Week of December 4, 2005

Herald.com reported on December 10 that evacuees from Katrina living in a federally subsidized housing program may have their funding cut by FEMA.  The program ends next week, according to the Herald, and it could affect more than 2,000 people who would have to relocate elsewhere.  Many have nowhere to go. Governor Bush has expressed concern about the early termination of the hotel room rental program to federal authorities.

The United Way of Palm Beach is reporting donation problems.  According to Sun-Sentinel.com on December 10, taking care of individuals affected by Hurricane Wilma in Palm Beach County could cost over $5 million for social service agencies there.  "Donor fatigue" is cited as the reason.  The article points out that some of the burden shouldered by the agencies is due to people who left the Gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina and relocated to the area. 

Cooper City is set to vote Tuesday on a resolution to urge the Florida Legislature to require gas stations have generators for use in power outages.  Sun-Sentinel.com reported December 10 that a vote on the suggestion will take place on Tuesday, December 13, at the Cooper City Commission meeting.  According to the report, oil companies would be required, under the proposed law, to provide gas stations with generators.  Other cities have been at the forefront of this effort, including Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach.

Suddenly, things are beginning to happen on the weather modification front. Fox News.com reported on December 8 that a bill sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), known as the Weather Modification Research and Technology Transfer Authorization Act of 2005, has been passed out of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation Committee and is on its way to full Senate debate.  The report states the funding for the bill is a crucial flash point. While the proposed legislation initially proposed $10 million a year for ten years to help fund ideas and practical applications, after review in the committee process, only "funding as necessary" was allowed and the $10 million figure was removed.  Fox reports a bill is pending in the U.S. House of Representatives for the same purpose, and is sponsored by Representative Mark Udall (D-Colo).  The article points out that currently no funds are earmarked for research in the United States for weather modification but other nations are researching this area.  Editors Note: The issue of weather modification is a topic elsewhere in this site.  For the Davie Hurricane Relief.org article, click here.  Any legislation on this topic will be closely monitored by other nations, as some fear military use of weather control efforts.

Meanwhile, Popular Science Magazine published a November, 2005 article entitled "Can We Stop Storms?"  The publication discusses different strategies for mitigating weather events, such as intentional oil slicks to weaken hurricane strength and the use of water absorbing powder.

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Herald.com reported on December 9 that the Florida Legislature passed a bill to allow for late payment of property taxes.  The Florida Senate reportedly approved a bill, without dissent, that would allow those in Wilma affected counties to pay late but still receive the full discount of 4 percent. Payments would have to be made by the end of January, 2006 to obtain the full discount.  The Florida House passed the bill on December 7.  Broward County had already extended the maximum discount deadline to December 15, and in Miami-Dade the time to pay for the full discount had been extended to December 9.  The bill awaiting signature by Governor Bush covers Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties, plus several others. According to the report, each county will have to agree to the extension, which will result in lost tax revenue. Herald.com reported the Broward County Commission will vote on whether or not to opt into the Legislature's bill on Tuesday. 

According to Sun-Sentinel.com on December 6, hearings will be conducted by a the Florida Senate Domestic Security Committee to discuss problems identified during and after Hurricane Wilma.  The hearings will be held in Broward County, as well as Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Public participation is permitted. These forums reportedly are being conducted to allow lawmakers to hear ideas that can be considered during the next regularly scheduled legislative session, which starts on March 7, 2006.  Please watch this space for additional information on the upcoming hearings and for more specifics.

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Dr. William Gray, the noted hurricane forecaster based at the University of Colorado, released his initial 2006 hurricane activity projection on December 6. Entitled the "Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2006" report, Dr. Gray and his team expect a "very active hurricane season in 2006" but not as many land falling major hurricanes as seen in the past two seasons.  The next revision to the forecast will be issued on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 by the doctor's Tropical Meteorology Project.

The Town of Davie has information on disaster housing resources.  It offers information on how to access free information about available rental housing.  Information on other temporary housing programs is also provided.  To see the internet article, click here.

A new tax holiday for the purchase of hurricane supplies is being considered in the Florida State Legislature.  The Sun-Sentinel reported on December 8 that the bill is before a Senate Committee.  Under the proposed legislation, the first such holiday would be May 21 to June 1, 2006, just at the beginning of the next hurricane season.

Reviewing building codes and standards was the main topic of business at a conference which was scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, December 7, in Tampa.  The Florida Building Commission, which authors the Florida Building Code, is reviewing lessons learned from Hurricane Wilma to see where the code can be toughened to allow structures to better weather storms.  One look at Brickell Avenue in downtown Miami shows the need...several tall and relatively new buildings suffered massive window damage.  The same is true in downtown Fort Lauderdale.  The Sun-Sentinel reported on December 4 that the existing building code requires structures to be able to withstand 130 mile per hour winds, but the wind speed was less during Wilma's sweep through South Florida.

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With increased speed, local municipalities are considering requiring generators for gas stations, and other uses in emergency conditions. The Sun-Sentinel reported on December 6 that the City of Hallandale Beach is considering requiring emergency generators in residential buildings that house more than one family as well as in gas stations.  It also reported Hallandale Beach is proposing that certain buildings be able to run on generator power for up to 3 days following a power interruption, so people can have emergency lighting and utilize elevators. There were many stories in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma that certain condominium residents had to walk up many flights of steps, without supplemental lighting and into dark hallways and residences, when no generators were available.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced on December 5 a program to assist homeowners who have FHA insured mortgages and who were affected by Hurricane Katrina and other recent storms.  The "Mortgage Assistance Initiative" will pay mortgages for up to one year after disaster strikes.  According to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) official web site, those who qualify must live in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the President, and live in "repairable" homes.  The site states, "HUD will not only make mortgage payments for qualifying homeowners who are in default, its current practice, but will make advance mortgage payments on behalf of borrowers for up to 12 months."  "After the mortgage assistance period, the borrower will resume making normal mortgage payments. The payment on the borrower's behalf will be secured by a second mortgage that carries no interest rate and is repaid to HUD upon payment-in-full of the first mortgage."  More details and questions and answers are available at http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr05-164.cfm.

As the special legislative session called by Governor Bush is set to start on December 5, there is concern that the lawmakers may not take up hurricane related issues.  The Sun-Sentinel reported on Saturday, December 3, that Medicaid and Broward slot machines are the two issues which prompted the session, but some members of the House and Senate want each body to take up hurricane issues.  The report states assistance with unemployment compensation benefits for hurricane impacted employees and property tax discounts for those who suffered property damage by a storm in 2005 are among the ideas being suggested for hurricane relief.  The paper also reported House Speaker Allan Bense expressed concern that the limited time for the special session may not produce quality deliberations and that "errors" can result.

Meanwhile, Herald.com reported the closing of the last Red Cross shelter in Broward County.  Located at the Police Athletic League (PAL) building in Davie, the shelter was opened through the efforts of the Town of Davie, the Red Cross, Broward County, PAL and Nova Southeastern University.  According to the Herald, 50 displaced residents remained at the shelter and some were to receive FEMA trailers, while others would get hotel or motel rooms. "Still others were told they would be housed at Broward's Homeless Assistance Center in Fort Lauderdale," the report states.  The paper reports 4,900 housing units in Broward County were damaged in some way by Wilma, resulting in $1 billion in economic destruction. 

The Sun-Sentinel also reported on December 3 about how local relief agencies have been hurt by Hurricane Wilma. Some reportedly did not have business interruption insurance, suffered property damage and are short on funds.  The report also stated the United Way is seeking funds to shore up non-profit relief agencies, but there is a concern "donor fatigue" will harm fund raising efforts.  To donate to the United Way, access their web site here.

Davie Hurricane Relief.org updates the status of the Weather Modification Research and Technology Transfer Authorization Act of 2005 currently pending before Congress.  Click here for more details.

Week of November 27, 2005

  An interesting web site, named "The Hurricane Watch Net" is a valuable tool for the next hurricane season. The service reports it was started by an Amateur radio operator in 1965, to provide "an informal group of radio amateurs who recognized a need to provide communications to and from hurricane affected areas." The site also states, "The Hurricane Watch Net has continued to operate during every hurricane threatening land in the Atlantic, Caribbean Basin, and the Gulf of Mexico, and has acquired a formal, direct association, with the National Hurricane Center in Miami, FL since that time."  It broadcasts on 14.325.00 megahertz when hurricanes are within 300 miles of projected land fall "and become a serious threat to a populated area."  The site describes its primary mission as broadcasting "tropical cyclone advisory information to island communities in the Caribbean, Central America, along the Atlantic seaboard of the U.S., and throughout the Gulf of Mexico coastal areas."  It collects information from areas affected by hurricanes and supplies it to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.  Thirty five amateur radio operators make up the network.  Four reside in Florida.  The web site also offers useful weather tools to convert measurements such as pressure, latitude, longitude and wind speed.  It publishes the famed Saffir-Simpson Scale of hurricane strength and offer other features to help in understanding unfolding hurricanes.  The site can be found at www.hwn.org.

A report in Herald.com posted on December 1 indicates that residents of the last Broward Red Cross shelter may be able to move into apartments owned by the State of Florida after a vote by the Broward County Commission set for next week.  The 22 apartments, located in Pembroke Pines, have been empty for as much as five years, according to the report.  The Herald also quoted an official of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as stating there are still people living in cars and moldy trailers who are afraid to reside, even temporarily, in shelters.  According to the article, donations are sought from the general public to help the displaced residents set up households when they are allowed to move into the apartments.  Furnishings are sought.  If you would like to donate, please contact the DCF at 954.467.4297.

Some individuals who resided at the Davie PAL building have moved into FEMA trailers, but many still reside at the shelter.  While the accommodations are appreciated, there is little room to store personal belongings in the cramped quarters.  Some need sheds to store what is left of their furniture and other items, but permits are needed to erect them.  The permit process can take up to 10 days.

The Herald.com article also reported that as of November 30, FEMA had placed "at least 300 trailers in Broward."  The article was one of many media reports demonstrating the collision between efforts to house hurricane displaced residents and the "affordable housing crisis" in South Florida. 

Just how bad that crisis is for middle class families was highlighted by a report on NBC6.net on December 1.  The television station conducted a survey and found, "The median home price in Miami-Dade County is $356,000. In Broward County, it is $379,000."  It also reported, "Under traditional income guidelines, only 20 percent of the population could afford a home if it cost $300,000."

In light of the massive electrical power interruptions in South Florida following Hurricane Wilma, solar power is again being considered as an energy alternative and as an answer to emergency needs.  Media reports have shown that some homeowners with solar panels were able to enjoy electricity while the rest of us were in the dark for days or even weeks.  Cities are seriously considering solar power traffic signals, and others are already installing them.  This alternative source of power is excellent for disaster communications as well.  Due to the renewed interest in solar power, Davie Hurricane Relief.org has information on solar energy tax credits, which can be found here.

The Florida Legislature is set to meet in special session on Monday, December 5 to Friday, December 9.  Davie Hurricane Relief.org will monitor any hurricane related bills that are considered in Tallahassee and report on these pages.  Whether hurricane relief legislation will be taken up in the special session is not yet clear.

Herald.com reported on November 30 that FEMA is installing 42 trailers at Easterlin Park in Oakland Park in Broward County.  The hope is that some of the residents at the Davie Police Athletic League Red Cross Shelter will be relocated there.  According to the article, by Tuesday of this week, 95 families were living in trailers provided by FEMA at CB Smith Park and other sites.  One hundred forty two people remain at Broward's only Red Cross shelter over 5 weeks since Wilma hit this area.  Meanwhile, Sun-Sentinel.com reported on December 1 that 173 residents are left at the Red Cross shelter, and that some of them have been approved to move into FEMA trailers as of yesterday.  The web site reported "113 families are living in trailers and mobile homes in Broward County provided by FEMA."

