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NEW CKPOTTERY 2019
HURRICANE AWARENESS
AND HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY
May 26, 2016

Engineered by Commissioner Sue Colson, Fire Chief/Emergency Operations Officer Robert Robinson, Police Chief Virgil Sandlin, and Public Works Director Bill Crandley with Brian Hancock and Norm Hodge, Cedar Key’s Hurricane Awareness and Hazardous Waste Day 2016, succeeded in its goals:   well over seventy individuals spent time learning from presenters knowledgeable about safety and hurricanes in the Community Center and many more delivered their household wastes and also came inside for a little learning and a great hot dog.

CEDAR KEY

The Cedar Key Woman’s Club fed everyone who labored or visited, many of them twice, so good were the hot dogs, lemonade, and brownies, cookies, and other assorted desserts.  Susan Rosenthal, Rosemary Denisi, Eileen Senecal, Chris Black, Susan Hollingsworth, and Judy Treharne smilingly served the crews.

Cedar Key Police Chief Virgil Sandlin and City Clerk Assistant Crystal Sharp reminded visitors that their Cedar Key Police-issued Hurricane Reentry Pass is the only way, the only admission ticket, back onto the island if evacuated.  In response to residents saying “I don’t need a pass; Virgil and other city people know me,” Sandlin responded, “That won’t work.  The person who ‘knows’ you may be performing some other disaster-related business when you arrive.  Everyone needs the Reentry Pass.”

 

Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager John McPherson and Administrative Secretary Anne Richburg reminded visitors that when a mandatory evacuation occurs, the Water District is required to discontinue water and sewer services.    

Crandley reported that, an hour before closing time at 1 pm, his contingent had collected over 50 tires, 100 gallons of oil, some 50 gallons of latex paint, and multiple propane tanks.  Eight barrels of light bulbs, batteries, oil-based paint, pesticides, brake fluid, and the like were also collected.   Electronic equipment reaped included televisions and computers.  Crandley expressed delight hat the wastes were in the city’s hands “to dispose of properly instead of washing up on our shores should a hurricane hit.”  It was a “good day,” said he.

Dr. Kathryn Frank exhibited her Cedar Key Flood Simulation Model, a three-dimensional physical model of Second Street, complete with appropriately-sized buildings, trucks, and people, and simulated storm surge, hurricane water levels, and sea-level rise.   Water surged in and out with her explanations.

LEVY COUNTY

Central Florida Electric Cooperative’s Member Services Representative Ryan Watson dramatically demonstrated the dangers of downed power lines and the hazards to those who attempt to rescue individuals near those lines.  Watson’s interactive (singly interacting with Watson) display showed how quickly and lethally current travels.  His display contained a downed power line and a truck upon which the line was draped.  Visitors could watch the electric connection and sparks; a dauntingly effective display, to say the least. Watson is available to talk to appropriate groups and may be reached at the Chiefland CFEC office.  He currently speaks to bus drivers, school classes focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and other groups as requested.

The American Red Cross volunteer contingent, comprised of Stephen Starling, Rebecca Troast, and Gloria Sims Fargas, offered advice, literature, and planning pamphlets on emergency preparation and methods to help children cope with disaster.

The most informative Levy County representative Director Matt Weldon of Levy County Parks and Mosquito Control,  educated visitors about mosquitos and particularly the species carrying zika.   Unknown to many visitors is the fact that zika-carrying mosquitoes Can only breed in man-made containers.  Ridding your property of tires, water fountains, dog troths, etc., will greatly help minimize the species.

Levy County Emergency Management Director John MacDonald and Planner Leatha Keene shared hurricane tracking maps and extreme weather information sheets containing local, county, and state telephone numbers and websites for every conceivable office related to disasters.

Levy County Department of Health Planner III Mark J Johnson schooled visitors about the need for individuals with special needs to register with the county so that should they need assistance in time of emergencies, that the county has updated and relevant information about them.  The Florida Special Needs Registry is located on the  http://levydisaster.com/ website.  Should help be needed in registering, Johnson’s office will assist; his office number is 352 486 5300.

Levy County Animals Services offered assistance from Nathan Mercer at 352 486-5138.  Information about the Levy County Emergency Pet Shelter and the myriad other services the department offers may be located at   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

THANKS
The Hurricane Awareness and Hazardous Waste Day requires careful planning, coordination, and, most of all, dedication, to the safety and welfare of the area’s citizenry.  The city, Colson, Robinson, Sandlin, Sharp, Crandley, Hathcock, Hodge, McPherson, Richburg, Frank, and the Levy County   individuals, many of whom were volunteers, deserve our thanks.  

 

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