Page 1 - The Shores of Jupiter - July '24

Our Village Voice

VOL. 35 NO. 7 www.seabreezepublications.com JULY 2024

Northern Notes Bill’s Box

Alligators And Rattlesnakes
And Their Importance In By Bill Thompson
Well, hello there…
Preserves What’s happening in
our paradise today? This
By Katie Roundtree, is Our Village Voice
Director of Finance and coming to you from
Administration, Northern Lake Bend Drive. With
Palm Beach County me today is one wife,
Improvement District Alligators are not just members of their ecosystems Dawn Marie, and one
Northern’s preserve areas but keystone species that play a unique and crucial role. A dog, Harley Two.
are designed to preserve and keystone species is an organism that helps define an entire Before I forget, there is an app on my iPhone 14 called
conserve native ecosystems, ecosystem. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem would Soothing Pod. It is a well-crafted short-guided meditation
and the American alligator be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Alligators, that you may want to try. It is simple in practice and
and the Eastern diamondback with their deep depressions, or gator holes, that collect fresh soothing in relieving stress or troublesome thoughts.
rattlesnake are essential water during dry spells, serve as refuges for aquatic life, and Where did everybody go…
members of that community. supply fresh water and food for many animals when water School let out in June. The kids were busy being
The American alligator, North America’s largest reptile, is scarce, are a prime example of this. Their large nesting busy. Suddenly, it seemed, the street was empty. The
has no natural predators except humans. This species has mounds provide nesting and feeding sites for herons and egrets. long-awaited summer family trips happened. No one,
been around for about 200 million years and has adapted to Alligators also eat large numbers of gar (a predatory fish) and anywhere. A little reminiscent of the old western ghost
numerous changes in the Earth’s environmental conditions. thus help maintain populations of game fish such as bass and towns when the gold was all taken. Just this morning
Their existence was threatened when hunters began killing bream. They also prey on invasive species, helping the native early, I saw one of those nice rolling homes was being
large numbers of these animals for their exotic meat and species survive. As alligators move from gator holes to nesting packed.
their supple belly skin, used to make shoes, belts and mounds, they help keep areas of open water free of invading After 40 some years of frequent traveling by
pocketbooks. Other people considered alligators to be useless vegetation. Without these ecosystem services, freshwater plane and car, I have become rather complacent with
and dangerous and hunted them for sport or out of hatred. ponds and shrubs and trees would fill in coastal wetlands in staying put. Common thought is that you ought to get
Between 1950 and 1960, hunters wiped out 90 percent of the alligator’s habitat, and dozens of species would disappear. it in gear and go someplace different, interesting and
the alligators in Louisiana, and by the 1960s, the alligator pleasurable. Something different. I agree, but just
population in the Florida Everglades was also near extinction. Northern Notes on page 2 haven’t gotten around to it. Dawn and I talk about it.
What are we waiting for? Too many choices on the
Commissioner’s Update bucket list. Well, what the hell. Anywhere would be
somewhere. We are serious this time. One day soon,
we hope, Dawn will complete her executor duties in
Tips To Beat The Heat In avoid excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, as tying up her deceased father’s estate. His trust was
they can lead to dehydration. Access to additional fluids
poorly drafted. The hurricane that took out Sanibel
Palm Beach County that contain electrolytes are recommended when working right after Mr. Clemons died also took out the house
out in the heat for more than two hours. in the estate. That and selling off several rental homes
By Vice Mayor Maria G. Stay cool. Avoid direct sunlight and long exposure in the trust brought on a long nightmare with bankers,
Marino to the sun. Spend time in air-conditioned environments. attorneys, realtors, clearing the condemned home,
As Palm Beach County If you do not have access to air conditioning, consider utilities and impatient neighbors who want the house
grapples with record-breaking visiting public buildings or public spaces with shade. wreckage removed. When Dawn’s burdens are lifted,
temperatures, residents and Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing she may have to go to a rest home before a vacation.
visitors alike are seeking to help your body regulate its temperature. Protect your One alternative is a return to Savanna, Ga. Historic,
effective strategies to stay head and face with a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen grand gardens, peaceful spacious parts for walking
cool and safe. to prevent sunburn. Minimize outdoor activities during and wonderful restaurants.
Multiple times this year, the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outside, take
The National Weather frequent breaks in shaded areas and avoid strenuous Bill’s Box on page 3
Service has issued heat physical exertion.
advisories forecasting high Check on vulnerable individuals. Keep an eye
temperatures and humidity that pose health risks and on elderly neighbors, young children, and individuals
has urged residents to take necessary precautions and with pre-existing health conditions, as they are more
follow safety measures. With temperatures soaring and susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Ensure they have
heat indexes reaching dangerous levels, it is important to access to a cool environment and sufficient hydration. June 16
prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities. Never leave children, vulnerable individuals, or pets
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County unattended in a vehicle. Temperatures inside a parked
recommends the following safety measures to minimize the car can rise rapidly, even with the windows slightly open,
risk of heat-related illnesses and emergencies: and can be life- threatening.
Stay hydrated. Hydration is key to maintaining your
health during extreme heat. Drink plenty of water and Commissioner’s Update on page 3

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY

TO THE JUPITER POLICE DEPARTMENT
(561) 799-4445

Use 911 for emergencies only. Lock car doors.
Do not leave valuables in the car.