Florida Fodorites, What Parts of Florida on the West Coast Are Okay?
Aug 16th, 2004, 01:00 PM
#22
I'm wondering the same thing Scarlett.
That bellman had a long drive in bad weather at the end of day when all the employees had been called in early to put the hotel back together again--lots of physical labor returning furniture, computers, food, what-have-you, to their proper places. The good that comes out in people helping in a disaster situation is heartwarming. I love reading Jayne's tale--what she left, what they experienced, and the impact on all their family.
That bellman had a long drive in bad weather at the end of day when all the employees had been called in early to put the hotel back together again--lots of physical labor returning furniture, computers, food, what-have-you, to their proper places. The good that comes out in people helping in a disaster situation is heartwarming. I love reading Jayne's tale--what she left, what they experienced, and the impact on all their family.
Aug 16th, 2004, 04:54 PM
#23
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I heard on the news this evening that there are still "a few" homes in Marco without power, but that is pretty much the extent of the problem other than possibly some trees down and perhaps a few screen enclosures.
We just returned from a walk along Olde Naples Beach and were surprised that along the beach there is very little tree damage and no apparent building damage at all, while back a few blocks there is a whole lot more. Still nothing major, particularly compared to our neighbors to the north.
We just returned from a walk along Olde Naples Beach and were surprised that along the beach there is very little tree damage and no apparent building damage at all, while back a few blocks there is a whole lot more. Still nothing major, particularly compared to our neighbors to the north.
Aug 16th, 2004, 05:04 PM
#24
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My DH is in Punta Gorda for work related business. He says anyone with a chainsaw is welcome. Seriously. But there are very few hotels, lots of people sleeping in cars, and limits on the amounts of gas you can buy. He had to bed down in Sarasota.
Somehow I can't picture OO and Scarlett armed with chainsaws. Although one never knows.
BTW, there is a message board on the Orlando Sentinel's web site for people to post if they're looking for someone. The listings are county by county.
As for tourists, ya'll come on down to Tampa/St. Pete. This is beach weather and it's lovely.
Somehow I can't picture OO and Scarlett armed with chainsaws. Although one never knows.
BTW, there is a message board on the Orlando Sentinel's web site for people to post if they're looking for someone. The listings are county by county.
As for tourists, ya'll come on down to Tampa/St. Pete. This is beach weather and it's lovely.
Aug 16th, 2004, 05:49 PM
#26
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Tandoori honey, it depends on how irritated I get.
Some of this reminds me of September 11th when people were still looking for their loved ones. Leaving little notes on a wall. I really hope they will not find anymore dead.
I imagine that everyone with a skill that can be used, will be donating some time. A neighbor here has gone there , with a tent and his own food..he is going to help with something to do with wiring.
A lot of good people everywhere
Some of this reminds me of September 11th when people were still looking for their loved ones. Leaving little notes on a wall. I really hope they will not find anymore dead.
I imagine that everyone with a skill that can be used, will be donating some time. A neighbor here has gone there , with a tent and his own food..he is going to help with something to do with wiring.
A lot of good people everywhere
Aug 16th, 2004, 06:11 PM
#27
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Someone told me that after a hurricane hit their town (I think it was Isabel, she hit Virginia) many restaurants started grilling outside with just home-type grills, handing out free food.
But this is a more spread-out type of area, less density, so I don't know if that would work.
But this is a more spread-out type of area, less density, so I don't know if that would work.
Aug 16th, 2004, 06:42 PM
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I am very glad to hear that so many of you made it through Charley so well. I am also very sorry to say that not everyone fared so well, and things seem to just be getting worse. My parents are in Port Charlotte, and although I am 5000 miles away, I am exhausted and have not have a good night?s sleep since Friday.
They lost contact with the rest of the world early on when their satellite dish went out, and from that point they relied on calling me to get updates. They did not know Charley was bearing down on them directly until they called me at about 3:45 when I told them that the eye was to hit Boca Grande in about 13 minutes. The two of them spent most of the next hour building a barricade and physically holding their large glass doors that open to the lanai, to keep it from blowing in. Many of their neighbors who were unable to hold the same doors lost everything, as the storm blew in the doors and then literally exploded the great rooms of their homes. The doors themselves are double paned glass, and were holding up to the winds, but the frames around them were giving in to the force of the wind.
