Jupiter Island Friends and Neighbors,
We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July holiday! We wanted to share a few recent news updates with you as we continue to prepare for hurricane season on the Island.
FLORIDA TSUNAMI?
With hurricane season well under way here in Florida, the surprises are already beginning. Florida was recently hit with a Meteotsunami – that is when the increase in wave size is “caused by storms with strong gusting winds, rather than the dramatic tsunamis triggered by earthquakes.”
These events are rare, but in this case was caused by the heat wave in Texas coupled with the cool temperatures in the Northeast. This meteotsunami hit Clearwater Beach, causing the waves to be about 4 feet higher than predicted. There is no specific warning tied to these rare weather disasters, however if there is going to be any damage there will be a Coastal Flood Watch or Warning issued. This is the kind of weather phenomenon that we must continue to track as we prioritize our own coastal restoration and beach renourishment plans to protect our shoreline.
DANGEROUS SNAIL?
In other incredible Florida news, a giant African Land Snail was discovered in Broward County a few weeks ago. This triggered a quarantine of the area – making it “illegal to move the snail or plants, compost, soil or building materials through or from a quarantine area without a compliance agreement” – as these snails are “one of the most damaging snails in the world.” They are particularly harmful in tropical and subtropical environments causing risk to agriculture. They also carry diseases such as meningitis that can be dangerous to people.
While the proper authorities are working to eradicate the newly discovered population, it is important to note that they have been found two other times in Florida’s history, once in 1969 and another in 2011. As a reminder, these snails are illegal to import or keep in a home without proper permitting, and if discovered should be reported immediately to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Please let us know any other questions you may have and stay alert as we head into the heart of Hurricane Season.
Sincerely,
Friends of Jupiter Island Forever Leaders