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Beaches of northern Brazil hit by shark attacks – Video

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Beaches of northern Brazil hit by shark attacks
Recife is one of Brazil #39;s top beach resorts, but its reputation has taken a hit after a series of shark attacks, which have claimed 56 victims in 20 years. Last month, another swimmer died after being bitten by a shark. The destruction of their natural habitat means the sharks are being forced closer and closer to the shore in search of food.

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Beaches of northern Brazil hit by shark attacks - Video

The Beaches newest mayor talks about the job and the future

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JACKSONVILLE BEACH | In his third month as the Beaches newest part-time mayor, businessman Charlie Latham sat down with the Times-Union Thursday to talk about his early days in office, issues of concern and following in the path of his late father, two-term mayor Bill Latham.

Whats it been like to walk in your dads footsteps?

Its going to take me a while to earn a tenth of his reputation, but Im working real hard to do that.

Is there more to being mayor than you thought initially in terms of the amount of time it takes?

I expected to work this hard. But I expected also that Id be able to transition into it a little bit quicker. Theres a lot to read. Theres a lot to do. Theres a lot of people to meet. You cant really do that from your [business] office.

Whats the thing thats most concerned you that youve seen so far?

I would say probably the biggest concern I have right now is the relationship with Jacksonville. Im watching from the perspective of my two sister cities, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, going through this tipping fee issue [for hauling trash to the county landfill]. Jacksonville doesnt seem to be real responsive to their needs. Theyre talking about seven hundred and some thousand dollars in tipping fees implementing out of the blue. Who can do that in this economy? There needs to be more proactive leadership from Jacksonville to deal with these issues down at the beach.

Youve instituted having workshops [on city priorities]. What do you think the importance of them are?

One of the problems I think weve had in Jacksonville Beach is perception. I think weve got a great staff and theyve done a great job. But we need to make sure everybody understands that were actively engaged in their concerns and that were taking their concerns in when we make the decisions to govern Jacksonville Beach.

Tell me what your thoughts are on pension reform.

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The Beaches newest mayor talks about the job and the future

Best Gay-Friendly Beaches In South Florida

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South Florida is home to a large and vibrant community, and just as there is for families, tourists, and even naturists, there are beaches which are most attractive to that community. These beaches are among the gay-friendly in South Florida, based on their use by the community or because of nearby restaurants and business which are considered gay-friendly.

(From: keywestcity.com)`

South Roosevelt Boulevard Key West, FL 33040 (305) 292-8190 http://www.keywestcity.com

Quite possible the best overall beach in one of the nations top destinations for gay travelers, Smathers Beach may be opne of the best gay-beach destinations in the nation. Smathers waters are shallow, and the beach usually has virtually no undertow. Its located just a short distance from Duval street and Old Town, with restaurants and shops nearby. Oddly, the Keys are not known for great beaches, and Smathers is a bit unusual as Keys beaches tend to be small and a far cry from the sugar sand beaches of the panhandle, but Smathers is a 2-mile strip with something for everyone.

(Source: CBS)

10800 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL (305) 947-3525 Haulover Beach Park Website

While Haulover beach is best known as Floridas only official nude beach, it is also one of South Floridas most gay-friendly beaches. The pristine white beach is among the best in South Florida, but only part of the mile-and-a-half stretch is set aside for those who prefer to sunbathe unclothed. That area, at the north part of the beach, is clearly marked to prevent people from being surprised by their neighbor on the sand disrobing, and is also subdivided into gay and straight areas. The entire beach is protected by lifeguards, and it also offers a host of amenities including various shaded picnic facilities, beautifully landscaped sand dunes, and concession stands. The beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming.

(Source: CBS)

7 Miles of beach starting at State Rt. A1A and SW 17th Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (954) 828-4597 ci.ftlaud.fl.us/beach/

Ft. Lauderdale is fast becoming one of the hottest destinations for gay travelers, and on Ft. Lauderdale beach, located along State Rt. A1A, you can find many businesses owned by gays and lesbians, along with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Theres a one-block area which is the unofficial gay beach. Its not marked, but anyone in the community can direct you. The whole beach is available without hotels trying to segregate areas for their own guests, and its a long, glowing strand of white and azure blue. The Citys award-winning wavewall and signature beachfront promenade highlight Fort Lauderdales world famous coastline, which is punctuated by an array of shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and entertainment venues. The views are breathtaking, and offshore its easy to watch big cargo ships and cruise liners head up the coast. Arrive early for the best parking.

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Best Gay-Friendly Beaches In South Florida

Seeking clues about sea level from fossil beaches

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BREDASDORP, South Africa -- A scruffy crew of scientists barreled down a dirt road, their two-car caravan kicking up dust. After searching all day for ancient beaches miles inland from the modern shoreline, they were about to give up.

