. Ceremonies were held in the fort that evening. Over 4,000 visitors attended. Park VIPs dressed in period costume representing soldiers from all periods in the fort's history were part of the event. [C.L. Dale, CR, CASA]
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 Castillo de San Marcos/Fort Matanzas - Boats have been pulled and stored inland, and equipment and material have been loaded in rental trucks for evacuation. The fort portion of Fort Matanzas has been closed, and the fort secured for heavy winds and rain. Winds of over 40 mph and high surf and tides were forecast for the area for late last night. [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 Bertha's overnight weakening and steady but slow approach to the Carolina shoreline has led to standdowns and resumption of regular operations to the south of the projected landfall, continued preparations and vigilance in the hurricane warning area, and preparations for tropical storm conditions to the north: o Castillo de San Marcos/Fort Matanzas (Florida) - Park personnel returned to work yesterday. Both areas were fully reopened by noon. Boat operations to Fort Matanzas are to resume this morning. [Ray Morris, CR/IC, FOFR; Chip Davis, SA, FLETC; Frank Mills, CR, Sandy Hook Unit, GATE; John Tucker, FOSU and MOCR; Kent Cave, FOPU; C. Dale, CR/IC, CASA/FOMA; Don Weir, CR, FIIS; Bob Woody, CI&VS, CAHA; Steve Smith, SEFDO]
A ceremony recreating the 1763 Spanish turnover of Florida to the British was held in the park on July 20th. Reenactors participated in the two ceremonies, which drew a total of 2,200 visitors. Turner Broadcasting System filmed the event for a broadcast this coming October. [C. Dale, CR, CASA]
The National Weather Service this morning projected that Hurricane Fran will most likely make landfall along the Carolina coastline within 72 hours. Areas further to the south are nonetheless making necessary preparations in case the storm should change direction: o Castillo de San Marcos/Fort Matanzas - The park's hurricane plan has been implemented and preparations for evacuation are underway. Boats will be removed tomorrow if necessary. C.L. Dale is IC. [Bob Panko, DR, EVER; Gary Bremen, IO, BISC; C.L. Dale, CR, CASA]
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 Castillo de San Marcos/Fort Matanzas - Phase II of the hurricane plan has been initiated. All buildings have been shuttered and secured, boats removed, the fee booth and office gear secured. If conditions warrant, the curatorial collection and archives will be moved out of the area by rental trucks this afternoon. Castillo remains open for visitation, but Fort Matanzas is closed due to the termination of ferry service. [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]
Preparations continue in the Southeastern parks for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Fran: o Castillo de San Marcos/Fort Matanzas - The park is standing down from the hurricane watch and tropical storm warning. All park operations should be back to normal by tomorrow. [Chuck Harris, CR, CALO; C.L. Dale, CR, CASA; Newt Sikes, CR, CUIS; John Breen, FOPU; John Tucker, FOSU/CHPI/MOCA; Darlene Koontz, NPS/FLETC; Bob Woody, CI&VS, CAHA]
Hurricane Josephine came ashore last night in northern Florida, was downgraded to a tropical storm, and is now moving up the East Coast as a significant storm with heavy rains and high winds. Two reports have been received so far on the effects of its passage: o Castillo de San Marcos/Fort Matanzas - The park put its hurricane plan into effect. Park facilities were secured and all staff except for law enforcement rangers were released yesterday morning. At the time of the report yesterday afternoon, the park was receiving moderate to heavy rains and a severe thunderstorm and tornado watch was in effect. Some surrounding areas were flooded. [Skip Prange, Acting CR, GUIS; C.L. Dale, CR, CASA; Ray Morris, CR, FOFR]
Several additional reports on the storm's impacts have been received: o Castillo de San Marcos - The park has reopened. Water damage at Casa Grande and severe beach erosion at Fort Matanzas are reported. [Ray Morris, CR, FOFR; C.L. Dale, CR, CASA; Kent Cave, CR, FOPU]
Around 8:15 p.m. on June 23rd, M.L., a local resident, dug a hole in the north green of the Castillo with the intention of planting a "magic tree" for his group to meet around for meditation, dance and music. M.L. had been told earlier in the day that a permit would not be issued to him to plant a tree in the park. M.L. and his group none the less proceeded and were accordingly cited for digging in a cultural area. The park is discussing the possibility of prosecuting for an ARPA violation with the U.S. attorney's office. [C. Dale, CR, CASA, 6/24]
