What's in a name of a tropical storm?

Hopefully, Hurricane Isaac will pass hundreds of miles offshore and we will just get some rain and wind. If we dodge another bullet, and remain outside the cone of destruction and despair, some say we can thank St. Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Seafarers.

One year while covering a story about the yearly Epiphany celebration, the late Rev. Father Tryfron, who was Dean of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral for many decades, told me many believe Tarpon Springs is protected from hurricanes by St. Nicholas, the Cathedral's patron saint, and the protector of the seamen who built the church with money they earned while sponge diving. Every year the city's fleet of sponge boats and other seagoing vessles are blessed at the Sponge Docks before Epiphany. It appears since 1920 St. Nicholas has protected the city and its residents from the direct impact of a hurricane.

Then during one Epiphany celebration the skies threatened and it looked like rain would drench the processional that marches to the bayou to see the cross tossed into the water. I saw Father Tryfon an hour or two before the processional and he said don't worry it will not rain on Epiphany. That year, about a half hour before the processional the dark clouds suddenly cleared. As all the dignitaries marched toward the bayou, and I stood on the sidelines taking photos, Father Tryfon took a second to turn to me and said; "see I told you."

Some might say it's been sheer luck and others devine providence, either way may the force protect us, once again this storm season.

I always thought we should be careful not to give potential hurricanes too powerful a name, especially one that would look good in a headline. They should never name a storm Isaac or Noah, because they are of biblical proportions look great on the Weather Channel.

They should name a storm after factional characters, such as the Seven Dwarfs. A tropical storm would be just too bashful to swirl and act just plain dopey and un-happy, if faced with a headline such as; "Hurricane Sneezy threatens St. Augustine."

Since streets around the bayou, at Sponge Docks, and downtown flood in a mere heavy rain, we will undoubtedly see major street flooding Monday and possibly Tuesday. Remember to remove objects that can fly around outside, such as hanging plants, ornaments, lawn chairs and cats that linger around your house. Then, buy a lot of comfort food and drink and have an excuse to rest. Stay save.