Three Shore towns are proceeding with beach replenishment projects that have been stalled for years during a fight with the federal government.

Standing in front of the 7th Street area of the beach in North Wildwood on Friday, Congressman Jeff Van Drew, D-2nd Dist., Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, along with Republican mayors North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello and Stone Harbor Mayor Judy Davies Dunhour, announced the towns would be replenishing their beaches.

Since 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has blocked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from using federally-owned sand from the nearby Hereford Inlet to replenish the beaches. The service wanted the state or the towns themselves to fund the project and find another source of replenishment sand, which they said would have cost $6.5 million.

Since then, the politicians said, the beaches have been suffering.

This area has been obliterated," Rosenello said. You would think that an agency with the name Fish and Wildlife would actually be in the business of preserving fish and wildlife. This interpretation did the exact opposite. It decimated natural areas.

The three mayors, pointing to an Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study showing the need to use the Inlet as a borrowing area, recruited Van Drews help. The Congressman and mayors eventually met with acting Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, who they said listened to the concerns.

Fish and Wildlife had blocked the Inlet from being dredged, but the Department of the Interior overruled the decision, and allowed the project to continue -- using the federal governments inlet.

It is not that we are trying to create an area for more development," Van Drew said. The point of this is to make sure that we save the taxpayers money, and that we use what is appropriate for beach fill to ensure that we protect the area thats so important to us, our beaches.

Rosenello said he grew up in North Wildwood and the area where the press conference was held Friday used to have numerous Bayberry bushes, large dunes, and an abundance of wildlife, which included foxes and migratory birds.

There is no way that we can move the sand from Wildwood quick enough to maintain this area, Rosenello said, suggesting that sand from the Inlet was the only solution to restoring the area.

If there is a legal challenge from the federal government to stop the projects, the towns would be ready to go to court, Pagliughi said.

These three communities are not going to be ruled anymore by low-level management from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife that make decisions on ego instead of science, he said.

A request for comment from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was not immediately returned.

Dunhour pointed to the success of a beach fill project in Stone Harbor Point, also known as South Point. The area had suffered significant erosion in 1990, and South Point was, as Dunhour put it, nonexistent." In 1998, a beach fill project was executed, with another one following in 2003. In 2005, a spit began to form.

If you go to South Point, it is now a mile and a half, Dunhour said. It is used for beach-nesting and a migratory bird habitat with vibrant plant life, and it has grown significantly."

"The Congressmans intervention here and our collaboration is a big win for Stone Harbor, in the resilience point of view, but also from that environmental point of view, he added.

The towns will now begin to apply for permits to begin the project.

Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews or on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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Jersey Shore beach fill project will begin after fight with feds over sand - NJ.com

Dozens of cocaine-containing packets labelled diamante have washed ashore on beaches along Frances Atlantic coastline, and more are likely to come, with police now warning residents against helping themselves.

Small one-pound packages wrapped in several layers of black plastic and cellophane have become a regular sight on the French Atlantic coast since late October. The bricks sport diamante or brilliante labels, but while their contents are precious, they are not filled with gemstones rather, with 80-90 percent pure cocaine, as several tests have shown.

The first package was discovered in Saint-Jean-de-Monts on October 18. Since then, things have escalated, with Le Parisien reporting Saturday, citing police sources, that new packages with the drug are now being discovered almost every hour.

In total, nearly 150kg (330 pounds) worth millions of dollars have been recovered on the beaches so far, including 36kg found scattered on a stretch of 10km in just one day, a find with an estimated street value of 3mn.

A massive law enforcement effort has been underway to locate and retrieve the white gold before it falls into the wrong, or even all-too-willing, hands.

The French authorities have warned beach-goers against attempting to beat police to the task.

Be careful not to believe in television series, an investigator, cited in the report, said. If a layperson finds and then attempts to sell the drug on the street they will have to deal with real thugs, he noted, while consuming cocaine of such high quality is bound to take a heavy toll.

The origin of the cocaine still remains a mystery. Investigators are looking into several versions, including cargo being dropped from a freighter or a sailboat from South America or the West Indies getting caught up in a storm and sinking with its cargo.

In early September, similar bricks with the same inscription washed up on a beach in Florida as Hurricane Dorian swept past the state.

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150kg of diamond cocaine washes up on French beaches, locals urged against treasure hunting - RT

Long Beach Polys roster lists senior James Chubba Maae with a series of numbers: he wears jersey number 53, hes 62, and he weighs 335 pounds.

As significant as those numbers may be, they dont tell the story of Maaes significance to the Jackrabbits football program. The captain has played all over the teams offensive line and has been dominant at defensive tackle as well, impacting almost every play of every game. His skill and size have earned him several Division 1 scholarship offers, but even that info doesnt fully tell the story.

Hes a real leader, and he does everything the right way, said Poly coach Stephen Barbee after a recent practice. You want a whole team full of James Maaes.

Maae started playing tackle football at the age of four, when his uncle told his mom to bring him out to the Long Beach Browns, since Maae already towered over most other kids his age. His nickname came from his cousin, Samoana Poyer.

When I was born, everyone called me chubs, he said. She couldnt say it, she kept calling me Chubba, so it just stuck.

His first year of football, Maae played at fullback. Since then, hes been a lifelong lineman, playing on offense and defense, and learning to appreciate both. Hes a ferocious competitor and is often cheered by his teammates as he plows a defender 20 yards downfield on a block. But hes also a happy warrior, quick to put his arm around a teammate literally and metaphorically.

Hes everyones friend, but he holds everyone accountable, said Barbee. Hes the hardest worker on the team, and he leads by example, not by talkingon the field, and in the classroom. He makes sure everyone feels at home, whether youre a freshman or a senior.

The above characteristics all apply to Maae, but they also apply to other Polynesian players to have come through Poly over the years. Maae is a leader in his community as well, having been chosen by teammates and coaches to lead the teams pre-game patia chant.

One of the joys at Poly for Maae this year has been the influx of Polynesian players in the programs lower levels. For decades, Polynesian players filled Polys roster, but their presence had waned in the last few years.

When I was younger all my cousins played here, and I would shadow them at school, there was a whole bunch of Samoans, he said. The last few years, there werent that many of usits great know, its like having a family away from home.

Barbee is happy to have more Polynesian players involved this year, and to have a senior leader among their ranks.

The Polynesian community had dwindled a little when I got here, he said. We had five players in the programthis year we have 31. As a culture and a community they bring a sense of hard work and honesty and family. There are high expectations, and James has been a big part of bringing everyone together.