Suddenly, the lead car screeched to a halt. Paul Hearty, a geologist from North Carolina, leapt out and seized a white object on the side of the road: a fossilized seashell. He beamed. In minutes, the team had collected dozens more.

Using satellite gear, they determined they were seven miles inland and 64 feet above South Africa's modern coastline.

For the leader of the team, Maureen Raymo of Columbia University, the find was an important clue as she tries to determine just how high the oceans might rise in a warmer world.

The question has taken on new urgency in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, which caused coastal flooding that scientists say was almost certainly worsened by the modest rise of sea level over the past century. That kind of storm tide, the experts say, could become routine along American coastlines by late in this century if the ocean rises as fast as they expect.

In previous research, scientists have determined that when the Earth warms by only a couple of degrees Fahrenheit, enough polar ice melts, over time, to raise the global sea level by about 25 to 30 feet. But in the coming century, the Earth is expected to warm more than that, perhaps 4 or 5 degrees, because of human emissions of greenhouse

Experts say the emissions that may make a huge increase of sea level inevitable are expected to occur in just the next few decades. They fear that because the world's coasts are so densely settled, the rising oceans will lead to a humanitarian crisis lasting many hundreds of years.

Scientists say it has been difficult to get people to understand or focus on the importance, for future generations, of today's decisions about greenhouse gases. Their evidence that the gases represent a problem is based not just on computerized forecasts of the future, as is commonly believed, but on what they describe as a growing body of evidence about what occurred in the past.

To add to that body of knowledge, Raymo is studying geologic history going back several million years. The Earth has warmed up many times, for purely natural reasons, and those episodes often featured huge shifts of climate, partial collapse of the polar ice sheets and substantial increases in sea level.

"I wish I could take people that question the significance of sea level rise out in the field with me," Raymo said. "Because you just walk them up 30 or 40 feet in elevation above today's sea level and show them a fossil beach, with shells the size of a fist eroding out, and they can look at it with their own eyes and say, 'Wow, you didn't just make that up.' "

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Seeking clues about sea level from fossil beaches

Perth beaches get $70m revamp

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Premiere Colin Barnett announces the redevelopment at Scarborough Beach. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

THREE Perth beaches will be revamped with a $70 million state government investment that will see roads realigned to keep heavy traffic away and picnic areas established.

An initial contribution of $30 million has been provided to transform Scarborough beach and its surrounding areas.

Up to $40 million has also been set aside for the realignment of Curtin Avenue, south of the Marine Parade roundabout in Cottesloe, which will assist Leighton and Port beaches.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Scarborough works would include the beachfront, as well as the entire precinct through a collaboration between the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, the City of Stirling and the private sector.

"Scarborough is a favourite tourist destination, but the area has recently suffered from a lack of new investment and a poor reputation, so this decision will help fulfil its enormous potential as one of the nation's best beaches," he said.

Works will include new pedestrian promenades along the beachfront, cycling paths, landscaping, a children's playground, public art, fitness equipment, barbecues, seating and shade along the beach, and improvements to access and car parking.

Mr Barnett said realigning Curtin Avenue, so it ran along the railway line and drew heavy traffic away from Leighton and Port beaches, would also open up more land.

"While there have been many improvements in the last decade at Leighton Beach, the Leighton Marshalling Yards remain a barren wasteland and potential danger for beachgoers," he said.

"The realignment of Curtin Avenue south of the Marine Parade roundabout will completely open up the area and bring back families and beachgoers to a revitalised beachfront.

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Perth beaches get $70m revamp

Perth beaches get a $70 million revamp

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Three Perth beaches will be revamped with a $70 million state government investment that will see roads realigned to keep heavy traffic away and picnic areas established.

An initial contribution of $30 million has been provided to transform Scarborough beach and its surrounding areas.

Up to $40 million has also been set aside for the realignment of Curtin Avenue, south of the Marine Parade roundabout in Cottesloe, which will assist Leighton and Port beaches.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Scarborough works would include the beachfront, as well as the entire precinct through a collaboration between the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA), the City of Stirling and the private sector.

'Scarborough is a favourite tourist destination, but the area has recently suffered from a lack of new investment and a poor reputation, so this decision will help fulfil its enormous potential as one of the nation's best beaches,' he said.

Works will include new pedestrian promenades along the beachfront, cycling paths, landscaping, a children's playground, public art, fitness equipment, barbecues, seating and shade along the beach, and improvements to access and car parking.

Mr Barnett said realigning Curtin Avenue, so it ran along the railway line and drew heavy traffic away from Leighton and Port beaches, would also open up more land.

'While there have been many improvements in the last decade at Leighton Beach, the Leighton Marshalling Yards remain a barren wasteland and potential danger for beachgoers,' he said.