On June 23rd, M.L., a local resident, dug a hole in the north green of the Castillo with the intention of planting a "magic tree" for his group to meet around for meditation, dance and music. M.L. had been told earlier in the day that a permit would not be issued to him to plant a tree in the park. M.L. and his group none the less proceeded and were accordingly cited for digging in a cultural area. M.L. was recently found guilty in federal court; he was fined $100 and banned from the park until January, 1998. [C. Dale, CR, CASA, 6/24]
Some parks in Southeast Region began preparations for the possible arrival of Hurricane Bonnie on Friday afternoon. Here's where things stood as of yesterday evening: o Castillo de San Marcos NM (FL) - The park has U-Haul trailers ready and standing by in case the hurricane comes ashore along the upper Florida coastline. Parks along the coast in Georgia and the Carolinas are awaiting further developments before implementing their hurricane plans. [Ken Garvin, SERO, 8/23]
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 Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM (FL) - The parks moved into phase two of their hurricane preparations on Friday in which all movable items were secured. Some phase three actions were also begun because of the slow movement and unpredictable path of the storm. These included packing up offices, pre-positioning equipment, and preparations for taking out boats. [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]
Hurricane Dennis continues its slow movement toward the east-northeast this morning, with highest sustained winds of 85 mph. It is not expected to move much over the next 24 hours, and will likely be downgraded to a strong tropical storm within the next 72 hours. It may "wander" back to the west toward the coast during that period. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from Cape Lookout, North Carolina, to Chincoteague, Virginia; gale warnings extend from Chincoteague to Great Egg Inlet, New Jersey. The following reports have been received from parks over the past 24 hours: o Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM (FL) - Neither of the parks were closed to visitors at any time; both have resumed normal operations. There was no damage to structures. There was also some minor beach erosion at Fort Matanzas. [Rick Black, Emergency Support Team, FEMA, 8/31; Jim Zahradka, IC, CALO, 8/31; Bob Woody, IC, CAHA, 8/30; Chuck Dale, FOMA/CASA, 8/30; John Tucker, FOSU/CHPI/MOCR; Denis Davis, CUIS, 8/31]
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 Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM - Castillo de San Marcos closed to visitors at 2 p.m. yesterday; Fort Matanzas closed at noon. Boats have been pulled and property has been moved off-site by U-Haul trucks. All personnel were released at 6 p.m. yesterday evening. [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]
As Hurricane Floyd wends its way north, parks and regional office staff in SER are making necessary preparations. Bob Panko's Type II team will arrive in Atlanta tomorrow to begin planning for post-hurricane natural and cultural resource damage assessments in conjunction with regional staff. All National Park Service Type I and Type II teams have been contacted by SERO and are prepared to respond as needed to recovery operations. SER staff will be contacting DOI emergency operations personnel this afternoon to work out procedures for mutual aid to other Interior agencies in the storm's path. Regional staff are also directly contacting refuges and other DOI offices in the Southeast and maintaining communications links with them. Meanwhile, in the parks: o Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM (FL) - The park staff has relocated to a motel in Alabama, which was the closest place that they could find lodging due to the massive exodus underway throughout the Southeast. [Ken Garvin and Darryl Rhodes, SERO, 9/15; John Tucker, Superintendent, FOSU/CHPI, 9/14; Jim Zahradka, IC, CALO, 9/14; Roy Wood, IO, EVER, 9/15; Stephanie Bagozzi, IMT, BICY, 9/15; Bob Woody, IO, IMT, CAHA, 9/15; Barbara Goodman, TIMU/FOCA, 9/14-15]