As the power is still out, there is no phone service. Cell phone reception is spotty, and my parents call out when they can get a signal, so I have been on call 24-hours. They have a generator, but they need to add more gas every two - three hours, and yesterday they had to drive 2.5 hours to find a gas station that had gas and power. But not having A/C or water is taking its toll on them. They are healthy, but I worry about many of their neighbors whose health is not as good.
Across the harbor, in Burnt Store in Punta Gorda, are friends' parents. from whom no one has heard since Friday night, when they were able to get out a call to say they were "OK.?"
But OK is relative. The past few days have been non-stop calls to try to get through to insurance companies, agencies in Tallahassee, the electric company, FEMA, etc. My parent?s house is still standing, although it took a good hit, and as a result they are caught in a grey area--they have no intention of leaving their home for a shelter, taking resources away from those who are worse off, but at the same time it becomes harder and harder to stay in their house in the heat, without water and power. The carpets are mildewing, the bugs are as bad inside as out, they have had no trash pick-up, their water is bad. But there is just nowhere to go. They discussed going to a motel, but where? Everything for miles is full, and they need to stay close enough to the house to be there during the day to wait for adjusters, inspectors, and, hopefully, soon, the power company.
So, for now, they sit on their lanai, in the heat, being eaten alive by the rapidly breeding mosquitoes and no-see-ums, waiting. Once a day they get in their car and drive towards Englewood or Venice so they can eat a meal in A/C and watch some news and buy more gas for the generator to keep the freezer and a fan running.
They don?t even mention their boats anymore (the pontoon sunk in their canal, their Bayliner has a large hole where a pole went through the hull). On Friday this was a major concern, but as the days go by they seem to care less and less about such things. They have a new found respect for electricity. We are learning that when you take away the electicity, Florida is just an uninhabitable breeding ground for mildew, insects, and dinosaurs.
They lost contact with the rest of the world early on when their satellite dish went out, and from that point they relied on calling me to get updates. They did not know Charley was bearing down on them directly until they called me at about 3:45 when I told them that the eye was to hit Boca Grande in about 13 minutes. The two of them spent most of the next hour building a barricade and physically holding their large glass doors that open to the lanai, to keep it from blowing in. Many of their neighbors who were unable to hold the same doors lost everything, as the storm blew in the doors and then literally exploded the great rooms of their homes. The doors themselves are double paned glass, and were holding up to the winds, but the frames around them were giving in to the force of the wind.
As the power is still out, there is no phone service. Cell phone reception is spotty, and my parents call out when they can get a signal, so I have been on call 24-hours. They have a generator, but they need to add more gas every two - three hours, and yesterday they had to drive 2.5 hours to find a gas station that had gas and power. But not having A/C or water is taking its toll on them. They are healthy, but I worry about many of their neighbors whose health is not as good.
Across the harbor, in Burnt Store in Punta Gorda, are friends' parents. from whom no one has heard since Friday night, when they were able to get out a call to say they were "OK.?"
But OK is relative. The past few days have been non-stop calls to try to get through to insurance companies, agencies in Tallahassee, the electric company, FEMA, etc. My parent?s house is still standing, although it took a good hit, and as a result they are caught in a grey area--they have no intention of leaving their home for a shelter, taking resources away from those who are worse off, but at the same time it becomes harder and harder to stay in their house in the heat, without water and power. The carpets are mildewing, the bugs are as bad inside as out, they have had no trash pick-up, their water is bad. But there is just nowhere to go. They discussed going to a motel, but where? Everything for miles is full, and they need to stay close enough to the house to be there during the day to wait for adjusters, inspectors, and, hopefully, soon, the power company.
So, for now, they sit on their lanai, in the heat, being eaten alive by the rapidly breeding mosquitoes and no-see-ums, waiting. Once a day they get in their car and drive towards Englewood or Venice so they can eat a meal in A/C and watch some news and buy more gas for the generator to keep the freezer and a fan running.
They don?t even mention their boats anymore (the pontoon sunk in their canal, their Bayliner has a large hole where a pole went through the hull). On Friday this was a major concern, but as the days go by they seem to care less and less about such things. They have a new found respect for electricity. We are learning that when you take away the electicity, Florida is just an uninhabitable breeding ground for mildew, insects, and dinosaurs.
