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HOLMES BEACH, Fla. — Preparation is critical during storm season, and this responsibility extends beyond individual homeowners to city officials. In light of recent severe weather events, city leaders must also be equipped to manage tropical conditions effectively.
For Mayor Judy Titsworth, the transformation of Holmes Beach following last year’s storms is striking. “Oh, it’s night and day,” she remarked, reflecting on the area’s previous bleakness. Now, with children playing and residents enjoying their beaches, the recovery is evident.
“It’s really amazing to me just how quickly the island was able to come back to what everyone loves so much about it — beautiful white beaches, the sand,” she noted. However, many locals are still grappling with the aftermath of the storms.
“I’m concerned now,” Titsworth expressed, acknowledging the lingering effects of trauma. The urgency of Friday’s town hall meeting reflects this reality, differing significantly from past sessions. “Hopefully this one’s going to be different because people will know what to do,” she said, highlighting the importance of learning from last year’s events.
The meeting will focus on practical preparations, including evacuation plans. “Last time, it was 100 miles offshore, and we still got the biggest surge we’ve ever had,” Titsworth reminded attendees. New initiatives aimed at improving communication and safety will be a key part of the discussions.
“We do have TextGov, so people can get notifications from Holmes Beach more easily,” she added, emphasizing the importance of timely updates for displaced individuals. This year’s workshop aims to emphasize preparation strategies influenced by previous storms, such as securing homes and reducing fire hazards.
“We’re going to be doubling down on, you have to prepare your homes,” she advised, urging residents to trim trees and turn off water supplies to prevent run-off problems.
The Holmes Beach Town Hall Hurricane Preparedness Workshop is scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. at City Hall. Additionally, Longboat Key will also be hosting its town hall meeting on Sunday at 10 a.m.
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Article original publish date: 2025-06-05 06:28:00
Article source: www.baynews9.com
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