U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody[1] paid homage to the Gulf Coast community of Oldsmar for developing a layered approach to providing support to residents during hurricanes.
Moody appeared in Oldsmar recently to present a Special Congressional Recognition[2] for the city’s efforts to enhance efficient evacuations during the deadly storms. Oldsmar is on the northern reaches of the Tampa Bay area and was slammed by both Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 in late September and early October respectively.
In the aftermath of those storms, Oldsmar developed two hurricane-related programs. The “Pledge to Evacuate[3]” campaign is a municipal effort that “encourages individuals and families to take proactive steps by committing to a well-prepared evacuation plan.”
“By taking the Pledge to Evacuate, (residents) are not just making a promise to yourself and your family, but also to your community,” the city’s website reads. The effort pushes residents to have a plan in place and follow it when a storm approaches.
The Support Services Alliance[4] pulls volunteer and community support organizations together in the event of a hurricane to provide support needs for those impacted by the storm. The alliance was activated shortly after Hurricane Helene hit the area Sept. 26, 2024.
Moody said the Oldsmar approach is the paradigm other Florida cities could follow in dealing with the storms.
“Last year, Hurricanes Helene and Milton wreaked havoc in communities across Florida, especially in the Tampa Bay area. From the destruction, came innovative programs to help residents prepare and efficiently recover from future storm strikes. I’m proud to honor Oldsmar’s tremendous proactive efforts to support residents, and for being awarded the Future of the Region in Tampa Bay,” Moody said during a presentation to Oldsmar city leaders.
Florida’s Atlantic Coast is bracing for possible impacts from Tropical Storm Imelda[5] as it hovers off the East Coast. The tropical system is projected to head north from the areas north of Cuba and eventually make a sharp turn to the east by midweek, though tropical storm watches have been issued along much of the Space and Treasure Coasts.
Oldsmar Mayor Katie Gannon said the city is proud of Moody’s recognition.
“The City of Oldsmar is deeply honored to receive this Special Congressional Recognition from Sen. Moody. This recognition affirms the importance of our Pledge to Evacuate and the Oldsmar Support Services Alliance, and it highlights the strength, resilience, and unity of our community in working together to protect and support one another,” Gannon said.
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References
- ^ Ashley Moody (www.moody.senate.gov)
- ^ Special Congressional Recognition (www.moody.senate.gov)
- ^ Pledge to Evacuate (www.myoldsmar.com)
- ^ Support Services Alliance (www.myoldsmar.com)
- ^ Tropical Storm Imelda (apnews.com)