If in the path of the storm, stay safe; afterwards, be prepared for what might come in Idalia's wake   As Idalia approaches, some links to resources and a look at what happens after the storm As Hurricane Idalia makes its way toward landfall near Florida’s Big Bend, here are some key links for those in the path of the storm: For a comprehensive look at resources available, shelters open by county, evacuation info and more visit FloridaDisaster.org, from the Florida Department of Emergency Management. The Red Cross also has a good rundown of storm tips and resources. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 46 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Nassau, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties. The National Hurricane Center will have updates on the storm track and forecast. Local media in affected communities — such as the Tampa Bay Times, Tallahassee Democrat, Gainesville Sun, WTSP, WFLA-TV, WCTV and many others — will also be key sources of local information. The impacts of a storm like Idalia don’t disappear after the storm passes. Last year Hurricane Ian not only damaged major swaths of southwest Florida, it pushed huge amounts of runoff, sediment, untreated wastewater and more into area waterways that among other things helped fuel a subsequent red tide. Depending on the path Idalia takes and how much rain it drops, it could fill up an already-high Lake Okeechobee, leading to damaging discharges to the east and west coasts. As of Tuesday morning the lake stood at 15.32 feet; U.S. Army Corps officials have said discharges will begin when the lake gets to 16.5 feet. The math, in the wake of a storm like Idalia, is not encouraging. But for now, the immediate threat to life and property takes precedence. Our thoughts are with those in the path of the storm. Stay safe.   ICYMI video: Move to gut wetlands protections shows need to Vote Water In this video report VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart details how a recent decision to scale back wetlands protections in Manatee County is a case study in how elected officials go to bat for special interests at the expense of our waterways. While you're at it, subscribe to our YouTube page for more news, commentary, interviews and insights! Watch the video On our socials: Beauty from the Big Pink Sometimes you've got to stop and think about what you're fighting for. So when we saw a post featuring a family of roseate spoonbills that originally appeared on the Satellite Beach Facebook page we couldn't help but repost it for our followers to enjoy — and that repost got more than 2,200 "likes." We talk a lot about the ugliness of Florida's water and political problems. That's appropriate and necessary — but let's not forget the beauty of the cause. Join the Fight! Donate Now! P.S. Signatures Needed! The "Right to Clean and Healthy Waters" petition needs 900,000 signature by November 30 to get on the 2024 ballot. The petition can be printed out and signed here: [link removed]     VoteWater | 3727 SE Ocean Blvd., Suite 200A, Stuart, FL 34996 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!