Long Beach Poly will play at Rancho Cucamonga this Friday in the CIF-SS Division 2 quarterfinals.

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Feature: Long Beach Poly's James Chubba Maae In The Middle Of It All - The562.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA) Several Western gulls which were found dead on Huntington Beach last month have unexpectedly tested positive for a type of botulism which is more commonly detected in humans.

The nonprofit Wetland and Wildlife Care Center (WWCC) initially reported that eight Western gulls were discovered dead, and four more in critical condition, on Oct. 10 at high tide on Huntington Beach.

The four gulls found alive were unable to move or close their eyes. One of them died and the other three survived after being cared for by WWCC staff.

The University of California, Davis conducted necropsies on five of the deceased gulls and discovered that they had the toxin botulism type A, which is more common in humans and often caused by improperly canned food, the WWCC reported Friday.

In a news release, the WWCC explained that gulls infected with botulism usually have type C or type E.

Over the past few weeks, five more gulls have been brought in to WWCC showing similar symptoms. Two of those have since died.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, botulism is a rare bacterial illness in which a toxin attacks the bodys nerves. It can cause difficulty breathes, muscle paralysis and even death. It can be transmitted through contaminated foods or if the spores of the bacteria get into a wound.

The WWCC is asking the public to bring any gulls they see to their animal hospital, which is located at 21900 Pacific Coast Highway.

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Several Birds Found Dead On Huntington Beach Test Positive For Very Unexpected Type Of Botulism - CBS Los Angeles

STINSON BEACH (CBS SF) The forward progress of a wildfire that erupted late Thursday morning along the Marin County coastline in between Stinson Beach and Muir Beach has been stopped, according to authorities.

The Marin County Fire Department said the Muir Fire was near Slide Ranch and that offshore winds in the area were pushing the flames toward the ocean.

Mother Nature did us a favor today, said Marin Co. Senior Fire Captain Ben Ghizletta. The fire was backing into the wind, so the wind actually helped keep the fire from advancing.

The first call on the fire came in at around 10:45 a.m. The fire had grown to 40 acres less than an hour later.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., Marin Fire said that forward progress on the fire had been stopped.

At 3:40 p.m., the fire had grown to 58 acres and containment was increased to 20 percent. Firefighters were trying to control the fire in difficult conditions with the temperature in the area at 90 degrees with only seven percent relative humidity and strong winds.

No structures were threatened and no evacuations were ordered, according to Marin Fire. The response to the fire included approximately 165 aerial and ground personnel, including two air tankers and a helicopter.

Highway 1 remains closed near Muir Woods Road and drivers are expected to expect delays in the area

With the winds blowing from land out to sea, once the fire hit the coast, it had nowhere else to go. But the resort town of Stinson Beach is less than two miles up the road from the fire area, nestled between the ocean and steep wooded hills. Residents say it was unnerving to see the firefighters roll through town.

My house is up there with all the trees around it and the winds started blowing in the middle of the night, said Robin Marshall. And you getyou get veryyou get on high alert.

Were just nestled in here with not, you knowI mean the resources came quickly, but we dont have a ton of resources, said resident Zoe Feher.

Yeah, its a great barrierthe Pacific Ocean, said Capt. Ghizletta. Pretty good fire break? Absolutely.

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Forward Progress Of Marin County Coast Wildfire Stopped - CBS San Francisco

(CNN) It's easy to see why millions of people flock to the beach every year.

They are dynamic places -- and not just because they're great for relaxing, surfing or people watching. With each crashing wave and changing tide, billions of pieces of sand and rock are constantly rearranged.

This is what nature intended.

What it did not, some scientists say, are the buildings that tower over some of the world's most popular beaches.

In many cases, this real estate that is coveted for its proximity to the beach is disrupting natural processes and in many places, increasing the rate of erosion.

Compounding the problem are the jetties, groins and other man-made structures built to keep sand from moving.

"Once you block the movement of sand, it may move to deeper areas offshore instead of replenishing the beach," said Kristina Hill, an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

"As sea levels rise, that beach wants to be somewhere inland. And in order to try to get there, we expect that it will take away the beach much faster than it is right now," said Orrin Pilkey, director emeritus for the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines."Sea level rise will spare nobody."

Here's how some of the world's most famous beaches are imperiled by sea level rise.

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii

Framed by highrise buildings and the Diamond Head crater, when you think of Hawaii, you think of Waikiki Beach.

But scientists say we are already locked into some amount of sea level rise from the greenhouse gases humans have added to the atmosphere, and without swift global action to reduce emissions, Waikiki's fate remains uncertain.

South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida

After past storms, the city has tried to replenish the sand lost from its famous beaches by dredging it up from offshore. But finding usable sand is becoming harder in an era of rising seas.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

But many of the country's beaches are imperiled by the combined impacts of sea level rise and intensive coastal development.

Surfers Paradise -- located on the Gold Coast and arguably the country's most famous beach -- is also among the most vulnerable because of the high rises that hug its sandy shores.

Ocean City, Maryland

Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

One of the busiest and most crowded beaches in the US, Ocean City and its lively boardwalk are huge economic drivers for the state of Maryland.

And based on the latest scientific projections, beach upkeep will be even more difficult in the future.

Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles

Drawing millions of visitors to sunbathe, surf and people watch, LA's Santa Monica Beach won't be spared the impacts of the climate crisis.

Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona

Like all of Barcelona's eight beaches, Barceloneta is a man-made creation. And with little space to retreat because of the surrounding urban area, the beach will face challenges as sea levels creep higher.

With sea levels now expected to rise more than previously predicted by 2100, it will likely be difficult for Barcelona to maintain its status as a premier destination for urban beachgoers.

Ocean Beach, San Francisco

With its powerful waves, wide beach and close proximity to downtown San Francisco, Ocean Beach draws Bay Area surfers and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. But like so many other urban beaches, it faces a host of challenges.

CNN's Ryan Prior contributed to this report.

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Your favorite beaches around the world could disappear because of the climate crisis, development - CNN

Saba (CNN) Saba should have an inferiority complex.

A scarcity of cruise ships and beaches -- short of a seasonal sandy strip that comes and goes with the tide at turbulent Wells Bay and a petite man-made curve of sand at Cove Bay -- may explain why Saba isn't a major tourist draw.

Yet, the gregarious Sabans, many with an ancestry dating back to the island's European settlement in the 17th century, hardly feel excluded. Rather, they treasure their unsung island paradise that's home to both sedate and exhilarating sights and activities, which only a cadre of mostly hard-core divers and hikers have discovered.

