All DU Floridians, please check in here....

[steve2470]

Last edited Wed Sep 6, 2017, 12:08 PM - Edit history (1)

All I want to know is that you're going to be safe. I WILL be safe, whether I'm in Atlanta or in Orlando. I promise


Please check in


eta: yes, I'm a bit nervous. I can tell you they DO have fast alcohol delivery in the home of the Mouse. Just learned this fascinating fact.

[Phoenix61]

1. Hey there steve

Glad you checked in and are making plans to get out of Dodge. Stay safe.

[lamp_shade]

2. Just south of Tampa on the east side of Tampa Bay.

Waiting anxiously to here what direction Irma will eventually take.

[Hortensis]

47. Take care. When will you be able to make a decision? Our friends

on the Manatee River loaded up their grandkids and headed north this afternoon. Their son and DIL remain because they work in a hospital.

[lpbk2713]

3. It's hopeful that the spaghetti models are moving East.

I'm in Lakeland. And I still remember with dread the three canes that went over us in 2004.

[steve2470]

4. me too that was a bad year! nt

[Hortensis]

50. We have a little place off the south end of Tampa Bay, and so we know

that those paths seen skipping that area are a pattern of decades. No recorded hurricane has hit Tampa to date. I wouldn't bet anything on this being a pattern for the present or future, though.

[rzemanfl]

55. Yet you still have that asshole Sheriff.

I had to do Special Needs Shelter duty in 2004. After the second one I said we should hire a band for the next one, which was already on its way.

[lpbk2713]

57. It doesn't say much for Polk County.

I don't know how many times that yokel has been reelected.

[rzemanfl]

60. You needed a preacher to say 2004 was God's punishment for electing him. n/t

[Lochloosa]

5. Jacksonville here. I'll be staying. Work demands it.

My company has contracts for emergency storm damage repairs for the DOT.

[NightWatcher]

56. Stay safe. I'm staying this time. Matthew was a ginormous pain in the ass.

I've a ton of supplies and we're ready for a while with the power out.

[Lochloosa]

67. You do the same.

Let me know if you need anything. I'll be around.

[DrDan]

6. checking in from Port Orange - packing up and hopefully on the road north later this afternoon

[Tommy_Carcetti]

17. I wouldn't trust coastal Georgia or South Carolina. Head northwest.

If this pulls a Matthew, those areas could find themselves in danger.

[longship]

77. You might not be able to get gasoline.

Check things out before you depart. You dont want to be stuck on the road during a hurricane.

[DrDan]

99. got that right - filled up and made it to Columbia SC on that tank.

[rppper]

87. Holly Hill here...

Stay safe!

[DrDan]

98. made it up to Greenville SC yesterday - quite a bit of traffic but flowed ok after JAX

Be careful if staying - hoping for the best and it continues to move east

[monmouth4]

7. I'm in West Palm and hunkering down. It's all good, so far. n/t

,

[XRubicon]

45. Same here

Live on the island, planning to be downtown wpb on inter-coastal side in a "cat 5 rated" high rise.

I think it will be fine for wind but if it floods... may be stuck there a while.

[mcar]

8. 70 miles N of Tampa

[katmondoo]

9. Gainesville here, no water and no gas available at this time

I could of stopped yesterday but thought tomorrow morning would still be OK, I was very, very wrong. I have a little over half a tank, water OK because my daughter brought some Monday. Usually I am first to be prepared but for some reason I keep misjudging the situation and this is not my first hurricane in Florida.

[alwaysinflux]

10. Fill up all your available containers

...and bottles and bathtubs with tap water. Water problem solved.

[FloridaBlues]

85. And fill up tub of water for washing and toilet flushing

Get ice or put large baggies filled with water to freeze for you food etc.
Wishing us the best

[Tommy_Carcetti]

16. No gas in places like Gainesville is something to keep in mind for those coming from South Florida.

My tank has a 300-400 mile range but heavier traffic would keep it closer to the 300 level.

I have a full tank now but I'd probably empty up around Gainesville if I were to head in the only logical direction (towards Atlanta). Basically I'd have to frantically search for gas around Gainesville or Ocala or risk getting stuck in a place that could still be in the storm's path.

