"Stormy Weather," by John Mica, R- Winter Park

Yes, I know, U.S. Rep. Mica ( www.house.gov/mica ) didn't write the lyrics to "Stormy Weather." But his recent comments, concerning Flagler Beach and its vulnerability to "as yet un-named" hurricanes, sure got me tapping my toes. The original was sung by Billie Holliday: "Don't know why there's no sun up in the sky; Stormy weather. Life is bare; Gloom and misrey' everywhere; Stormy Weather." I thought her version was wonderful, as was Ella Fitzgerald's and Frank Sinatra's. But the best? Willie Nelson. Hands down.

The other day, it was reported that Mr. Mica was calling attention to Flagler County's "particular vulnerability" to storms... and to the "precarious position" of the area's beaches and beachfront structures. I have to laugh every time I see that pandering ad for State Farm Insurance, when they sing their jingle: "Like a good neighbor... State Farm is there." Really? And just where might "there" be? Because "there" sure isn't "here." So let me get the "property insurance business model" down here. I think it goes something like this: "We will only insure those who will probably never need it. But if they do, we'll cancel them and leave town." Want to hear the bomb? He said, "We are going to lose A1A into the ocean as soon as we get another storm." Holy Moly (whatever a "moly" is). He mentioned that erosion is already threatening the shore road in Flagler Beach and other areas of Flagler County. Remember all the hub-bub around 13th Street, South after the last volley of storms? Detours down the back streets (which soon could be valuable ocean front property) as they bolstered the road with rocks? I've seen lots of photos from the Carolinas after these storms... Not pretty. Picture the cut from the Intracoastal to the ocean we've always wanted, gratis, from Mother Nature. Let's face it - over time - the ocean always wins. But don't pack and run just yet (unless, of course, you'd like me to help you sell your beach house)... Today, at least, we are safe. The website for the National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ , says, "There are no tropical cyclones at this time." Whew... Mica's comments came as he was touring Ponte Vedra Beach and assessing their storm-related problems. It seems that the Army Corps of Engineers (Jacksonville District): http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/, is considering adding Flagler County to the list of areas it restores. Although a five-year process, evidence suggests that restored beaches fare better against erosion in storm situations. On their home page, click the tab at the top that reads "Shore Protection." Then click the tab for "Flagler County Coastal Projects" if you'd like to email the POC, or just monitor progress. Well, bye for now. I'm heading over to Wally World for 50 loaves of bread, 100 gallons of water, and 10 cases of toilet paper. You can't be "too prepared."