The following updates have been received from parks being affected by Hurricane Floyd: o Fort Matanzas NM/Castillo de San Marcos NM (FL) - The park reports that they lost a lot of dunes and about 200 feet of new boardwalk at Fort Matanzas. A platform that was 50 feet from the dunes is now at the edge and may fall. Some trees are down. Power was out for 12 hours, but has been restored. There was some flooding of houses in St. Augustine. Only minimal damage occurred at Castillo de San Marcos - mostly downed trees, with some flooding. Both parks will likely remain closed until Saturday. [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 (north to south): o Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM (FL) - About 300 feet of boardwalk was destroyed or missing at the fort, and about 40 yards of dunes were lost. There was no damage to structures. All visitor areas in both parks were reopened on Saturday. Based on information received from parks in both Southeast and Northeast Regions, the NPS Type II team (Bob Panko) was released on Friday afternoon. [Einar Olsen, RCR, NCRO, 9/17; Mike Shaver, ACR, SAHI, 9/17; Sandy Rives, FRSP, 9/17; Bob Woody, IO, CAHA, 9/17; Ann Childress, MOCR, 9/17; George Liffert, IC, PRWI, 9/17; Jim Burnett, CR, COLO, 9/17; Paul Henry, NPS Superintendent, FLETC, 9/17; John Burns, CR, ASIS, 9/17; Jeffrey Collins, CR, HOFU, 9/17; Kevin FitzGerald, CR, CACO, 9/17; John Tucker, FOSU/CHPI, 9/17; Scott Kalbach, VAFO, 9/17; Martin Zweig, RLES, NERO, 9/17; Gordie Wilson, Superintendent, CASA/FOMA, 9/19]
Hurricane Irene had varying effects on parks in the Southeast as it made its way northward: o Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM (FL) - Both parks were closed on the weekend. A few trees and limbs were blown down. The areas have reopened. 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
On May 10th, ranger Andrew Rich saw three people smoking what appeared to be marijuana on the north green of the Castillo. Rich and rangers Kim Kirk and Chuck Dale approached the trio; as they were patting them down and obtaining identification, one of them - D.S., 19 - bolted and ran. Rich and Dale pursued, caught and subdued D.S. after a struggle in which all three sustained minor injuries. D.S. was charged with resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance. He has a long criminal record for violent crimes; he had just finished an 11-month prison stay and was out on probation when the incident occurred. [C.L. Dale, CR, CASA, 5/11]
King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain visited the park during a four-hour tour of St. Augustine on Sunday, April 1st. They were accompanied by several high-ranking Spanish government officials and dozens of national and international media representatives. Ranger Dave Parker was IC for the event; superintendent Gordie Wilson conducted the tour. A First Amendment demonstration coincided with the visit. The demonstration was aimed at a recent city ban of artists and musicians on a non-NPS pedestrian street near the fort. Although the Castillo is currently in the midst of a $3 million stabilization project, the royal party was able to tour most of the facility. Rangers from Canaveral NS and Timucuan E&HP/Fort Caroline NM assisted during the event. [Gordon Wilson, Superintendent, CASA, 4/2]
Tropical Storm Gabrielle pounded the northeast Florida coast from mid-day Friday through late Saturday evening, with sustained winds over 40 miles per hour and gusts in the mid-50s. The park has trees and limbs down, a severely damaged boardwalk at Fort Matanzas, and significant clean-up still to do. Both parks were closed Friday afternoon. Casa Grande re-opened Sunday and Fort Matanzas reopened yesterday. Park staff are in the process of calculating total storm damage costs. There were significant impacts on the $3.6 million Castillo stabilization project currently underway; the contractor is still conducting an assessment. The park received between eight and ten inches of rain during the course of the storm, which fell on ground already saturated from heavy rains last week. [Gordie Wilson, Superintendent, CASA/FOMA, 9/16]
On Monday, June 17th, former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno made a campaign swing through St. Augustine and visited the park. Reno is the leading Democratic candidate for governor of Florida and is expected to oppose incumbent Governor Jeb Bush in November. Superintendent Gordie Wilson escorted Reno, who also holds the distinction of serving the longest term as U.S. Attorney General. Security was provided by NPS rangers and the St. Augustine Police Department. [Gordon Wilson, CASA, 6/18]
On Sunday, September 8, Attorney General John Ashcroft and his wife Janet visited and toured the park. Security was provided by the FBI. [Submitted by Gordie Wilson, Superintendent, Castillo de San Marcos NM]
John J. Harley, a mason at the park, died on February 26th following