Considering that my house is concrete block with shutters and not in a flood zone, that's influenced my decision to wait it out.

[Hortensis]

52. Probably a solid decision, sure hope so. As people with a little place in the

Ocala area, your comments are information for the future. I was a bit surprised when a neighbor said cars were already lined up for gas up there, but of course the promise of an influx of thousands of emptying tanks from the south would explain it. Looking at a map with a calculator would also have would also have revealed this little geographic confluence.

[Warpy]

51. Tap water is as good as it ever is

Fill any container you have including old beer bottles and the like. Fill the tub with water for flushing the toilet and washing dishes.

More water will likely be trucked in within 3 days after the storm passes.

Gainesville is inland. You'll be soggy but fine.

[OriginalGeek]

11. Orlando checking in

Electricity was out for over a week during Charley at my old house but now we're up in Longwood at my Grandpa's house which made it through all three '04 storms with nothing more than tree litter that needed sweeping up. Hoping that trend continues.

BUT the part that worries me is my Homeowner's insurance doesn't take effect until September 16th. When we finally got everything here in my name we went to renew HO ins but they said they no longer wrote policies in my area. So they handed us off to two other places and we finally found one that would write the policy but it had a 30-day waiting period. So Irma will get here a week after it goes into effect. Le' bummer.

[zipplewrath]

27. Orlando Here

We're really set. We're not flood prone. (Just west of Baldwin Park) We're not particularly sensitive to wind (trees and buildings do alot of blocking). Primary concerns are loss of power and falling trees. All the electricity is unfortunately above ground. Don't plan on currently heading out unless the path changes. Direct hits are about the only thing that concern me. It'd have to come through Vero/Melbourne kind of path to particularly cause me to want to flee. Won't know until about Sunday what's up. 'Till then, I'll clean up the yard of debris and trim some branches.

[GulfCoast66]

97. 13 days with no power in 04!

Delaney Park area.

Now in Clermont with underground power!

Sounds like you will be closer to the center than me.

Good luck!

[kydo]

12. We can float together.

Last edited Wed Sep 6, 2017, 12:44 PM - Edit history (2)

I am in that un-incorporated part of Winter Park, which is really Cassleberry, but I get to put Winter Park in my address - which makes me appear richer then I really am.

We started boarding up today. Gave up on finding a generator yesterday and ordered one that should be here friday. Got fuel for about 5 days. Got water, food, coffee, smokes (both reg and green ), ice, charcoal, propane, pop-tarts, peanut butter, oranges, bleach, first aid kit stuff, plastic in every form possible, batteries, flashlights, radios, soy milk, sand bags, cash, cars full of gas, and so on and so on.

I think I am ready. Oh I got a tarp too.

Not looking forward to this. Charlie was scary and the aftermath was total suckage. This will be worse.

Stay safe everyone.

[mia]

21. Hi there.

I'm in Miami. My daughter and family live in Winter Springs on the edge of Casselberry. They are preparing to ride it out, even though their back yard goes down to a lake. There's no seawall. I Also have a couple of grandsons who share a house in that area. Thankfully, all of them are fairly resourceful as a result of many camping trips and a love of the wilderness.

You seem to be so well prepared. I hope my family is too. Take care, Kydo, and enjoy your smokes and pop tarts!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

13. South Florida here. Believe it or not, I'm staying put, ONLY because of the south to north path.

If this was a west to east like Wilma or east to west like Andrew and still a Cat 4 or 5, I'd be making plans to go upstate and wait it out.

But basically the entire peninsula is at risk due to the possible south to north trajectory, and given that there's only one way out--north--it's not very practical to try driving to Atlanta (10 hours in good traffic, probably 20 hours in bad, with having to search for gas somewhere in between).

We live in a house that was built post-Andrew, with storm shutters, concrete block walls and not in a flood zone.

If we take a direct hit, it won't be pretty but I think we'll come out alive.

I'm still hoping this pulls a Matthew.

