🌱 Firefighter Dies In Car Accident + Dangerous Marine Conditions

Good morning and happy Wednesday-before-Thanksgiving. The good news: if you don't make it to the grocery store today, most stores will be open on Thanksgiving. The bad news: grocery shopping on Thanksgiving is stressful. No way around that.

So before you tackle your list of errands for today (and yeah, work too), check out the latest news and stories from across the territory.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 83 Low: 72.

Here are the top stories in US Virgin Islands today:

1. The V.I. Fire Service announced that one of their firefighters was killed in a vehicle crash on Monday on St. John. The service released the following statement, "while returning to their duty station after training, two firefighters were involved in a motor vehicle accident on St. John that tragically took the life of one of the firefighters and injured the other."(Virgin Islands Daily News)
2. A powerful, northerly swell is expected to kick up along the coast of St. Thomas starting on Thanksgiving Day, according to the National Weather Service. The latest forecast calls for waves up to 10 feet and dangerous rip currents. Experts say the northerly swell will cause "hazardous marine and coastal conditions" that will last through the weekend. (The Source)
3. Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. reminded folks to stay COVID-safe this holiday season. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion emphasized his point by saying, "it is important to limit gatherings to small groups, wear a mask over your nose and mouth, wash your hands frequently, and most importantly, get vaccinated to protect your family.” Governor Bryan also emphasized vaccines, though, in a change of pace from his usual tone, he acknowledged that getting a vaccine should be a personal choice. "I really think it’s a person’s personal choice whether they want to take the vaccine or not. I realize it was driving a rift in our community by putting the people who are vaccinated against the people who aren’t vaccinated. That’s just not good." (The Source)
4. Here's a video worth watching. Volunteers on St. Croix spent the last two weeks rebuilding the Midre Cummings Playground in Frederiksted. Check out this short video tracking their progress. (Virgin Islands Consortium)

Today's US Virgin Islands Daily is brought to you by Newrez. When house hunting, choosing the right mortgage is one of the most important steps. Here’s why playing it smart with your mortgage can save you cash. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in US Virgin Islands:

• Q&A with VI State Historic Preservation Office Director (10:00 a.m.)
• Tarot & Cocktails (4:00 p.m.)

US Virgin Islands Patch Notebook

• Check out the latest updates from the National Park regarding the future of Caneel Bay (Twitter)
• Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands is shouting out Anya Stuart, Director of the Family Resource Center, Inc. and 2021 David Hamilton Jackson award recipient, for her 20 years of service to the community! (Facebook)
• Four days left to place your bid in the Villas For The Park Auction. All proceeds make a difference in helping protect and preserve Virgin Islands National Park. (Facebook)
• The Firefighter who died in a single-car accident on St. John on Monday has been identified as Kasey Callwood. "On Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, Callwood and another firefighter were returning to the fire station from a training exercise in a department apparatus when they were involved in a single vehicle accident. The apparatus overturned and Firefighter Kasey Callwood passed away at the scene. The other firefighter was taken to the hospital and released." (Facebook)

Feature your local business here in the US Virgin Islands Daily for just $79/month. Click here to learn more.

That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: I'm the Patch Community News Editor for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm here to provide news you can use. Do you have a news tip, question or feedback? Please contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.