a brief illness. John began his National Park Service career in 1964 at
the Castillo de San Marcos. He established a reputation as one of the
premier preservation masons in the National Park Service. Though John's
biggest contributions were at the Castillo, the nation's oldest masonry
fort, he was also detailed to assist other sites around the country,
including Stones River National Battlefield in Tennessee, Cumberland
Island National Seashore in Georgia, and Gulf Islands National Seashore
in Florida and Mississippi. He also worked at Anastasia State Park and
the Bulow Plantation, both in Florida, and provided masonry consultation
services to the City of St. Augustine and the St. Augustine Historical
Society. John was named the employee of the year in Southeast Region in
1995, and received numerous achievement awards during his career. In
2002, John was detailed to the Historic Preservation Training Center to
work on a project at the White House. Although his technical skills and
work ethic were indeed legendary, superintendent Gordy Wilson has noted
that John's greatest contribution was the professionalism and pride that
he instilled and inspired in others through his quiet leadership by
example and his selfless dedication to perfection of his craft.
Condolences may be sent to Pat Mitchell, 581 Railroad Street, St.
Augustine, Florida 32084.
Two visitors from Tennessee were robbed at gunpoint near the park's
entrance station in St. Augustine around
11 p.m. on March 30th. A man with a handgun approached the
couple and demanded their money and jewelry. He told them not to make
him kill them, then made them lie face down on the ground, stuck the
weapon in the woman's neck, and told the pair not to move for five
minutes. About $6,500 in cash and jewelry was reportedly stolen. A joint
NPS — St. Augustine PD investigation is underway. Ranger Andrew
Rich is representing the park.
On the morning of Saturday, June 19th, park facility manager Dean Garrison was found to have passed away during the previous night. The cause of death is not yet known. There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, June 23rd, at
p.m.at the Palm Coast Funeral Home, 220
Palm Coast Parkway SW, in Palm Coast, Florida (386-449-1100).
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: Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM — Both sites closed on Saturday. As of mid-morning, there was no power at the latter. It appeared that the storm caused no significant damage. 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]
As parks in Florida and Georgia continue to clean up from Hurricane Frances, they're keeping a weather eye on Hurricane Ivan — characterized by the National Hurricane Center as "an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane" with maximum sustained winds of nearly 160 mph and a barometric pressure of 27.20 — lower than Hurricane Andrew and eclipsed only by Hurricane Camille (1969) and the Florida Keys Labor Day Hurricane (1935). Meanwhile, parks along the Appalachians — particularly Blue Ridge Parkway — have been dealing with the deluge brought by the remnants of Frances. According to USGS, rainfall amounts of from 8 to 16 inches have been reported from western North Carolina (Phil Noblitt from Blue Ridge Parkway reports that the suburb of Asheville where he lives received 17 inches of rain in 36 hours). North Carolina DOT reports that more than 90 primary and secondary roads were impassable yesterday due to high water, and that I-40 was restricted in both directions due to a mud slide. Stream flows are very high in the area, some at hundred year levels. Here are today's reports, beginning with the hardest hit area and moving south: Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM — Power has been restored to Castillo, but some circuits are still tripping out breakers. Cleanup there is about 75% complete. Fort Matanzas has no power; cleanup of the site is about 60% complete. Some trees will require professional tree crews, which are in short supply at the moment. Neither site is yet open. Based on reports from Ken Garvin, SERO; Bob DeGross, BICY; Brian Loadholtz, TIMU; Gary Bremen, BISC; Jerre Brumbelow, CUIS; Gordon Wilson, CASA/FOMA; Charlie Fenwick, DESO; Phil Noblitt, BLRI; Nancy Gray, GRSM; Jeanne Robbins, USGS
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: Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM — Castillo de San Marcos reopened on Thursday, but Fort Matanzas remained closed due to lack of power. Preparations for Ivan were begun on Friday. 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.