[Scurrilous]

33. My house in Miami Lakes was built in '67...

...and has easily withstood every storm that's hit So. Florida since. The place is a tank. So I'm staying too. Good luck!

I'm hoping for a repeat of '79 David.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

38. That's pretty good.

I'd hold onto that house if I were you, too.

[mcar]

90. We were in Miami Lakes during Andrew

Moved further north after that. Now we're north of Tampa.

[Scurrilous]

92. ...

[RandySF]

102. Could you head toward Alabama?

[Tommy_Carcetti]

108. Believe it or not, out of mere curiousity's sake I looked at available hotels.

Nothing I could find in the I-75 corridor in Georgia or towns west of the I-75 corridor until I found a single room at an Econo Lodge on the Georgia-Alabama border.

That would have been quite the haul.

[Grammy23]

14. Far western edge of FL Panhandle here:

Breathing a little easier as the storm might be tracking and turning north so we are in less danger of a western swing. With memories of Ivan (also a 2004 hurricane) still strong, you don't have to say to folks in this part of Florida to get prepared for a storm. Ivan knocked this area back on its heels for quite a while. With tourism to our sugar white beaches a major industry here, anything that threatens that gets attention. So as soon as Irma ramped up to category 5 without the expected turn and some models showed her going into the Gulf, people here didn't wait to be told to get ready. For many, June 1st, the beginning of Hurricane Season, is the signal to start building a hurricane stash. Extra non-perishable food, propane for camp stoves, charcoal, batteries, etc. are gathered in a closet, cupboard or bin --- just in case.

So while it appears we are going to be spared --- this time--- our hearts go out to those who will be in Irma's path. I hope those in danger of the storm and the surge will heed the warnings to get out. Mother Nature has no pity on those who remain in beach houses or condoes who think they are safe by saying....We've been through storms before. A cat. 4 or 5 storm is not just a little stronger than a 1 or a 2. As The Weather Channel explained yesterday, a Cat. 5 storm is 500 times stronger than a 1. Don't be stubborn or foolish. Gather your important documents, your pets and get out.

[Sancho]

83. Is there gas in the panhandle? Not much here in Clearwater

[Grammy23]

100. There was gas available on Wednesday.

I didn't leave the house today, so don't know about now. I am guessing there is still gas available.

Campgrounds are already full of evacuees. There was discussion about opening shelters here for more people fleeing the storm. Check the WEAR TV 3 website for information about shelters and gas. Or the Pensacola News Journal.

[Baitball Blogger]

15. Salutations from Central Florida

Waiting in line for D batteries. Supply van just drove into parking lot. Just came from Lowes where I saw a suspect right-winger clean the shelf of heavy duty plastic. Said he needed it to cover his furniture in case there is water.

[lpbk2713]

20. Look for his ad on Craigslist.

Expecting about five times what he paid.

[Baitball Blogger]

25. And he'll probably get it.

Just waited in line for 45 minutes for D batteries. They ran out just a few names before they got to mine. Very civil crowd.

[onethatcares]

18. still stocking what I can

trying to get plywood for friends.

Am staying put.

St Petersburg, not on the beaches.

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

19. Sarasota

Native American legend has it that Sarasota is a protected area and that's why they lived here. However, I continue to monitor the weather and hope everyone stays safe and Irma goes out to sea.

[malaise]

22. Stay safe my friend

[steve2470]

23. thank you

[mia]

24. Hello from Miami.

Thanks for starting this thread. Glad to read that you and many other Floridians here feel safe. I do too.

[Weekend Warrior]

26. Here and safe. Latest forecasts are looking even better for me.

Tampa Bay area.

[Flaleftist]

28. Orlando here.

I'm pretty well stocked on supplies. I have a concrete block home surrounded by lots of big trees.

I just left Publix in Winter Park. They have all kinds of batteries in stock, but no bread or water.

[OriginalGeek]

37. last night at Costco

as everyone was piling into the store they had a guy stationed out front just to tell everyone that they were out of generators, bread and water.

Been getting a little bit here and there for the last week or so so hopefully we'll have enough.

our 60+ year old concrete block house made it through Charley with no damage and my Grand[a's 50 year old concrete block house made it through too. I think we're fine on that front but i guess we might lose a screen panel and we just had new vinyl fence put up last year so i hope that makes it...