Awestruck with air travel

Saba's 1,300-foot runway is often classified as the world's shortest commercial runway.

Courtesy Saba Tourist Board

A few moments after departing Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten, Saba rears its head as a dark pyramidal massif. The Winair Twin Otter prop plane flies directly toward this mighty, but dormant, volcano, with nary a flat surface to be seen.

The experience becomes hair-raising after the plane turns sharply: A wild, precipitous landscape fills the cabin windows as the plane parallels sheer, towering rock walls.

With your adrenaline levels surging off the charts, the pilot touches down precisely, jamming on the brakes and allowing the plane to roll ever so close to the precipice, before veering toward Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport's terminal.

Meet and greet

You'll be embraced as a member of a big family on Saba, an intimate island of just over 2,000 people that welcomes visitors with its small town sense of community.

Stop at an intersection with your vehicle's windows rolled down and you'll likely hear a local shout, "Welcome to the island."

In Windwardside, the main commercial village, even ambulance drivers starting their shifts will yell, "Good morning!" as you stroll by. Forget your change at the market, and the cashier will chase after you.

Should you look lost as you wander about, it's likely a car will pull over, the driver offering you a ride to your destination.

Bizzy B, a tiny Windwardside bakery/coffee shop/cafe, is a prime gathering spot, especially in the early morning when, as you sip a latte and nibble a scrumptious warm apple turnover in the outdoor plaza, you'll hear residents catching up on the news, whether a painter has taken ill or a shopkeeper went off island for a wedding.

Navigating through nature

The peak of an extinct volcano, Mount Scenery, is the island's highest point.

Courtesy Saba Tourist Board

Almost two dozen trails thread Saba's rugged surface coated with rainforest, volcanic rocks and abandoned farmland.

The most popular hike requires trudging up more than 1,000 slick-when-wet steps to the misty summit of Mount Scenery, Saba's signature sight, where a magical cloud forest awaits.

Another path enchants those who thrive on the vertiginous: Mary's Point Trail, named for one of the island's first settlers, courses along a bluff edge past the ruins of a village, abandoned because of extensive erosion.

Not all trails strain the body or mind, however. The Big Rendezvous and Bottom Mountain trails are both relatively mellow, where the fertile land is peppered with lemon, orange and other fruit trees, and different types of hummingbirds and other species flit about.

Colorful and glittery baubles

In addition to baubles, the island is home to Saba lace, also known as Spanish Work, and Saba Spice, a rum-based liqueur.

Plunging to the depths

Cove Bay is just below the airport in Saba.

Courtesy Saba Tourist Board

Saba's volcanic origins created a dramatic and diverse underwater topography that entices experienced divers who gravitate to the area's drop-offs, caves, tunnels and pinnacles (the summits of undersea volcanoes).

The waters are rich in brilliantly hued tropical fish, giant grouper, myriad shark species and other marine life.

The Eye of the Needle, a pinnacle dive site, is a diver's Eden for spotting giant sponges and corals, as well as nurse sharks and manta rays. Tent Reef, a rocky ledge, is much loved for night dives where nocturnal marine creatures, such as octopus and spiny lobsters, can be spotted.

Where to eat

Set in an old Saban house with an al fresco terrace, Brigadoon in Windwardside serves Mediterranean/French cuisine with a Caribbean twist. An inventive thread runs through every course, especially the desserts, such as pina colada trifle with delectable layers of pineapple, cream and coconut.

Where to stay

Queen's Gardens Resort & Spa has a pool optimally perched for sweeping island views.

Courtesy Saba Tourist Board

Each of the dozen suites spreads across an entire floor and is complete with an en suite infinity jacuzzi providing enticing views of the sea and the surrounding towering hills. The bamboo-lined Frangipani Spa radiates serenity, offering treatments such as a four-hand massage or a Turkish steam bath.

Dutch owner Hemmie van Xanten gave his property an appropriate name, meaning "taste of the world" in Malay.

After all, the theme of each guest room -- currently just two of them, with a few more to be added later in 2019 -- reflects the culture and history of the countries he's traveled. For example, the Malaysian room displays darts and blowpipes used by the Borneo-based Iban tribe.

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A rare Caribbean island where beaches aren't the draw - CNN

By Michelle Wagner on October 23, 2019

A group of four candidates is vying for three open seats onthe Southern Shores Town Council in the Nov. 5 municipal election. Incumbent FredNewberry, former Council Member Leo Holland, current Planning Board ChairElizabeth Morey and local general contractor Matthew Neal will face off for thethree spots. Incumbents Christopher Nason and Gary McDonald are not seekingre-election.

Soon after the newly elected members are sworn in, theCouncil will be charged with tackling some crucial issues, including how to proceedwith the municipalitys first ever town-wide beach nourishment project thatcarries an estimated $16 million price tag.

The board will also launch a search to replace Peter Rascoe,who retired this year from his post as town manager. And as public discontentwith summertime cut-through traffic in the town continues to mount, theresbeen increasing pressure placed on the Council to find and implement solutions.

Leo Holland, who retired after a career in sales, dealer accounting and finance and product support, served one term on Council beginning in 2013, during which time he represented the town on the Dare County Tourism Board. He has also served on the Southern Shores Civic Association and Chicahauk Property Owners Association.

Holland said he is a proponent of the beach nourishmentproject now being considered by Council. The beach is an asset and we have tomaintain it, he told the Voice. If we dont, theres always a potential that thebeach will not be there, and our residents and guests wont have a beach toenjoy.

He also noted that the Council will likely have to movequickly on the project to take advantage of county funds designated for beachnourishment.

Holland acknowledged that summer cut-through traffic was aproblem and he was open to solutions. Im searching like everyone else, henoted. But he added that while awaiting the recommendations from the recently formed traffic committee, itmay be time to hire a traffic consultant to look at the issue.

On his campaignFacebook page, Holland wrote that as the remaining vacant properties inSouthern Shores continues to be built upon, or existing improved properties aredeveloped, I am committed to making sure that growth happens in the way topreserve our Towns charm, culture and ideals. If elected, Holland said he would bringcivility, common sense and practically to its deliberations.

Elizabeth Morey, who has served on the Southern Shores Planning Board for eight years and is currently chair, is retired from the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services.

