For you to view the new version of our Harbour Highlights on-line you must install the"flipviewer". This is the same viewer you had to install to view our city's pictures. If you have already installed the viewer for the pictures there is no need to do so again. If you have not done so just click on the word "flipviewer" above and it will take you to the install program  If you have any problems or questions email danderson@indianharbour.org

MAY 2005

 

FIRST  TsunamiReady  CITY ON THE EAST COAST - OUR I.H.B.

 

The City of Indian Harbour Beach was recently notified by National Weather Service personnel that we have been selected to be the first “TsunamiReady" City” on the east coast of the United States.  The devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of this past year has triggered action by the federal government to address the tsunami threat along the east coast in a similar manner to the tsunami detection systems, etc. on the west coast of the United States.  Federal funds have been budgeted for a full detection and warning system in the Atlantic, including a series of tsunami-detecting mid-ocean buoys that will utilize the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center to issue warnings for the U.S. east and gulf coasts.

 

Although the tsunami threat for the Atlantic is smaller than the Pacific, which produces most of the world’s earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis, history also tells us that thousands of people have been killed by large tsunamis in the Caribbean and Portugal.  Early research indicates that an “Indian Ocean” magnitude tsunami, where sea water is pushed miles inland, is not likely on the Florida east coast, due to our topography, the continental shelf, and our high dunes.  For Indian Harbour Beach, the likeliest threat would be a wave that sweeps the beaches, but the likelihood of one topping Highway A1A, though remotely possible, is unlikely.

 

City personnel are working with the National Weather Service to protect our citizens and we will be providing much more information to you as we move forward in this effort.

To view pictures of recent events in the city click here.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT OUR BEAUTIFUL INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to protect our precious Indian River Lagoon from pollution, and in conjunction with our Phase I MS4 Permit through the NPDES program (that is the Natural Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) the City offers the following suggestions to our residents:

1.     Pull those weeds instead of using pesticides.

2.     Irrigate properly to avoid runoff into streets, storm drains or canals.

3.     Have your soil analyzed at the County Extension Service to preclude applying more fertilizer than your soil needs.

4.     Run all swimming pool water through a filter before discharge.

5.     Keep grass clippings off pavements and out of curbs. Blow the clippings back onto your lawn.

6.     Wash cars on your lawn to keep water off paved areas.

7.     Create shallow retention areas in your yard and divert driveway runoff to them.

8.     Route roof gutter downspouts to grassy areas.

9.     Keep your car’s pollution potential low by checking and repairing fluid leaks that will end up on the roads and eventually into a waterway.

10.        Carry a small shovel and plastic bag to police your dog when walking.

Police Department Announces New Crime Prevention

 Courtesy Notification Program

Despite the fact that our crime statistics reveal a favorable decrease this past year of 14%, your police officers wish to further enhance your safety and the protection of your personal property.  They realize that open garages, unlocked cars and bicycles, etc. are just like welcome signs or invitations to criminals. (e.g. during 2004, of the 26 vehicle burglaries in our City, at our beaches or shopping centers, 24 of the 26 had been left unlocked!)

In order to keep Indian Harbour Beach the safest place in Brevard County, they are instituting a courteous but aggressive program to enlist our citizens’ assistance in helping to deter crime.  Under this new program, as officers patrol throughout our City, they will take notice of conditions lending themselves to crime opportunities.  When they spot open garage doors, open vehicle windows, unlocked vehicles, or locked vehicles with items such as pocketbooks, wallets, cell phones, etc. left in plain view, they will attempt to contact the owner directly.  If that is not possible, the officer will leave a Courtesy Suggestion Form at the location, for the owner’s information.

If you should get one of these Courtesy Crime Prevention Notices, we hope you will take the time to secure your home or personal property, and know that our officers truly care about your safety and the security of your property.  Thank you!