FEMA has opened another registration site, this time in Davie, at 3424 South University Drive at the University Park Plaza.  For a list of sites, click here for an article provided by the Town of Davie.

The Town of Davie also reported on November 30 the Small Business Administration will post a representative at the Davie/Cooper City Chamber of Commerce for one week starting on December 5. Click here for more information.

On November 29, 2005, NOAA released an important article about hurricane formation and predictions.  For those interested in the science of hurricane forecasting, this is a "must read."  The article, which appears in NOAA Magazine, may be accessed here.  In the concluding remarks, the article states, "As the risk of increased hurricane activity prevails during the next few decades, NOAA will continue to provide the nation with superior hurricane-related products and services. However, one must always remember that it is ultimately your responsibility to prepare for and act appropriately when hurricanes threaten your area. “Preparedness remains essential. Knowing the risks, knowing ahead of time where to go and what to bring if evacuating, and heeding orders from local officials, empowers individuals, businesses and communities,” Mayfield said. “The most accurate forecasts are only beneficial when people react by taking the necessary steps to save their lives and property.”

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The Palm Beach Post reported on November 28 that schools designed to withstand category 5 hurricanes are being considered in Palm Beach County.  According to the article, schools in the county are already built to withstand Category 4 winds.

Sun-Sentinel.com published a story about homeowners associations in Palm Beach County taking more ownership of local emergency management.  It reported the West Boca Community Council, which has a membership of 115 homeowner's associations, is devising emergency relief plans in the event another hurricane strikes.  Special needs and other residents will be identified, and according to the article, "designated block captains" will check on residents after a hurricane. Food, ice, medication and help would be distributed by volunteers from each community.  Emergency communications, including wireless systems, are being planned.  Davie Hurricane Relief.org has previously proposed such a "wi-fi" system for South Florida.  For more on the use of wireless communications in recovery efforts, click here. The community page on this site is designed to organize information about volunteers and residents with special medical skills to help in the aftermath of a storm.  See the association page here. 

The Sun-Sentinel also reported on problems with roof tiles and the need to consider revising the South Florida Building Code so that barrel tiles can withstand high winds and gusts. The manner in which this type of popular tile is attached to roofs, the article points out, needs to be changed.  Strengthening and reviewing the building code was the subject of an editorial on this site.  Click here to see the editorial.  The Sun-Sentinel also ran an article revealing that the Florida Building Code has been revised to include more secure barrel roof tile installation, and that roofs in Palm Beach County will be fixed according to the new code requirements.

Time reports in its November 21 edition on the slow pace of emergency relief loans from the Small Business Administration in response to Hurricane Katrina.  The magazine reported 235,000 disaster loan requests, of which only 103 were given to businesses and 1,398 were given to owners of homes.  USA Today reported on the same problem on November 24, and pointed out that the SBA has more people to help process loans, but less have been approved this year than last.  People who apply for SBA disaster loans need to understand that the actual processing time can take much longer than anticipated.  The Administrator of the SBA is quoted as saying the emergency loans are not designed to keep businesses "afloat in the short term," but are more for "long-term recovery." 

Sun-Sentinel.com reports on rising rent prices as costs to landlords skyrocket.  It also reports "Since 2003, Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties have lost more than 40,000 rental apartments..."  As this web site has pointed out, the "affordable housing crisis" in South Florida is directly related to hurricane preparedness and relief efforts.  Both challenges require constant vigilance, since the threat of massive housing loss requires an immediate affordable housing supply.  The newspaper also speculates that Hurricane Wilma will probably result in higher rental rates since many affordable rental properties have been "wiped out." 

The Sun-Sentinel also reported on the growing attraction of solar power as an emergency alternative when traditional electrical power is not available.  With new tax credits for solar power use set for the beginning of the year, the paper states more may be interested in using sun powered solar panels to get through difficult weather and power voids.  The article also points out that local municipalities are looking into, and in some cases installing, solar powered traffic signals. Besides private homes, schools may be next.

