-Reprinted from the September 18, 2020 issue of Dolphin Talk.

There are two major events that occurred on September 11th; one, certainly, the Twin Towers, I feel we all can remember where we were when we heard the news of this horrible event.
Another was Hurricane Carla. On this day in 1961, the community of Port O’Connor was almost totally wiped off the map.

Most you are too young to have lived through this; I did not live here then, but moved here several years later, out where John’s Fireworks Store now is. It was all undeveloped property; there were no buildings before Byers Street.

Out in that area were piles of refrigerators, stoves, chunks of concrete and other items washed out there by Carla.

But Port O’Connor, being the community it is, was rebuilt by a lot of hard labor and love. My friend Joyce Raby told me many times how what she could find of their belongings, was covered in nasty smelling mud. She washed what she could on a rub board, out in the yard. They lived with her in-laws until they could get their house livable. I can’t imagine what they went through.

I hope Port O’Connor never has another Carla, but everyone needs to respect the storms. Just think of what those people went through for us to be here enjoying this lovely community today.

Since 2021, every September has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as National Preparedness Month to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. For Texans, this month can also serve as a reminder that it is very much still hurricane season and coastal Texans should ensure they have a disaster plan ready.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th every year, and the 2023 season was predicted to be less active than previous years primarily due to the high probability of an El Nino weather pattern to develop after three consecutive hurricane seasons with La Nina present. However, while El Nino can suppress hurricane activity, there is still significant activity in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico this year that those living in coastal areas should continue to monitor.

FEMA urges coastal citizens to stay prepared and alert as hurricane season continues. “It only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in a May 25th media briefing. “Regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understands their risk and heeds the warnings of state and local officials.”

To stay prepared and ready throughout hurricane season, FEMA has several tips:
● Make an emergency plan and make sure that everyone in your household knows and understands it.
● Know your evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay in advance.
● Create a go bag with enough supplies for your household including medication, disinfectant, and pet supplies to last for several days after evacuation.
● Have several ways to receive warnings and alerts related to storms, including signing up for community alerts in your area and being aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Texas Sea Grant also has a program page dedicated to more resources for hurricane preparedness, including links to informational videos and a comprehensive list of further resources.

Ever wonder about your local EMS and how they operate? Dustin Jenkins, Calhoun County’s EMS Director, gave us some insight into the daily operation of our two EMS stations in Calhoun County.

The Central Station is located on Henry Barber Way, right next to the fairgrounds in Port Lavaca. This station has three ambulance crews ready twenty-four seven. It was built in 2010.

The newest station is referred to as the South Station. It is located between Seadrift and Port O’Connor just off Highway 185. This station was built in 2017. One ambulance crew mans this station twenty-four seven.

Dustin Jenkins noted that when the need arises there are four more ambulances available to service our area. He also let us know that Calhoun County is especially blessed to be fully staffed. There is a shortage of EMS workers in the Nation which includes Texas. Dustin said that people are surprised when they learn that we are fully staffed here in Calhoun County.

We are so grateful for the service of these first-responder heroes. Many a life has been spared because of the dedication of these men and women! Pictured is the Main EMS station here in the county. When the picture below was taken the ambulance with the lights had just pulled up only to have to take off again!

The Board has been busy planning for our first Port O’Connor Boat and Fishing Expo. Make plans to attend this family event which will be held on October 6-8 at the Community Center and Pavilion. There will be no charge to attend, and the Boat and Fishing Expo will showcase boat manufactures/dealers, retail goods, apparel, fishing tackle & equipment, and guide services Hours will be 1:00 -7:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. on Sunday. There are currently over 80 vendors scheduled!

During those three days there will be a Culinary Corner where several of our local chefs will be giving food demonstrations which will include samples. There will also be guest speakers on fishing subjects throughout the day on Saturday. Please like our POC Boat & Fishing Expo Facebook page and the @pocboatfishingexpo Instagram page to keep up with all the latest vendors and news on the upcoming event. Please invite all your friends to like and share the page and invite them to spend the weekend in POC to experience this great new event!

Our project at the end of Main Street and Park is coming along. The steps/ramp have been installed, along with an extended parking area. Benches have been installed along the seawall, and we are currently looking at landscaping and tables for the area. We encourage you to use this area if you are launching a kayak or want to wade fish.

Trunk or Treat will be on Saturday, October 28th. Start making your plans to decorate your trunk, car, boat, golf cart, boat, or whatever! Bring it down to the north end of Park Ave and pass out candy to all the trick or treaters! There will also be a dog costume contest! Prizes will be given for the best decorated ‘trunk’ and best dog costume.

Remember the Port O’Connor Farmers Market is the second Saturday of each month. We have 20 to 30 vendors each month with fresh produce, artwork, jellies and jams, fresh eggs, salsas, and other unique items. Come out and support your local neighbors.

The Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership meeting will be held Monday, December 11, 2023. Five new directors will be elected at this meeting. If you would like to nominate someone or submit your name for this position, please email us at info@portoconnorchamber.com. We are looking for someone eager to support the community, has bright fresh new ideas, and willing to volunteer!

Attention all members: Our member appreciation Casino Night has been scheduled for February 23, 2024. Our membership drive will be January through February. Mark your calendar and save the date! The Chamber welcomes all businesses as well as individual/couple memberships!

We welcome our new and renewing members, Blackbeard’s Booty, Rhyne Services, National Audubon Society, Chester Island Bird Sanctuary, Chef N’ with Julie Pampered Chef Individual Consultant, Palm King, Wetland Marine, Coastal Bend at Seadrift Motel & RV Park, Fountain of Youth Medical Spa, Port O’ Connor Premier Lodge, Compadres Design Inc., Texas Chrome Outdoors, and Texas Liquor.

To see more information on these new and all our chamber members, please visit our website at www.portoconnorchamber.com.