5A – Identifying Local Opportunities
Irma’s fury in the Keys: High winds, waves, then devastation
This article shares the experience and hardships hurricane Irma survivors faced as the storm devastated their land and home. Many of the Florida residents of middle and lower Florida Keys where shocked that the storm hit them to the severity it did, the eye of the storm passed right through their town leaving many homeless and helpless with their lives in danger. After the storm hit countless amount of people were trying to get their lives back together to the best of their abilities with the resources that were spared.
The problem presented in the story is the fact that majority of people who lived in the middle and lower keys of florida had their life ripped apart and are now looking for any resources and help they could possibly find. Many people weren't fully prepared for this storm and many families were left devastated with nothing but each other.
Every single person who was hit by the severity of Hurricane Irma.
Cotton insect problems intensifying in the Southeast
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From Georgia to North Carolina to Virginia, cotton growers had a difficult time maintaining a livelihood due to insect infestation and are expecting the challenges to continue in years to come. They are still trying to find a solution to this problem but one recommendation was to load up on active ingredients but not to having high expectations because it is believed that they will not perform as well as they did in the past. N.C state is developing long term management methods to control the insect infestation.
The problem presented in this story is that insects are adapting to the chemicals and are still taking control of the industry causing major losses to the farmers. Three-fourths of the fields are getting sprayed for plant bugs The number of sprays is increasing on the fields, averaging two sprays for every field. Some of the insects such as whiteflies is they are not mobile they stick on the bottom of the leaves and tap into the veins of the plant and they basically get too much sugar. This is causing a major problem for farmers because they are not producing nearly as much as they were in the past.
Cotton growers in the southeast from southern Georgia to North Carolina to Virginia.
Drought and rain causing problems
Throughout Southeast farms different states are facing different problems regarding rain and flooding and droughts. Alabama farmers were waiting on rain while farmers in Tennessee and North Carolina were hoping the rain would calm. Both drought and flooding combined effecting the start to the Southeast row crop season. As of May, 90 percent of Alabama was in drought. Meanwhile in North Carolina and Tennessee rainfall ranging from 3-7 inches and delayed all field work and isolated fields causing a delay in crop production.
The problem presented in the story is that due to abnormal weather conditions farmers are struggling to produce products. In Tennessee excessive rainfall has put corn plating about 2 weeks behind on upland fields and river bottoms need to be replanted due to standing water all over fields. In North Carolina weed control is a concern because Pre herbicides have likely leached causing them to fall behind on getting corn and beans planted due to the soil moisture levels. In Alabama very little cotton and peanuts have been planted because there is not enough moisture in the soil which is needed to plant successfully.
Farmers In Tennessee, Alabama and North Carolina.
Southwest Florida’s tourism industry hurting from Hurricane Irma
After Hurricane Irma hit Southwest Florida, the land was left devastated and a complete mess leaving the tourism industry brutally impaired and at a major disadvantage. Many restaurants, businesses and offices were destroyed leaving many people unemployed. Residents faced many challenges that include not having power or service, contaminated water, scarce food supply and flooding. Families are struggling to keep their lives from falling apart while owners are struggling to keep their families intact while getting their business up and going again.
In Naples, many hotel attractions and restaurants will not be reopening for weeks because there is massive work that needs to be done including cleaning and repairs and even power to be restored. Most tourism related enterprises are striving to be back in business by October 1. Many other businesses took a hit for example, a old commercial fishing complex on the Gordon River, this complex was completely destroyed and requires a lot of time, effort, and money to get it back up and running again. Restaurants and stores will be closed for an extended period of time and owners are left to decide whether they are going to make large improvements or shut down their stores.
Residents of Southwest florida who were hit by Hurricane Irma.
GPD receives complaint against ‘hot cop’
The Gainesville Police Department is investigating one of their employees who has been using his personal Facebook page to make anti-Semitic remarks. Officer Hamill is targeting Jewish people making statuses that could offend many people and even jeopardize his job. Hamill was under the spotlight after posting a selfie on the agency's Facebook page to point out the good works of the officers who lent a helping hand to those affected by Hurricane Irma.
The problem presented in this story is that this officer is posting anti-Semitic remarks for the public to see on his Facebook page. One status was “so I find it funny that people will talk about how our government needs to do something about our economy and in reality it’s YOU who needs to stop taking advantage of our system and get a life and do something with your life. Gotta love reality when it hits you in the face. Stupid people annoy me. Put them in an oven and deal with them the Hitler way. Haha.” Another status was “Who knew that reading jewish jokes before I go to bed would not only make me feel better about myself but also help me to sleep better as well. Here is one for everybody, “What’s the difference between boy scouts and jews?” Anybody know? Well it is because “Boy scouts come back from their camps.” This outraged many people making this status go viral pinpointing the cops language and questioning his morals.
Officer Hamill and those who are insulted by his statuses.
Hello Natalie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your stories! I enjoyed most that you shared two different stories about Irma because it gave me two different perspectives on the devastation that a hurricane leaves. There is the obvious issue of people losing their homes, but I never thought about the tourism industry. Cruises were stalled, airplane flights were cancelled, and Disney World was shut down for the 5th time in history. I would like to hear your take on how communities can better prepare for natural disasters like this, especially the ones involved in the tourism industry.
Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI found all your stories very informative and enlightening. Many family homes and business have been destroyed by Irma. Both Irma articles show the devastation to both the residences and businesses of Florida. And the final article sheds some light on people who should not be representing our town. Thankfully in each story, a resolution has become apparent. Overall each story included problems and opportunities that people can identify.
HI Natalie, all of your stories are interesting and enlightening. I can’t believe how much is going with the weather right now. The story that caught my attention the most was the story about our local Gainesville police officer. I think that he should be terminated immediately and does not even come close to being able to represent our community. Overall, your articles were great.
ReplyDelete