I have recently observed at least two small fuzzy bobbing heads in our backyard hawk nest. It’s very hard to get a decent photo since the trees have begun to leaf out, but here’s one. Look carefully to the left of the watchful parent:

I will keep watching and sharing!

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (May 23, 2019) – With the unofficial start of summer set for this weekend Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken reminds residents and visitors of Gloucester’s important beach rules and regulations.

Mayor Romeo Theken said, “We are looking forward to another great beach season here in Gloucester. All residents and visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with rules, regulations, and parking information. While at the beach, please be considerate of the City’s rules & regulations, other beach goers and the environment. Have fun, be safe and enjoy!”

Carry In/Carry Out Policy

The City of Gloucester has adopted a Carry In/Carry Out policy at Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches. Trash bags are available at each ticket booth and visitors should be prepared to carry out any trash when leaving the beach. Refuse should be disposed of once you get home.

Mayor Romeo Theken said, “Please help keep our beaches beautiful and follow the common and courteous practice of “Carry In/Carry Out.”

Prohibited Items/Activities

For the safety and enjoyment of others, the City’s regulations prohibit the following items and/or activities:

·         Littering

·         Smoking or Vaping

·         Flotation devices of any type

·         Surf Boards

·         Tents or shelters with the exception of sun shades and umbrellas

·         Radios, portable stereos, so-called “boom boxes”, etc.

·         Dogs

·         Alcoholic beverages

·         Bottle and glass containers

·         Open fires of any type

Before entering any beach visitors should take a moment and review all signage to ensure that rules and regulations are not inadvertently violated.

Wildlife

Recent ordinance changes have been implemented to protect wildlife. Per the Code of Ordinances Sec. 4-2 and 4-3, enacted March 2019, no person shall disturb, harass, harbor or feed directly or indirectly gulls, waterfowls or crows on any beach or other public property. Additionally, there is an endangered/threatened wildlife buffer zone at Good Harbor Beach. This buffer zone is 50 feet around an area established designated as protected for wildlife.  Prohibited activities in the buffer zone include wiffle ball, frisbee, soccer, volleyball, paddle ball, kites, inflatable balls and any other activities that involve objects that can fly or roll into the restricted area. Violations are subject to a $300 fine.

Beach Rules/Ordinances

Additional items prohibited from our beaches for the health, safety, or enjoyment of our vast number of beach goers are listed in the full beach regulations, which can be found here. Also, information relative to City beaches within the Code of Ordinances is available here.

Beach Stickers

As a reminder, the City of Gloucester is now accepting for beach stickers for the 2019 season. The requirements and instructions for the Beach Sticker Application, as well as beach sticker costs, can be found  here.

Beach sticker applications are available for download on the City’s website or in-person in the Kyrouz Auditorium at Gloucester City Hall. In-person sale hours will be Monday – Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. Gloucester residents with a valid vehicle registration can also purchase a temporary beach sticker (voucher) at the beach through mid-June.

Parking & Daily Parking Rates

Non-resident parking is limited at Gloucester beaches. On hot or busy days, when the beaches are at capacity, residents only (with beach stickers) will be admitted. Visitors should plan accordingly and arrive early. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. and are locked at 9:00 p.m.

Just last month, City Council voted to increase parking rates for Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches.

Current rates are set at the following:

Vehicle Type	Weekday Rates	Weekends & Holiday Rates
Passenger Car, SW, mini-van, SUV 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.	$30.00	$35.00
Passenger Car, SW, mini-van, SUV 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	$20.00	$25.00
Motorcycle	$5.00	$10.00
Van (8+ Seats)	$35.00	$40.00
Bus (13+ Seats)	$40.00	$50.00
Bus (26+ Seats)	$45.00	$55.00

Stay Informed

The City of Gloucester encourages all to follow @Gloubeaches on Facebook for additional beach information including notification when beaches are at capacity.

Additional Information

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Restrooms and showers are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. Please note that if the ticket booth closes early due to inclement weather the restrooms and showers may as well. Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches are handicapped accessible.

Mayor Romeo Theken said, “The City of Gloucester looks forward to a positive interaction with you, your family and friends.”

via @capeannlicenseplate

Congratulations to 2019 Gloucester Small Business Person Of The Year Rosaria Giambanco-Floyd, Soft Touch Hair Salon. There is no doubt she loves Cape Ann, her car sports her own Cape Ann License Plate. Order a Cape Ann License Plate today at Lovecapeann.com and show your love everywhere you go!