[Flaleftist]

44. I remember the same thing at Costco before Mathew.

Home Depot has a sign out front listing what they are out of stock. I was hoping to get a couple extra 5-gallon gas cans for my generator but no luck. I can make due with what I got and siphon one of my vehicles if it comes to it. My home was built in the early 70s, so it has withstood some weather. The only real concerns are my fence is pretty old and may not hold up to strong winds. I have 6 dogs to keep in on about 1/2 an acre. Also, I just got my pool enclosure fixed and with the trees around it, there is a good chance of some damage.

[XRubicon]

48. Start making tupperware ice now

The big blocks last a long time, have a bunch of tupperware ice in your freezer when(if) the power goes out.

You have water, faucet water is good now. Fill up containers and cover them.

ETA I guess I misread... you have stuff... my advise stands though.

[hamsterjill]

29. From Texas to Florida: Take this seriously, and stay safe.

Sending my best vibes for safety and comfort to you all. Please prepare beyond what is suggested. Better safe than sorry. Please take care of yourselves, your families, your neighbors, and please don't forget your pets.

We'll see you on the other side of the storm.

[HAB911]

30. North Tampa here

looking better than yesterday, may not have to put up my shutters

[Tribalceltic]

31. just north of clearwater

in an almost 50 year old mobile home. No worries. i have a bottle of beer just in case

[OriginalGeek]

36. go hang out at the Dunedin Brewery.

They bring beer to our highland games up here every year and I help relieve them of it.

[Tribalceltic]

39. Great Idea thanks!

[Ineeda]

32. I heard a rumour...

That as long as the dumpster is in office, all storms with Hispanic names will not be allowed to enter the US. Jose seems to be paying attention. NOAA should make note. (I'm in Sarasota County, nervous, somewhat prepared, but optimistic as I watch the reports.) Stay safe, everyone!

[Wiseman32218]

53. LMAO, Thanks!!!!!!

[Loge23]

34. Treasure Coast checking in

I'm holding a room in Brandon and may leave on Friday if the mdels stay east.
Be safe everyone!

[dewsgirl]

89. Me too, going to Lakeland tomorrow.

[Loge23]

91. Stay safe! (eom)

[OriginalGeek]

35. Does it count as Hurricane Preparedness

if I've already eaten all the snack foods?

[steve2470]

46. yep :) nt

[GusBob]

40. Freemanville representin'

eom

[steve2470]

41. I know we have more Floridians here :) nt

[Blue_true]

64. When we identify, we hear Florida Man a lot.

Yes, we have some real idiots here, but we also have 20 million people.

[steve2470]

65. I think it's been less frequent lately nt

[lpbk2713]

42. Just BTW ...

I noticed the price of gas went up ten cents today over yesterday.

From 2.59 to 2.69 in Lakeland.

[steve2470]

43. shameless bump nt

[Lochloosa]

66. No shame.

[steve2470]

68. no shame in my game lol nt

[Wiseman32218]

49. Jax here

Sending LOML out of town tomorrow evening, I will stay behind and wait it out. We will be fine, inland from the ocean but I need to make sure nothing is messed up during the storm.

[bluecollar2]

54. Cutler Ridge/Goulds here

Shutters go up tomorrow.

Evacuated zone C. Soil here is very porous so don't expect significant trouble there.

Generator and chainsaw checked out today. Have gas, water and water.

Will hunker in place. Hopefully the grove makes it without too much damage.

[malaise]

70. Were you there for Andrew?

I'll never forget thst destruction

[bluecollar2]

75. I wasn't but my parents were

We have an orchard here. Andrew came through just after we started it. We lost almost all the trees in Andrew so we started over.

I flew down three days after Andrew went through and stayed for five weeks helping clean up. What a mess...

We eventually got power back...I think it was in late October.

I retired in March and moved down to run the grove...

[malaise]

79. Well I hope Irma doesn't make you have to start over

Andrew was a mess.

