Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
By Kelly Richardson

http://cocoabeach.surfrider.org
cocoabeach@surfrider.org

A while back, I watched a documentary called “Hawaii: Message in the Waves” that gave me another perspective on the danger of plastics.

The Midway Islands, north of Hawaii, are under an assault of plastic debris that ocean currents wash up on their shores. Observers on the islands have found albatross skeletons with bits of plastic in their digestive system. As the birds decompose, the plastics emerge. To know that plastic debris is littering a chain of islands that is sparsely inhabited by humans really made me think about how my use of plastics affects the world and that it can ultimately end up on a beach somewhere.

Of course Florida is no stranger to plastic debris on its beaches. I can’t count how many times I’ve come across small pieces of plastic in the sand, which leads me to wonder how much was consumed by unsuspecting wildlife during its journey to the beach. Surfrider Foundation has a campaign called Rise Above Plastics (RAP) to help educate the public on the widespread use of plastics, the dangers that the material poses to the environment, and how we can make changes to reduce our use of plastics.

While this is a national campaign, there are special efforts underway in our state to address this issue. Currently, Floridians recycle only about 28% of waste. Florida DEP is unable to increase our state’s recycling efforts due to House Bill 7135, which passed in 2009. While the bill set up the 75% Recycling Program by 2020 it states that the Recommendation Report must be approved for implementation, which it has not been to date.

To encourage that the report be approved, the Florida Surfrider Foundation Chapter Network has created a petition that will help us obtain enough signatures to get local governments to pass resolutions in support of the DEP’s report. We can then use those signatures/government resolutions to get bill sponsors for future legislative support in 2013.

To sign a petition or for more information, please visit:

http://florida.surfrider.org/campaigns/flrap

http://www.surfrider.org/programs/entry/rise-above-plastics

Upcoming events:

April 6-8: Easter Surf Contest, 9 a.m., Surfrider Tent Location TBD

April 17: Chapter General Meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista

April 20: Beach Cleanup, 9 a.m., from 2nd Street South to 4th Street South

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, kayak, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there!

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By Kelly Richardson

 www.cocoabeach.surfrider.org 

cocoabeach@surfrider.org

On Saturday, February 11, Cocoa Beach Surfrider held a sea oat-planting event on the beach at Minutemen, 2nd St. S. and 3rd St. S.

The City of Cocoa Beach purchased 768 sea oats and teamed with Surfrider volunteers to get them planted into areas that needed them most.

This has been an annual event since 2005, and our efforts have definitely paid off! The area around Minutemen has experienced improved plant growth and dune buildup thanks to constant monitoring by dedicated volunteers.

Sea oats are a very important part of the local dune system. Not only do these plants help to build up the dunes, thus preserving our shoreline and protecting property, but they also provide food and shelter for a wide range of creatures such as birds, crabs, and turtles. Sea oats also help to keep sand on the beach and not on the curbs or in storm drains. Once an area of sea oats has been planted, it is roped off with stakes and signs to let beachgoers know that the area is now protected by Florida law.

Sea oat planting is one of the many ways folks can get involved with Surfrider.

Here’s a list of some of our upcoming activities:

March 17: Rip Pics Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup, 9 a.m., Lori Wilson Park

March 20: Chapter General Meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista

April 6-8: Easter Surf Contest, 9 a.m. (Surfrider tent location TBD)

April 17: Chapter General Meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista

April 20: Beach Cleanup, 9 a.m., 2nd St. S. – 4th St. S.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, kayak, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there!

Surfrider News & Events: November 2011
Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation is putting together a 2012 calendar that will feature photos and artwork depicting iconic scenes of our world-famous beach. Anyone with a “calendar worthy” scene is encouraged to submit their high resolution photo or artwork for consideration. Please contact us at: CBSFcalendar@gmail.com for more details. Deadline for submissions is November 15.

Upcoming events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Coconuts on the Beach

November 15: Chapter general meeting, Café Surfinista, 6 p.m.

December 9: Christmas Parade Float Decorating Party

December 10: Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

email: surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
website: www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation and the Sierra Club are presenting the first ever Space Coast Green Living Festival on September 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach — a “green” certified hotel — there will be vendors, speakers, food, films, children’s activities, and live music to showcase environmentally friendly practices that residents can incorporate into their daily lives.
You’ll discover how local corporations are incorporating green practices, find products and services that are healthier for you and the environment, as well as learn simple ways you can be more eco-friendly. There will also be special presentations by the Surfrider Foundation Emerald Coast Chapter — an area of Florida that was hit hard by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Hear their stories on how the oil continues to impact their beaches.
We are living in a time when pollution is widespread, natural resources are being threatened, and our dependency on oil is forcing us to look for alternative ways to “fuel” our needs and live healthier lives. Our dependency on non-renewable resources is costing us more and more each day, so let us help you find alternative ways to live a healthier, greener life!
Go to www.spacecoastgreenlivingfest.org for more information.

We’re also conducting a Banana River Lagoon cleanup on September 17 as part of the Florida Coastal Cleanup, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy and Keep Brevard Beautiful. We’ll depart from Ramp Road at 8 a.m. on kayaks provided by Fin Expeditions.

Upcoming events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, Rum Runners Tavern, 5 p.m.

September 2-5: NKF Surf Festival, Cocoa Beach Pier

September 17: Banana River Lagoon Cleanup, Ramp Road, 8 a.m.

