Longboat Observer Letters to the Editor

Town government deserves a round of thanks

No doubt Hurricane Irma will be remembered by all, but we hope what is not forgotten is the incredible hard work and sacrifice put forth by the town of Longboat Key to enable LBK residents and visitors to regain a sense of 'normality' as quickly as humanly possible, while also dealing with their personal upheavals "ala Irma."

To Dave Bullock, Susan Phillips, the Public Works Department, Fire Chief Paul Dezzi and Police Chief Pete Cumming and their crews, commissioners, as well as all the other town employees we say "thank you."

Fanny & Phill Younger

Longboat Key

Town worked together to protect the community

As longtime, year-round residents, we want to publicly thank all those who worked long and hard to protect the safety and the well-being of the residents of Longboat Key during Hurricane Irma.

The folks at Town Hall, the Police, Fire Department, local churches, synagogues and public facilities coordinated and cooperated to preserve and protect our community.

We thank you!

Edna and Richard Hausman

Longboat Key

Consider wisely all sides of a storm

Although there is no exact science when deciding to evacuate or stay, having lived on Fire Island year-round 33 years has given me some insight in decision making.  In 1983, as a volunteer with the Ocean Beach Fire Department (on Long Island) and a critical care EMT I, was on the evacuation team in Ocean Beach and experienced the wrath of hurricane Gloria first hand; on a barrier beach no more than 1/2 mile wide facing the mighty Atlantic. 

Some stuff I've gleaned:

• If the hurricane is a Category 1 making landfall, you can consider possibility of riding it out. Anything higher, better think twice.
• In the northern hemisphere, to the left of the eye is better; to the right is troublesome.  This was confused by Irma's capricious ways.
• Add to the above: any alignment of earth and moon at peak high tide spells trouble with a capital T.  Add one more celestial body in close proximity and this becomes catastrophic.

So these sort of decisions remain a crapshoot, but then in life, isn't any major decision?

Ed Krepela

Longboat Key