Month: July 2021

2021-07-10@12:45PMish–Stratford CT– A blue Dodge Caravan was taken at gunpoint at the Cumberland Farms according to radio reports.

This news report is made possible by:

Westport, CT – The Town is pleased to announce the launch of its new economic opportunity website, Choosewestport.com. Choosewestport.com is a public partnership between commercial developers, real estate agents and the Town.  It describes the benefits of opening and operating a business in Westport. A planned coordinated digital marketing campaign will attract people to the site where they can learn about Westport’s entrepreneurial attractions and real estate opportunities. 

The initial Choosewestport.com marketing campaign targets small businesses, entrepreneurs and other professionals currently operating in the metro region. The campaign will invite interested parties to explore the benefits of locating and/or relocating to Westport and will focus on sustaining and increasing the current interest in Westport’s commercial markets.

First Selectman Jim Marpe stated, “the Choosewestport.com website speaks to the vibrant economy in this community. It will provide a sustainable forum and a gateway to the existing network of successful entrepreneurs and professionals in Westport that is both inspiring and enriching.  If you are the leader of a startup, an established business, or are affiliated with a larger organization and need a local satellite office as you transition from work-from-home, we encourage you to look at the opportunities that exist here in Westport.”

In 2019, the Town issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) from qualified marketing firms to advertise the benefits of living and working in Fairfield County.  Westport-based branding firm, The Visual Brand, was chosen to create the website, creative content and arrange the digital advertisements.  Since that time, videos have been created to document local business success stories in the retail, small business, and financial services sectors. Kitt Shapiro of retail store West, Matt Levey and Tom Donigan, co-founders of Field Trip Snacks, and Justin and Christy Charise of Saugatuck Financial are spokespeople in those videos. 

Randy Herbertson, Principal of The Visual Brand and Chair of the Downtown Planning & Implementation Committee noted, “Those of us who live and work in Westport enjoy the vibrancy, amenities and community of Westport.  These are all marketable assets, and the timing is ripe for attracting new business and enhancing Westport’s exposure beyond our own lines.  Thank you to Leifer Properties and David Adam Realty for contributing to this effort.”

Choosewestport.com also has a platform to support existing businesses in Westport. A separate forthcoming video campaign is directed at attracting the best and most diverse workforce into Westport. This campaign focuses on local business and Town government employees who explain their reasons why they love working in Westport and why they find the Town to be an inclusive community.  These videos will be available for use by all local businesses to recruit successful entrepreneurs and to direct interest in Westport.

Westport Operations Director Sara Harris stated, “Westport will be monitoring the metrics of the digital advertisements to ensure the campaign is meeting its goals.  It is a very scalable initiative that can be altered or enhanced as new needs arise in the business community in Westport. We continue to invite more private investment into Choosewestport.com.  Any commercial entity that wishes to join the collaborative partnership can reach out to me for more information at Sharris@westportct.gov.”

This press release was made possible by:

2021-07-09@10:28pm– The first vehicle fire was a Horace and Essex Street. That fire burnt the cable lines on the pole it was parked under so if you live in the area and the cable went out this is why. @11:06pm Another vehicle fire in the 1900 block of Main Street.

This news report is made possible by:

#Bridgeport CT–Due to State Regulations for “Marine Bathing” water needs to be tested after heavy rains. 

Seaside Park Beach, Seabright Ave, and Lake Forest are closed 7/9/2021-7/12/2021 and re-opening on 7/13/2021.  

Residents are permitted on sand, however entering water is not permissible. 

In other words, if you want to go swimming in the sound with a Marine you still have to wait for the waters to be tested.

This press release was made possible by:

#Bridgeport News: This morning, Giovanni Ramos (ODB: 4/7/2000 of 978 Howard Avenue) surrendered himself to Detective Cintron to face charges for the June 30^th shooting death of John Patrick. Detective Cintron, who investigated the case, obtained an arrest warrant for Ramos charging him with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Theft of a Firearm, Tampering with Evidence, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, and Use of a Firearm in an A, B, or C Felony. His is being held on a $100,000 bond.

2021-07-09@9:49am–#Westport CT– Loud explosion’s have been heard at the substation at Compo Road South. Unknown if the power is out.

This news report is made possible by:

2021-07-09@9:29pm–#Bridgeport CT– A car has hit Dollar General at 577 Fairfield Avenue. Damage is minor but building inspector still requested toe the scene.

HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut emergency management officials are reminding Connecticut residents that with the height of hurricane season just around the corner, they should take the steps necessary to prepare for any type of severe weather that may impact the state. The Atlantic hurricane season runs each year from June 1 to November 30, with the principal threat period for Connecticut occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has issued a memo to their counterparts at the municipal level with guidance for the 2021 hurricane season.

“It’s never too early to make sure you and your family are prepared for natural disasters,” Governor Lamont said. “Hurricane season is part of our reality in New England, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure our residents stay safe, including reminding everyone about the steps they can take to protect themselves, such as making an emergency plan and pulling together emergency kits. A few small steps like these can go a long way, and save you time in the event that you need to act quickly.”

Governor Lamont is also encouraging residents to download the state’s CTPrepares app for their mobile devices. The app, which can be downloaded at no charge from the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store, provides Connecticut residents with information that is useful in emergency situations, and also gives preparedness tips in advance of an emergency.

“Emergency management is constantly evolving as we train, exercise, and prepare for the next storm,” Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James C. Rovella said. “So as summer and fall approach, now is the time for residents and business owners to prepare for severe weather, including tropical storms and hurricanes. Staying informed by listening to trusted news and weather sources, knowing where your local shelters are, and knowing your evacuation zone will help you make important decisions to keep you and your family safe should a storm impact the state.”

“As Connecticut has reopened and we are recovering from the effects of COVID-19, we shouldn’t lose sight of hurricane season and doing all that we can to protect our property and loved ones,” Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais said. “Taking precautions and adequately preparing before catastrophe strikes is essential.”

Commissioner Mais says policyholders should discuss with their agent, broker, or insurance company if their current insurance coverage is still appropriate and adequate. In addition, consumers should take this time to make sure they fully understand their policy’s deductibles, including hurricane deductibles or voluntary wind deductibles. Commissioner Mais also remind residents that damage from flooding is excluded from homeowners, condo, and renters insurance, but separate policies can be purchased from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer with a standard 30-day waiting period. The Connecticut Insurance Department recommends consumers work with their insurance agent to compare quotes from both the NFIP and from privately owned insurance companies to make financially-sound choices on how to better manage their flood risk.

The following list includes some hurricane preparedness tips for residents:

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• A whistle to signal for help
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Food and litter requirements for any pets
• Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants
• Cleaning supplies that disinfect for COVID-19 and face masks should they be needed at a shelter

Family emergency plan

• Be sure you and family members are aware of local shelter locations and your evacuation zone, especially if you live along the shoreline.
• Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
• Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life.
• Subscribe to alert services through CTAlert. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register.

Protecting your possessions

• It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
• Review your policy with an agent or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
• Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
• Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.

This press release was made possible by:

2021-07-08@12:15PMish– #Bridgeport CT– Viewers reported to me that there was a home invasion on Jewett Avenue near Peet Street. An elderly woman was followed home and the home invader forced his was in to her home by an armed suspect. The suspected got away on foot with nothing for his troubles. This is the type of warning along with other crimes of opportunity until Mayor Ganim took the access to the Bridgeport Police radio access away from the press, giving the illusion of a crime free city

This news report is made possible by: