Debby brought lots of trouble, but also helped

Braden River was right at the back door of Linger Lodge on Tuesday. (Herald photo)

Among all tropical storms in recent memory, only Gabrielle in 2001 had a greater impact on Manatee County than Debby.

But Debby was a nasty character, disrupting lives, traffic, wildlife, and business. Fortunately, it never became a hurricane, or it might have been as intimidating and forbidding as some of the big blows in the unforgettable 2004 and 2005 seasons.

That said, however, the curse of all that water Debby dumped on this area also carries a blessing.

In checking out the Keetch Index, which measures fire danger, most of Florida is now a beautiful blue color, meaning the threat is extremely low.

Quite a change from March when this area was a tinderbox, one of the worst in the state and much of southwest Florida was colored crimson.

Take a look at the before and after photos of the Braden River at Linger Lodge. In March, the river seemed to be little more than a puddle and Linger Lodge's docks were sitting on dry land.

On Tuesday, the high-flying Braden River was lapping at the back stairs of the eccentric eatery.

All things in moderation.

Braden River at Linger Lodge in March. (Herald file photo)