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USVI Academic Institutions Temporarily Shut Due to Weather Disturbances from Tropical Storm Philippe

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In light of the adverse weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Philippe, the Virgin Islands Department of Education has announced a temporary halt in operations across all educational facilities within the territory. Despite the forecast indicating that the storm is likely to spare both the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico from a direct hit, the National Weather Service based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, predicts persistent heavy rain and gusty winds through to Thursday.

Situated east-northeast from the local islands, Philippe’s outer rainbands are slated to bring considerable precipitation to the area, with the U.S. Virgin Islands expected to bear the brunt of these weather disturbances. While the direct fury of the storm’s winds may bypass the territories, the ensuing weather disruptions necessitate a cautious stance among the residents.

Among the regions in the storm’s trajectory, the U.S. Virgin Islands alongside Culebra, Vieques, and the northern and eastern segments of Puerto Rico are projected to experience the most notable rainfall. Alongside the heavy downpours and thunderstorms, brief gusty winds, ranging from 30-40 mph, are anticipated. Coastal dwellers are particularly urged to exercise caution due to expected turbulent seas and the risk of perilous rip currents along the Atlantic coastlines and beaches.

Beyond the cessation of academic activities, the Department of Education has instructed all vital personnel, including kitchen crew, custodial staff, maintenance teams, and administrative cohorts, to convene at their respective campuses for evaluations. State and district staff are also mandated to report to their allocated work sites. As events progress, the department remains committed to closely monitoring the weather trends and ensuring the community stays well-informed regarding any further decisions impacting school operations.

Community members are encouraged to stay abreast of the latest storm updates and adhere to essential safety protocols to mitigate the risks posed by Tropical Storm Philippe.

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USVI Community Pulse

New Parking Fee at Fort Christianvaern Starting Dec. 11

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Beginning December 11, visitors to Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted, St. Croix, will need to pay a $10 daily parking fee, as announced by the National Park Service (NPS). This new automated payment system, located at the parking lot’s entrance, will facilitate payments exclusively via debit and credit cards, as cash transactions will not be available.

The NPS has implemented this fee to generate additional revenue, aimed at enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The funds collected will be strategically invested in improving the park’s facilities and infrastructure, contributing to a more enjoyable and well-maintained environment for all guests.

Parking will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. To ensure the safety and proper use of the parking lot, vehicles left after 5:00 p.m. may be towed at the owner’s expense, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the stipulated hours.

The NPS encourages the continued use of the parking lot at the Christiansted Historical site, highlighting its safety and convenience for both town and park visitors. They anticipate positive public cooperation with these changes.

For further inquiries or to address any concerns, individuals can contact Chief Ranger Gabriel Laurencin at [email protected] or call 340-773-1460 for assistance.

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USVI Community Pulse

St. Croix Prepares for Dazzling Christmas Boat Parade with Parking and Traffic Regulations

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The picturesque island of St. Croix is abuzz with excitement as it gears up for the much-anticipated annual Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, December 9. This festive highlight draws crowds to Christiansted’s scenic boardwalk, prompting the V.I. Police Department to enforce specific parking restrictions and road closures for a seamless event experience.

Key measures implemented by the VIPD in preparation for the parade, a cornerstone of St. Croix’s holiday celebrations, include:

  • A parking ban on Queen Cross Street, from Riddims to the Caravelle Casino, effective 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight). This measure is essential for vendor setup and smooth parade preparations.
  • King Street will also be subject to a no-parking policy from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight). This restriction encompasses the stretch from Florence Williams Library to Government House and includes the vicinity from Strand Lane (Purple Papaya) to King Street.

To ensure public safety and efficient traffic management, roadblocks will be in place at the intersection of King Street and King Cross Street (near the Library), commencing at 11:00 a.m. and lasting until midnight. Access during this time will be limited to vendors and officials associated with the Boat Parade Committee.

The Christmas Boat Parade is an iconic tradition in St. Croix, attracting thousands to the Christiansted boardwalk for a magical evening. The event is renowned for its display of intricately decorated boats, illuminating the night with festive lights, culminating in a stunning fireworks show.

The VIPD extends its gratitude to the community for cooperating with these traffic and parking arrangements, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a safe, enjoyable holiday experience for all attendees.

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USVI Community Pulse

Ford Initiates Major Recall of Over 45,000 Vehicles Due to Door Latch Concerns

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Ford Motor Company has begun issuing notices to owners of select models, specifically the 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and the 2016 Lincoln MKZ, regarding a critical safety issue identified in these vehicles.

The company disclosed in mid-November the discovery of a defect in the door latches of certain vehicles. The defect involves a latch component that may break, potentially making the door difficult to secure or, in some cases, allowing it to open unexpectedly during travel.

Notably, some of these vehicles are known to have been sold and registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In response, Ford dealerships are conducting thorough inspections of the door latches on affected vehicles, with a directive to replace all four side door latches at no cost to the vehicle owner if they find any issues.

Vehicle owners who prefer immediate action rather than waiting for postal notifications can access further information by reaching out to Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

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