When a 74-year-old Floridian says it’s too hot to walk to the mailbox, maybe we should listen.

The soaring heatwaves engulfing Florida and much of the United States are no longer a seasonal inconvenience—they’re a full-blown climate crisis. In the words of one retired Tallahassee resident:

Even a frog jumps out of the water before it boils… Why aren’t we

As the temperature in Tallahassee hits 94°F—feeling closer to 103°F—local governments are scrambling to offer relief. But for many long-time residents, especially older adults, the sense of betrayal runs deep.

The writer, who lived through Florida’s 1950s and 60s without air conditioning, paints a painful picture of how daily life has changed:
“We swam in the Gulf of Mexico to cool off. This is no longer possible. The Gulf is now like a hot tub.”

The Gulf of America?

What used to be the Gulf of Mexico has been sardonically renamed the “Gulf of America” by some activists—because they say it now reflects the scorched landscape of national climate apathy. As ocean temperatures climb well above 90°F, marine ecosystems are suffering, and so are people.

In a sharply critical tone, the author calls out President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Congress, accusing them of ignoring the crisis even as “millions of Americans struggle to breathe, sleep, or survive in the extreme heat.”

Thankfully, not all leaders are silent. The City of Tallahassee, among a few proactive local governments, has taken steps to address the climate emergency, but these measures, the author argues, are insufficient without broader federal support.

Too Hot to Sleep, Too Dangerous to Walk

This isn’t just about comfort anymore—it’s about survival.

According to Governing, between 2010 and 2020, Florida reported 215 deaths directly related to heat exposure. From 2018 to 2022, it led the nation with over 26,000 emergency room visits and 5,000 hospitalizations for heat-related illnesses.

Older adults are especially vulnerable. As the human body ages, its ability to regulate temperature weakens. A simple task like walking to the mailbox at noon can trigger dizziness or even heatstroke.

Yardwork? Not a chance.

Even beloved pets are at risk. Pavement temperatures can exceed 130°F on a sunny day, burning paws within seconds.

The Heat Is Even Killing Joy

Remember when Disney World was “the most magical place on Earth”? Not anymore.

Thirty-seven years ago, the author recalls taking her daughter to Walt Disney World. Even back then, the wait lines were hot and long—but today, she wouldn’t dream of taking her grandkids there during most of the year. “No amount of money could entice me,” she writes.

Tourism, a cornerstone of Florida’s economy, is quietly suffering. With unbearable summer temperatures, outdoor attractions are turning into ghost towns. And yet, leaders remain unmoved.

The Real Boiling Point

There’s an unmistakable urgency to this personal essay that transforms into a public warning.

“If the Gulf of Mexico must boil before our leaders act, what chance do we really have?” she asks.

The metaphor isn’t lost. It’s a plea wrapped in lived experience, a reminder that when the elderly, who once thrived in the Florida sun, now retreat from it in fear, something has gone dangerously wrong.

Central Texas is once again under siege. On Sunday, July 13, severe weather triggered another wave of devastating floods, hampering search efforts for earlier victims and pushing rescue teams into action in multiple counties already reeling from destruction.

The situation has turned grim in Kerrville, San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher Counties, as residents faced an all-too-familiar sight — raging floodwaters, submerged roads, and blaring emergency alerts.

According to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, “Swift water rescues are ongoing in several counties. Texas Task Force 1 has already rescued dozens of Texans in the Lampasas area.” The Texas Task Force 1, a specialized urban search and rescue team, is now operating at full scale to respond to flash flood emergencies across the region.

Rivers Rise, Roads Disappear

One of the most urgent threats Sunday came from the San Saba River, which surged past 30 feet in a matter of hours. San Saba County Judge Jody Fauley issued a mandatory evacuation for several neighborhoods near the river, warning that the water was “rising faster than it did on July 4.” That earlier flood claimed 132 lives, 106 of them in Kerr County alone.

In the nearby city of Ingram, just six miles from Kerrville, the Ingram Fire Department issued a stark warning:

We are seeing the same weather pattern today that we experienced on July 4th – and we know how quickly that turned deadly. This is not entertainment. This is a life-threatening situation.

