Weather Alert System for Sumter County

On Tuesday, April 17, 2007, during the regularly scheduled Board meeting it was announced that Sumter County would receive a sizeable donation to fund the much needed Weather Alert Warning System currently on order.

The warning system comes after the wake of the February 2 tornado that destroyed portions of Sumter County including The Villages before continuing into Lake and Volusia Counties. Many residents did not have any warning and for the few that had weather alert radios – the signal was too weak or non-existent.

Mr. Ron Ruggeri, a resident of The Villages, approached Sumter County with valuable information that would benefit the county as well as portions of Lake and Marion Counties in the event of a future weather emergency. Mr. Ruggeri was once responsible for monitoring all aircraft traffic on the East Coast in his professional life. He shared information with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office on how to access immediate weather alerts from cell phones. This was passed to all Sumter County Deputies in the field as a temporary solution.

A weather alert transmitter would need to be installed to offer a long-term solution. Sumter County officials went into action. Meetings were scheduled with the National Weather Service and presentations were conducted to residents about the weather radio system.

The initial price was estimated at $180,000 and could have taken up to two years to install. With everyone’s effort, the price was dropped to $60,000 and could be moved up to be installed within six to eight weeks. However, this was still a costly project and the time of installation was still a concern. That’s when the members of the Villages Home Owner’s Association raised money to help support Sumter County’s efforts and during Tuesday’s meeting presented a check of $50,000.

Villages Home Owner’s Association President Roger Kass presented the check stating residents wanted to maximize the help to the community and the county. In fact, the warning system will also benefit residents in south Marion and northwestern Lake County.

The check was presented to Sumter County’s Chairman. Commissioner Francis stated this would pay for the transmitter and Mr. Kass stated his organization is still receiving donations, showing a desire and commitment to helping others. Commissioner Francis publicly thanked Mr. Ruggeri for his efforts to assist Sumter County residents and surrounding neighbors.

Sumter County is scheduled to have their pre-construction meeting to coordinate the installation portion of the project on May 10, 2007.