September 17: Space Coast Green Living Festival, Cocoa Beach Courtyard Marriot, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

September 20: Chapter general meeting, Café Surfinista, 6 p.m.

September 24: Space Coast Music Festival, Manatee Park, Cape Canaveral, 11 a.m.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk, or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there. Website: www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

Surfrider News & Events: August 2011
Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation and the Sierra Club are presenting the first ever Space Coast Green Living Festival on September 17, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach — a “green” certified hotel — there will be vendors, speakers, food, films, kids activities, and more to showcase environmentally friendly practices residents can incorporate into their daily lives.

You’ll discover how local corporations are incorporating green practices and find products and services that are healthier for you and the environment as well as learn simple ways you can be more eco-friendly. There will also be special presentations by the Surfrider Foundation Emerald Coast Chapter — an area of Florida that was hit hard by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill disaster. Hear their stories on how the oil continues to impact their beaches.

We are living in a time when pollution is widespread, natural resources are being threatened, and our dependency on oil is forcing us to look for alternative ways to “fuel” our needs and live healthier lives. Our dependency on non-renewable resources is costing us more and more each day, so let us help you find alternative ways to live a healthier, greener life!

We are still seeking sponsors and vendors for the Festival. Please go to the following website for more information: www.spacecoastgreenlivingfest.org/index.html

Upcoming events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, 5 p.m., Rum Runners Tavern

August 16: Chapter general meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista

September 17: Space Coast Green Living Festival, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk, or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider News & Events: July 2011
Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

On June 25, at Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach Surfrider co-hosted “Hands Across the Sand,” an international event to raise awareness about the dangers of offshore oil drilling.

Over 200 people came out to voice their opposition to drilling in Florida waters. We want the public to have the chance to vote on near-shore oil drilling and to ban the possibility of this destructive practice in Florida waters. Our state relies on clean beaches for our economic and environmental wellbeing. Oil drilling in our state marine waters, which extend approximately three miles into the Atlantic Ocean and 10 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, is simply too great a risk to take. Save our Seas, Beaches and Shores, Inc. is coordinating a citizens’ petition drive to place the ban on the November 2012 ballot. For more information about the petition go to:

www.sosbs.org/Sign-Petition-SOSBS.aspx

On September 17, Surfrider and Sierra Club will present the first annual Space Coast Green Living Festival hosted by the Courtyard Marriott in Cocoa Beach, a certified Green Lodging Hotel. The festival will focus on practical everyday solutions individuals and small businesses can adopt to live green and save green. We are currently seeking sponsors and vendors who would like to present their green living ideas at the festival. Please contact us at: surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com if you are interested in being a sponsor or vendor.

Upcoming events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, 5 p.m., Rum Runners Tavern

July 19: No Chapter Meeting in July

July 28: Space Coast Idol to Benefit Cocoa Beach Surfrider, Miliken’s Reef, 6 p.m.

Whether you surf, bodyboard, swim, fish, bike, walk, or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

We will be busy this June with many opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Surfers for Autism will be in town on June 4. This is a great event that offers volunteers a unique chance to share the joy of surfing with kids who might otherwise never get the chance. We will also be hosting a Surfrider Kids Day at the Cocoa Beach Public Library on June 8. This will be an interactive event where kids will learn about our beach ecosystem and why it needs protecting. On June 11 we will compete against other Florida Surfrider chapters in a team surfing event. All Surfrider members are encouraged to participate. On June 18 we will celebrate International Surfing Day at 4th Street North with activities for kids of all ages.

On June 25 we will co-host “Hands Across the Sand,” an international event to raise awareness about the dangers of offshore oil drilling held at Lori Wilson Park. We want the public to have the chance to vote on near-shore oil drilling and to ban the possibility of this destructive practice in Florida waters. Our state relies on clean beaches for our economic and environmental wellbeing. Oil drilling in our state marine waters, which extend approximately three miles into the Atlantic Ocean and 10 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, is simply too great a risk to take. Save our Seas, Beaches and Shores, Inc. is coordinating a citizens’ petition drive to place the ban on the November 2012 ballot. For more information about the petition go to: www.sosbs.org/Sign-Petition-SOSBS.aspx

Upcoming events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, 5 p.m., Rum Runners Tavern

June 4: Surfers for Autism, Lori Wilson Park

June 4: Open House at Cocoa Village Animal Wellness Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 8: Surfrider Kids Day at Cocoa Beach Library, 2 p.m.

June 11: Surfrider Challenge at the Waterman’s Challenge, International Palms Resort

June 18: International Surfing Day Event, 4th Street North, 9 a.m.

June 25: Hands Across the Sand, Lori Wilson Park, 11 a.m.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

By John Hearin

surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

http://www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach/

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation teamed up with Keep Brevard Beautiful for “The Great American Cleanup” on April 16.

Over 30 volunteers helped plant mangrove propagules in designated locations within the Banana River Lagoon. The propagules were germinated by Surfrider volunteers with the help of students from Sunrise Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Our Saviors, and Cocoa Beach High School.

The Cocoa Beach Surfrider Chapter is working closely with the Brevard Zoo, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Marine Resource Council, Ocean Conservancy, and others on a campaign to replant mangroves in denuded areas of the Banana River Lagoon.

In addition to planting mangroves, volunteers kayaked throughout tributaries collecting and removing over 400 lbs. of trash. The kayaks and equipment were provided by Tim Chastain of Fin Expeditions.