I really love my town and its just sort of in my makeup towant to try to see that it is maintains its unique charm, Morey said whenasked why she decided to run for the Council. Referencing the tone of politicsin the town, she added, I just feel like the town would be better served by aCouncil thats made up of individuals who have good relationships with eachother. They dont always have to agree, but they should definitely be able totalk with each other and listen to each other. And I do think there is room forimprovement on that front

In talking to voters, Morey said the two biggest issues thatcome up are summer cut-through traffic and the walking path along S. DogwoodTrail, bids for which were opened earlier this month and came in under theestimated $1 million price tag.

As for the traffic issue, Morey said shed like to see the town try some things without expending alot of resources. One approach she mentioned was to work with propertymanagement companies to get the word out that their clients would be betterserved not cutting through the neighborhoods. She also suggested posting signsthat share that same message.

When it comes to beach nourishment, Morey said that intalking to voters, she believed a majority supported such a project, but thatthere was a mix. I think there needs to be an exchange of ideas about how thisimpacts the budget, just like the impact of the new fire department building that mortgage will have to be paid off in the next twenty years, she said.

Morey said one of the most important things the next councilwill do is hire a new town manager. I think it should be done properly and,and with a robust effort to find the best candidate for the job, she asserted.

Incumbent Fred Newberry has served one term on the Council, two years of which were as mayor pro tem, and is vice chairman for the Dare County Airport Authority. Newberry is retired after 31 years of federal service, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

He said he is running for re-election because of unfinishedbusiness including the cut-through traffic issue. Newberry is the sponsor ofthe town-appointed committee charged with exploringsolutions to the traffic congestion problem that plagues someneighborhoods during the tourist season.

He also added: The council has not been very good aboutlong-range planning and developing supporting budgets. Most of the projects arefunded, almost from the time they are identified, from our designated fundWecant just keep taking money out of it and expect to maintain a healthy reserve.

He gave the example of the S. Dogwood Trail walking path. Hesaid he was a proponent of it but voted against the way it was funded. Itshould have been budgeted for there should have been a plan and budget tosupport it, he said.

Newberry also said that hed want to see more data on thebeach nourishment project before the town moves forward. Its always good toget a second opinion, and I would also like to know how the town is going tofund it.

Newcomer Matt Neal, a local contractor and current president of the Outer Banks Homebuilders Association, said he has become more actively involved in town meetings over the last two years, particularly when it comes to sharing his knowledge and perspectives on zoning issues. After being asked to run by several people over the last year, he said he decided to throw his hat in to the race.

On the issue of development, Neal is a proponent of updatingthe towns Land Use Plan to be a comprehensive plan to guide development andgrowth. You cant mothball everything, you cant hold it back the way it wasin 1967But we can try to have a guidepost. I really think developing acomprehensive plan is going to be instrumental in that.

On the subject of beach nourishment, Neal said hed like tosee the goals of such a project established and the financial side figured out.Then Id want to hear from my constituents about how much they want to moveforwardI think until somebody sees the actual dollar commitment, and what kindof levy will be placed on the constituency, we wont be able to make the finalone hundred percent determination.

Neal supports the idea of hiring a consulting company toadvertise for the town manager position, stating that, Its going to be reallycritical that the new manager is aware of the idiosyncrasies of SouthernShores, which has a very active population with a lot of civic engagement.

As for summer cut-through traffic, Neal is a proponent ofmore lobbying efforts toward N.C. Department of Transportation implementing passiveno left turn signs that report travel times, as well as town-initiatedadvocacy for the construction of the Mid-Currituck Bridge.

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In Southern Shores election, traffic and beaches and town manager dominate - The Outer Banks Voice

More people coupled up this season on Ex on the Beach than ever before -- singles Kenya (with Tevin), Lexi (with Max), Billy (with Emily and Tyler) and Cameron (with Alexis) rekindled with their former partners, while Devin (with Shannon), Geles (with Anthony) and Mechie (with Ariana) found love with their next. And then there was Aubrey and Mark, who crushed themselves but departed together...

But did the connections actually persevere outside of the relationsh*t show? Well, not exactly. During tonight's reunion, the OG singles and their former flames gathered to provide some messy updates post-surf and sand.

Cameron and Alexis were going strong (he even met her parents!), but he stated that because of his finances, he had to stay in the same apartment as his ex his roomie Ariana. Cameron also admitted he still loved Ariana, so that really confirmed that things are over with Alexis. No showers between the roommates either (and no romance).

Which brings us to Ariana and Michie: They "fizzled out" a month after the show, but he "had relations" with his ex Danielle the night after he had sex with Ariana for the first time. Boy moves fast?

Next: Aubrey, Mark and Coffey. Both women called Mark "the biggest actor on the show," with Aubrey calling him the "most negative, nasty human I've ever met in my entire life." Yeah, so Mark and Aubrey are definitely not having sex until she finds her next (but they did have a back and forth about when they did it on the show). Mark had "unresolved feelings" for his ex Elena, but they are "totally done" (even though he still has feelings for his Big Brother housemate). Coffey? She's Aubrey's "soulmate," but Aubrey could not say definitively what the future holds.

Moving on: Lexi and Max are going "strong," but the same can't be said for Kenya and Tevin. Distance (the culprit for their initial split), was once again the downfall for the Are You the One? perfect match. Billy, Emily and Tyler did not last either but are the friendliest exes of the bunch. Plus, Billy is seeing a new girl!

And then there's the big web of Devin, Marie, Shannon, Anthony M, Geles and Anthony B. Marie threw a pillow at Devin when he tried to explain that his fellow Challenge cohort was never in the friend zone (with some pie charts to boot), so no improvements since her abrupt exit. Anthony M was blindsided that his ex Shannon hooked up with his best friend in the house (Devin) -- but she's not with either of them now. Except Anthony M really wanted to be back with Shannon, so he offered a heartfelt apologies for his past behaviors. But his affectionate display wasn't enough: Shannon wasn't ready to commit and needed more time to make a decision.

Last, but certainly not least: Anthony M's ex Geles, who was with Anthony B the last time we saw her. Girl has a thing for Anthonys. Anyway, Geles and Anthony B haven't closed the chapter per say, but the mileage between 'em isn't helping matters.

And that's that. Only one couple, Lexi and Max, are still EOTB lovebirds. So did you think the reunion had any shockers, or were you expecting these outcomes? Sound off, and stay with MTV News for Ex on the Beach updates!

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Reunion Special: Who's Still Together From Ex On The Beach Season 3? - MTV.com

Photo property of Jones Photo Collection

WDFW The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today that razor clam digging will move ahead at Twin Harbors and Long Beach this weekend, after tests revealed that shellfish from these coastal beaches are safe to eat.

