Safety Harbor Calm in Advance of Storm

What are you doing to prepare for the storm? Have you stocked up on supplies? Having a tropical storm party? Post a comment below or upload a photo to this story.

You could say Sunday morning in Safety Harbor was like the calm before the storm, and it wouldn't be a cliche.

With partly sunny skies, very little traffic and plenty of water and gas available for purchase, this morning resembles any other Sunday in the community.

The only hints that a tropical storm is heading our way is the fact that there aren't as many boats tied up at the Marina, and it's a little windier than usual.

Other than that, it appears to be business as usual in the Harbor.

"We've been preparing since last Wednesday," Mike Walzak, assistant manager at the Sweetbay in the Northwoods Common shopping center said. "We had 14 pallets of water come in, and we still have 10 left. So we are all set."

Further down McMullen Booth at the Publix on SR 590, the situation was much the same.

A large display of water sat right inside the front door, and the store manager reported they have plenty of supplies as well; she was actually surprised they weren't busier in light of Isaac's approach.

"We learned from Hurricane Charley a long time ago to be prepared," said the manager, who asked not to be named due to company policy. "We have plenty of water, and we're getting in new shipments all the time.

"We were really busy yesterday, and I expect we'll get busier as the day goes on."

Local Responders on Standby

Officials at the Safety Harbor Fire Department Station #52 are prepared as well.

Captain Joe Hans and firefighter/paramedic Charles Russell were out washing the trucks and waiting patiently for any signs of storm-related issues to arise.

"We're on standby right now," Russell said.

He also said residents should take all the necessary precautions when it comes to storms, such as bring lawn furniture in, make sure pets are safe, have your generator fueled and ready and don't use the genny indoors.

"People just need to use common sense, and don't take anything for granted," he cautioned. "We could get a lot of downed trees, road closures, and heavy wind and rain, so they need to be careful."

In regards to fuel, Helmi Melkeya said he has plenty of gas at the Safety Harbor Chevron on Main Street.

"We got a delivery this morning, so the tanks are full," he informed. "I figured some people might wait until the last minute."

Life as Usual in the Harbor?

So with the stores stocked, plenty of gas available and the fire department on standby, what is there to do in town?

Apparently eat bagels and drink coffee, as both Einstein's at Northwoods and Starbucks on Main Street were bustling.

"We always listen to the weather and stock up on what we need, so we're prepared," Clearwater resident Judy Mahon said as she and her husband, Jerry, enjoyed breakfast at Einstein's. 

"We already have everything we need at home, that way we don't have to run out at the last minute."

See Also:

Complete Coverage: Tropical Storm Isaac