Our hearts go out to the Katrina victims in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. As we watch CNN, FOX News and other television coverage from the comfort of our homes, it's hard to fathom what the victims are going through in this disaster of catastrophic proportions. The U.S. government has declared a disaster area covering 90,000 square miles in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama (this area is about the size of the state of Michigan). It's hard to grasp that 90,000 square miles of the Gulf Coast region has been obliterated.
Local efforts to help assist the victims of hurricane Katrina are underway in the Amelia Island area (see below how you can help). While northeast Florida has once again dodged the bullet (there hasn't been a direct hurricane hit for over four decades -- the last in the Jacksonville area was Dora in 1964), we may not always be so lucky. Area residents are all pretty much thinking the same thing -- it could be us one day. According to a Fernandina Beach Building Dept. "City Outlook" newsletter issued Summer 2005, if a Category 4 or 5 hurricane came our way, the predicted storm surge of over 12 feet would cover at least 90% of Amelia Island with water. Under a Category 3 hurricane, reportedly, the storm surge predicted would be 9 to 12 feet, with at least 50% of Amelia Island under water. If you live on Amelia Island and don't have flood insurance (even if you live in the "X" flood zone area that does not legally require a flood insurance policy), you need to re-consider.
The city of Fernandina's Community Development Dept. can help with information about insurance, flood zone maps, building and retrofitting for flood protection and answer questions relating to these matters. Call the CDD at 904-277-7325, or send eMail to : jsantoloci@fbfl.org . Another source of info in FEMA's web site at www.FEMA.GOV .
As noted above, the last direct hit of a major hurricane in northeast Florida was back in 1964. Hurricane Dora struck the Jacksonville area, a Category 2, causing flooding and property damage (around $280 million worth of damage in those days, translating to $1.5 billion in year 2000 dollars). However, the day after the hurricane went through Jacksonville, the Beatles were still able to perform outdoors to 20,000 fans in the Gator Bowl...can you "IMAGINE...?"
HOW TO HELP THE HURRICAN KATRINA VICTIMS
It's not just because it could have been us (or may possibly be us, one day...) that we want to help here in the Amelia Island area. While we've all seen television images of chaos in New Orleans and the darker side of human nature, there's far more good people in this world who want to help others whose lives have been devastated overnight. The good side of human nature will always far surpass the dark. Here's several ways that local residents (and anyone from the online global village that now connects us all), can give to assist fellow citizens...
LOCAL AREA DROP OFF POINTS, PLUS FUND RAISING WEB SITES AND DONATION HOT LINES TO CALL
TAKE DONATED SUPPLIES TO THE AUTO DEALERS ON A1A, YULEE
Off the island, Ron Anderson Pontiac, Buick, GMC on A1A, is another drop off for non-perishable items. As of Friday, Sept. 2, an 18-wheeler was on site at the Ron Anderson dealership, and will be loaded to take supplies to the Gulf Coast. Other dealerships also accepting donations are Rick Keffer Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Paul Clark Ford. Items that can be dropped off at these locations include bottled water, sports water drinks up to 1 liter, towels, linens, disposable diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, canned foods with pop-up lids on the cans, first aid kits, paper plates, napkins, cups, and plastic utensils. Drop off times are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (except Labor Day).
Kelley Termite and Pest Control, 1235 South 10th Street, Fernandina Bch, 904-261-7923, has been designated as an Official Drop Off Site for NON-PERSIHABLE ITEMS ONLY. Items needed to be transported to Hurricane Katrina victims are: Non-perishable Food Items, Water, Canned Foods with Pop-up lids, Diapers, Diaper Wipes, Baby Powder, Baby Formula, Bug Spray, etc. The drop times are Mon. through Fri. 8 am to 5 pm. The first truck will depart Fernandina on Friday, Sept. 2, 2005.
Other places on the island to drop off water include The Nassau County Volunteer Center downtown at 1001 Atlantic Ave., the Fernandina Beach Fire Dept., and the Nassau County Fire Dept. On the island drop offs are the Fire Dept. at 225 North 14th Street, as well as 2800 John Robas Rd. (near Dairy Queen) and the Nassau County fire station at 5518 First Coast Highway on the south end of the island.
The Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist Council are also asking for local tourism-related businesses to participate in donating hotel rooms and services for a special promotion to aid victims (see our related article, "Getaways for Gulf Aid").The Salvation Army is currently assisting storm victims and the first responders in the Gulf Coast area. According to their web site, "A $100 donation to The Salvation Army will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household clean-up kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies." Visit their web site at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Along with VISIT FLORIDA, the local tourism industry is trying to put together some donations of Amelia Island getaway packages, to be auctioned off on eBay, with the funds going to aid Hurricane Katrina Victims. If you are a local business and wish to donate rooms, dinners, and other services, please contact the Chamber/Tourist Development Council. If you are planning to come to Amelia Island for a weekend getaway, please check out eBay during the next month to book a package. You'll be helping the hurricane victims and receiving a great vacation package to Amelia Island, Florida. __________________