About the author: Dawn O'Connor is a near 40-year resident of Florida. She has lived directly on the Gulf of Mexico, in bayfront homes, on bayous and in the hills, miles inland. She has served as president of her Gulf-front condominium's association, cared for small children and special needs adults and a variety of pets, boats and vehicles. Her depth of experience has informed her writing, enabling her to present the facts with clarity while grounding them in real-world context.