Council Corner: Josh Cramer: Ward 4

Once again, our City was spared catastrophic property damage and death from a hurricane. I'm not going to mince words here. We were very lucky, and hurricane season isn’t nearly over yet.

Some of our neighbors within the county didn't fare as well, and in addition to those displaced, many others face a long] recovery. And for those in the Big Bend area, the recovery is even longer. Only a few] directional degrees northward as the storm developed and tracked northeast spared us from such devastation.

Paramount to our resilience was the preparation by our City's employees before, during, and after Idalia passed. Many intersections that have flooded over recent years did not - but water levels can only drain so much during the throes of a storm.

Again, fortunately, the forecasted storm surge of up to seven feet did not materialize due to favorable winds. And while roads near rivers and creeks were covered by rising waters, our shores were largely spared. Our infrastructure was tested and came through without significant issues.

Our Police and Fire Departments were also at the ready, with all personnel prepared to respond and assist if conditions permitted. Residents asked me leading up to the storm why Firefighters were going door-to-door warning residents about countywide mandatory level A evacuation orders. I quickly replied, "Good! Maybe they'll listen!"

When Emergency Management professionals make such orders - FOLLOW THEM! Officers and Firefighters put themselves on the line every day for each of you - please have the common courtesy and respect not to put them unnecessarily in harm's way because you don't want to leave your homes.

As I type this, another Tropical Depression has formed in the Atlantic and is headed in our general direction. Knock on wood with me that we're lucky again - but please - also prepare to take care of yourselves and your families when the inevitable warnings come.

And don’t forget, hurricane season goes through November, with September being the most active month. Let’s stay ready.