[bluecollar2]

82. Thanks

If there was anything positive about Andrew it was the fact that the infrastructure has been significantly upgraded.

Old wooden PowerLine poles have been replaced with steel/concrete etc. so hopefully it won't be as bad digging out.

Hopefully it'll be a glancing blow rather than a direct hit. Cutler Ridge/Goulds and the Redland were hammered by
Andrew.

[Best_man23]

58. Former Florida DUer, now in VA

Survivor of Andrew and the three 04 Hurricanes sending all good karma out to my Fla DU peeps.

Do what you need to do to stay safe and come back to us when you can.

[rzemanfl]

59. North of Clearwater, six feet six inches above sea level as of 20 years ago.

Have water, gas in the vehicles, ice and batteries galore including the elusive D cells. Feeling pretty secure given the latest forecast track. Of course that could change, but I view that big cone as a bell curve, the closer to the edge one is the better. At least that's what I chose to believe. Good luck to all.

[lunamagica]

61. South FL here

[Native]

62. Brooksville here - left for Augusta Sat. afternoon, arrived around midnight.

Last edited Sun Sep 10, 2017, 01:30 AM - Edit history (1)

[Blue_true]

63. I am north of you. Really calm here, some rain earlier, but no wind. nt

[Texasgal]

69. Please stay safe

Florida folks!!!

Keep us updated when you can!

[Awsi Dooger]

71. Southwest Miami suburbs

A couple of miles from Tropical Park.

My home was built in late 1958 with a substantial addition in 1975. Impact resistant windows and rear doors, which open to the pool. I have tall storm shutters for the front door and a side utility shed. New roof.

Regardless, I am leaving town. I am a handicapper but am not comfortable assigning odds on this one. If the storm can destroy my home I'm not sure why I should be occupying that home at the time.

All of my neighbors and friends are staying. Some of them are trying to talk me into staying. They were here for Andrew. I was not. They describe how terrible it was, like a train going through the house. But since they made it through, they are confident it will happen again.

I'm never impressed with a sample of one. Let's see, I learned that in my first week in Las Vegas. Actually much earlier.

I'm doing everything I can to secure the home but part of that preparation is boxing up some pictures and keepsakes, just in case. They will make the trip to Orlando with me, riding out Irma at my sister's home.

I am leaving a key with a trusted neighbor. When able he'll contact me and provide an update on my home and the neighborhood in general.

That will be an incredibly nerve wracking phone call or text.

[A HERETIC I AM]

72. Jacksonville.....

But I'm actually on a trip to California, so I get to miss all the fun.

My brother lives with me so he'll look after the place.

Made extra ice. Store extra water - tap water for washing dishes and bodies and filtered for cooking and drinking.

Plenty of wood and propane for the multi grill. Coleman gas camp stove. He will be fine.

Didn't even lose power when Mathew went by last year.

[mfcorey1]

73. In Georgia but checking in for my family on Amelia Island and

Fernandina Beach.

[mvd]

74. Not from Florida, but wanted to send you my thoughts

Stay safe - this hurricane has the fastest winds ever recorded in the Atlantic.

[chillfactor]

76. I think anyone who doesn't get out...

with so much warning, is inherently STUPID! You are just asking for trouble and perhaps even death.

[bluecollar2]

78. Duly noted

But sometimes one has to take a calculated risk.

Have a nice day.

[longship]

81. They are already running out of gasoline on the Interstates.

Evac is not an option any longer, and only a fool would attempt it.

By the time one knows they're in danger, it's too late. Shelter in place. Get stocked up.

[GusBob]

84. Perhaps you should read the 5am NWS forecast discussion Capt Sunshine

Us stupid hicks have been thru this before

[Tommy_Carcetti]

94. It's far, far more complicated than just that.

And there are smart options regardless of whether one stays or leaves.

[GulfCoast66]

95. Chill, appreciate your concern

But for many here it is not our first Rodeo. Evacuation decisions are based in many factors and by no means are all the people, even in South Florida recommended to evacuate.