The event was filmed by Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski, and you can view her video on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/user/drdianascience?feature=mhum#p/u/0/Vavl2arKj6s

Upcoming events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks; Rum Runners Tavern in Cocoa Beach at 5 p.m.

May 4: Presentation on Beach Nourishment in Cocoa Beach; Juice N’ Java Café in Cocoa Beach at 7 p.m.

May 7: Cocoa Beach Community Fest

May 17: Chapter General Meeting; Café Surfinista in Cocoa Beach at 6 p.m.

June 11-12: Surfrider Challenge at the Waterman’s Challenge, International Palms Resort, Cocoa Beach

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 PM at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

The Cocoa Beach Chapter set up an information tent, handed out garbage bags, and conducted a beach cleanup at Minutemen Causeway on Sunday, March 27. Our intent was to educate beachgoers and set a positive example.

In recent years, Minutemen Causeway has become party central for out of town visitors. The crowds have grown beyond the ability of the downtown infrastructure to support them or the police force to control them. There have been numerous complaints of antisocial behavior, including public urination and defecation in the neighborhoods surrounding Minutemen Causeway that are inundated with overflow parking every weekend. The amount of garbage left on the beach during a typical weekend is staggering and demoralizing to those of us who call Cocoa Beach home. While some beachfront businesses may benefit financially from this influx of humanity, many others report that the visitors add little to the downtown economy and actually prevent potential customers from getting to their businesses. From our perspective, the negative impacts appear to outweigh any financial benefits.

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation intends to work with our city government to find a sensible solution to the Minutemen Causeway problem, which will allow out-of-town visitors to enjoy our beach without trampling upon the rights of local residents and businesses. We welcome all local residents who are interested in finding a solution to join us.

Upcoming Surfrider Events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, 5 p.m., Rum Runners Tavern, Cocoa Beach

April 6: Banana River Lagoon Presentation, Cocoa Beach Library, 6:30 p.m.

April 16: Banana River Lagoon mangrove planting, 8 a.m., Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach

April 19: Chapter general meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista, Cocoa Beach

April 22-24: Easter Surf Contest

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at Café Surfinista, 86 North Orlando Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

The Cocoa Beach Chapter conducted a dune planting and maintenance event on February 19. We planted native beach plants and roped off high-traffic areas at Minutemen Causeway, 2nd Street North and 11th Street South. A healthy dune system is vital for the ecology of our beach and provides the first line of defense against erosion during storms. We are working in conjunction with the City of Cocoa Beach and Keep Brevard Beautiful to maintain the public beach accesses in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Elements of our campaign include: planting native beach plants, roping off high-traffic areas, installing trash cans and cigarette butt receptacles, posting signs, and performing beach cleanups.

We also maintain a team of beach access stakeholders. Stakeholders perform regular maintenance on their favorite beach access to keep it clean and protect the dunes. Please contact us if you would like to become a beach access stakeholder.

Upcoming Surfrider Events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, 5 p.m., Rum Runners Tavern, Cocoa Beach

March 15: Chapter general meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista, Cocoa Beach

March 19: Beach workday

April 16: Mangrove planting and cleanup in the Banana River Lagoon

April 19: Chapter general meeting, 6 p.m., Café Surfinista, Cocoa Beach

April 22-24: Easter Surf Contest

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk, or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. Café Surfinista, 86 N. Orlando Ave. in downtown Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
By John Hearin

www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

The Cocoa Beach Chapter will conduct a dune planting and maintenance event on February 19. We are working in conjunction with the City of Cocoa Beach and Keep Brevard Beautiful to maintain the public beach accesses in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Elements of our campaign include: planting native beach plants, roping off high traffic areas, installing trash cans and cigarette butt receptacles, posting signs, and performing beach cleanups.

We also maintain a team of beach access stakeholders. Stakeholders perform regular maintenance on their favorite beach access to keep it clean and protect the dunes. Please contact us if you would like to become a beach access stakeholder.

Upcoming Surfrider Events:

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, 5 p.m., Rum Runners Tavern

February 12: “Accidental Icon,” a Gidget documentary at The Henegar Center in Melbourne, 7 p.m. All proceeds will go to the National Kidney Foundation.

February 15: Chapter General Meeting, 6 p.m., Cocoa Beach Surf Museum

February 19: Dune Planting and Maintenance, locations TBD

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk, or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

The Cocoa Beach Chapter entered a float in the Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade on December 11, 2010. Our theme was “Love your Beach.” Thanks to Bruce Williamson at Surf Art for donating his trailer and the killer mannequin. Thanks to Roger Burleigh at Green Gloves Garden Center and Nursery for donating the workspace and truck to pull our float.

In other news, we are looking for volunteers to work the Surfrider booth at the Surf Expo in Orlando January 6-8. Contact Bruce at bamsurfscb@yahoo.com if you are interested.

UPCOMING SURFRIDER EVENTS:
Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, Rum Runners Tavern, 5 to 10 p.m.

January 18: Chapter general meeting, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6 p.m.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk, or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building , 4275 North Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin

surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

The Cocoa Beach Chapter conducted a beach cleanup and raffle for kids during the Slater Brothers Invitational Surf Contest in October. Every child who brought us a water bottle full of cigarette butts received a raffle ticket to win prizes donated by the contest vendors and sponsors. A total of 97 bottles were collected during the three-day event. The bottles were displayed at the Surfrider tent to call attention to the problem of cigarette butt litter on our beach. Cigarette butts take up to 15 years to decompose and represent the largest single source of trash on our beach. Please dispose of your butts properly. Our beach is not your ashtray.