Aug 16th, 2004, 06:56 PM
#29
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here_today, that is depressing. Can't you convince them to go to a shelter? At least in the nighttime so they can sleep. I would think that they would at least have the camraderie of other unfortunate souls to make them feel they're not alone in the world. Am I correct in assuming that generators keep the shelters cool? Or are they w/o AC too?
I'm afraid it could be days before they get their power back. It is miserable in FL w/o AC, not only for the elderly but for everyone.
God bless you, and them. God bless all those poor folks down in PG and Central Florida, wherever they are suffering through this.
I'm afraid it could be days before they get their power back. It is miserable in FL w/o AC, not only for the elderly but for everyone.
God bless you, and them. God bless all those poor folks down in PG and Central Florida, wherever they are suffering through this.
Aug 16th, 2004, 07:01 PM
#30
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That absolutely breaks my heart. I feel so bad for your parents and everyone else experiencing the same. As we sit just 100 miles away in air conditioning, in our own beds, I reminded my kids today of the people without homes, and trying to survive in this heat.
It makes me want to drive down there and bring back some people for a shower, a good nights sleep and some cool air.
Our vacation condo is occupied until saturday, and then is vacant. I tried to call the Red Cross to see if I could offer it as temporary housing today even though it's quite a distance from the damaged area. I wasn't able to actually speak to a live person. I'll try again in the morning.
I do know that there are a lot of vacant condo's along the pinellas beaches at the moment. Kids have gone back to school, so it's not busy over here. Excuse my ignorance, but is there any way they can deal with any of this from an area away from their home?
It makes me want to drive down there and bring back some people for a shower, a good nights sleep and some cool air.
Our vacation condo is occupied until saturday, and then is vacant. I tried to call the Red Cross to see if I could offer it as temporary housing today even though it's quite a distance from the damaged area. I wasn't able to actually speak to a live person. I'll try again in the morning.
I do know that there are a lot of vacant condo's along the pinellas beaches at the moment. Kids have gone back to school, so it's not busy over here. Excuse my ignorance, but is there any way they can deal with any of this from an area away from their home?
Aug 16th, 2004, 07:54 PM
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Maui,
I am only an hour away and I would be happy to run ice, gas down to them. I have a suburban and I could meet them at the interstate.
You have been so helpful to many of us and this would not be difficult in the least. If you want to try and arrange something please email me at
I am only an hour away and I would be happy to run ice, gas down to them. I have a suburban and I could meet them at the interstate.
You have been so helpful to many of us and this would not be difficult in the least. If you want to try and arrange something please email me at
Aug 16th, 2004, 07:55 PM
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oops, hit post by mistake. You can reach me at [email protected]
Aug 16th, 2004, 09:04 PM
#34
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I couldn't convince them to board up, or take the warnings seriously last week, and now I certainly can't get them to leave! My mother told me her bed is dry, and that means they are better off than a lot of other people right now. They need to keep the generator running, which means adding gas every 2 or three hours. They filled their big freezer full with plastic containers of water before the storm, so they have plenty of ice. They are Sam's Club shoppers, so they have cases of water, beer, and bottles of wine, which is apparently considered a major necessity. I think that if the wine and ice give out, they might reconsider, but for now, they are staying there.
They have been told stories of people across the canal with power, so there is that flicker of hope that theirs will be restored shortly. I called the power company and they told me possibly by the end of the day tomorrow, but to check back. When we inquired about power for our friends in Burnt Store the power company could not give us any idea when power might be restored.
As for comisserating, they live in one of those close-knit communities where everyone belongs to the yacht club and knows everyone else, so they are with others going through the same things. And they have seen how lucky they are. Many of the homes in their area were built with that long, three-pane sliding glass door to the lanai, which has turned out to be a serious structural weakness when you pit it against winds in excess of 100 mph. The homes in their tract that suffered the most damage were those where that glass door gave way.
I truly appreciate your sentiments, and especially Jayne's offer. That is so wonderful of you, but I think right now their daily trips to Englewood are the high points of each day, when they get to sit in an air-conditioned restaurant and eat. Thanks goodness for Mama's! And they have plans to come to Maui at the end of the month. If they can hold out for two more weeks and they can get their power on and business taken car of by then, we?ll all be in L.A. for Labor Day, and then to Maui for a while.
