BOUQS & BRICKS

BOUQUETS

To the increasing number of wheelchair accessible ramps at the Beaches. If you think it’s hard to find public beach access on foot, try doing it in a wheelchair. Fortunately, there are a number of places along the Northeast Florida coast giving access to those who might not otherwise be able to reach the beach.

Atlantic Beach: First through 15th streets, Dewees Avenue and 19th Street Beach wheelchairs are free to use and can be delivered to access sites. Advance notice is required. For more information, call (904) 247-5828.

Jax Beach: Fifth Avenue North (Pier Parking Lot), Beach Boulevard and First Street, Red Cross Lifesaving Station, Sixth Avenue South and 16th Avenue South Beach wheelchairs are available at the Lifeguard Station on a first come first served basis. For more information, call (904) 270-1685.

Hanna Park: Accessible ramps and beach mats are available in lots 8 and 11.

Fernandina Beach: Main Beach is equipped with a Mobi-Mat to allow for wheelchair access. The Atlantic Recreation Center has three beach wheelchairs available for free. There is also a Mobi-Chair that can float in water. For more information, call (904) 310-3350.

St Augustine Area: St. Johns County Ocean Pier. While you can borrow beach wheelchairs for any of the beach locations, advance notice is required. For more information, call (904) 209-0326.

Anastasia State Park: Known to have the best accessibility in the St. Augustine area, the park has ramped boardwalks and a Mobi-Mat for beach access, Beach wheelchairs are available for loan at the Island Beach Shop and Grill or Anastasia Water Sports.

Vilano Beach: Porpoise Point Beach Access. Beach wheelchairs are available with advance reservations. Call (904) 209-0331 for more information.

For additional information on local beach access for wheelchairs, visit myfwc. com.

BRICKBATS

To Rayonier Advance Materials for pursuing construction of a bioethanol plant in a highly populated area in Fernandina Beach. Yes, we know ethanol bio fuel produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than non-renewable sources of energy, however, they can still have negative impacts on the environment. Ethanol, for example, is a chemical prtoduced at bioethanol processing plants could generate occupational health issues related to airborne dust. Local residents are also extremely concerned about ethanol’s highly flammable nature. Oh, and then there’s the fact that the plant is not even zoned for chemical or petroleum manufacturing or refining.