THE HAMMOCK
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Music after Matthew 6 NOVEMBER 2016
VOLUME 1, NO. 4
YOUR TOWN
PROPOSAL SUCCEEDS DESPITE HURRICANE The weekend Fleming Island resident Todd Harry chose to propose to his girlfriend of four years, Roxanne Iriarte, was Oct. 7-8, on a vacation in Hammock Beach. As the East Coast was evacuated, it was obvious that Friday was out of the question, but Saturday morning Harry suggested they drive down and see if they could at least stay one night. “I told her if we can’t get in we will turn around and come back,” Harry said. They arrived to find 10-15 National Guardsmen verifying two things: Do you have a license? And, do you have a need to be on the beachside? As Harry showed his license and a copy of his reservations, he whispered, “I am going to propose — please.” The couple was allowed through, but at the resort they were told the hotel was closed. Instead, staff helped out by bringing two chairs to the grass by the 18th hole, where Harry proposed. And she said yes. Finally, with the staff witnessing the event from inside, he proposed and she said, “Yes.”
Hammock Beach Resort Managing Director Terry Bechtold drags a section of damaged walkover to the collection pile.
RECOVERY ZONE
Find out how your neighbors joined together to clean up the beach. PAGE 4
Matthew takes a toll
PRST STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL
Twelve turtle nests were washed away by Hurricane Matthew, according to a volunteer with the Turtle Patrol. Local Postal Customer
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YOUR TOWN GARDEN SPOILED Before Hurricane Matthew, the Hammock Community Association had a dedication ceremony scheduled for Oct. 20, at the Hammock Community Garden, on the community center property on Mala Compra Road. A butterfly garden in honor of Jane Culpepper, an Island Garden in honor of Alma Nemrava, and a tree in memory of Frank Meeker, had all been created by volunteers. The gardens were completely destroyed by the hurricane. The garden will be replanted. To donate, email joannecreuter@outlook.com.
HAMMOCK COMMUNITY CENTER CLOSED: The Hammock Community Center
on Mala Compra Road is closed, at least through the end of the year, until repairs can be made, following damage by Hurricane Matthew. While the center is structurally sound, it appears that flood waters reached as high as the chair rail inside the building. Also: The pickle ball courts were undamaged and open for use.