There are many people here who believe that since we weren't flooded by Hurricane Camile we will be safe from surge in future storms. However, computer models indicate differently.
In the event we receive the maximum winds of the right quadrant of a Cat 2 or stronger hurricane anyone who doesn't evacuate will be cut off even with the new causeway and many of our homes will be inundated by surge. Therefore, we need a community center in the safest location for stockpiling emergency supplies and to shelter people who have to evacuate because of flooding. It will also give us a centerpoint for pulling our community together. The Fountainbleau Community Center is too far away to serve our needs in this regard.
We also need to start preserving our green spaces in ways that will improve the quality of our lives with additional recreational opportunities and help protect our homes from flooding and storm winds. Delay in preserving our green spaces increases the price we will eventually have to pay, and will melt away our opportunity to obtain the best property for our needs.
Finally, all of these things should have a beneficial affect on flood insurance rates and enhance the values of our properties.
The site I like best is just east of St Andrews and at the southern turn of Maple St. It is the land least likely to be inundated by a hurricane surge. It is relatively centrally located and has a sizable amount of green space that can be turned to recreational paths and possibly a small fishing pond.
We need to determine the extent of community support and demonstrate it to the County Supervisors. Our support should be in the form of letters from neighborhood associations and individuals to Supervisor John McKay, and encouraging our neighbors to support the proposals.
1992 Annotated Aerial Photo of proposed site