Herald.com reports on the reality that more frequent hurricanes are on the horizon. "...the long term crisis is just beginning and more storms will threaten South Florida," reports the paper.

Tampa television station WSTP reported on November 17 that President Bush has a bill on his desk which would provide the National Hurricane Center with $5.8 million in additional money.  The added funds would permit additional staffing at the Center. 

The Christian Science Monitor reported on November 17 that disaster research has received a boost from recent hurricanes, earthquakes and the recent tsunami.  The article focused on social scientists who study how society reacts in emergency conditions, including the events of 9-11.  The study of human behavior in the aftermath of catastrophes has made many findings, including "that under severe stress, panic was actually rare..."

November 26, 2005

A story on PalmBeachPost.com highlights the urgent needs of uninsured farm workers in Palm Beach County...the newspaper reports that some still, almost 5 weeks since Wilma, do not have electricity.  The farm workers, described as mostly from Mexico and Central America, were described as needing improved communications with FEMA via Spanish translators in the face of a compelling and recurring housing crisis. 

An interesting review of the 2005 Hurricane Season by noted forecaster Dr. William M. Gray appears on the web site of the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. The report states:

The first forecast for the 2006 season is just a few days away...the results are to be released on December 6.  For more on the efforts of Dr. Gray, go to http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts.

Sun-Sentinel.com reports that 700 people in South Florida remain in shelters since Wilma battered this area.

November 25, 2005

Residents at the Police Athletic League building in Davie continued to wait for more answers as to where they will be living next as they celebrated Thanksgiving.  Under a bright blue sky and cooled temperatures, spirits were lifted by holiday activities arranged by Town of Davie Council member Susan Starkey.  While plenty of smiles were seen at the PAL facility, questions continued about where the 202 residents of the shelter would move next, and when.  Davie officials continue to work daily to locate improved temporary housing opportunities for residents, and it is hoped that all Davie residents at the shelter may have answers by early in next week. For others, however, the future is not so promising. The Red Cross shelter, which is the only one remaining in Broward County, houses its occupants in a cramped, but neatly organized gymnasium.  It is staffed by Red Cross volunteers from around the nation wearing vests and Red Cross clothing.  Photos of the day's events can be seen here.

The Town of Davie web site reported that Vice Mayor Lisa Hubert was providing 200 families a Thanksgiving meal at the Eastside Community Hall.  The holiday effort was to help those hard hit by Wilma in Palma Nova Mobile Home Park, Everglades Mobile Home Park, Potter Park and other east side venues.

The displaced at the PAL shelter discussed reports of FEMA trailers in place, but sitting empty, awaiting occupants, in different parts of Broward County.  The Miami Herald reported on Friday, November 25, that a new multiple trailer location is being readied in Margate, at a location known as Aztec Estates.  The paper stated some people have moved in, but only 30 trailers had been filled but 84 more were ready for use, based on FEMA information.  One hundred ninety one trailers were reportedly being prepared in total at the Aztec site.

Crisis counseling efforts for Hurricane victims were also reported by Davie. Click here for details.

November 24, 2005

Residents at the Red Cross Shelter in Davie continue to wait for assistance from FEMA as trailers reportedly stand empty.  According to the Miami Herald on November 23 that with the passage of almost a month after Hurricane Katrina hit this area, about 200 people are still at the shelter on Orange Drive.  The newspaper reported FEMA is having trouble locating people following a storm because they move from place to place.  This points out the need for a better registration system for the storm affected...the report also states that officials did not know how long it would take to relocate those remaining in the shelter.  Herald.com reported on November 23 that "dozens of FEMA trailers have sat unused in a Margate mobile home park for more than a wee as 200 Hurricane Wilma evacuees were still sleeping in a Davie relocation center Tuesday."  The paper reported that 191 trailers had arrived at the park "but only 30 had been leased."  Others, however, were ready for use. As of Tuesday, Herald.com reported that of 58 trailers at CB Smith Park, 54 had been leased.  A dozen others had been leased on private property.

