In 2005 when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, it was one of the worst natural disasters in our country's history, made worse by the response. Dubya flew over to look at the flooding, then staged a photo op with generators providing lights briefly before leaving and leaving the residents once again in the dark. FEMA was too little too late, and untold numbers of houses - long paid for and owned by residents - were demolished because of water damage, their owners relocated never to return. Without insurance, they had nothing.

It's a national disgrace that Florida governor Ron DeathSantis is desperately trying not to repeat. So far - not so good.

Days before hurricane Ian made landfall, NOAA had made available the "probability cone" of where Ian would make landfall. At the center of the cone was Tampa, but areas further south were well within the probability zone. Even if it had hit Tampa, the storm surge to the south of the center would still be huge, and the winds would still be strong.

This created a sense of complacency among Lee County officials, who didn't move to order evacuations until it was essentially too late:

Ultimately, Fort Meyers, Fort Meyers Beach, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and Pine Island (and numerous small towns) were submerged by a massive storm surge, as anything remaining above water was thrashed with 140MPH winds. We've all seen the pictures and video. The destruction is horrific and heartbreaking. There are plenty of dead and missing, and we can assume there will be a lot of bodies still being found for weeks. Even among those who survived, their health is still at risk, and they've lost everything.

The response by state officials has not been widely praised. The rescue and relief efforts have been spotty and inconsistent. FEMA has arrived to help, but they seem ill-equipped to handle the staggering numbers of people looking aid, with little additional help coming from the state itself.

DeathSantis has been treating this as more of a campaign op than a relief operation. He's stated that there will be temporary bridges put in place to the barrier islands to replace those washed out by the storm. But he has also managed to put his white boots in his mouth when making an appearance at one of the disaster areas. Residents are furious that the governor - in bright clean white boots and a campaign jacket - forced a stoppage of relief efforts while he campaigned to the cameras. It's very reminiscent of Dubya bringing lights to a darkened neighborhood, and then taking them with him as he left. (DeathSantis is denying it, but hey - you KNOW there's always video.)

If there's any silver lining to be found, it's that Republicans in Florida are finally having to face the reality of climate change (long story short - they continue to abhor the use of the phrase "climate change", but are clamoring for federal dollars to help mitigate the effects). We can also take inspiration in the survival of a historic lighthouse on Sanibel Island. One can hope that it is metaphor for all of our coastal cities looking down the barrel of rising sea levels and stronger storms...

... and and praying for the wisdom of our elected leaders to take the threat seriously.