Testing conducted by the Washington Department of Health (WDOH) on Thursday showed domoic acid levels were low enough for the digs to go ahead, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

The health and safety of clam diggers is always our first concern, so we appreciate peoples patience while we worked with our partners at WDOH to confirm that these clams are safe to eat, Ayres said. We hope that everyone is able to get out and enjoy safe, productive digs at these beaches.

The upcoming digs are scheduled for the following days and low tides:

These digs join previously approved digs at Mocrocks and Copalis beaches beginning this weekend. Additional information on those digs can be found in the news release athttps://wdfw.wa.gov/news/wdfw-announces-seven-days-digging-razor-clams-beginning-oct-26.

More information can be found on WDFWs razor clam webpage athttps://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/.

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Twin Harbors and Long Beach approved for clam dig that starts this weekend | KXRO News Radio - KXRO Newsradio

RULES banning dogs from cemeteries, beaches and playgrounds have been published by the Isle of Wight Council.

A public consultation will be launched on proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which are aimed at preventing anti-social behaviour by prohibiting certain activities, such as dog fouling or drinking alcohol.

Providing it is not challenged, a delegated decision to launch the consultation will be made by October 31 the first stage in the process to introduce the regulations.

Consultations have already taken place with stakeholders such as town and parish councils.

The PSPOs published yesterday (Thursday) include banning dogs from 49 Island cemeteries, playgrounds and beaches and Medina College in Newport. Dogs must remain on their lead at37 areas including Wootton Recreation Ground, St Helen's Duver and Prince's Green, Cowes.

The delegated decision notice includes a warning that 'draconian' policies have proved unpopular. Itstates: "It should be noted that draconian implementationof these provisions has drawn negative, sometimes national, press therefore any provisions must be carefullyconsidered and be a fair and proportionate response to evidence."

The PSPOs will replace powers set out in existing legislationincludingDog Control Orders (DCOs), dog fouling,and dog exclusion zones.

The orders include restrictions onanti-social drinking in parts of East Cowes, Sandown and other areas.

A six-week consultation has been proposed, following which the orders could come into force in May.

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Rules banning dogs from cemeteries, beaches and playgrounds published by council - Isle of Wight County Press

Police have arrested a second man in connection with a shooting that left one person critically injured at a major Huntington Beach intersection last weekend, authorities said Wednesday.

Casey Ngo, 31, of Midway City was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder, according to Huntington Beach police Officer Angela Bennett.

The other suspect Dennis Tri Gia Dang, 29, of Westminster was arrested Monday and pleaded not guilty the next day to one count of attempted murder, according to police and court records.

The shooting was reported just after 12:15 p.m. Sunday in the area of Magnolia Street and Warner Avenue. Officers responded to the scene and discovered [a] male had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head, according to Bennett.

Paramedics took the man to a hospital, where he remained in critical condition as of Wednesday, police said. His identity has not been released.

Detectives immediately began investigating the shooting and determined the victim and suspect knew each other, Bennett wrote in a statement Wednesday.

Based on their preliminary investigation, detectives believe there is no longer a threat to the public and this was an isolated incident, she added.

No further details of the shooting were immediately available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 375-5066. Tips also can be submitted anonymously to Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) 347-6227.

Daily Pilot staff contributed to this report.

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The rest is here:

Second suspect arrested in Huntington Beach shooting that left man in critical condition - Los Angeles Times

A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Peter Makowsky

Kim Jong Uns desire to transform the Wonsan region into a world-class, summer tourist destination is rapidly approaching reality, as the final phase of construction nears. Located on the southeastern coast of North Korea, the resort, which includes beachfront hotels, conference centers, mineral springs and entertainment venues such as theaters, water parks and golf, is designed to lure international vacationers to bring in much-needed currency and to showcase a progressive North Korea.

Rapid construction has been seen throughout 2018 and 2019 as the resorts evolving design and layout are reaching their final phase. Most buildings are externally complete, albeit, a couple of new projects have appeared since May 2019, and the grounds and gardens throughout the resort are near ready for the arrival of guests. The project was scheduled to be finished by October 2019, however, during his April 2019 visit, Kim Jong Un extended that deadline to April 2020, ostensibly to coincide with the Day of the Sun, Kim Il Sungs birthday. While this was the official explanation, the more likely cause of the delay is Kims continued editing of the resorts master plan, where he has directed the addition of new hotels and venues of unique design and grandeur, and surfacing reports that sanctioned items, necessary to complete the interiors of many of the buildings and venues, are in short supply.

Figure 1. Overview of Wonsans Beach Resort, September 23, 2019.

Construction Progress

Commercial satellite imagery from September 23, 2019, revealed remarkable construction progress since April. All of the tower hotels along the beach, reported as being in their final stages of construction in April, now appear to be either complete or nearly complete on their exterior, with finishing work in progress on their roofs or surrounding grounds.

In the north beach area, a construction crane still flanks the large, themed, island hotel, although the structure appears to be externally complete, and work has begun on the grounds of the faux island. Across the man-made lake, a large, arched-roof structure of unique design, has been added to the resort building occupying the northwest corner of the north beach area since April. And to the north, the construction on the grandstands for the nearby track and field stadium is completed, although the field still needs sodding and the tracks surface needs to be laid. Throughout the north section of the beach resort, the addition of sod and shrubs being added is evident, and walkways are being paved, possibly with bricks, as those now surfaced are red in color. The ocean promenade also looks finished, as gardens and grass have been added to the uniquely designed sidewalk patterns.

Figure 2. Overview of the north beach area, September 23, 2019.

The central beach area has been similarly completed. There were five high-rise buildings observed in their late stages of construction in May 2019. On September 23, all but one appeared to be externally complete or near complete, lacking only the addition of final roofing materials, possibly some windows and gardening and/or the laying of sidewalks around their base. Additional floors are still being added to one of the buildings, which appears to be the tallest of the structures. Not observed in May, construction for special venue building has begun in the park located between the resort hotel area and the airfield. While its too early to confirm its function, the size and shape of its foundation suggest a large amphitheater or arena.

Figure 3. Overview of the central beach area, September 23, 2019.

Figure 4. Central beach area with new special venue construction visible.

Construction in the south beach area also continues on pace. Of the five high-rise buildings observed in their late phases of construction in May, all appear externally complete or nearly complete. And like the north and central beach areas, work on the grounds surrounding these facilities was observed. Detail work, such as the addition of outdoor swimming pools, is evident.

Figure 5. Overview of south beach area, September 23, 2019.