The following reports were received through Saturday: Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM — The park shutdown on Saturday. The incident management team is in place (Dave Parker, IC). 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: Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM — Significant erosion occurred at two separate locations on the sea wall near the Castillo; emergency stabilization will be required. No other structural damage was noted at that site. There was significant beach erosion and some sign and dock damage at Fort Matanzas. The beach ramp was severely eroded and has been closed. Both sites have power and planned on reopening yesterday. 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.
Visitors found the body of a 77-year-old man in the park around 11:30 a.m. on January 10th. Ranger Andrew Rich and St. John's County Fire and Rescue personnel were fist on scene. They checked for signs of life, but found none. Based upon evidence found at the scene, the death has been ruled a suicide. [Submitted by Kimberly Kirk, Chief Ranger]
On the afternoon of August 15th, a Florida Department of Transportation employee stopped at a street inside the park boundary to replace a manhole cover that was out of place. While working on the cover, he noticed a suspicious device taped to the traffic light pole with a wire running from a switch on it to the crosswalk button. He removed the device and took it to a St. Johns County fire and rescue station. The county bomb squad was called in and determined that it resembled a homemade explosive device. It was taken to a safe location, examined, and found to be a hoax, with no dangerous or hazardous materials within. The device itself was comprised of a styrofoam model airplane and two PVC tubes and wires, with a lead wire inserted into the housing of the crosswalk button. The area around the light pole was searched by St. Augustine PD officers and park staff, but no other suspicious packages were found. There are no suspects at present. [Gordie Wilson, Superintendent]
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): Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM - Both parks remain open. 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): Castillo de San Marcos NM/Fort Matanzas NM - All staff have returned to work and the park is back to normal operations. 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]
ADT security staff contacted ranger AJ Legault around 2 a.m. on Sunday, December 16th, and notified him of an alarm activation inside the fort. Legault contacted St. Augustine PD and requested a backup. City officers arrived on scene first and found that the main entrance gate had been pried open. Four people were found hiding on the gun deck - two couple who had not known each other prior to that weekend. Both couples had traveled to St. Augustine by boat and were anchored in the harbor. Although they claimed that the fort was open when they arrived, photographs on a digital camera revealed that they'd taken pictures of themselves prying the gate open. All four were under the influence of alcohol and were taken to St. Johns County Jail and locked up on state charges. The United States Attorneys Office filed motions to seek charges under 18 USC 1361, willful injury and depredation against property of the United States. The four are being considered for a pretrial diversion program. None of them are from Florida. [Kimberly Mayo, Chief Ranger]
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: Castillo De San Marcos NM - The park will be closed until storm danger has passed. No staff have been evacuated. [Larry Perez, EVER; Richard Bryant, TIMU/FOCA; Dennis Parsons, CUIS; Susan Gonshor, BISC; Mark Ruggiero, SERO; Dean Ross, WASO]
On August 2nd, a federal magistrate judge increased the penalties in a proposed plea agreement to send a strong message that vandalizing the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortification in the United Sates, would not be tolerated. On January 20th, St. Augustine police officers came upon a man and a woman in their early 20's in possession of spray paint cans that led to their subsequent arrest for graffiti at the Castillo de San Marcos and other sites throughout the city of St Augustine. Ranger Jill Jaworski was able to locate eight separate spray painted areas on federal property and filed charges against the vandals with the United States Attorney's Office. The violators were each sentenced to 30 days home detention, two years of probation, a $1,000 fine, 200 hours community service (to be completed at the park), and restitution of close to $850 in materials and labor necessary to remove the graffiti. Imprisonment was waived only due to the fact that the violators had no previous records. Local media interest in this case has been high. [Kimberly Mayo, Chief Ranger]