The Cocoa Beach Air Show was a huge success for the City but also created a huge negative impact on our dune system. Hundreds of people were observed trampling over the dunes and protected vegetation. We call on the City and event organizers to do a better job of protecting our fragile dune system from damage during these big events.

UPCOMING SURFRIDER EVENTS

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, Rum Runners Tavern, 5 to 10 p.m.

December 8: Cocoa Beach Surf Museum and Surfrider Christmas Party, Café Surfinista on A1A, 7 p.m.

December 11: Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade, 2 p.m.

December 21: Chapter general meeting has been cancelled

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin

surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

On October 2, we participated in Thousand Islands Day at the Cocoa Beach Country Club Pavilion. The Cocoa Beach Chapter is working with the Brevard Zoo, FDEP, Marine Resource Council, Ocean Conservancy, Brevard County, and others on a campaign to replant mangroves in denuded areas of the Banana River Lagoon. With assistance from students at Our Saviour’s School, we now have several hundred mangrove seedlings germinating for planting this spring.

UPCOMING SURFRIDER EVENTS

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, Rum Runners Tavern, 5 to 10 p.m.

November 6: Indian River Lagoon Day, Riverfront Park in Cocoa, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

November 12: Women’s Surf Movie, Cocoa Beach Library, 7 p.m.

November 13: Women’s Surfing Social, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 7 p.m.

November 16: Chapter general meeting, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6 p.m.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

On September 18 we participated in the International Coastal Cleanup, which was sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy and Keep Brevard Beautiful. Volunteers ventured out into the Banana River Lagoon on kayaks provided by Fin Expeditions and on the City of Cocoa Beach workboat to collect garbage and evaluate the health of the Thousand Islands.

The Cocoa Beach Chapter is working with the Brevard Zoo, FDEP, Marine Resource Council, Ocean Conservancy, Brevard County, and others on a campaign to replant mangroves in denuded areas of the Banana River Lagoon. We will be handing out mangrove seedlings at the upcoming Thousand Islands Day to anyone interested in getting involved in our campaign.

The Florida Legislature is still considering the removal of the ban on oil drilling in Florida waters. We urge all Brevard County residents to sign the petition calling for a moratorium on new offshore oil drilling. Go to: www.nottheanswer.org to sign the petition.

Upcoming Surfrider Events

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, Rum Runners Tavern, 5 to 10 p.m.

October 2: Thousand Islands Day, Cocoa Beach Country Club Pavilion, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

October 19: Chapter general meeting, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6 p.m.

October 21-24: Slater Brothers Invitational Surf Contest, Coconuts on the Beach

November 6: Indian River Lagoon Day, Riverfront Park in Cocoa, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

November 16: Chapter general meeting, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6 p.m.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

On August 14 and 15, we hosted the Florida State Surfrider Conference at the Cocoa Beach Hilton. The conference was attended by every chapter in Florida, as well as by members from Atlanta and California. We discussed many topics critical to our mission of protecting the oceans and beaches, including the Gulf Oil Spill, the proliferation of plastics, mangrove restoration, dune restoration, and coastal structures which threaten to destroy surf breaks and ruin beaches. We also hosted a spirited reception at Rum Runners Tavern, which featured surf tunes by local band The Aquanuts.

On August 21, we conducted a beach cleanup at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. The cleanup was sponsored by Barefoot Wine, a corporate sponsor of the Surfrider Foundation. Over 60 volunteers turned out to clean the beach and enjoy the post cleanup party at Rum Runners with libations provided by Barefoot Wine.

The Florida Legislature is still considering the removal of the ban on oil drilling in Florida waters. We urge all Brevard County residents to sign the petition calling for a moratorium on new offshore oil drilling. Go to: www.nottheanswer.org to sign the petition.

Upcoming Surfrider Events

Every Wednesday: Surfrider Surf Flicks, Rum Runners Tavern, 5-10 p.m.

September 3-5: NKF Surf Contest, Cocoa Beach Pier

September 4-5: Antique Surfboard Show, Cocoa Beach Surf Company

September 18: International Coastal Cleanup, Ramp Road, 8 a.m.

September 21: Chapter general meeting, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6 p.m.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider News & Events: August 2010
Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
http://www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

On June 26, the Cocoa Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation helped organize the local “Hands Across the Sand” event to protest the Gulf Oil Spill and efforts by some Florida lawmakers to allow drilling near Florida’s beaches. Over 500 volunteers turned out at Lori Wilson Park to show their support and to call for a permanent moratorium on drilling in Florida waters. Our efforts will continue until a permanent moratorium is in place. For more information on this event, go to www.handsacrossthesand.com.

On July 24, our chapter participated in Surfers for Autism at Lori Wilson Park. We were part of a group of over 250 local volunteers who helped over 200 special needs children go surfing, many for the first time in their lives. It was a very rewarding experience for both surfers and volunteers alike. For more information on this event, check out their Facebook page.

We are still working with Keep Brevard Beautiful to organize volunteers for Oil Spill monitoring and response. Anyone interested in volunteering for Oil Spill monitoring in Brevard County should go to www.keepbrevardbeautiful.com to sign up.