The marina appears near ready for tourists, as the quay paving, reported in May, is complete, and roofing of the marina support building has also been finished. However, since May, construction has begun on a probable storage building, located directly behind the marina support building.

Figure 6. Overview of marina at northern part on peninsula, September 23, 2019.

Not previously reported is the addition of a ferry port under construction to the northwest end of the Wonsan-Kalma peninsula. It was first observed under construction on July 30, 2018, when the beginnings of a man-made island were underway. Subsequent images of January 23 and September 23, 2019, show the island completed with only terminal structures to be added. A covered walkway connecting the island to the mainland has been observed in various stages of construction during this period. The ferry port will likely service both the Wonsan-Kalma Airfield and beach resort facilities.

Figure 7. Overview of construction progress at probable ferry port.

More here:

Wonsan's Beach Resort on Pace for Completion by Spring 2020 - 38 North

NAPLES

Sand on the move

More than 165,000 tons of sand is being trucked across Collier County from a mining facility in Immokalee to one of the locations to spread across Park Shore, North Park Shore, and Clam Pass Beaches.

Gary McAlpin, Manager at Coastal Zone Management, says theyre currently renourishing 10,000 feet a beach near Seagate.

From Park Shore beaches to Clam Pass, crews are working from dawn to dusk every day to get these beaches up to par.

Visitor Edel Fitzgerald said, Its actually great to see that because at least you know somebodys looking after the place.

Along Gulf Shore Boulevard, visitors and homeowners can expect to see a lot more trucks driving around for the next three months.

Right now, about 55 trucks are making three turns a day. Thats a total of 330 passes of a given point along the route.

McAlpin hopes to eventually double the trucks coming in and out, If we dont have really good clean, beautiful beaches, tourists are going to find another place to go, and thats why we want to maintain the quality of the experience.

The beaches theyre working on have been monitored since January.

After this project is complete, the beaches will be renewed, and the structures will also be better protected.

The project should be done by the first of the year, if not sooner.

Read the original here:

165,000 tons of sand on the move to replenish Naples beaches - Wink News

U.S. negotiators dangled a Trumpian carrot before North Korean diplomats during nuclear talks two weeks ago: a promise to complete and expand a tourist resort that has been a favorite project of Kim Jong-un.

The American diplomats offered the development help in exchange for denuclearization, according to the South Korean newspaper Hankook Ibo.

The under-construction Kalma tourist area on North Koreas east coast includes dozens of hotels, a shopping mall, and an indoor water park under a glass pyramid roof.

Trump, who touted the Hermit Kingdoms great beaches after his 2018 summit with Kim in Singapore, said the area could have the best hotels in the world right here.

The Oct. 5 talks in Stockholm broke down after eight hours and ended in an impasse, Pyongyangs top negotiator said but the White House insisted progress had been made.

This report originally appeared on NYPost.com.

Originally posted here:

U.S. offered to build North Korean beach resort in recent nuclear talks - MarketWatch

Almost a year on, a legal fight to set the road map for how South Carolina deals with imperiled beach houses has stalled.

The challenges that have popped up in the case beg the question of whether the state can really be compelled to deal with vulnerable oceanfront properties as sea levels rise and storms intensify.

At the same time, recent trends in state policy have moved South Carolina's position from one of "retreat" gradually encouraging homeowners to move away from the shore to one of preservation, or doing everything possible to keep homes in place.

The legal case concerns five homes on Harbor Island, a gated retirement and vacation community at the eastern edge of Beaufort County. As parts of the island's beach have eroded, the houses are now routinely underwashed by the ocean and have largely been left derelict, with pieces of the structures falling into the sea.

The Harbor Island Owners Association is arguing that the people who own the homes should remove them. Two other homes on the beachfront have already been demolished and two have been relocated, said Don Woelke, the manager of the association.

"We know that with sea level rise and the fact that nearly every beach in South Carolina is eroding, were going to see more houses that are located on the active beach," said Amy Armstrong, the lead lawyer representing the association. "What we wanted to achieve is to get some precedent about what happens, whos responsible when this happens, and how."

The situation is relatively rare, though most beaches in South Carolina are gradually eroding. In other places, federally or locally funded renourishment programs suck sand off the ocean floor and spit it back onto the beach periodically; Harbor Island isn't eligible for public funds because it doesn't allow the general public access to its beach.

Beach renourishment, though, is a "mid-term solution to a long-term problem," said Paul Gayes, a professor of marine science and geology at Coastal Carolina University. It's also one that's likely to become increasingly costly over time, as continuous storms are forcing beach towns to renourish more and more often.

"The likelihood is playing out that logically, youre going to run into places that are not going to be able to sustain it," Gayes said.

And that makes the Harbor Island example a peek into the future, when many places beyond the small, private island are likely to face the same issues.

The Harbor Island suit was filed in November 2018. For the S.C. Environmental Law Project which isArmstrong's group, the suit was an opportunity to strengthen the public trust doctrine, the legal concept that the beach is open to the public, and that the state has an interest in protecting it.

Under that logic, the plaintiffs argued that South Carolina should be responsible for removing the houses. But since then, a judge has ruled that SCELP was not specific enough in simply naming the state; it needed to sue a specific agency or official.

The nonprofit Law Project then pivoted to another tactic: forcing the homeowners themselves to pull houses off the beach.

It's been a lengthy process, though Armstrong said it's not unreasonable to expect a suit like this to be litigated over years. Several motions still need to be heard and no trial date has been set yet.

The homeowners named in the suit have largely denied that they're liable for the house removal or asked to be dismissed, according to court records.

One couple, John and Judy Price, argued in filings that the Owners Association is actually responsible to protect the beach because it's a "common area," like other amenities on the island, and says state authorities recommended a renourishment project in 2017.

Chris Deters, an attorney for the Price family, said that rather than filing a suit, the owners' association should have invested in an engineering solution to stop the erosion. Deters said it might be more wise to make a concession and allow for more public access, in exchange for public renourishment funding.

"The (owners association) is tone deaf to the threat our current environmental pattern presents to the coastal community," Deters said.

The strongest response came in a filing by St. Helena attorney Bruce R. Hoffman, who is representing defendants Barbara and Patrick Shurtleff. Their filings argue that Armstrong herself has a conflict of interest and needs to be removed because she once spoke with Debra Hoffman, Bruce's wife, about potentially representing them in a different case related to sand-trapping groins built on Hunting Island.

The Hoffmans also own a beachfront home on Harbor Island, though they are not named defendants. Armstrong said the assertion she should be removed is a "sideshow," and that she never had an attorney-client relationship with the Hoffmans, and thus, no conflict in this case.

