Alligator Point News

I can't wait to post pictures of the paving machines on Alligator Dr.  For now you will have to settle for the report that this week C.W. Roberts had crews walking the road and marking for the resurfacing.  Hopefully we will see equipment here next week and paving will be underway. 

With highs in the low to mid 90's it has been hot and humid, and we are getting a good share of rain showers.  The warm weather has been a great reason to get out on the boat and catch a fish or snorkel for some scallops.  Although scallops were not as plentiful at Lanark as reported at St Marks, the scallops were huge not too hard to find for the boys.  We found most of ours behind the new townhouses where the old Lorenzo's restaurant used to be.

Offshore fishing has been hit or miss lately.  Friends of mine report that it is tough to find keeper grouper in deep water while others are finding more in 50-60 feet of water.  My wife Stephanie and son Jack and I snuck out on a Wednesday morning (one of the benefits of living on Alligator Point)and found keepers in just 34 feet of water.  The seas were building so we did not stay long, but the fish cooperated.  Frozen bait was more productive than live.  Jack caught the most fish with black sea bass, a remora, and several grunts.   

Sales and rental activity are holding steady with lots of inquiries and a few closings.  Guests are making plans for next summer already and have already made almost 50 reservations for 2009.

Lifenet Helicopter lands at Alligator Point July 26, 2008 to transport a patient that fell and injured their hip

Most residents and visitors don't realize how often the Alligator Point Fire Department is called out and how few of us are left to respond. There are so few full time residents now that there are less than 10 active fire fighters and even fewer first responders that answer medical calls.  on average we answer a call per week at any hour of the night or day.  This week alone we responded to a boat fire and medical call that involved the helicopter landing.  We could not reach the boat fire with the truck, so we responded in a boat with buckets and were joined by Bob and Bobby Williams that assisted with a pump and hose.

The fire department is all volunteer and doesn't receive enough funding through the county MSBU to cover our operating expenses each year.  We have to raise the balance through fundraisers and donations.  In addition to responding to calls, we also have to maintain the properties and vehicles as well as the administrative tasks involved in any organization.

We need anyone willing to volunteer for fire calls, medical calls, or assist with administrative duties to contact us and get involved.  You can contact me at paul@harborpointrealty.com or 566-6200.  You can also call Fire Chief Jeff Little at 349-9495.  If you would like to make a financial donation, please send it to APVFD at PO Box 291, Panacea, 32346.

In June this 1 bedroom structure burned near the Mission by the Sea Church.