[Purveyor]

101. This isn't a "Bull" any of you have rode before... Godspeed. nt

[GulfCoast66]

106. I sincerely appreciate your concern

But I rode the Bull Named Charlie at 120MPH. Not our first rodeo.

Things will break and there will be huge damage to my home. No way to prevent it.

[secondwind]

80. FUCK! I'm in northern Dominican Republic and my home is a barrier island in

St Augustine, 2 blocks from the Atlantic. We just put up the For Sale sign last week. FUCK My husband is there and I'm here in business. I can walk to the beach.

They are herding us all into the conference center at 6:30 am. Everyone. Employees also. There will be bkfst, lunch and dinner Hopefully, we can all return to our rooms tonite.

I was lucky to get a Flt out to MIA for Monday. Hopefully it will hold.

My home on Anastasia Island is only 4 feet above sea level. FUCK

[Fla Dem]

111. Northeast Florida on barrier Island. Evacuated for Matthew. Staying put for Irma.

Hopefully by the time she reaches us the storm will be a Cat 1. If so, not concerned as much about the wind as I am about flooding. Hoping for the best.

Relatives in Miami and Ft Worth. Worried for them.

[rppper]

86. 1 mile from the worlds most famous beach here...

I'll be riding this out just like Matthew last year. We have supplies and are as ready as we can be.

[tavernier]

88. Key Largo, town of Tavernier here.

I'm in Indiana for the summer and my kids evacuated yesterday. They drove up the east coast, mostly on the old highways as the interstate was very crowded. They also had little trouble finding gas this way. They made it as far as Georgia and even got a motel. They are joining me and other family in Indiana today.

Sadly my friends are not so smart. They are all staying in the Keys, but one. Makes me sad, but you can't tell adults what to do. I wouldn't stay simply because i wouldn't want to chance putting other people's lives in danger if I had to be rescued.

[cwydro]

114. A lot of my Key West friends are staying too.

Glad you're out.

[tavernier]

116. Key west might actually miss the brunt

but on the other hand, it may not. I'm not a Russian roulette kind of gambler.

[cwydro]

117. It's not looking good right now.

Not at all.

[tavernier]

118. Models say Marathon

which puts the upper Keys on the dirty side (where my house is).
Sigh... just playing wait and see.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

93. As an aside, I'm so glad to see many fellow Sunshine Staters on DU.

We have to wade through all the groansome "Florida Man" threads and embarrassments by our many terrible right wing elected officials such as Rick Scott and like, but honestly I love it here and wouldn't want to live anywhere else (well, maybe Hawaii but that's it).

Even after considering all the insanities like Hurricane Season.

Stay strong, my fellow Floridians.

[GulfCoast66]

96. South Lake County here, 20 miles west of Orlando

All ready to go. As long as the roof stays on and we are currently forecast for 60 mph winds.

As of last night Disney still had rooms at Florida Residence rates. Not a bad place to ride out a storm. Especially if the bars stay open!

Stay safe.

[bearsfootball516]

104. Hey, same location!

My apartment complex is well built. If the worst we get is 60 mph, I think we'll get through it just fine.

[RandySF]

103. Please check in after it passes, if you can.

[juxtaposed]

105. Looking for plywood 3/4" 4'x8' sheets I need 20 sheets to cover my windows!

Tampa Bay area.

[radical noodle]

107. Summerfield, Florida here

We're staying at home but we're centrally located about halfway between the two coasts.

We have everything we need except my husband has been unable to find his favorite scotch.

Stay safe!

[XRubicon]

109. Are you Steve 24 7?

Or do you take time off?

[steve2470]

110. bump nt

[LeftInTX]

112. Stay safe....I don't like the western shift that this storm is taking

Wednesday night it seemed like it was moving towards the east, now it is shifting west towards Ft. Meyers.

[William769]

113. Bonita Beach here.

[GulfCoast66]

115. Oh crap.

Moving west. Rather than 60mph in Clermont they are calling for 100!

And looks like we will the gift of the eyewall! Yeah!

No offense to my friends in Tampa but I would like to see a little more western route.

[bluecollar2]

119. Goulds/Cutler Ridge

Been raining and windy since this morning.

A few branches down but not much else so far.

