Debbie bids Jax adieu with parts of Florida flooded and some roads closed

As a rule Jacksonville usually gets off lighter than many other areas in Florida when it comes to storms, and Tropical Storm Debby was no exception. We had a lot of rain in Northeast Florida, but as far as I know, no one died. Some roads are still closed; that has more to do with drainage capability than anything.

Water is still standing all around, and it’s a sure bet the mosquitos are going to have a ball vacationing around here. All I can say is thank God for chemicals.

Debby’s rage came primarily in the form of rain, with a few wind gusts thrown in for good measure. Various media reported we got more than 13 inches. It was really too unpleasant to go anywhere. I stepped outside a few times when there was a break in the downpour and reminded myself sunny days would come again soon. We do love our outdoors in Florida.

There is an upside when it comes to bad weather—family time. Pots of steaming coffee and comfort food (breakfast for supper) make you grateful for a roof and comfortable surroundings. After all, if we lived in the primitive times enviro-zealots want to return us to, we’d be crawling further back into our cave and taking our animal skins with us to keep them from getting wet. As an aside, despite the disparity in our carbon emissions, we live longer than our ancient ancestors did.

Today the sun finally showed,  and eventually the waters will recede. I figure our lawn will take a bit of a beating around the edges where the water still stands. My lemon balm, bee balm, mint and sage loved the soaking, and my lemon verbena doubled in size.

In areas hard hit, there were tragedies. By now many have heard of the mother who died clutching her 3-year-old daughter. The child survived, a testament to her mother’s love.

So far media report that 3 people have died and 1 person is missing. Thousands of people in Pasco and some in other counties still haven’t been able to return home.

This morning on the news, I heard a reporter refer to San Marco, Florida. That is a part of Jacksonville; San Marco is the name for the area, a nifty district with good restaurants, a chocolatier,  a movie theater that often shows alternative films, an independent book store and various eclectic clothing and sundries shops. It’s not a separate city. Just so you know.

As Debbie hovered, we complained about the mess and the traffic and the water. We’re glad to bid her adieu, but all the same, it’s a good thing we got that rain. And now, we’ll gear up to deal with the aftermath: snakes, mosquitos and the occasional sinkhole.

The area daily, The Florida Times Union, provided updates on Debby in the North Florida area. Florida 511 provides regularly updated information on traffic and closures.

(Commentary by Kay B. Day/June 27, 2012)