We also urge all Brevard County residents to sign the petition calling for a moratorium on new offshore oil drilling. Go to www.nottheanswer.org for Spill information and to sign the petition.

On August 21, we will conduct a beach cleanup at Lori Wilson Park. The cleanup is being sponsored by Barefoot Wine, a corporate sponsor of the Surfrider Foundation. There will be a post cleanup party at Rum Runners Tavern on A1A in Cocoa Beach.

Upcoming Surfrider Events:

Every Wednesday: “Surf Chicks & Surf Flicks;” Rum Runners; 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

August 13-15: Surfrider State Conference; Cocoa Beach Hilton

August 17: Chapter meeting; Cocoa Beach Surf Museum; 6 p.m.

August 21: Barefoot Wine Beach Cleanup; Lori Wilson Park; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

August 21: Barefoot Wine Post Cleanup Party; Rum Runners; 12 Noon to 2 p.m.

Whether you surf, bodyboard, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean, healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
• John Hearin •
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach/

On May 24, the Cocoa Beach Surfrider Foundation and Keep Brevard Beautiful played host to the Trinity Prep graduating class of 2010. Over 90 students and faculty from Trinity Prep, located in Winter Park, participated in a beach cleanup from the Pier south to Minutemen Causeway. The students were very enthusiastic and learned a lot about beach maintenance during the experience. We hope to involve more local schools in events such as this, so if you are a local educator looking for a worthwhile project, please contact us about future opportunities.

On June 5-6 the Cocoa Beach Chapter hosted the first annual Surfrider Challenge Team Surfing competition. The event was held as part of the Waterman’s Challenge presented by the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum. Several Surfrider chapters from around Florida took us up on the challenge. We congratulate the Sebastian Inlet Chapter on their victory and look forward to a rematch next year.

On June 20 the Cocoa Beach Chapter celebrated International Surfing Day with several activities at 4th Street North. We invited all comers to “Lend a Hand” to help keep our beach clean by painting the dumpster. We also conducted free surfing lessons and held a paddle out to celebrate our love for the ocean and surfing.

We are still working with Keep Brevard Beautiful to organize volunteers for Oil Spill monitoring and response. Anyone interested in volunteering for Oil Spill monitoring in Brevard County should go to www.keepbrevardbeautiful.com to sign up. We also urge all Brevard County residents to sign the petition calling for a moratorium on new offshore oil drilling. Go to www.nottheanswer.org for spill information and to sign the petition.

Upcoming Events:

Every Wednesday: Surf Chicks & Surf Flicks; Rum Runners, Cocoa Beach from 5 to 8 p.m.

July: No Chapter meeting or events

August 13-15: Surfrider State Conference, Cocoa Beach Hilton

August 17: Chapter meeting; Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, Ron Jon Watersports Building, at 6 p.m.

August 21: Barefoot Wine Beach Cleanup; Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach, 9 to 11 a.m.

August 21: Barefoot Wine Post Cleanup Party; Rum Runners, noon to 2 p.m.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider News & Events: June ‘10
Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
• John Hearin •
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

The Gulf oil spill has reached the loop current and we may suffer impacts to the beaches of Brevard County.

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation is partnering with Keep Brevard Beautiful to help organize a beach monitoring and response plan. Due to sensitive habitats, individual response/cleaning efforts are strongly discouraged and training will be required for volunteers. Training for the monitoring and response program will assure consistency in monitoring and that volunteers involved in beach and wildlife cleanup do it in a safe and eco-friendly manner that does not disturb nesting and feeding or their own health.

Anyone interested in volunteering in Brevard County should go to: www.keepbrevardbeautiful.com to sign up. You may also call 211, a phone line dedicated to collecting volunteers for the spill response. We will also post regular updates on our website at: www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach.

We also urge all Brevard County residents to sign the petition calling for a moratorium on new offshore oil drilling. Go to www.nottheanswer.org for spill information and to sign the petition.

Upcoming Surfrider events:

June 5-6: Cocoa Beach Surf Museum Waterman’s Challenge and 1st Annual Surfrider Challenge

June 15: Chapter Meeting, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6 p.m.

June 20: International Surfing Day

Every Wednesday: “Surf Chicks & Surf Flicks,” Rum Runners (695 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach), from 5 to 8 p.m.

Whether you surf, bodyboard, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean, healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation participated in a Banana River Lagoon cleanup on April 17, 2010. Twenty volunteers joined with Keep Brevard Beautiful on a trash bash tour of the Thousand Islands. Kayaks and guidance were provided by Fin Expeditions of Cocoa Beach. Check out our video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cp5vGN0zmI

On April 25 we conducted a beach cleanup at Minutemen Causeway as part of the Earth Day Celebration. We are seeking stakeholders for all the public beach accesses between Port Canaveral and 2nd Light. Stakeholders perform regular maintenance on their favorite beach access to keep it clean and protect the dunes. We have posted a list of available public beach accesses on our website. Please contact us if you would like to become a stakeholder.

Upcoming events:
May 18: Chapter Meeting, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6 p.m.
May 25: Beach Cleanup with Trinity Prep, 10 a.m., locations TBA
June 5-6: 1st Annual Surfrider Challenge at the Waterman’s Challenge, International Palms Resort (formerly the Holiday Inn) in Cocoa Beach
June 20: International Surfing Day, TBD
Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk, or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
By John Hearin
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is actively engaged in a Dune Protection and Beach Maintenance Campaign and we need more volunteers to help us protect and preserve our beach.