Meanwhile, Herald.com reported on November 24 that the last shelter in Miami-Dade was closed, and those with paper work were given hotel vouchers.  In a separate story, the paper reports a comment from Ron Book, Chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust.  Mr. Book, a local attorney, is reported as expressing concern about increased homelessness in the wake of Wilma and whether there will be enough aid to get those individuals food assistance.  According to the Herald, in Broward County alone, the number of homeless has increased by 4,000 since Wilma.  Mr. Book reported that number is even higher in Miami-Dade County, with estimates of 10,000 to 14,000 newly homeless people since Wilma.

Sun-Sentinel.com reported on the 23d that an effort by the City of Weston, known as "Essential Business Storm Registry" is being discontinued. That project, started by the City of Weston, was described as an on-line list to let viewers see what businesses would be open in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane.  Updates would be posted before and after a storm so those with power or could get the latest opening information.  With only 8 restaurants registering, the City decided to stop the service, which involved no cost to those registering or those viewing the site.  Weston will now publish, on line, a list of businesses with phone numbers, but it will not be updated on a daily basis.  Davie Hurricane Relief.org offers the same kind of interactive service for each neighborhood in the Town, but the response to the list, which is designed to afford daily information both before and after a hurricane event, has been disappointing. 

The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Delta in the Atlantic Ocean.  It is the 25th named storm of this historic hurricane season and is reportedly not a threat to the United States.

Dave Hurricane Relief.org has been advertising on Google under the banner, "Broward County Needs Help...Broward County residents urgently need housing in wake of Wilma."  The on-line ad links to this web site and can be seen around the world.

The Sun-Sentinel reported on November 24 that Lt. Governor Toni Jennings has kicked off "Neighbors To the Rescue."  That hurricane relief effort was kicked off in Broward to create a structure where neighbors can help others who are in need since Wilma.  According to the paper, the program will be administered by Volunteer Broward with monies from the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund.  To volunteer, go to www.volunteerbroward.org.

The Sun-Sentinel also reported on November 24 that South Florida Haitian volunteers are in the Gulf Coast helping residents recover from Hurricane Katrina. The paper also reported on the status of the Red Cross relief effort in South Florida, and the concern that "donor fatigue" is hampering donations despite the incredible amount of need and assistance that needs to be given.  To donate to the Red Cross, please see the ad at the bottom of this page.

November 26, 2005

A story on PalmBeachPost.com highlights the urgent needs of uninsured farm workers in Palm Beach County...the newspaper reports that some still, almost 5 weeks since Wilma, do not have electricity.  The farm workers, described as mostly from Mexico and Central America, were described as needing improved communications with FEMA via Spanish translators in the face of a compelling and recurring housing crisis. 

An interesting review of the 2005 Hurricane Season by noted forecaster Dr. William M. Gray appears on the web site of the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. The report states:

 The first forecast for the 2006 season is just a few days away...the results are to be released on December 6. 

Sun-Sentinel.com reports that 700 people in South Florida remain in shelters since Wilma battered this area.

November 25, 2005

Residents at the Police Athletic League building in Davie continued to wait for more answers as to where they will be living next as they celebrated Thanksgiving.  Under a bright blue sky and cooled temperatures, spirits were lifted by holiday activities arranged by Town of Davie Council member Susan Starkey.  While plenty of smiles were seen at the PAL facility, questions continued about where the 202 residents of the shelter would move next, and when.  Davie officials continue to work daily to locate improved temporary housing opportunities for residents, and it is hoped that all Davie residents at the shelter may have answers by early in next week. For others, however, the future is not so promising. The Red Cross shelter, which is the only one remaining in Broward County, houses its occupants in a cramped, but neatly organized gymnasium.  It is staffed by Red Cross volunteers from around the nation wearing vests and Red Cross clothing.  Photos of the day's events can be seen here.