Still too early to tell.

Now that the track has moved west were no longer in the cone but we'll be on the dirty side of this storm.

Still have power so that's a good thing.

Hatches are battened down, everything is secure.

All hell is going to break loose tonight.

[Awsi Dooger]

120. Wading this out at my sister's home in Orlando

New home in the Independence area. Nice elevation drop offs from the front door and back door so flooding seemingly won't be an issue.

Hoping the winds aren't too bad. Relieved that my home in Miami apparently will be spared the brunt, even though I'm not underestimating what still could happen there.

The drive from Miami to Orlando last night was cupcakes, leaving at 12:30 AM with no traffic at all.

[bluecollar2]

121. pressure just dropped to 999.1 mb

1001 all day.

[superpatriotman]

122. East Oakland park here

Riding it out with the wife and dog in wooded up house.
Wish us luck, please

[steve2470]

123. All my Florida DU friends ok ?

I decided on a vacation in Chicago, see lounge thread. Great weather up here !

[GusBob]

124. Aye Mate tomorrow is going to be a long day after what's been a forever week

Lawd, I am tired. Tomorrow into Monday will be longer I reckon.

Won't go into all the various tiresome problematic details of our personal hectic experience.

I will be happy be to say we have been able to corral various storm refugees from across the state and from mandatory evacuation zones, our kids (5) from Tampa& Orlando, 3 families from the beachside, for a total of 15 people here at the compound. A lil 14 month old child is the star of the show

Today while I was cooking up for the assembled crew, I larded up an extra tray or 2 on took it down to my good friend and his mates in law enforcement on the beachside Daytona before they shut down the bridges. It was like a ghost town down there and the ocean was angry. Blustery with heavy rain and low heavy clouds. It actually reminded me of a gray and windy November day in the Midwest, but warmer. Your Chicago friends may know.

Standing by, over and out

[steve2470]

133. best wishes to you! nt

[Solly Mack]

125. kick

[Lunabell]

126. N. Florida, near Tallahassee.

Hunkering down with my wife, 4 dogs and 4 cats. I think we'll be ok.

[Sunlei]

127. how are you Florida people doing? watching the eye lift off of cuba on my noaa radar-heres a link

can click refresh or constant update.. there are arrow links to adjacent radars

https://radar.weather.gov/ridge/radar.php?product=N0Z&rid=amx&loop=yes

[NightWatcher]

128. Goodnight Florida. I hope y'all are where you can get some rest tonight.

Tomorrow's going to be a long day.

Peace

[Sunlei]

129. good morning Florida! watching NOAA radar, I see the 'eye' right on key west. Is anyone out there?

Looks like the worse, heavy rain! stays below about Tampa, Florida. How are the wind speeds around Miami?

https://radar.weather.gov/ridge/radar.php?product=N0Z&rid=byx&loop=yes

[steve2470]

130. I am in Chicago

Best wishes to all in Florida!

[csziggy]

131. North east of Tallahassee, been windy since yesterday afternoon

Last night my husband found an app that showed the path in zoomable detail - it showed the center of the eye passing just north of our place across the closest intersection a third of a mile north of us.

This morning, the path had moved east into Jefferson County. I just checked, the path is now being shown even more east, closer to Madison, Florida.

We're staying put since our house is solidly built, at the top of a 200 foot above sea level ridge. We are ready to stock up on water to flush the toilets, have gallons of water in the refrigerator and the freezer, lots of ice in the freezer, and to make life a LOT easier, some friends lent us their old just refurbished generator. It had quit after Hermine hit us last year on Labor Day and they bought a new one. When they found out we couldn't buy a generator, they got this one fixed and brought it over. We have ten gallons of fuel for it, plus we can siphon gas out of our Suburban (40 gallon tank) if the outage is prolonged.

[EX500rider]

132. Barrier island in St Pete...

....bugging out when the winds reach 30mph avg or 50 gusts, currently 23/40

[steve2470]

134. My brother in Tallahassee might get hit later

He's ok!

[steve2470]

135. Everyone OK so far ?? nt

[steve2470]

136. very last bump nt