Belleview, FL (352today) — As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness, four staff members from the City of Belleview participated in a full-day Hurricane Awareness training hosted at the Marion County Emergency Operations Center in Ocala. The training, conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC), focused on hurricane and tropical storm awareness, emphasizing best practices for municipal planning, interagency coordination, and public safety during major storm events.
The comprehensive eight-hour course brought together public officials, emergency responders, and city staff from across the greater Ocala-Marion County area. Representing Belleview were Mariah Moody, City Administrator; Bob Titterington, Public Works Director; Sage Dick, Executive Assistant to the Public Works Director; Shawna Chancey, Development Services Director; and Robert Vass, Events and Promotions Manager.
The training covered a range of critical topics, including:
• How hurricanes form and are classified
• Historical impacts of major storms in Florida
• Forecasting and early warning systems
• Community planning, evacuation procedures, and shelter coordination
• Infrastructure vulnerabilities and emergency communication strategies
These topics are vital in ensuring that local governments are not only reactive but proactive when it comes to protecting lives and minimizing damage during storm events.
Bob Titterington, Belleview’s Public Works Director, emphasized the importance of staying ahead of the storm through preparation and cross-agency collaboration.
“This training was a reminder that hurricane preparedness starts long before a storm is in the forecast,” said Titterington. “We learned about tools and strategies that can help us make better decisions under pressure. Whether it’s clearing drainage systems, preparing roadways, or coordinating with emergency managers, we all have a role in keeping our community safe. When every department is informed and ready, the city as a whole is better prepared.”
City Administrator Mariah Moody added that emergency readiness is a year-round responsibility, especially for a state as storm-prone as Florida.
“Florida residents live with the reality that every hurricane season could bring a serious threat to our homes, families, and infrastructure,” Moody said. “Our job as city leaders is to prepare the public with information and resources. We’re proud to stand with other agencies in taking hurricane preparedness seriously.”
The National Hurricane Center designates June 1 through November 30 as the official Atlantic hurricane season, with the greatest likelihood of storm activity occurring between August and October. According to FEMA, early planning and public awareness are the most effective defenses against natural disasters.
To support this effort, the City of Belleview encourages all residents to take two simple steps to stay informed and connected during emergencies:
• Register for local city notifications at: www.belleviewfl.org/NotifyMe
• Sign up for Marion County’s AlertMarion system at: www.AlertMarion.com
These platforms allow residents to receive timely alerts about severe weather, road closures, evacuation orders, boil water notices, and other critical updates directly to their phone or email.
“Preparation can’t start the day before a storm hits,” said Moody. “It starts now—with education, coordination, and community involvement.”
This training reflects Belleview’s continued commitment to strengthening local readiness, and ensuring that residents have access to life-saving information when it matters most.
For additional hurricane preparedness resources, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org, the state’s official emergency management website.