"We know the law in this area. Weve been successful," Armstrong said. "Of course they would like us to not be counsel."

But Hoffman maintained that by simply consulting with beachfront property owners, even for a different case, Armstrong gleaned confidential information that should disqualify her from suing them now.

"I'm just doing what I think is best for my client and my clients case," Hoffman said.

For the other 600-odd homeowners on Harbor Island, the legal drama doesn't change the fact that there are still houses in the beach falling into the water, piece by piece.

"There was no idea on how long it would actually take (when the case was first filed)," Woelke said. "This is a process, and we live with it, and we just wait."

The houses on Harbor Island aren't the only ones that have been overtaken by the sea. Beach communities in South Carolina have struggled with erosion and the impacts of strong storms for over a century.

Earlier this decade, abandoned cottages on and eroding section of nearby Hunting Island either fell into the ocean or were demolished. In that case, houses owned by the state park there were removed by public officials, but private homes were considered the responsibility of their owners, according to a 2013 report in the Beaufort Gazette.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is responsible for telling the owners of vulnerable beach homes to remove them when they're on active beach, spokeswoman Laura Renwick said, but few situations across the state have reached that level in recent years.

Meanwhile, more changes in state policy have flummoxed coastal policy experts, as a revision of the state's beach management laws deleted the word "retreat."

The change was part of the fallout after DHEC published new lines limiting beach development and rebuilding in late 2017; those lines, in some cases, barred property owners from rebuilding if their homes were damaged. They've since been revised.

While the changes might seem technical, Gayes said the alteration of state policy really means that South Carolina has taken the stance that it will not move beach houses where they are, regardless of rising sea levels.

Even with renourishment, he said, "At the end of the day, youre buying time."

Read more:

These SC houses are falling into the ocean as beaches erode. Who should remove them? - Charleston Post Courier

The Fighting Indians clinched the District 9-8A title and won their 59th consecutive regular season game with their thrilling 31-30 overtime win. Jon Santucci, jon.santucci@tcpalm.com

PORT ST. LUCIE Vero Beach coach Lenny Jankowski likes to prepare his team for every possible scenario, so a few weeks ago, he started having his team practice overtime scenarios.

That decision looks brilliant now.

Vero Beach quarterback Ryan Jankowski completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Dawson on 4th-and-goal and Henry Morgan kicked the game-winning extra point in overtime as the Fighting Indians outlasted Treasure Coast 31-30 in a thrilling game on Friday at South County Regional Stadium.

Its the second time this season that Ryan Jankowski has thrown the game-winning touchdown pass on fourth down in the fourth quarter or overtime.

More: Ryan Jankowski making most of his chance to lead Vero Beach offense

I knew Jermaine was going to open and I just stood there, took a shot and delivered a touchdown, the quarterback said. I always want to have the ball last in my hands. I always want to have a chance to win the game.

District win, district champs. This feels great.

With the win, Vero Beach (6-0, 2-0) clinches the District 9-8A championship for the sixth consecutive season and extends its regular-season win streak to 59 games one away from tying Lakelands state record.

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Treasure Coasts Turk Watkins scored an 8-yard touchdown with 3:33 remaining in the fourth quarter to extend the Titans' lead to 24-17, but the Fighting Indians drove down the field and Jaden Meizinger scored the game-tying touchdown with 6 seconds remaining in the game. It was the second touchdown of the game for Meizinger.

It was a great high school game, Lenny Jankowski said. It was a shame someone has to come out on the short end of it. I think it was kind of what we bargained for. I just was so proud of our guys to hang in there and make the plays when we needed to make them.

Week 8 roundup: Centennial's defense comes up big against Central

Treasure Coast (6-1, 1-1) scored five touchdowns Keegan Davis scored three times and Watkins scored twice but were stopped on all five of its two-point conversion attempts.

Watkins scored on a 5-yard run on the Titans' possession in overtime, but his conversion pass fell short.

Were struggling in the kicking department, Treasure Coast coach Irvin Jones said. We went for it the first time, and then when we went for the second time to make up for the first time that we didnt get it. Then all of the sudden the kicker hasnt kicked all night and we kept going for it.

This years district showdown was highly anticipated. Both teams came into the game undefeated. Vero Beach is ranked No. 4 on the states first RPI power rankings; Treasure Coast is No. 11. And after last years thriller, which Vero Beach won 34-31, fans were expecting another instant classic.

They got that and then some. The game featured six lead changes. Davis 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave Treasure Coast an 18-17 lead after the Titans trailed at halftime for the first time this season. The Fighting Indians didnt regain the lead until Morgans overtime extra point.

The Titans had an opportunity to take a two-score lead late in the fourth quarter, but Vero Beach got a key stop on the two-point conversion that kept the lead to seven.

Its starting to seem like these are regular games with us. Jones said.

Read this article:

Vero Beach outlasts Treasure Coast to clinch district title in overtime thriller - TCPalm

A beach in Yorkshire has been named as an unexpected entry in a list of the top six in the world.

Tripadvisor has compiled Traveller's Choice beaches that are great for kids , and includes the likes of Bondi Beach in Australia and Siesta Beach in Florida, Leeds Live reports .

But you might be surprised to learn that amongst those sandy paradises is Filey Beach - a beautiful beach just a stone's throw from Scarborough, inYorkshire.

Filey is about an hour and a half drive fromLeeds, and is a great spot to explore, particularly in the summer.

Explaining Filey's inclusion, Tripadvisor said: "Filey is a perfect beach for kids to explore. There is a sculpture trail that surrounds the bay, and the ancient remains of a Roman signal station can be found on the cliffs just above.

"Filey is also well-known for its rock pools, which provide hours of fun looking at marine life. Along the promenade, families will find cafes, changing facilities, a childrens playground and even a crazy golf course."

The beach is not the only to earn plaudits for its pristine shores.

Earlier this year, Bournemouth was crowned the UK's best beach for 2019 .

The popular seaside spot topped the list in the 2019 TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards for beaches, thanks to its golden sands, swim-friendly waters and of course bustling Bournemouth itself.

Travellers rated the beach as the sixth best in Europe, and it even made the top 20 in the awards' global rankings.

It's not surprising when you consider that Bournemouth Beach offers up seven miles of golden, fine sands, with blue flag beaches that are ideal for families who flock there during the summer months.

Read more:

Unexpected Brit beach becomes only one in UK to make it into international top six - Mirror Online

Editors Note: Third in a four-part series on the devastation Hurricane Michael wrought on the Mexico Beach, Fla., community, which is frequented by many southwest Georgians.

