Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10:51 AM
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Solar eclipses to draw masses over 2 years

BOERNE – City staff and officials, along with several area partners, met Sept. 20 for a safety planning meeting ahead of two solar eclipses set to occur in the Hill Country over the next couple years.

BOERNE – City staff and officials, along with several area partners, met Sept. 20 for a safety planning meeting ahead of two solar eclipses set to occur in the Hill Country over the next couple years.

The Tuesday meeting, held at the Boerne Fire Department, is the third of what will be several meetings ahead of an annular eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, and a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. While the annular eclipse is expected to bring in large numbers of visitors, the total eclipse will be the biggest draw.

An annular solar eclipse refers to the solar event when the moon covers the center of the sun, creating a “ring of fire” around the moon’s edge.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flood Boerne and the Hill Country to witness these natural phenomena as the city will be in the path of both eclipses. Staff, joined by our community partners, has begun planning and perparing to ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy the eclipses.

“The population of Boerne and Kendall County could easily double the weekend of the total solar eclipse,” Boerne Fire Marshal Robert Lee said. “Community preparedness and the safety of our residents are paramount. We are confident that by working collaboratively we will be ready.”

Led by Lee, the meeting was attended by several city staffers from police, fire, parks and recreation, Visit Boerne and communications. Also in attendance were officials from Kendall County, the Texas Department of Transportation, H-E-B, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Bandera Electric, Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, local hospitals and local businesses.

Several work groups have been established to coordinate preparation efforts,

including:

Traffic Planning and Law Enforcement – Led by Lt. James Schmidt with the Boerne Police Department Parks – Led by Donnie Bergmann with Boerne Parks and Recreation Radio and Cellular

Communications – Led by Jeff Fincke, Kendall County emergency management coordinator EMS Readiness – Led by Brian Webb, Kendall County EMS director Fire Response Readiness – Led by Robert Lee with the Boerne Fire Marshal’s Office Logistics – Led by BPD Chief Steve Perez Additional information will be shared with the public in the months leading up to the events as decisions are finalized for eclipse viewing areas, traffic management, land use/camping for visitors and more. The City staff has set up a webpage for eclipse information. Visit Boerne-Eclipse.com to stay up to date on preparations and learn more about the eclipses.

The next eclipse planning meeting is scheduled for March 21.


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