Artificial Reef Update

Table of Contents Artificial Reef Update Golf Cart Safety PHA Projects Security Update Hurricane Response Palmanova Park PDM Utility Corp. Accountability

A final report including studies, analysis and a design proposal for the Palmas del Mar Artificial Reef has been presented to the PHA Board and to the Artificial Reef Committee. The studies reflect that the construction of an artificial reef will stop the erosion of the beach at Candelero Point and surrounding areas, and will alter the current wave patterns that produce the dangerous rip currents neutralizing the hazard to swimmers and bring back sand deposits to all beach areas.

The proposed reef is to be located 400 meters off Punta Candelero and is 895 meters long by ten meters wide. The reef will consist of approximately 7800 structures based on 10-ton Dolos or Comioc technology. Its crest is to be one foot beneath the surface at extreme low tide and does not represent a threat to endangered turtle species; to the contrary, it will enhance their feeding habitat and will stimulate the growth of other marine life.

Next steps in the process of this project include going before the regulatory agencies to initiate the permitting process. Simultaneously, PHA will work with potential construction firms to seek proposals to install the reef and to establish final costs.

Golf Cart Safety

The PHA wishes to remind owners of golf carts that you are responsible for the actions of the driver of your golf cart. Please instruct authorized drivers of the Rules and Regulations regarding the use of golf carts - and as importantly, the consequences of violations against these. In order to obtain your annual golf cart sticker, your vehicle must be inspected - your responsibility does not end there - check you cart regularly to make sure the cart is well maintained and that lights, brakes, steering, batteries, etc. are in good working order.

Recent golf cart accidents demonstrate that these vehicles can be very dangerous in the hands of minors or inexperienced persons. These are not toys. Children have been rendered paraplegic from accidents involving golf carts when irresponsible parents have put these vehicles in their hands disregarding common sense and the safety of their own child. Don't let this happen to your family.

PHA Projects

• PHA Building: Construction of the PHA Building is proceeding on schedule and without problems. First floor level foundation and walls are complete and work on the second level is underway.
• Service Entrance: The project was awarded to HST Construction and is underway.
• Main Gate: The illumination phase is complete, minor landscape touches are being finished and AVI system upgrade is in progress.
• Studies: The traffic and electrical update studies are complete. The PHA Infrastructure Committee will evaluate the reports and establish follow-up actions. Detail presentations will be given to the PHA Delegates.
• Palmas Drive Circle: Presentations for the art feature to be installed in the fountain are being considered by PDMPI.
• Beach Recovery Project: In coordination with the Department of Natural Resources, PHA has begun the process of cleaning and restoring the Surfside and Shell Castle beach areas in the South District of Palmas. These areas have been in a state of abandonment for some time and irresponsible neighbors have been using them to deposit trash and for their own purposes. Recovery efforts will consist of restoring adequate access to the beach areas, clean up of waste and dead vegetation, and the installation of minimum facilities such as small beach gazebos, trash cans and parking for golf carts. New rules to govern beach use and operations will be posted and security patrols will provide special watch over these areas particularly at night. The community needs access to all beach areas within Palmas and PHA believes it should improve these areas to make this important amenity accessible to our community.
• Antenna Parcel: You may have noticed that the old antenna structure between Crescent Cove and Crescent Beach is gone. A golf cart parking area has been established at that location. It has been landscaped and provides golf cart parking for those wishing to gain access to the beach using this easement.