MEXICO BEACH, Fla. Slow and easy, sun and sand, food and friends, family and memories ... these are the things the Mexico Beach community has always offered visitors to its little piece of paradise.

I live in paradise, why would I need a vacation? one local said, and she meant that statement.

The members of the local community are the faces visitors remember year after year as they join their family and friends to vacation and make beautiful memories. Familiarity makes a vacation more like a homecoming as families gather to enjoy time together at the quaint beach community that they visit year after year. People have always looked forward to revisiting their favorite places operated by their favorite locals.

Many kicked off their annual vacation by staying at the El Governor motel; their great stay usually started by a friendly greeting and chat with Wiley at check-in. Others stayed year after year with the Wood family at The Driftwood Inn or were married in their small, beautiful chapel and became a part of their unique place on the beach. Days could be spent at the beach, fishing on the pier, or enjoying a game of air hockey or pool at Tommy Ts. Nate and his friendly staff at Mexico Beach Marina offered everything needed for fishing.

Stocking up for the stay required a visit to Gulf Foods and a visit with the friendly and helpful owner Lance and his staff and a quick grab from that deli (where Niece prepared her yummy food).

Meals could be enjoyed in many ways during a stay in Mexico Beach. The Hunter family at The Shell Shack offered many varieties of fresh or steamed fish and seafood, most of it Gulf-caught, and who could forget that delicious smoked fish dip? Michael and Hal, the guys at Killer Seafood, offered a menu that included supreme culinary happiness. Fish tacos and bread bowls filled with steaming goodness in Killer Seafoods own simmering sauce were just a few of the tourist and local favorites.

Mango Marleys homemade chips and freshly made sandwiches and seafood items always made hungry travelers happy. Another community standard for excellent seafood and steaks (and an excellent weekend breakfast) was The Fish House; always an enjoyable experience. Last to be discussed but always first for local flavor both in food and conversation was Sharons Cafe, enjoyed by all who visited.

Everyone shopped for things to take home as treasures to remind them of the time spent on vacation. The Shell Shack always had unique natural shells, artistic creations and local souvenirs that made both adults and children smile. Mayor Catheys Ace Hardware was a hardware store plus a great place to find unique gifts and keepsakes from a vacation. Mexico Beach Marina offered coolers, clothes and outdoor supplies to enjoy.

For decades each visit to Mexico Beach was unique, but the same. Familiar faces and places of the community made time spent there even more enjoyable. On Oct. 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael either damaged or completely destroyed all the businesses mentioned above.

That hurricane, however, did not destroy the fine business people of this community. Many of them are already back in business in some capacity and others are in progress. Mango Marleys Outpost is operating out of a food truck and a military tent and has been serving up delicious food since shortly after the hurricane. Catheys Ace Hardware is open and supplying those working hard to repair and rebuild.

The Killer Seafood mobile unit is ready to go and will be serving soon. Mexico Beach Marina has recently reopened and welcomes everyone to stop and shop. The Hunter family at The Shell Shack is hard at work on the rebuild and will be back in action soon.

Everyone in the Mexico Beach community is recovering, repairing and rebuilding as best they are able. A lot goes into recovering from total destruction and devastation. Each component of this unique community handles each step forward differently. Some businesses sadly will not rebuild and they will be missed.

Huge progress has been made in the year that has passed since Hurricane Michael and will continue for years to come. Mexico Beach will forever be changed. But the people of this small, quaint community strive to rebuild and recover while preserving the individuality of their town.

The rest is here:

Mexico Beach business community wiped out by Michael - The Albany Herald

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. A Florida state senator and other elected officials called for disciplinary action on Friday against a Palm Beach County judge who sentenced a man to 10 days in jail for missing jury service.

15th Circuit Civil Judge John Kastrenakes sentenced 21-year-old DeAndre Somerville to 10 days behind bars last month, put him on probation for a year, and ordered him to complete 150 hours of community service after the young man overslept and missed jury service on Aug. 21.

But after Somerville read a poignant and heartfelt letter of apology in court, Judge Kastrenakes vacated and rescinded Somerville's contempt of court charge and punishment, meaning his record his now clean.

Despite that, State Sen. Bobby Powell (D - West Palm Beach) has called for the Judicial Qualifications Commission to investigate Judge Kastrenakes.

"I was upset, my heart was broken, and to see the reason why [Somerville] was there, I thought and knew it was unacceptable and knew something had to be done," said State Sen. Powell at a news conference Friday morning outside the Palm Beach Count Courthouse.

WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE

Lawmakers call for disciplinary action against Palm Beach County judge in jury duty controversy

"I'm of the belief and understanding that Judge Kastrenakes, in an unjustifiable manner, moved to unfairly punish DeAndre Someville for missing jury duty," said State Sen. Powell.

On Friday, Powell joined Somerville, his attorney Edwin Ferguson, along with other elected officials and community leaders and called for disciplinary action against the judge, claiming he violated the Code of Judicial Conduct.

"It's understandable that the judge would be angry with the disruption," said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. "But with that said, the delay of court was minor, there was no apparent harm to the case. So it's not understandable why a young non-offender was thrown in jail for 10 days, potentially exposed to violenty criminals who would rape and beat him."

Rep. Frankel went on to call Somerville's punishment "cruel and unjust."

Earlier this week, Somerville expressed gratitude for Judge Kastrenakes' decision to rescind his conviction and punishment.

"I'm just glad that he did have a change of heart and he really knows the real me and he sees that I'm not a bad kid," Somerville told WPTV's Michelle Quesada on Tuesday. "I'm just someone who made a bad mistake."

WATCH INTERVIEW

Palm Beach County man thankful after judge's change of heart

Judge Kastrenakes' court order read, in part:

WPTV has reached out to Judge Kastrenakes for a comment, but have not heard back.

In a tweet announcing Friday's news conference, State Sen. Powell wrote:

Court records show Keith Lattimore spent nine days in jail and was sentenced to three months probation after being found guilty of contempt of court back in April.

According to a court order from Judge Kastrenakes, Lattimore appeared for jury selection on Dec. 12, 2018.

However, Lattimore told workers in the court's jury administration office that "(1) he had better things to go than come to court; (2) he didn't believe in coming to court; (3) and he refused to participate in the process. Thereupon, he left the building without permission."

Lattimore "exhibited contemptuous conduct, which directly impeded the due administration of justice," the court order stated.

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Lawmakers to call for disciplinary action against judge - WPTV.com