Monthly Archives: June 2021

Families mourn the loss of three people who drowned in Apollo Beach Nature Reserve – CBS Tampa

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies said three people drowned in the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve over the weekend.

Rajeev Philip traveled to the University of South Florida with one of the victims, Janosh Purackal. He said, “I just started crying because I was just starting to understand that yes he’s not really there and sharing that in person with my parents was a very emotional moment.”

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The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Purackal was swept away by a strong current last Friday.

“He was incredibly smart, but probably the biggest feature is very loyal. Especially from a Christian point of view. He really loved his faith and was very committed to the church, ”said Philip.

Hillsborough County Sheriff officials said Purackal and his three-year-old son Daniel were both caught in the current. Another man, Kristoff Murray, entered to try to save them. Authorities say no one survived.

Austin Flannery with the National Weather Service in Tampa and said, “It breaks our hearts to hear that something as tragic as this is happening.”

Flannery says he’s doing everything he can to help people realize the dangers of reverse currents.

“Education is the best way to move forward to help everyone move forward,” said Flannery.

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Flannery says return currents are narrow streams of water that quickly move away from shore.

“They are very dangerous. The fastest return currents can pull you at a speed of five miles an hour, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer, ”said Flannery.

He says if you get caught in the current don’t try to fight or swim against him.

“The important thing to do is swim parallel to the shore. This is the most important thing you can do until you feel the return current is no longer pulling you out, ”Flannery said.

As the loved ones of a hero and two innocent family members mourn, Philip says he hopes this story can save the lives of other people.

“I guess it’s important that the awareness is there because at least there’s something in your head, you know, ‘I have to be careful,’ Philip said.

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The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a fairly safe area and such drowning has never happened there before.


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Bystander rescues teenager swimming in Blue Lagoon Belmont Reservoir

A teenager was taken to a hospital from a popular beauty spot today after being rescued by a brave member of the public after getting into trouble in the water.

The teenager had gone swimming in the Blue Lagoon – officially known as Ward’s Reservoir – in Belmont earlier in the day to “cool off” but ended up struggling.

Police said a member of the public got to safety and pulled the teenager out of the water before calling emergency services.

They were taken to hospital for treatment and are now recovering, however, police are now pointing out the dangers of swimming in tanks like this.

Blackburn with Darwen Police said: “Police went to ‘The Blue Lagoon’ off Stones Bank Road Darwen today after a report that a young teenager swam in an attempt to cool off.

“Unfortunately, he struggled and one member worried if the public very bravely dragged him out of the water to safety and called the police and ambulance for help.

“While this is commendable, I urge everyone not to swim in these areas because it is not safe.

“We understand the weather was great and you want to enjoy the scenery but use common sense don’t drink or swim in these areas next time maybe it won’t be such a great result. The young man was taken to hospital where he was treated and is recovering.

“Enjoy the rest of your weekend and stay safe.”


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Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Adds New Public Campground – CBS Atlanta

Thinkstock photo credit

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (CW44 News At 10) – The City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department has completed new projects at Boyd Hill Nature Reserve.

Photo credit: stpeteparksrec.org/

The projects include the Terry Tomalin Campground and a 12-site primitive public camping area on the city’s 245-acre nature reserve.

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This project will help serve the city’s vision of educating and inspiring youth and adults to become advocates for nature, sustainable practices and conservation.

“When people think of St. Petersburg, they think of our beautiful waterfront, sunny climate and great museums, but we also have some amazing parks and reserves, and Boyd Hill Nature Reserve is an experience. exciting to immerse yourself in nature, ”said Leisure Services Administrator Mike Jefferis.

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The first phase of the campground can accommodate 12 primitive tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire pit. The campsites have been created from natural openings in the wooded area in order to minimize the environmental impact and to maximize the privacy of the campers.

A second phase will create 12 additional campsites.

Camping at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve was previously only open to organizations, but this new campground is open to individuals and families, being the first public primitive family campground in St. Petersburg.

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The name of the campground honors the late Terry Tomalin, a former Tampa Bay Times outdoor writer and husband of Deputy Mayor and City Administrator Kanika Tomalin, who has supported camping in Boyd Hill Nature Preserve through several service projects in the reserve.


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Harpur Hill Blue Lagoon is the UK’s most dangerous swimming spot

Police are warning tourists to stay away from a dangerous blue lagoon that looks like swimming in a “bleach bath”.

The deceptive lime quarry in Harpur Hill, on the outskirts of Buxton in Derbyshire, has an attractive swimming pool.

