Breaking: Coastal Courage: Margate Stands Firm Against Hurricane Erin’s Assault

written by a member of the WCB

On the evening of Thursday, August 22, 2025, the true mettle of American community was tested and triumphant in Margate, New Jersey. When Hurricane Erin’s tidal flooding threatened to overwhelm local neighborhoods, more than 50 residents found themselves in peril—a challenge met with extraordinary resolve and heroism.

Margate Fire Chief Daniel Adams epitomized the conservative principle of preparedness, warning residents to “heed the warnings” and pay close attention to the unfolding situation. The rescue operation was a testament to local first responders’ commitment, with firefighters using high-water vehicles to assist stranded individuals across multiple locations.

The numbers tell a story of community resilience: more than 50 people rescued, including 16 individuals and three dogs extracted from flooded vehicles. At one location alone, at least 30 people were saved from imminent danger. Restaurants like Sofia and Maynard’s became unexpected battlegrounds against the rising waters, with owner Steve Troiano describing the relentless flood: “We had wet vacs. We were pumping it out of the back door and it was coming in the front door.”

Local resident Mario Canal captured the unexpected nature of the flooding, stating candidly, “If we were expecting it, we wouldn’t be out to dinner.” His experience—grabbing golf clubs from a submerged vehicle—illustrates the unpredictability of natural disasters and the importance of individual preparedness.

City officials warned of continued flooding risks, with expectations of further challenges during high tides on Friday morning and evening. The Margate Fire Department’s proactive approach went beyond rescues, responding to additional emergencies including a gas leak, an underground transformer fire, and an electrical fire.

This is more than a story of survival. It’s a narrative of conservative values in action: personal responsibility, community support, and an unwavering spirit that transforms potential tragedy into a celebration of human resilience. When waters rise, so too does the human spirit—unbowed, unbroken, and resolutely committed to the values that have always defined our greatest moments.

As Hurricane Erin continues to move away from the East Coast, Margate stands as a powerful reminder that true strength is not measured by the absence of challenges, but by the courage with which we face them.