Videos posted by the City of Kerrville showed water roaring over roadways, as stunned residents watched from higher ground.

Code Red and the Fear of Repeat Tragedy

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office activated a “Code Red” notification system, urging communities along the Guadalupe River to prepare for evacuation. “This is not an evacuation, but a preparation notification,” officials clarified, emphasizing that the danger could escalate at any moment depending on rainfall.

And the rain kept falling.

The National Weather Service (NWS) extended a flood watch for the Hill Country, I-35 corridor, and Southern Edwards Plateau through Monday morning, forecasting 1–2 inches of additional rain, with isolated pockets up to 3 inches.

We Are Expanding Operations — Governor Abbott

Governor Abbott confirmed that rescue and emergency operations are scaling up across the affected counties. “We continue to monitor all counties with a focus on saving lives,” he said, praising first responders for their “heroic work” in impossible conditions.

Residents in areas like San Saba, especially those living north of the railroad tracks, were urged to remain alert and be ready to evacuate on short notice.

A Deadly Pattern: Why This Is Different

While flooding is not new to Texas, the frequency and severity of these events have intensified. Meteorologists and local officials alike are noting a troubling trend — extreme rainfall events occurring within days or weeks of each other, leaving communities with no time to recover.

“We’re seeing more than just saturated soil — we’re seeing trauma,” said a spokesperson from the Ingram Fire Department, referencing the psychological toll on families who have now faced two floods in ten days.

What’s Next for Texas?

With more rain expected, the hope is that rivers stabilize and new deaths are avoided. But as search teams continue to work through debris fields and damaged properties from the July 4 floods, this fresh disaster adds a cruel layer of urgency and chaos.

In the meantime, emergency shelters have been set up across Kerr, San Saba, and Lampasas Counties, and residents are encouraged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Colorado’s Western Slope is under siege as the South Rim Fire continues to spread across Montrose County, forcing residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately.

Late Saturday evening, authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for all residents of Bostwick Park and those living along the K73 Trail, citing extreme fire behavior, shifting winds, and expanding flames that now threaten homes and public lands alike.

The situation intensified rapidly, prompting the indefinite closure of Highway 347 and the entire Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—a cherished tourist destination known for its rugged cliffs and deep canyons.

This is a fast-moving, dynamic fire. If you’re in the evacuation zone, do not wait—leave immediately,” said a spokesperson from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

What We Know So Far:

• Fire Name: South Rim Fire
• Location: Montrose County, Colorado
• Evacuation Areas:
• All residents in Bostwick Park
• K73 Trail vicinity
• Closures:
• Highway 347
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and officials have not confirmed the total acreage burned, though early reports suggest the fire has already consumed several hundred acres.

Air quality alerts have been issued in surrounding regions as smoke from the blaze continues to drift into populated areas. Firefighters are battling the blaze with ground crews, air tankers, and helicopter water drops—but high temperatures and dry conditions are making containment efforts difficult.

Important Advisory from Authorities:

Emergency management officials have issued a firm reminder:

Do not call 911 unless you are in immediate danger. Phone lines must remain open for active emergencies.

Instead, residents and concerned parties should reach out to the BLM Information Line at 970-240-1070 for verified updates and safety instructions.

Tourism Impact: Park Shut Down Amid Fire Danger

The closure of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—a UNESCO-listed marvel carved by the Gunnison River—is a significant blow not just to local tourism but also to wildlife monitoring and conservation activities scheduled for this season.

The park, which draws thousands of hikers, photographers, and climbers each summer, will remain closed until fire crews deem the area safe.

What You Can Do:

• Stay tuned to local emergency broadcast stations
• Pack essential belongings and prepare a “go bag” in case of evacuation
• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled
• Follow BLM and InciWeb for real-time updates
• Avoid the area to not interfere with emergency operations

Why This Fire Season Feels Different

Colorado, like many western states, has seen prolonged drought, below-average snowpack, and early heatwaves—creating the perfect storm for wildfires. With more high-risk zones across public lands, state and federal firefighting resources are already being stretched.

As the South Rim Fire rages on, it marks yet another reminder of the fragile balance between natural beauty and natural disaster in the American West.