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Editorial: Endangered Species -- May We Ask Why?
May 2nd, 2007

Editorial: Editorial: a Free Press
April 21st, 2007

Editorial: Airboat Noise
April 7th, 2007

Editorial: Another Delay in Dock Repair
March 5th, 2007

Editorial: Are Some Technological Wonders Economically Impractical?
February 27th, 2007

Editorial: Editorial: Weakest Tax Link Examined
December 22nd, 2006

Editorial: A New Year`s Resolution -- For the Levy County Commission
December 10th, 2006

Editorial: Political Tides
November 17th, 2006

Editorial: Blue Pencil Needed on Levy County Budget
October 30th, 2006

Editorial: Fiscal Incompetence?
October 2nd, 2006

Editorial: Paddlers May Get Hit in Pocket
September 18th, 2006

Editorial: Time for Another Cedar Key Tea Party?
August 30th, 2006

Editorial: Automotive Turning Point
August 11th, 2006

Editorial: Are There Limits to Southern Hospitality?
July 24th, 2006

Editorial: Armadillos and Anthros
July 9th, 2006

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Editorial: Oil Spills vs. Hurricanes

Editorial: Oil Spills vs. Hurricanes

Editor

When our unfortunate friends who cannot live in Cedar Key think of us they worry about the threats of hurricanes and oil spills. Although those threats are very different, we can prepare for their actuality in the same way. First, we recognize the danger. Second, we make plans in advance to deal the potential destruction. Third, we recall the rewards of living in an otherwise serene and beautiful place.


The contrast between hurricanes and oil spills is remarkable. (Oil spill is an insipid misnomer. Oil deluge is more accurate.) Hurricanes are unavoidable forces of nature, sometimes referred to as "Acts of God." Oil deluges are man-made disasters that result from faulty or criminal cost: benefit analyses by corporate executives and government regulators. Regardless of how one assigns blame for the damages of these disasters, the effects are long lasting. Five years after Hurricane Katherine much of New Orleans is still in shambles. The effects of the BP oil well blowout may harm sea life and seafood production for years to come.


What hurricanes and oil deluges have in common is that we can prepare for them. And we can prepare better than we have in the past. Cedar Key appears to have been spared the BP oil deluge. Furthermore, weather forecasting and government agencies such as the Levy County Department of Emergency Management help prepare for hurricane attacks and recovery. However, as we enjoy the serenity, natural beauty and wildlife of Cedar Key we must not be complacent. Plan ahead and be ready to evacuate if the warning sirens blow a three minute blast.

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