Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Hurricane Katrina

Miss. mayor gives thanks for assistance

Her Gulf Coast city was ravaged by Katrina. So Safety Harbor and other cities adopted it, giving aid in many forms.

By MARSHA STRICKHOUSER
Published December 10, 2005

SAFETY HARBOR - As the mayor of Ocean Springs, Miss., Connie Moran has received envelopes from third-graders with quarters and dimes tucked inside to help her hurricane-battered town.

She's also received thousands of dollars, police cruisers, sports equipment for parks and recreation, and even dirt to shore up the roots of the once stately oak trees that line her city's downtown.

But when you're rebuilding a town that suffered extensive damage, including 80 percent of its historic structures, every bit helps.

So Moran was happy to accept the $3,000 from the city of Safety Harbor and Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce at Friday's 2005 Mayors' Breakfast fundraiser sponsored by the cities of Safety Harbor and Oldsmar. The Mississippi mayor also received a massage at Safety Harbor Spa and Resort.

She deserved it, said Safety Harbor Mayor Pam Corbino.

Moran hunkered down at her City Hall and slept on the floor for 12 days after Hurricane Katrina hit Ocean Springs. Her city was one of 14, including Biloxi, identified by the Mississippi Municipal League as most in need of aid.

"I can't tell you how inspirational that was to us to receive that kind of help," Moran said.

Safety Harbor officials raised the money through a Walk for Katrina Victims fundraiser and their Third Friday Night event in October and November. The city's Leisure Services Department also held a donation drive.

Safety Harbor City Commissioner Nadine Nickeson came up with the idea of adopting the city, saying Ocean Springs "reminded me of us."

There are many similarities between the two. Each has a population of about 17,500. They both have a marina, a gazebo, oak trees downtown and a Marshall park. And both are famous for their springs.

"They have events downtown like we do," said Corbino, a Louisiana native with family in Mississippi. That's what the city would like to focus on by giving them money for flower boxes, flowers and awnings to enhance downtown and draw people back.

"We're going to continue to raise money for them for the next two years," said Cynthia O'Donnell, chief executive officer of the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. She said Safety Harbor will plan two fundraisers based on the arts.

Although Ocean Springs did not suffer from storm surge, hurricane-force winds hit it hard, Moran said. The town, founded in 1699, sits on a bluff and is the highest city on the coast, she said.

"We've been able to close down the shelters. But many people have just left," said Moran.

Still, she remains upbeat.

"Our schools were the first to open in the area," said Moran, whose background is in economic development. "Our water supply was first and our public works department was able to clear the streets two days after the hurricane."

Fortunately, 95 percent of the businesses are open, she said, and the town is a commercial hub for other harder-hit cities. It was even able to hold its annual holiday Lighting of the Oaks last night, after almost having to cancel it.

While Ocean Springs had to cut its budget by 20 percent because of lost tax revenue, police and supplies came in from other communities. The Governor's Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal sent architects and other experts for a seven-day planning session for the rebuilding process.

The town also has been adopted by Maitland and Islamorada, where a benefit was held in October. The city of Surprise, Ariz., has adopted Ocean Springs, according to the Mississippi Press, and donated sporting equipment and field lighting to the Parks and Leisure Services Department.

"Our citizens truly appreciate you thinking about us in this time," Moran said. "It's good to know that Safety Harbor and people all over the country send us wishes, funds and supplies."

[Last modified December 10, 2005, 00:51:18]