We are seeking stakeholders for all the public beach accesses between Port Canaveral and 2nd Light. Stakeholders perform regular maintenance on their favorite beach access to keep it clean and protect the dunes. We have posted a list of available public beach accesses on our website. Please contact us if you would like to become a stakeholder.

As part of our campaign, members of the Cocoa Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation helped install sand fencing and other dune protection measures at the Cocoa Beach Pier on February 27. We will be conducting a Banana River Lagoon Cleanup on April 17 and an Earth Day Beach Cleanup on April 24 at Minutemen Causeway.

Other upcoming events include:

March 28: Dune Campaign Workday, Cocoa Beach Pier, 9 a.m.

April 17: Lagoon Cleanup, 8 a.m. at Ramp Road.

April 17-18: Boards and Waves Expo, Cocoa Expo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 20: Chapter Meeting, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6 p.m.

April 24: Earth Day Beach Cleanup, Minutemen Causeway, 9 a.m.

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk, or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building , 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

March 2010 – Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation participated in the “Hands Across the Sand” event on Saturday, February 13, at Lori Wilson Park.

Approximately 400 people braved the 40-degree wind chill factor to demonstrate their opposition to oil drilling off Florida’s coastline.

We are part of a statewide coalition of political, business, and environmental organizations that oppose oil drilling off our coast. We feel that the risk to our beaches and waters does not justify the benefits claimed by the oil lobby and that the money and effort would be better spent developing clean, sustainable energy sources for our state. For more information about the event go to: www.handsacrossthesand.com.

Our Dune Protection and Maintenance Campaign has also shifted into high gear:

January 23: We performed dune maintenance and a beach cleanup at the Taft Avenue beach access.

February 16: Nineteen volunteers from the Hard Rock Café in Orlando helped us install 800 dune plants, 4 cigarette butt cans, and over 200 feet of dune protection at Shepard Park.

February 27: We installed sand fencing and other dune protection measures at the Cocoa Beach Pier.

March 16: We will host a Dune Protection Campaign Workshop in the Cocoa Beach Library at 6 p.m.

We are seeking stakeholders for all beach accesses in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Stakeholders perform regular maintenance on their favorite beach access to keep it clean and protect the dunes. We have posted a list of available beaches on our web site. Please contact us if would like to become a stakeholder.

Upcoming Surfrider Events:

March 16: General Meeting and Dune Campaign Workshop, Cocoa Beach Library, 6 p.m.

March 20: Dune Campaign Workday, Young Avenue, Cocoa Beach, 9 a.m.

April 2-4: Easter Surf Festival

April 17: Lagoon Cleanup and BBQ (with Keep Brevard Beautiful)

April 17-18: Boards and Waves Expo, Cocoa Expo

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach/

The Cocoa Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has joined a statewide coalition of political, business, and environmental organizations to oppose oil drilling off the Florida Coast. We feel that the risk to our beaches and waters does not justify the benefits claimed by the oil lobby and that the money and effort would be better spent developing clean, sustainable energy sources for our state. The City Commissions of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, and Titusville have all adopted resolutions against oil drilling. We will be seeking resolutions from the Cocoa and Rockledge commissions as well.

Surfrider will participate in the statewide “Hands Across the Sand” program on February 13. The purpose of the program is to demonstrate to the media and state politicians that the residents of Florida oppose oil drilling in our state waters. We encourage everyone who opposes oil drilling off our coast to come out to Lori Wilson Park at 1 p.m. on February 13 to join hands and send a strong message to our lawmakers in Tallahassee. For more information about the event, go to: www.handsacrossthesand.com.

Engineers from the Jacksonville Branch of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have graciously volunteered to make a presentation on beach nourishment to the Cocoa Beach Surfrider Chapter. This will be an informal meeting wherein they will explain the process and answer questions. The meeting will be held at the Cocoa Beach City Hall on Wednesday, February 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and all interested residents are encouraged to attend.
Upcoming Surfrider events:

February 3: Corps of Engineers Presentation on Beach Nourishment, 6 to 8 p.m., Cocoa Beach City Hall

February 13: “Hands Across the Sand” to oppose oil drilling, Lori Wilson Park, 1 p.m.

February 16: Dune Planting Workday with Hard Rock Cafe, 3 to 5 p.m., location TBA

February 16: Monthly meeting, 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum in the Ron Jon’s Annex

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building , 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

We feel that the risk to our beaches and waters does not justify the benefits claimed by the oil lobby and that the money and effort would be better spent developing clean, sustainable energy sources for our state.

Our coalition convinced the Space Coast League of Cities to adopt a resolution in opposition to oil drilling in November. The City of Cape Canaveral adopted their own resolution against oil drilling on December 15, and the Cocoa Beach City Commission will vote on a resolution against oil drilling at their commission meeting on January 7. All concerned residents are encouraged to attend the meeting, which starts at 7 p.m.

We will also participate in the statewide “Hands Across the Sand” program on February 13, 2010. The purpose of the program is to demonstrate to the media and state politicians that the residents of Florida oppose oil drilling in our state waters. We encourage everyone who opposes oil drilling off our coast to come out to Lori Wilson Park at 1 p.m. on February 13 to join hands and send a strong message to our lawmakers in Tallahassee.