However, according to experts, it is “probably the most dangerous water in the UK” and is so toxic it can burn the skin, with high alkaline pH levels that are similar to those of bleach.

Now, due to the current hot weather in the UK, police have issued a new warning to holidaymakers who may be tempted to swim.

Police were forced to make a similar plea last year after around 2,000 people traveled to the area to soak up the sun.

And the police even had to dye the water black to deter visitors.

A sign next to the pool warns that the toxic water could cause “skin and eye irritation, stomach problems, and fungal infections such as thrush.”

And another points out that the lagoon has been used as a dumping ground in the past.

The beautiful body of water is actually home to car wrecks, garbage, feces and dead animals.

Police issued a statement which read: ‘There are a number of disused quarries in Derbyshire and across the country. “

“Many of them are on private land, so in addition to the risk of penalties for trespassing, people swimming in quarry waters put themselves in danger of cold water shock, get injured by hidden objects below the surface or other pollution-related health problems.

“Please don’t put yourself in danger. “

This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission


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Horror of the Blue Lagoon as the magnificent water attracting swimmers is actually a “toxic bleach bath”

Swimmers who flock to a ‘beauty’ of the blue lagoon have been asked to stay away from the ‘bleach bath’.

Brits cooling off in what looks like an Instagram-worthy swimming pool in the Peak District are actually diving into what has been dubbed “possibly the UK’s most dangerous water”.

The ice water from the Harpur Hill Quarry is said to contain old cars, animal carcasses, and even dung beneath its surface, and its caustic cocktail of chemicals can cause skin irritation, thrush, or diseases.

Although police cordoned off the nearby parking lot last year and local authorities turned the lake black, visitors have returned with the recent heat wave.



Swimmers navigate their way through highly toxic quarry water

Not only do swimmers throw their bodies into stagnant water with high alkaline pH levels, neighboring residents have previously complained about receiving abuse and waste, including barbecues and drug paraphernalia.

Derbyshire Police are once again urging people to stay away from the old limestone quarry in Buxton and say they are monitoring the lagoon, Mail Online reports.



Blue Lagoon, at Harpur Hill
Villagers near the quarry have complained of antisocial behavior in the past

A force spokesperson said: “Officers did not receive any reports of anti-social behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the public holiday weekend, but continue to monitor the area and work with law enforcement agencies. partnership to help maintain this over the long term.



"Blue lagoon" black
High Peak City Council has painted the waters black

“There are a number of disused quarries in Derbyshire and across the country.

“Many of them are on private land, so that in addition to the risk of offenses, people swimming in quarry waters are exposed to cold water shock, injury to themselves by objects. hidden below the surface or other pollution-related health problems.

“Please don’t put yourself in danger.”

The Blue Lagoon has already been filled with black plant dye in an attempt to make it less attractive and photogenic, as paid by the High Peak Borough Council.

The lagoon death tactic has been in use since 2012, when the problems with day trippers began to escalate, but it has been dispersed by rain and swimming activity.

Authorities tried to contact the site’s owners to discuss a longer-term solution, but last year they admitted to nothing.


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Urgent warning on the blue lagoon which looks like a “bath full of bleach”

Police have issued a warning to stay away from a blue lagoon that looks like a “bath full of bleach” and have pleaded with locals and day trippers to stay away.

The Blue Lagoon near Buxton is popular with day trippers.

The dangerous lagoon has triggered warnings this week – and it’s all due to its high alkaline pH levels that make it similar to swimming in a ‘bleach bath’.

Last year, reports circulated that people were flouting lockdowns and restrictions to enjoy a day trip to the Derbyshire Blue Lagoon.

A Derbyshire Police spokeswoman urged people to be cautious and think twice before surrendering.



Derbyshire Police urge people not to visit Buxton’s ‘Blue Lagoon’

The force said: “Officers did not receive any reports of anti-social behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the public holiday weekend, but continue to monitor the area and work with partner agencies to help maintain this over a long period.

“There are a number of disused quarries in Derbyshire and across the country.

“Many of them are on private land, so in addition to the risk of sanctions violations, people swimming in quarry waters put themselves in danger of cold water shock, injure themselves by objects hidden below the surface or other pollution-related health problems. “

In its warning, the East Midlands-based force then warns: “Please don’t put yourself in danger.”

Known as the Harpur Hill Quarry, the limestone quarry near Buxton has been described as “possibly the UK’s most dangerous water”.

But police urged people to stay away in a series of social media posts and statements this week.


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Explore Cockroach Bay Nature Reserve in Southern Hillsborough County

Many of us are looking for ways to stay active while staying a safe distance from others. That’s why Sarah Phinney created a “Walking Club” to highlight some hidden and less hidden trails and parks in Tampa Bay.

