 What do the locals do to prepare for Tropical Storm Hanna?  We secure our deck furniture (and help out a few summer neighbors who can’t make it down), put away our trash cans, and then go to the beach!Â
It was a beautiful day today- the ocean was warm and not too rough, plus a comfortable sea breeze. The rain is just starting (9:30pm), and the winds will pick up by mid-morning Saturday. By Sunday, the sun and calmer weather will return.
P.S. The Nun’s Beach Surf contest (111th Street) is postponed until Sunday. Of course, the surfers are excited about the storm! Â
 Your deck furniture, that is! A September tropical storm brings the added concern of outdoor flying objects. Glass top tables should be turned upside down, umbrellas removed and tied shut, and chairs moved inside or secured in a corner. Move decorative wreaths and potted plants from exposed areas, and place your trash cans in the outside shower.
 I have mixed feelings about Labor Day. I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island…but am sad to see the restaurants and businesses close. The weather through September and October is a wonderful a bonus to the summer- and the fall weekends are very active with special events. Take advantage of the “quiet season” at the shore! 
  Close to 900 athletes participated this morning in the annual Island Run! Thank you to all of the volunteers and racers for making this a successful charity event.  For complete race results: 
 The Stone Harbor Lion’s Club Annual 10K, 5K, and 2 Mile Fun Walk was held this morning. I was hot just standing there cheering for the runners…can’t imagine actually participating :)  A crowd favorite- the young men and women of the United States Coast Guard.
 Browse the sales along 96th Street and the surrounding business district all day today (until at least 7pm).
Weather Update
The island is busy- people are out shopping, riding bikes, etc. It’s dreary and there is some light rain.  High tide is at 1:30pm- well before the heavy rain is expected- good news for flood prone areas. We need the rain after a picture perfect summer, so we will endure Hanna!