[sam_paine]

forgot to prepare, forgot to follow orders from the Feds, forgot to tell their police force not to desert and loot, forgot where all the levee money went,

Not these people. Look up Venice on a map if you can find it. That place was nothing but a road 30 miles into the gulf, topped by a little floating plywood marina. There was no way to prepare that place for anything! A large wake from a sportfishing boat would wipe that place out, and if you find any pictures of it, you'll see the entire town is easily rebuilt with about $38.72 worth of materials.

Been there. Great fishing though!

[Kirkwood]

The fact is that the median income for a family in Venice is approximately $43,000. Maybe not Palm Beach, but not exactly shanty town. Let me know if you ever decide to go back there and I'll tell them you are coming.

[TexasCajun]

you'll see the entire town is easily rebuilt with about $38.72 worth of materials.

Sam? ...maybe back in Hemmingway's time.

Venice is sport-fishing paradise, but more importantly it is a major service hub for the entire Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry.

Industry, not government will rebuild Venice.