'The realignment of Curtin Avenue south of the Marine Parade roundabout will completely open up the area and bring back families and beachgoers to a revitalised beachfront.

'This is particularly significant for south of the river beachgoers, who have grown up loving Port and Leighton beaches, but have had to dodge cars and trucks to get to the ocean.'

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Perth beaches get a $70 million revamp

PWD, Corporation encroach on city beaches for parking lots

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Study establishes over 15 acres have already been converted; space for vehicles and roads being developed on sands by dumping debris

Beaches in various parts of the city are being converted into parking spaces and roads, according to a study.

The research commissioned by the Save Chennai Beaches Campaign was carried out by faculty members of various institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Science. It has established that over 15 acres of beach sands have already been converted into parking lots and roads by agencies such as the Public Works Department (PWD), the Chennai Corporation and private entities.

Around 2.6 acres of beach sands have been converted into parking lots at Pattinapakkam by dumping and compacting of debris in the past few years. The study has found that the Chennai Corporation and the PWD were responsible for the dumping.

A 0.4 acre-area of sands in Srinivasapuram beach has been converted into a shed for migrant labourers and this too was through the dumping of debris. The identity of the agency behind this is as yet unknown. Another 0.3 acre area of beach sands in the same locality has been encroached upon by the PWD for construction of a road leading to the Adyar estuary.

The Chennai Corporation and PWD have also dumped debris in an intertidal zone of Adyar creek to create a bund in an area measuring 5.78 acre, the study found.

At present, debris has been dumped on the mudflats of the Adyar river in Anna Sathya Nagar. Over 5.71 acre area of beach has already been covered by the civic body, PWD and private contractors.

A private entity has dumped debris on Thiruvanmiyur beach to construct a road in an area of 0.28 acre. The same entity has encroached upon another 3.4 acre of area, according to the study. The Chennai Corporation has dumped debris to construct a road from Kapaleeswarar Nagar beach to Periya Neelangarai which has eaten up 0.35 acre of beach area.

Chennai Corporation lorries have been found to have dumped debris on many of the coastal stretches, according to the study. However, the civic body officials said they were getting rid of the debris only in dumping yards.

Google Earth images from 2001 to 2004 show that a stretch of beach in Pattinapakkam was covered with sands. The study has found that the area has now been filled with two-metre-high construction debris which has been compacted and made into a parking space. Researchers in the team said, this was unauthorised and a violation of CRZ notification.

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PWD, Corporation encroach on city beaches for parking lots

Red tide presence strengthens along Naples beaches, but fish kills decline

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Photo by COREY PERRINE // Buy this photo

Corey Perrine/Staff The footprint evidence is clear where a fish was picked away by birds Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Barefoot Beach State Preserve in Bonita Springs, Fla. An agal bloom, known commonly as red tide, is a phenomenon where high concentrations of Karenia brevis, a microscopic marine algae, contain toxins that paralyze the nervous system in fish. In large quantities, they cause the water to appear red or murky, hence the name. The blooms can affect humans causing eye and respiratory conditions such as coughing, sneezing, tearing and itching.

NAPLES Fewer dead fish linked to red tide are washing ashore at Naples beaches compared with several days ago, but tests indicate the microscopic algae has a stronger presence than last week, according to Collier County officials.

The latest red tide report Thursday from the county's Natural Resources department said water samples taken near the Naples Pier show a high level of red tide.

At Barefoot Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, Seagate and south Marco Beach, tests showed red tide was at a medium level at all four locations.

The latest finding indicates the presence of red tide has heightened compared to a week ago when it was at low levels at Seagate and elsewhere.

Red tide is an algae that releases a toxin that can kill marine life and aggravate respiratory problems for people who suffer from asthma and emphysema.

Water samples were collected Tuesday, with newer samples collected Thursday as part of the county's twice-weekly testing to keep beachgoers up to date.

There have been reports of dead fish washing ashore near the Moorings and as far north as Barefoot Beach, but the overall number of dead fish decreased in recent days.

"It is possible the wind is a little bit offshore and so it could be pushing the fish offshore," said Alina Corcoran, a research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in St. Petersburg.

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Red tide presence strengthens along Naples beaches, but fish kills decline

'Peaches to the Beaches' Facing Problem That Could Shut It Down

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Written by Amanda Castro on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 06:23 PM. Posted in Local

EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - The annual "Peaches to the Beaches" is a popular event in Georgia that attracts thousands of people from across the area. But it is facing an issue that, over time, could shut it down and impact thousands of vendors from Barnesville to Brunswick.

One weekend every March, US Highway 341 turns into Georgia's largest yard sale.

"It's a 200 plus mile event of treasure trove hunting," Paula Rogers, president of the Golden Isles Parkway Association, said.

