This is NOT an endorsment or slam of anyone. Just a few thought from a citizen that first came here in 1964.

It is time to pull together, not break apart. If that means reviewing personnel and elected officials, then so be it. Civil meetings and reviews are always good. This too will pass. Carla, Alicia, Ike and now Beyrl, were all unpleasant situations. Sometimes jumping through city/county/fema rules is tough, but not impossible.

It has only been 8 days since this storm. Progress is being made.
Here is a timetable of our experience after IKE for comparison.
Ike struck on Sept 13, 2008.
#Days after storm. Status.
1 All utilities and Inet off.
3 Local computer shop in strip center got internet going, using multiple MyFi's. Provided free inet to all. City moved to shop for inet and electric (generator).
9 Electric back on at shop.
14 Water on at shop.
49 Comcast inet back on at shop.
50 Electricity back at 159A Tarpon. (Lost home, living in temp trailer.)
Facebook was just catching on, so all updates were channeled through this message board.

Please everyone take a deep breath, work together for a common goal, conduct Civil meetings,
and make our city proud. I have confidence in our citizens.

Also- Yes, this is an open forum, but we expect everyone to abide by the rules enforced by BoardHost
(The company we pay each month). So knock off the stuff about Body Parts.

Notes and Ideas for the future-
1 - As many of you know, Brenda and I full time RV and come back home in December.
We use StarLink for our internet. It does NOT rely on cable OR cell tower infrastructure.
The city might consider getting the hardware, around $600 one time cost.
They could use the RV plan. You ONLY pay for the months you turn it on for use, currently $150/month.
We could turn on the contract for Jun - October. A small price to pay for a guaranteed elegant solution.
It draws very little power, it can be run from a small inverter powered be a car.

2 - As you cleanup/repair your downstairs. Consider the following.
Cut the sheetrock off at a foot above your waterline. Do NOT replace it until after October, and
when/IF you do, use cheap plywood with easy to access screws. Do not use any insulation.

Wish we were there to help in person.
Mark & Brenda Johnstone
Note today is a travel day, so I won't be able to respond until our next stop.

Feel free to repost this anywhere you want.