For more information about the event, go to: www.handsacrossthesand.com

Upcoming Surfrider Events:
January 7: Opposition to oil drilling resolution, Cocoa Beach City Commission, 7 p.m.
January 14-17: Surf Expo in Orlando
January 19: Monthly meeting, 6 p.m., at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum in the Ron Jon’s Annex
January 23: Beach Work Day, location TBA
February 13: “Hands Across the Sand” to oppose oil drilling, Lori Wilson Park, 1 p.m.
February 16: Dune Planting Workday with Hard Rock Café, 3-5 p.m., location TBA
February 16: Monthly meeting, 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum in the Ron Jon’s Annex

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org/cocoabeach

Impressive as our collection of butts may seem, it barely scratches the surface of the cigarette butt problem on Cocoa Beach. Unfortunately, our beach is treated as a giant ashtray by far too many smokers. One of our goals is to educate people about the long-term effects of throwing their butts on our beach. Cigarette butts take as much as 15 years to degrade on the beach. That means that each one you throw in the sand will still be there next time you go to the beach or when someone’s child decides to build a sand castle. Would you let your kids play in your ashtrays at home? If you smoke on our beach, please dispose of your butts properly.

In other news, The Cocoa Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has joined a statewide coalition of political, business, and environmental organizations to oppose oil drilling off the Florida Coast. We feel that the risk to our beaches and waters does not justify the benefits claimed by the oil lobby and that the money and effort would be better spent developing clean, sustainable energy sources for our State.

We will be hosting a public workshop on how to help oppose oil drilling off of Florida’s Coast on December 15, at the Cocoa Beach Library, from 6 to 8 p.m. The workshop is open to the public and all interested residents are encouraged to attend.

We will also participate in the statewide “Hands Across the Sand” program on February 13, 2010. We encourage anyone who opposes oil drilling off of our coast to come out to the beach to help us demonstrate our opposition to the media and politicians.

Upcoming Surfrider events:

December 2: Christmas Party at Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, 6:30 p.m.; Pot Luck, BYOB.

December 12: Cocoa Beach Christmas Parade

December 15: Oil Drilling Campaign Session; Cocoa Beach Public Library Community Room; 6 to 8 p.m. This meeting is open to the public.

January 19: Monthly meeting, 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum

February 13: “Hands Across the Sand” to oppose oil drilling

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

The following information was compiled by Tony Sasso, who is leading our campaign to oppose offshore drilling and maintain our healthy coastline. Tony can be reached at surfscout71@aol.com

DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE THE OIL LOBBYISTS?

1. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita directly caused over 9 million gallons of oil spills, including those from pipelines. 113 rigs were totally destroyed and over 450 pipelines were destroyed in the wake of the hurricane. (USCG)  This past July a Shell pipeline failed and spilled 63,000 gallons of oil causing a slick of 80 square miles.

2. New technology is far from safe, as shown in the West Atlas spill off the coast of Australia. Using the same technology touted by pro-drilling lobbyists, this rig blew out just a few months ago and was spewing over 400 barrels of oil per day, which created a slick larger than Connecticut.

3. The jobs that were promised to Australians on that rig actually went to foreign workers at cut-rate wages. The money and jobs in the oil industry are in production. There are no, and will likely be no refineries in Florida. Thank goodness, since they are considered one of the noisiest, smelliest and dirtiest industries in existence.

4. Tourism provides approximately $65 billion and 1 million jobs a year to the Florida economy. The ocean element of that is estimated at $25 billion per year and accounts for 500,000 jobs. The oil lobby says drilling may generate $3 to $5 billion in income per year. Even if that’s accurate, is jeopardizing a $65 billion known economy and all those jobs worth it? The Tampa Bay spill in 1993 caused a 50% drop in hotel bookings that year, a two-year dip in tourism and an 80% drop in commercial fishing. In addition to the tourism hit, it is estimated (at 1993 dollars) that a similar spill would cost about $4 billion to clean up.

5. Offshore drilling is an East Coast problem. The loop current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico through the Florida Straits and past Cape Canaveral will direct any contamination from a Gulf Coast spill to our beaches, not to mention the Florida Keys. Equally important is the fact that if the State allows close shore drilling (they are talking as close as 3 to 6 miles), the existing Federal ban on East Coast drilling (125 miles) will be in serious jeopardy. In simple terms… our Coast is very much in play.

Most of the drilling arguments don’t really hold water when held up to real facts. This is the Florida Legislature’s idea of a quick fix to a long-term State funding problem, but it just won’t work. To learn more, check out the Surfrider Foundation’s website: www.nottheanswer.org. Another very clear and concise article I recommend is one by Bob Rackleff, who writes for the St. Pete Times. Read it at: www.tampabay.com/news/perspective/a…/1035474

Upcoming Surfrider events include:

November 7: Beach Work Day; 11 a.m.; the beach at Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach

November 7-8: 2009 Slater Brothers’ Invitational Surf Contest; Cocoa Beach

November 12: “Blue Green” surf movie premiere at the Cocoa Beach Library; 6 p.m.

November 17: Monthly meeting at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum; 6 p.m.

November 21: Beach Work Day; location TBA

December 2: Christmas Party at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum (covered dish; BYOB)

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean, healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com
By: John Hearin

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter

By John Hearin
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

On September 19, members of the Cocoa Beach Surfrider Chapter participated in the Coastal Cleanup, a County-wide effort sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy and Keep Brevard Beautiful.

