During a recent government meeting, local officials addressed several pressing community issues, including drainage problems and hurricane evacuation protocols.

Councilman Lafrance highlighted ongoing concerns regarding a drainage ditch that remains unaddressed despite previous assurances from the Department of Transportation (DOT). He noted that while grass had been cut, the ditch itself had not been properly excavated, leading to inadequate water drainage. Lafrance emphasized the need for action, stating, \"Somebody needs to do it,\" and urged the council to follow up on the matter.

The discussion then shifted to hurricane preparedness, with resident Miss Konkovich questioning the timing of evacuation orders. She expressed concern that the current protocol, which calls for mandatory evacuations 72 hours before tropical storm winds reach the coast, may not provide sufficient lead time for residents. Officials clarified that the evacuation order is indeed issued 72 hours prior to landfall, and they assured her that residents would have ample time to evacuate before severe weather impacts the area.

Additionally, the need for community involvement in hurricane preparedness meetings was raised. A resident pointed out that many individuals were unaware of the discussions surrounding sandbag distribution and evacuation strategies. In response, officials acknowledged the oversight and committed to including community members in future meetings to ensure better communication and preparedness.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing local infrastructure issues and enhancing community engagement in emergency planning as the region prepares for potential hurricane threats.