Consider visiting Cockroach Bay Nature Reserve this weekend! Don’t let the name scare you. There is a good reason for this, and it’s not what you think!

Where is it?

Cockroach Bay Nature Reserve is located in southern Hillsborough County. Put this address in your phone:

3839 Gulf City Road
Ruskin, Florida 33570

The reserve, unlike conservation parks, does not have washrooms or park rangers.

What’s up with the name?

Don’t let the name of this place stop you from visiting!

Chris Kiddy, program coordinator for Hillsborough County’s Land Conservation and Environmental Management Department, says Spanish explorers saw horseshoe crabs in the water and thought they looked like cockroaches. The name stuck!

“It’s not the prettiest name, but once you get here and realize where the name comes from, and you’re here, you realize this place is really beautiful,” Kiddy said.

The region was once agricultural land.

Hillsborough County purchased the land in 1991 and spent two decades restoring habitat. Work completed in 2012.

“Now that whole wetland is acting like a filter to help clean up the Tampa Bay,” Kiddy said.

Visitors will now find a giant mound, made of all the dirt that remained from the project.

Kiddy calls it one of the best places in the bay to watch a sunset.

“You can see the Skyway, St. Pete and Tampa Bay,” he said.

And the trails?

There is a red run and a blue run. The red trail is about half a mile and takes you around the mound.

The blue trail is just over a mile and takes you around a pond. Kiddy says the area attracts bird watchers. In fact, he says, according to eBird, it tops the list in Hillsborough County.

“This site has more listed species than people have identified than any other site in the county,” Kiddy said.

Visitors should be aware that shade is limited, especially on the blue trail. Plan accordingly!

Want to get out on the water?

You can launch your kayak, canoe or boat at the end of Cockroach Bay Road.

There are two trails for paddlers. The Horseshoe Crab Canoe Trail goes south. The Snook Canoe trail heads north.

“Really great kayaking trails, they go through mangrove tunnels,” Kiddy said.

There are no rentals available at the moment, but guided tours are available several times a year.

Sign up for the Hillsborough County Trailblazer newsletter to be notified of upcoming trips.

Join the walking club!

Post photos of your adventures, ask questions and find out about upcoming #WalkingClub stories in the Sarah’s Walking Club group on Facebook!

You can also follow Sarah on Instagram and Twitter



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Police warn to stay away from dangerous blue lagoon “like swimming in a bath of bleach”

Police have issued a new warning not to swim in the disused quarries as they continue to monitor a “dangerous” blue lagoon in the Peak District.

The limestone quarry, known as Harpur Hill Quarry, has been described as “possibly the UK’s most dangerous water”.

Indeed, its high alkaline pH makes it similar to swimming in a “bleach bath”.

Derbyshire Police say they continue to monitor the lagoon and urge people not to risk swimming in disused quarries.

For the latest email updates from South Yorkshire Live, Click here .

In May of last year, the force issued a warning after about 2,000 people flocked there in hot weather.

The force said it received no reports of antisocial behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the recent bank holiday weekend.

However, they urge people to think twice before heading into disused careers.

A force spokesperson said: “Officers did not receive any reports of anti-social behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the public holiday weekend, but continue to monitor the area and work with law enforcement agencies. partnership to help maintain this over the long term.



The water in the quarry has a dangerous pH

“There are a number of disused quarries in Derbyshire and across the country.

“Many of them are on private land, so that in addition to the risk of offenses, people swimming in quarry waters are exposed to cold water shock, injury to themselves by objects. hidden below the surface or other pollution-related health problems.

“Please don’t put yourself in danger.”

It comes as two teenagers lost their lives after swimming in open water in Yorkshire last week.

Sam Haycock, 16, tragically lost his life after jumping to help a friend at Ulley Reservoir in Rotherham on Friday May 28.

Despite an extensive search by emergency services, his body was found soon after.

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Four days later, a 13-year-old boy was killed after playing in the Calder River in Brighouse on Tuesday, June 1.

The boy’s body was found after hours of urgent searches by specialized teams of police and firefighters.

He was playing with friends in the river near Armytage Road but struggled.

Police were called at 2:38 p.m. and were joined at the scene by firefighters, paramedics and an air ambulance.

West Yorkshire Police also reiterated a message to think twice before swimming in open water.

The force said on Wednesday: “We would like to remind the public of the dangers of swimming in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals.

“Thinking of taking a dip to cool off from the hot weather?”