Volunteers met at Ramp Road and proceeded to the Banana River Lagoon aboard kayaks and the SS Pegasus, provided by Fin Expeditions. We collected several bags of garbage and a dinghy full of old tires and also got a firsthand look at “Tire City,” an ill-advised mosquito control project which was built several decades ago. The tires were originally placed along the western shoreline of the Thousand Islands in order to prevent erosion, but the “tire revetment” has deteriorated into a junkyard which detracts from the natural beauty of the lagoon and leaches harmful chemicals into the water. The Cocoa Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has designated the removal of “Tire City” as one of our major environmental initiatives.

Upcoming Surfrider Events:

October 20: Monthly meeting, 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum in the Ron Jon’s Annex

October 24: Beach Work Day; location TBA

October 31-November 1: AAU Surf Contest at Minuteman Causeway, Cocoa Beach

November 7-8: Slater Invitational Surf Contest at Minuteman Causeway, Cocoa Beach

November 17: Monthly meeting, 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum in the Ron Jon’s Annex

November 21: Beach Work Day; location TBA

Whether you surf, bodyboard, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean, healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, located in the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

View Larger Map

Surfrider Foundation, Cocoa Beach Chapter
surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

Members of the Cocoa Beach Surfrider Chapter participated in the Life Rolls On event at Lori Wilson Park this past July 25th. We helped numerous disabled persons go surfing, many for the first time in their lives. The event was a very rewarding experience for surfers and volunteers alike.

On August 15th, members of the Cocoa Beach Surfrider Chapter planted over 900 plants at the beach accesses between 12th Street South and 3rd Street North. The plants were provided by the City of Cocoa Beach. This event was part of the Chapter’s continuing initiative to develop, preserve and protect the sand dune system on Cocoa Beach. The sand dunes are critical to maintaining a healthy beach ecosystem and protecting our shoreline from erosion.

Upcoming events include:

September 15: Monthly meeting, 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum
September 19: Beach Work Day p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum
October 24: Beach Work Day, location TBA
November 5-8: Sean and Skippy Slater Invitational Surf Contest

Whether you surf, bodyboard, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building, 4275 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

South Cocoa Beach by Alex Bean

The Cocoa Beach Surfrider Chapter celebrated International Surfing Day on June 20 with three events designed to inform the public about some of our key issues, including clean beaches, dune restoration and having fun in the surf. Our first event was a display at the Cocoa Beach Library where we provided information about the Surfrider Foundation and our core environmental issues. The second event took place at the 4th Street North beach access where we encouraged kids to “Lend a Hand” to keep our beaches clean by decorating the dumpster. Our final event was a paddle out and group surf at 4th Street North. Check out our video, prepared by Dr. Diana, on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHnQo394W7w

Upcoming Surfrider Events

August 1: Hurricane Hunt Surf Contest. The contest will be held sometime between August 1 and November 30 when we get a good storm swell.

August 15: Beach Workday. We will be planting more dune protection plants provided by the City of Cocoa Beach, location to be announced.

August 18: Surfrider monthly meeting, 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum

August 21-23: Surf Expo at the Orlando Convention Center

August 23: Hurricane Hunt Contest Party. The party will be held 8 p.m. at the Sandbar Sports Grill on A1A in Cocoa Beach.

August 29: Casino Night Fundraiser for the Kelly Slater Sculpture Project, 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Country Club.

September 5-7: National Kidney Foundation Surf Contest

Whether you surf, body board, swim, fish, bike, walk or just enjoy a clean healthy beach, please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation. We hold regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum located at the Ron Jon Watersports Building , 4275 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Hope to see you there.

surfrider.cocoabeach@gmail.com

Well, it’s official. The Cocoa Beach Surfrider Chapter has its first fully elected board of directors. Bruce Moeller, the new Chair, welcomed Joann Branagan as Treasurer, John Hearin as Secretary, Tim Chastain as Volunteer Coordinator, Paul Eaton and Fred Hillman as Directors and yours truly as Vice Chair.

Thanks to Tim Chastain and the many local Surfrider members who have worked so hard this past year. They not only got us through the charter process, they did it while functioning as an active organization.

On a bit of a down note, either vandals or someone who maybe isn’t fully aware or appreciative of the Cocoa Beach dune restoration project destroyed some of our dune plantings and one of the heavy-duty cigarette disposal cans. Either way, attending our monthly meeting at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum is a great way to learn how to help our dunes grow back to their natural state and not be trampled or trashed by people who aren’t as up on beach etiquette as the average Cocoa Beach citizen. The City, County and a large group of Cocoa Beach volunteers have been working to clean, replant and rope off sections of dune, as well as place cigarette butt receptacles at the crosswalks. Most people use the cans and respect the dunes, however, and where these are left alone, the dunes are getting healthier. We especially invite input from people who use the crosswalks about how to make this successful so we can enhance our environment as well as our cool, beachside way of life.

The Cocoa Beach Chapter also helped Chicagoans go surfing! Lake Michigan Surfrider Chapter’s Vice Chair, Vince Deur, led activists trying to overturn the ban on surfing in Chicago. Cocoa Beach Assistant City Manager AJ Hutson and I shared back and forth through email how well it works here, where swimmers and surfers have shared the beaches for decades, and they said they cited our success in their meetings. Through their long and hard work, they were able to get the 30-year ban lifted. Surfers unite!

Cocoa Beach Surfrider meets every third Tuesday, 6 p.m., at the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum (Ron Jon Watersports building).