Upcoming Events
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2010 Jamboree On The Air
The Scout's annual Jamboree On The Air is on the radar again and getting closer. The event is scheduled for the weekend of October 16-17 and will be held at the same location as Field Day: 13723 Atlantic Blvd. We'd really like to help the Scouts advance their knowledge and work towards their Radio merit badge. Please take a moment to read more about the event.
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Presentation Notice
We will be making meeting presentations available when possible. These can be found under the Documents section.
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Inter-District Exercise and Simulated Emergency Test
As a Northeast Florida Amateur Radio Operator, you have an opportunity to exercise your communication skills in a very prominent, public manner this October. The MS-150 Bike Tour - Florida will take place October 2 and 3, 2010. This two-day event will cover three counties and involve over 30 local Amateur Radio Operators from various groups, as well as individuals. Please take a moment to visit the official event website.
The MS-150 organizers are very excited to partner with the Northeast Florida Amateurs this year. Doug Carter, N4FPS, DEC Crown District ARES and Mike Lee, WB6RTH, DEC East Coast District ARES are teaming their two ARES districts to form a unique communications structure for the entire MS-150 event. There will be a seamless communications network that utilizes two repeaters, one central command, one sweep vehicle, several SAG vehicles and multiple rest stop stations.
The planning for this event has already begun. There will be something to do for every Amateur Radio participant and there is no requirement to belong to ARES to participate. The only requirement to participate in this event will be to commit yourself to the event. The expectation of all participants is to attend at lease one of the two "dry run" tests prior to the actual event. If you decide to join this event, the rewards you can expect in return will me many. This will serve as our ARES 2010 Simulated Emergency Test (SET).
The event will be conducted under The NIMS Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS is a protocol of how personnel, policies, procedures, facilities, resources and equipment all work together in an organized structure to respond to an emergency or prevent a crisis from occurring. Incident command systems are generally designed so that cooperation between several different agencies and organizations spanning various jurisdictions is structured under a firm guideline. Incident command systems put a general focus on communication and structure so that a response to a national crisis or major event are both efficient and effective.
Please follow this link and submit your application. We will contact you very soon with your next steps. Contact me if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to having you join us.
73, Pete KC1SS EC St Johns County ARES
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Tropical Storm Outlook
Medium-Potential Disturbance #1
Florida is not taking this storm for granted and we expect a hit in the next 48 hours. It may be a CAT 1 storm at that time and there is little information on what it will do in the Gulf at this time when it exits land. It may, however, hit again at anyplace in the western panhandle and could be reformed into a CAT 1 or 2 hurricane since the Gulf water is so hot.
We can not overemphasize the phrase "Get A Plan" - do it NOW! Now is the time to ensure your go-bags and go-kits are ready at a moment's notice. If you haven't done so already please make it a priority.
Tropics Update 7/21/2010
Hot Topics
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2010 ARRL Field Day
Field Day 2010 has come and gone. It was another successful event with old and new friends alike. Thanks to everyone that came out and enjoyed the weekend with us. Check back later for a complete update.
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Background Checks
Duval County ARES has a new policy regarding background checks. Please click 'Read More' to learn about this policy.
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Temporary D-STAR Repeater Installed
The D-STAR repeater is running in its temporary location at the EOC in St. Johns County. It does not currently have Gateway access but most base stations in Duval should be able to access it. Hopefully the permanent install on the high tower will be completed soon. The frequency is 145.360 (-600)
Radio Settings
ur: CQCQCQ
rpt1: KJ4RYF C.
rtp2: KJ4RYF G -
ARES Deployment Registration
If you have a desire to deploy as needed (and as your schedule and availability allow) within the Northern Florida section and throughout the state you MUST be registered in the ARES database. This is required for any incidents involving state or Federal participation. It is NOT required for local deployments such as to Duval County hurricane shelters. If you have the ability to deploy to help our neighbors in their time of need you are highly encouraged to click here to register.
Recent Events
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Sheriff's Advisory Council Safety Fair
The annual ShAdCo Safety Fair was held at the Avenues Mall on August 7 from 10am - 2pm. More than 80 displays were be presented including helicopters from JSO and Trauma One, fire trucks and members of the mounted and canine units. Information on crime prevention, volunteer Sheriff's Advisory Councils, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies will be available. Free children's bicycle helmets will be offered by Wolfson Children's Hospital; free children's electronic fingerprints and photographs by the U.S. Secret Service; and free blood pressure screening by the Red Cross. And, of course, Duval County ARES was on hand to expose the public to the wonderful world of Amateur Radio and emergency communications and we had some excellent visits.
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2010 Hurricane Shelter Drill
Thanks to all of the volunteers that visited the various shelters around town. We did find one antenna that needed repair so it was certainly a valuable exercise.
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2010 Tour de Cure a Success!
2010 marks the first year of official sponsorship of the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure bike ride. This is a fun event that includes two course routes of 100K and 100M. The ride takes you through some Florida scenery that you may have never seen.
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2010 National Hurricane Conference
The conference runs March 29 - April 2. Several North Florida members attended or are attending to learn more about the role Amateur Radio can play in these natural disasters.
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St. Johns River Cleanup
On March 20, 2010 Duval ARES coordinated communications for the river cleanup project. It was a great event for the community and over 1500 bags of trash were collected throughout the city. The event culminated with a lunch and celebration at Metro Park. Thanks to all of our volunteers!
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Gate River Run
The 2010 River Run was another success for Duval County ARES. Thanks to all our volunteers!
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26.2 with Donna Marathon
Once again, Duval ARES had a great showing for the 2010 26.2 with Donna — The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer.
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December 2009 SET Drill
The SET 'LOST GIRL' winners were:
- First Place: Mikey "Firebird" Schmuckle, assisted by Sandy "Sky King" Ingle
- Second Place: Scott "K2LSF" Freudenthal
- Third Place: Christian "Dark Star" Ledonne, assisted by Harrison "Prince Harry" Fitzgerald.
- Note: All first and third place winners are members of BSA Troop 128.
Duval ARES & BARS Field Day on ActionNews
Reporter Ashley Coleman visited the Marshside campus of Neptune Baptist Church to learn more about Duval County ARES, Field Day, and emergency communications.
Annual Christmas Dinner
The 2009 ARES Christmas dinner was held at the Regency Picadilly.
Current Weather Conditions