“Please think again. “


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People have warned to stay away from the blue lagoon which looks like a ‘bleach bath’

Police have warned people not to swim in the disused quarries as they monitor a “dangerous” blue lagoon in the Peak District.

The old quarry near Buxton, known as Harpur Hill Quarry, is popular with day trippers, but has been labeled “probably the UK’s most dangerous water”.

Indeed, its high alkaline pH makes it similar to swimming in a “bleach bath”.

Derbyshire Police say they continue to monitor the lagoon and urge people not to risk swimming in disused quarries – Yorkshire Live reports.

In May of last year, the force issued a warning after about 2,000 people flocked there in hot weather.

The force said it received no reports of antisocial behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the recent bank holiday weekend.

But, they urge people to think twice before heading into disused careers.

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A force spokesperson said: “Officers did not receive any reports of anti-social behavior around the Harpur Hill quarry over the public holiday weekend, but continue to monitor the area and work with law enforcement agencies. partnership to help maintain this over the long term.

“There are a number of disused quarries in Derbyshire and across the country.

“Many of them are on private land, so that in addition to the risk of offenses, people swimming in quarry waters are exposed to cold water shock, injury to themselves by objects. hidden below the surface or other pollution-related health problems.

“Please don’t put yourself in danger.”



Derbyshire Police urge people not to visit Buxton’s ‘Blue Lagoon’

It comes as two teenagers lost their lives after swimming in open water in Yorkshire last week.

Sam Haycock, 16, tragically lost his life after jumping to help a friend at Ulley Reservoir in Rotherham on Friday May 28.

Despite an extensive search by emergency services, his body was found soon after.

Four days later, a 13-year-old boy was killed after playing in the Calder River in Brighouse on Tuesday, June 1.

The boy’s body was found after hours of urgent searches by specialized teams of police and firefighters.

He was playing with friends in the river near Armytage Road but struggled.

Police were called at 2:38 p.m. and were joined at the scene by firefighters, paramedics and an air ambulance.

West Yorkshire Police also reiterated a message to think twice before swimming in open water.

The force said on Wednesday: “We would like to remind the public of the dangers of swimming in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals.

“Thinking of taking a dip to cool off from the hot weather?”

“Please think again. “


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Garman nature reserve orientation trail signage unveiled | Jefferson County Area

WATERLOO – On Saturday, May 22, the new trail orientation signage for the Dr JS Garman nature reserve was officially unveiled in Waterloo.

For the event, supporters gathered for a guided tour at the entrance to the Garman Reserve and encountered the first of 18 colorful art panels by artist Ho-Chunk Christopher Sweet. The delicate yet powerful graphics advised visitors to “take care of this special place” and informed viewers that the Ho Chunk are the people of the great voice, the original people of this region.

The recently completed Cultural / Natural Orientation and Interpretation Project installation at Garman Nature Reserve is the culmination of two years of work with a group of volunteers, the Ho-Chunk Tribe and a design company.

“This is something that we are all extremely proud of and hopefully will be appreciated by all who see it,” said Kevin Wiesmann, Acting Director of Jefferson County Parks.

The Parks Department worked with local volunteers and Group 106 to develop this series of interpretive signs that guide visitors through the nature reserve and provide an understanding of the features of the reserve, including the 22 conical Indian mounds, glacial features, geology and common plants and animals found in the reserve.

The new signage also indicates the layout of the trails and places to locate the giant yellow hyssop (Agastache nepetoides), a plant species on the endangered species list of the state of Wisconsin.

Hikers through the park might think they are in an art gallery as each of the orientation signs encountered features another expressive and imaginative design.

“My mind is always trying to find the right path in a painting, so when I start a process sometimes there are a few ideas layered under the finished job,” Sweet explained. “It can be a long journey, but it’s still a therapeutic experience.”

Sweet’s Ho-Chunk name is Huuc Co Blue Bear, and he attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM

The new interpretive and orientation signage of the trails of the Garman Nature Reserve only adds to the natural beauty of the reserve.

Mary Truman, Jefferson County Parks Program Assistant, put it best: “If you are lost in the hustle and bustle of life, Garman Nature Reserve is a peaceful and serene remedy. Come and get lost in the reserve. You will meet again.

Now with the addition of these directional signage the journey just gets better.

In 2003, this 40-acre wooded hill, now the Dr. JS Garman Nature Reserve, was donated to Jefferson County by Mrs. Theo Garman in memory of her late husband, John.

Part of the county park system, Garman Nature Reserve is located at 701 Fox Lane in Waterloo. The Waterloo Regional Trailhead facility is adjacent to the property.


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