"Peaches to the Beaches" draws in thousands of people and vendors from across the state and country. This is the ninth year of the event and the Golden Isles Parkway Association sponsors it every year. Rogers says it pumps a lot of money into the local economy.

"They [the shoppers] stop and they stay in your hotels, your restaurants, they buy gas in your communities along the way and that is tax dollars being spent," Rogers said.

Each vendor pays a $30 registration fee that goes towards advertising. But over the last three years, people started setting up their own booths without paying and that has cut one-third of the advertising budget.

"With that decrease in funds, it puts the event at risk because if we don't have the money to get the word out and advertise, no one is going to know when the event is," Rebecca McWilliam, treasurer of the Golden Isles Parkway Association, said.

Stinson's Bar-B-Q in Lumber City says business booms during the two day event. Cook Glynn Stinson says if "Peaches to the Beaches" were to shut down, it would cut into the restaurants' bottom line.

"We'd loose that group of people that come...the large number of people and it all boils down to we lose money, so business would be off," Stinson said.

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'Peaches to the Beaches' Facing Problem That Could Shut It Down

Dig This, Beaches and Vacos advance to semis

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Monday, January 21, 2013

Dig This, Beaches and Vacos represent the cream of the eight-team crop featured in the NMI Volleyball Association/Godfathers House Bar's Co-Ed Sunset Beach Volleyball Tournament, which started back on Jan. 11 on Fiesta Resort & Spa's sand courts.

The frontrunner squads made it unscathed through the second round of play last Friday and got automatic finals bids this Friday evening at 5pm.

Dig This, Beaches advanced over the Managaha Boyz, 15-8, and, 15-6; while Vacos defeated Harapwang Face also in two sets, 15-6, and, 15-12.

The lower bracket results include team Managaha and Monam'Ko living on to fight another day.

Managaha ousted Something Fishy, 15-3, and, 15-9; while Monam'Ko eliminated team Fiesta Resort & Spa, 15-10, and, 15-7.

Managaha will take on the Managaha Boyz and Harapwang Face collides with Monam'Ko in this Friday's lower bracket matches.

Matches were formatted as a best-of-three set series with game point for the first two matches set at 15 with a cap of 21 with the third set played out as a race to seven with the cap removed; up to six players can be on a team and four required on the court with coed rules in effect at all times.

Modest cash prizes, in-kind gifts, and bragging rights go to the overall winners; the finals are scheduled for February 15.

Fiesta, Brabu, KZMI 103.9 FM, and Gold's Gym also sponsor the event. The proceeds benefit NMIVA's youth volleyball development programs and international travel.

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Dig This, Beaches and Vacos advance to semis

Scientist: Beaches grow as Elwha dams are removed

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PORT ANGELES, Wash.

A scientist monitoring the shoreline near the mouth of the Olympic Peninsula's Elwha River says beaches are starting to grow as two massive dams are removed.

Ian Miller, a coastal hazards specialist, tells the Peninsula Daily News ( http://is.gd/k9t0fH) that some of the sediment held back for nearly a century by the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams is accumulating in sand bars shaped nearly every day by the river's flow. Beaches to the east of the Elwha's mouth are growing slightly and becoming sandier as more sediment is released.

Miller regularly surveys four sites near the mouth: three just to the east and one just to the west.

A key question is how much Elwha sediment is reaching the surrounding shorelines, and whether it can stop or reverse beach erosion that has been documented for decades.

The Elwha Dam was removed last spring. The Glines Canyon Dam is expected to be removed by May.

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Information from: Peninsula Daily News, http://www.peninsuladailynews.com

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Scientist: Beaches grow as Elwha dams are removed

Canterbury cools off on the beaches

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The soaring temperatures which hit Christchurch over the weekend are set to continue this week.

MetServiceduty forecasterPhilippa Murdochsaid a ridge was building over most of the country, bringing clear skies and warm weather to Christchurch.

"It's going to be fine today. Tomorrow and Wednesday will be warm and sunny with some cloudy periods developing tomorrow evening," she said.

"Today we're expecting a high of 19 degrees, but tomorrow a high of 26 and a high of 29 degrees on Wednesday".

However, the weather would take a turn on Thursday with a period of rain."It will cool off a little bit and we are forecasting some showers."

Murdoch was hopeful the wet spell would be over before next weekend."It's a little harder to forecast that far away, but at this stage it is looking like it will clear."

The balmy weekend weather saw thousands at Christchurch beaches.

Met Service forecaster Ian Gall said some parts of the city exceeded 30 degrees on Saturday and yesterday the mercury rose to about 25C.

Winds reached about 65 kilometres per hour on Saturday, strong enough to be noticed but not strong enough to cause damage.

A Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving spokeswoman said it had been "an awesome weekend". At its busiest, more than 1500 people were on the beach.

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Canterbury cools off on the beaches


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