The Town of Davie web site reported that Vice Mayor Lisa Hubert was providing 200 families a Thanksgiving meal at the Eastside Community Hall.  The holiday effort was to help those hard hit by Wilma in Palma Nova Mobile Home Park, Everglades Mobile Home Park, Potter Park and other east side venues.

The displaced at the PAL shelter discussed reports of FEMA trailers in place, but sitting empty, awaiting occupants, in different parts of Broward County.  The Miami Herald reported on Friday, November 25, that a new multiple trailer location is being readied in Margate, at a location known as Aztec Estates.  The paper stated some people have moved in, but only 30 trailers had been filled but 84 more were ready for use, based on FEMA information.  One hundred ninety one trailers were reportedly being prepared in total at the Aztec site.

Crisis counseling efforts for Hurricane victims were also reported by Davie. Click here for details.

November 24, 2005

Residents at the Red Cross Shelter in Davie continue to wait for assistance from FEMA as trailers reportedly stand empty.  According to the Miami Herald on November 23 that with the passage of almost a month after Hurricane Katrina hit this area, about 200 people are still at the shelter on Orange Drive.  The newspaper reported FEMA is having trouble locating people following a storm because they move from place to place.  This points out the need for a better registration system for the storm affected...the report also states that officials did not know how long it would take to relocate those remaining in the shelter.  Herald.com reported on November 23 that "dozens of FEMA trailers have sat unused in a Margate mobile home park for more than a wee as 200 Hurricane Wilma evacuees were still sleeping in a Davie relocation center Tuesday."  The paper reported that 191 trailers had arrived at the park "but only 30 had been leased."  Others, however, were ready for use. As of Tuesday, Herald.com reported that of 58 trailers at CB Smith Park, 54 had been leased.  A dozen others had been leased on private property.

Meanwhile, Herald.com reported on November 24 that the last shelter in Miami-Dade was closed, and those with paper work were given hotel vouchers.  In a separate story, the paper reports a comment from Ron Book, Chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust.  Mr. Book, a local attorney, is reported as expressing concern about increased homelessness in the wake of Wilma and whether there will be enough aid to get those individuals food assistance.  According to the Herald, in Broward County alone, the number of homeless has increased by 4,000 since Wilma.  Mr. Book reported that number is even higher in Miami-Dade County, with estimates of 10,000 to 14,000 newly homeless people since Wilma.

Sun-Sentinel.com reported on the 23d that an effort by the City of Weston, known as "Essential Business Storm Registry" is being discontinued. That project, started by the City of Weston, was described as an on-line list to let viewers see what businesses would be open in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane.  Updates would be posted before and after a storm so those with power or could get the latest opening information.  With only 8 restaurants registering, the City decided to stop the service, which involved no cost to those registering or those viewing the site.  Weston will now publish, on line, a list of businesses with phone numbers, but it will not be updated on a daily basis.  Davie Hurricane Relief.org offers the same kind of interactive service for each neighborhood in the Town, but the response to the list, which is designed to afford daily information both before and after a hurricane event, has been disappointing. 

The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Delta in the Atlantic Ocean.  It is the 25th named storm of this historic hurricane season and is reportedly not a threat to the United States.

Dave Hurricane Relief.org has been advertising on Google under the banner, "Broward County Needs Help...Broward County residents urgently need housing in wake of Wilma."  The on-line ad links to this web site and can be seen around the world.

The Sun-Sentinel reported on November 24 that Lt. Governor Toni Jennings has kicked off "Neighbors To the Rescue."  That hurricane relief effort was kicked off in Broward to create a structure where neighbors can help others who are in need since Wilma.  According to the paper, the program will be administered by Volunteer Broward with monies from the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund.  To volunteer, go to www.volunteerbroward.org.

The Sun-Sentinel also reported on November 24 that South Florida Haitian volunteers are in the Gulf Coast helping residents recover from Hurricane Katrina. The paper also reported on the status of the Red Cross relief effort in South Florida, and the concern that "donor fatigue" is hampering donations despite the incredible amount of need and assistance that needs to be given.  To donate to the Red Cross, please see the ad at the bottom of this page.