On the afternoon of August 1st, the operator of a vehicle that overturned in an accident outside the park ran towards the park, removing his clothing along the way. He bypassed the entrance station and ran into the fort while naked, ignoring all commands to stop and pushing visitors out of his way. Law enforcement rangers and St. Augustine PD officers soon arrived on scene and isolated him in an upstairs room. The man, who was bleeding from facial injuries, refused to obey their commands, threw punches at them, and ran repeatedly into the coquina walls while rambling incoherently. Rangers and officers drew and displayed their tasers. A St. Augustine officer fired his taser, but it had little effect on the man, who then ran to a railing, threw himself over, and landed head first about 15 feet below, sustaining additional injuries. He was conscious and breathing when he was removed from the fort. A medevac flight took him to Orange Park Medical Center in Jacksonville for treatment of injuries, including a skull fracture. [Kimberly Mayo, Chief Ranger]
On Tuesday, November 11th, Visitor Use Assistant John Hoover recognized that a park visitor was experiencing a medical emergency. Upon contacting him, Hoover found that he was having difficulty breathing and appeared unable to catch his breath. Hoover immediately alerted park EMS personnel to the emergency. Chief Ranger Kim Mayo, an EMT, responded and began treating the man with the assistance of Ranger Amelia Vela, an EMR. During their assessment, the man suddenly became unresponsive and stopped breathing. As Mayo and Vela prepared an AED and started to perform CPR, paramedics arrived on scene. Both Mayo and Vela assisted the paramedics in performing CPR. The AED was utilized twice while inside the EMS room located within the fort. St. Johns County Fire/Rescue transported the 63-year-old man to Flagler Hospital, where he received further lifesaving treatment. The rangers' quick determination of the problem and subsequent response were vital in ensuring that he received quality emergency medical care within the " HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_hour_(medicine)" Golden Hour." The speed and quality of care provided by NPS personnel were noted by the other responding agencies and were cited as the deciding factors in the man's survival. [Anthony Vela, EMS Coordinator]
The Service's Eastern Incident Management Team, now in its second week of operations, is working in parks throughout South Florida, the Caribbean, and along the Atlantic coast, coordinating the bureau's response to Hurricane Irma. Immediate objectives are to support employee emergency needs, conduct damage assessments, and remove debris in the affected areas. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument — The grounds and fort are now open. Debris cleanup operations continue. Downed trees remain on site. An assessment team is on site surveying damage; an archeological assessment has been completed. Additional closures exist throughout Southeast Region, but local park employees are handling cleanup efforts. A full list of affect parks and updates on the status of these parks can be found at http://go.nps.gov/irma. Source: NPS Incident Management Team Hurricane Irma Update for September 18th, found at the NPS Hurricane and Severe Weather Response website.
A man was injured after he fell 15 feet while trying to climb the wall of the Castillo de San Marcos around 2 a.m. on the morning of Monday, May 6th. The man was put on a stretcher and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries. His identity, as well as the severity of his injuries are not currently known. Federal charges are under consideration. Source: First Coast News.
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.
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."
Many parks were affected by Hurricane Helene, up and down the Eastern seaboard. The following updates are as of Tuesday, October 1. For the latest update, please see each park's website. Closed temporarily, but now re-opened after clean-up: Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Everglades National Park, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
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. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: The park was closed for safety assessments and storm debris from Hurricane Milton, and reopened on October 12. | |