The continuing sagas of the Blue Heron Bridge

[BHB ScubaTroll]

Well, we did 3 hours at Alhambra today... Ate lunch at Sharky's and were going to make an afternoon dive, but the Thunder storms rolled in as we were leaving the restaurant.

We'll be there at Service Club Park for a couple of dives tomorrow

(360 shark's teeth for me today)
----

Just so it's not a hijack... We'll be diving BHB next weekend

 

[ReenyDiver]

For Blue Heron Bridge lovers - the DOT is holding a meeting THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT to discuss the project to remove and replace the little bridge. I think we need as many voices as possible and maybe even some pictures to document the importance of protecting the surrounding marine environment while they are replacing the bridge.

Here's the info.

Here is a notice posted on the DOT website.

Little Blue Heron Bridge Replacement Project Open House
District: Four
Meeting Type: Meeting
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Time: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location Name: Palm Beach Shores Town Hall
Street Address: 214 Edwards Lane
City: Palm Beach Shores FL 33404
Directions: map showing meeting location
Purpose:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host an Open House to inform the community about the upcoming Little Blue Heron Bridge Replacement Project.

The project includes removing and replacing the existing low level bridge on Blue Heron Boulevard/State Road A1A near Phil Foster Park. Construction will begin this fall and last approximately one year.

The Open House will provide attendees with information about the scope of work, construction schedule and maintenance of traffic for this project. The Open House will have an informal format. No formal presentation will be made. FDOT and project representatives will be available throughout the Open House to discuss the project and answer questions one-on-one.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.

If you need special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, require translation services (free of charge) or would like further information about this project or Open House, please contact Public Information Officer Tish Burgher by phone at 561-640-6441 or by e-mail at Tish@QCAusa.com
Primary Contact: Tish Burgher
Primary Phone: 561-640-6441
Primary E-Mail: Tish@QCAusa
Additional Contact: FDOT District Four Public Information Office
Additional Phone: Toll Free 866-336-8435 ext. 4090
Additional E-mail: barbara.kelleher@dot.state.fl.us
Expires: 8/20/2009

 

[joystershell]

Reeny,

We have started a separate thread for news on this construction project. You can find it here.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-conch-divers/299184-blue-heron-construction-any-news.html

 

[trigfunctions]

I went Saturday, 8-15-09. The conditions were perfect. Saw all the usual suspects, but the real treat was a horseshoe crab, which I've never seen there (or anywhere else, for that matter). I didn't get any great pictures, but attached are some vidcaps. Has anyone else seen a horseshoe crab at BHB before?

 

[djtimmy77]

We generally see them when we are out in the sand in the mooring buoys area.

 

[Sully3]

I went Saturday, 8-15-09. The conditions were perfect. Saw all the usual suspects, but the real treat was a horseshoe crab, which I've never seen there (or anywhere else, for that matter). I didn't get any great pictures, but attached are some vidcaps. Has anyone else seen a horseshoe crab at BHB before?

they are easier to find at night when they are more active

 

[ReenyDiver]

The purpose of posting it here is to get the word out. Only 3 people have gone to that link.

For everyone that loves this thread and loves the pics, it's important that you attend the meeting to show the DOT that they need to protect and preserve the environment. Otherwise, there won't be awesome stories and pictures to post on this thread any longer.

Reeny,

We have started a separate thread for news on this construction project. You can find it here.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/florida-conch-divers/299184-blue-heron-construction-any-news.html

 

[Aggie Diver]

Question for you BHB veterans... I am in the neighborhood for work and am planning to get out and try to make a dive at the bridge this weekend. Looking at the tide table info, so I'm good with that and get that you should aim for high slack tide.

The question is, when do you guys usually get in to take advantage of the tide? Do you go in right at high tide, or start out say 30 minutes before high tide, etc.?

Also, would appreciate any insight into critter locations and site orientation/nav. Brought my camera gear along and would like to get some good macro work in if possible (I understand most are probably cautious about posting on the public board for obvious reasons - any PMs and conversations are welcome).

Thanks in advance.

 

[KBeck]

Aggie--You generally get in about 1/2 hour to 1 hour before high tide. The tide current can be tough, so you have to decide what you can handle. My BF doesn't have a problem with the current; I prefer not to fight it so much.

For other info, go back a few pages; we had a good conversation of who-what-where a few days back.

Starts on this page: begins here, around post 667.

Get there very early if you want to find parking, though. Gets crowded fast. Strike up a discussion with any divers around you...everyone's friendly, and many will know each other. Say the word Scubaboard and you'll likely get a response.

I intend to be there barring any bad weather; I'll be in a grey-green Toyota RAV4.

 

[OneRestlessNative]

I just wanted to say thanks to all that post on this thread. Your photos are amazing and I would have never thought even from the photos just how much there really is to see. Who would ever imagine an area such as that bridge could hold such a diversity of life. After a few months of pondering I met up with a cool gal (from s/b =D) who was nice enough to show me around. I cant wait to get back down there and see it again. I am really hoping this planned construction will not do to much to this cool little Florida treasure! I'd love to attend the meeting but doubtful I can. Please keep us all posted as I'm sure you will in the progression of this issue. I'm sure that quite a few are in my same position regarding distance and time limitations. Your great photos and voices hopefully wont fall on deaf ears. If there is anything we can do from here let us know. I will gladly write a letter or make some calls if it comes down to it and you guys/gals keep the good info coming. Thanks again!!!