Businesses on the coast are getting ready for Tropical Storm Debby’s storm surge.

As Tropical Storm Debby approached the coast of Florida, businesses in Hernando and Citrus County were not taking any chances. With the threat of storm surge looming, coastal businesses were busy making preparations to protect their properties and assets.

Hernando County Emergency officials held a press conference to warn residents about the potential impacts of the storm. Paul Hasenmeier, Hernando County Fire Chief & Public Safety Director, emphasized the threat of storm surge, particularly in low-lying areas such as Hernando Beach and Aripeka. These areas were identified as the most vulnerable to flooding and damage from the storm.

One business owner, Blair Hensley, Managing Partner of Mary’s Fish Camp in Bayport, was taking the storm preparations seriously. With the help of his 15 staff members, Hensley was working to preserve the historic 8-acre property from potential storm damage. He recounted the devastation caused by a previous storm, Hermine in 2016, which left the property in ruins. Since then, Hensley and his staff have developed a system to quickly secure and protect the property ahead of severe weather events.

Hensley’s experience with past storms has taught him valuable lessons in preparedness. He shared that every time there is a threat of severe weather, they load up all the cabin furniture and merchandise from the store into U-Hauls and park them several miles inland until the storm passes. This proactive approach has helped them safeguard Mary’s Fish Camp and preserve its history.

In addition to Mary’s Fish Camp, Hensley is also the managing partner of businesses in Homosassa, another coastal community in Citrus County. While these businesses are located further north and closer to where Debby is expected to make landfall, their inland location has made storm preparations less intense. The Monkey Bar and Florida Cracker, both businesses owned by Hensley, have flood dams and the ability to move furniture to higher levels to mitigate potential damage.

Overall, Hensley and his staff feel confident in their storm preparations and are ready for whatever conditions Tropical Storm Debby may bring. By taking proactive measures and learning from past experiences, businesses in Hernando and Citrus County are working to protect their properties and assets from the impacts of severe weather.