Lightning prediction

As a seasonal Marco Island resident and taxpayer, I wish to extend my appreciation to those in the city government responsible for installing the lightning detection system at Mackle Park.

While jogging at the park on Tuesday, the alarm went off. Although the sky didn't seem that threatening, I dutifully headed toward the park building. Sure enough, just as I got there, a lightning bolt hit, no more than a few hundred feet away.

I also noticed that as the alarm went off, a park staffer ran out to the playground to make sure there were no kids still out there. Another friendly staffer showed me how to access the lightning detection system via the city's website.

As a taxpayer, I am grateful that we have such wonderful, caring employees representing the city. I know these detection systems may be expensive, but I'm sure they do save lives, and thus are an important public safety tool.