Topic: Training opportunities in the Tampa Bay WFO CWA...

[Bluthunder2k]

Hey guys,

Our warning coordination meteorologist just passed this to me as a updated early year schedule to start...


Levy County Skywarn
March 2, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 6:00 PM
Advanced Skywarn Training , 7:00 PM
Emergency Operations Center
9010 NE 79th Ave
Bronson, FL 32621

Pinellas County Skywarn
March 9, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 6:30 PM
Advanced Skywarn Training , 7:30 PM
Hacienda Clubhouse, Ranchero Village Mobile Homes
7100 Ulmerton Rd, Largo
Largo, FL 33771

Pinellas County Skywarn
April 9, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 7 PM
Advanced Skywarn Training , 8 PM
Clearwater Fire Department Training Academy
1716 N. Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL

Manatee County Skywarn
June 13, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, TBD
Advanced Skywarn Training , TBD
Manatee County Hurricane and Housing Expo
Manatee County Convention Center
1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL

[Bluthunder2k]

Updates on the last of the Skywarn classes for those of you in the Ruskin (West Central Florida) county warning area before Hurricane season starts this year.   

There's some golden opportunities to see the latest tuned to Florida power point presentation and get the opportunity to ask local NWS staff questions.     

Also remember, if you -ARE- currently a spotter, your credentials are only good for 3 years, then you have to take the class again to re-up every 3 years.

Shameless plug after the list for those in the Tampa area on June 20th...



Lee County Skywarn
April 23, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 1030 AM
Advanced Skywarn Training , 1130 AM
Mackenzie Hall
800 Dunlop Road
Sanibel, FL 35957
City of Sanibel Emergency Management Office
RSVP to Stephanie at 239-472-3111


Lee County Skywarn
April 23, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 2 PM
Advanced Skywarn Training , 3 PM
Copperleaf Club House
22101 Copperleaf Blvd
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
To sign up for this training please contact the association
office at 239-948-4900



Polk County Skywarn
April 27, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 8 AM
Advanced Skywarn Training , none
Polk County Emergency Operations Center
Bldg 250, Suite 11
Bartow Airbase
Seating is limited. Contact billyabernath@polkfl.com to register.


Polk County Skywarn
April 27, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 10 AM
Advanced Skywarn Training , none
Polk County Emergency Operations Center
Bldg 250, Suite 11
Bartow Airbase
Seating is limited. Contact billyabernath@polkfl.com to register.



Hardee County Skywarn
April 27, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 6 PM
Advanced Skywarn Training , 7 PM
Hardee County Emergency Management
404 W. Orange St.
Wauchula, Fl 33873



Hernando County Skywarn
May 27, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, 7:00 PM
Advanced Skywarn Training , 8:00 PM
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Building
4340 Calienta St
Hernando Beach, FL 34607
Sponsored by Spring Hill Amateur Radio Club



Hillsborough County Skywarn
June 20, 2009
Basic Skywarn Training, TBA
Advanced Skywarn Training , TBA
EG Simmons Park
2401 19th Avenue, N.W.
Ruskin, FL 33570
At the primary park shelter
Part of a picnic sponsored by The West Central Florida Group
http://www.ni4ce.org



Shameless plug, I am affiliated with the amateur radio group sponsoring the June 20th training event.   Our repeater system covers over 10,000 square miles in West Central Florida (11 of the 15 counties the CWA covers), and this is our annual picnic to meet up and enjoy some food with others in the area we normally don't get a chance to meet due to travel distances.  Hey, also, for those of you in the area, during the picnic, we'll also be offering amateur testing for new licensees and upgrades via the Laurel volunteer examiners - which means the ham testing is FREE, no cost at all.  So if you live near Tampa, stop by on the 20th.  Get a chance to meet some other storm chasers around here, update or get your Skywarn Credentials, and get licensed (or take a license upgrade test) as a amatuer radio operator - all at no cost!

 

[W Thomas]

The way our county EMA handles things( as it was explained to me by the NWS) I'll have to go to Florida to take a test
They didn't even respond to an invitation to hold a training session..

They really don't care as long as they get now lights for the sheriffs department cars 

[Bluthunder2k]

The way our county EMA handles things( as it was explained to me by the NWS) I'll have to go to Florida to take a test
They didn't even respond to an invitation to hold a training session..

They really don't care as long as they get now lights for the sheriffs department cars 

We have a very active NWS office down here, as you can see they train allot.

Call your local NWS weather forecast office, the number should be in the phone book, and ask to speak to the Warning Coordination Meteorologist.   Ask him/her if they have any training in any other counties in their county warning area (cwa), you might be able to get trained in a neighboring county.   

Skywarn does not require participation from EM, it's a direct link from ground spotters to the NWS, rarely even here in Florida outside of coordinating classes is EM involved unless it's a hurricane.

[SlowModem]

The way our county EMA handles things( as it was explained to me by the NWS) I'll have to go to Florida to take a test
They didn't even respond to an invitation to hold a training session..

They really don't care as long as they get now lights for the sheriffs department cars 

Surely there are classes closer to where you are.  Check the NWS website for classes near you.

[W Thomas]

Morristown Tn is my next closest. I need to email or call Howard(if he's still in charge of this) and see what they say. I don't see anything close on their website. I don't know I would seriously consider hosting a session in 2010 here myself if there is enough interest. Basically I think all Phil as doing when he sent the letters was asking the counties if they would like to help their county by hosting a session like..Bluthunder2k said we don't need the EMA and do not call on them for anything storm related here we're direct to Blacksburg.

Just wish they would show a little interest in the idea here though