But as the days wear on they, they are wearing out. They are living a real, rustic Florida experience, where the heat and humidity and the bugs are taking their toll. The pools are all turing green and no amount of chlorine seems to help. The houses are turning musty and mildew is growing where it normally wouldn't. And then there are the bugs. With all the stagnant pools and standing water I can only image what it will be like in a week or two.
But while all of this is uncomfortable, it could be worse. I keep thinking about those in the mobile homes, the elderly living on a fixed income or the working poor, living paycheck to paycheck. Many of these folks lost everything they own and have no place to go. I can?t even imagine how hard that must be. It helps to put things into perspective.
They have been told stories of people across the canal with power, so there is that flicker of hope that theirs will be restored shortly. I called the power company and they told me possibly by the end of the day tomorrow, but to check back. When we inquired about power for our friends in Burnt Store the power company could not give us any idea when power might be restored.
As for comisserating, they live in one of those close-knit communities where everyone belongs to the yacht club and knows everyone else, so they are with others going through the same things. And they have seen how lucky they are. Many of the homes in their area were built with that long, three-pane sliding glass door to the lanai, which has turned out to be a serious structural weakness when you pit it against winds in excess of 100 mph. The homes in their tract that suffered the most damage were those where that glass door gave way.
I truly appreciate your sentiments, and especially Jayne's offer. That is so wonderful of you, but I think right now their daily trips to Englewood are the high points of each day, when they get to sit in an air-conditioned restaurant and eat. Thanks goodness for Mama's! And they have plans to come to Maui at the end of the month. If they can hold out for two more weeks and they can get their power on and business taken car of by then, we?ll all be in L.A. for Labor Day, and then to Maui for a while.
But as the days wear on they, they are wearing out. They are living a real, rustic Florida experience, where the heat and humidity and the bugs are taking their toll. The pools are all turing green and no amount of chlorine seems to help. The houses are turning musty and mildew is growing where it normally wouldn't. And then there are the bugs. With all the stagnant pools and standing water I can only image what it will be like in a week or two.
But while all of this is uncomfortable, it could be worse. I keep thinking about those in the mobile homes, the elderly living on a fixed income or the working poor, living paycheck to paycheck. Many of these folks lost everything they own and have no place to go. I can?t even imagine how hard that must be. It helps to put things into perspective.
Aug 17th, 2004, 04:04 AM
#35
I feel so badly for both your parents AND you here_today. Non-stop worry about their well-being is terribly hard on you too. This type of thing is emotionally exhausting and it'd almost be easier on you if you were there with them--not that that's possible.
As bad as it is, it sounds as if their house fared pretty well and they are so lucky in that regard. We all wish there was a way we could physically help--we are so close and still are reminded constantly of how lucky we have been. It could just as easily have been us, which makes the urge to help even stronger.
I do have a suggestion for insurance for anyone with family there. By now I'm sure CAT teams have arrived and that situation is easing, but anyone who is insured with a national major can call a claims office ANYWHERE in the country to make a report. It need not be the nearest claims office, but any office in the country. I was a claims adjuster in Dallas when Andrew hit. One of our policyholders thought to call outside the FL area, being unable to get through to our claims office for the Miami area, and got me in Dallas immediately. I took all his information (as he stood in his roofless livingroom) then faxed it to the handling claims office to get the claims ball rolling. Just a thought for your parents in case they still have not been able to get through.
I can certainly understand their jaunt to Englewood being the highlight of their day. A little bit of normalcy. I hope you'll keep us abreast of their progress through this ordeal and do let us know if there is a way we can help. I'm close and I have the time.
As bad as it is, it sounds as if their house fared pretty well and they are so lucky in that regard. We all wish there was a way we could physically help--we are so close and still are reminded constantly of how lucky we have been. It could just as easily have been us, which makes the urge to help even stronger.
I do have a suggestion for insurance for anyone with family there. By now I'm sure CAT teams have arrived and that situation is easing, but anyone who is insured with a national major can call a claims office ANYWHERE in the country to make a report. It need not be the nearest claims office, but any office in the country. I was a claims adjuster in Dallas when Andrew hit. One of our policyholders thought to call outside the FL area, being unable to get through to our claims office for the Miami area, and got me in Dallas immediately. I took all his information (as he stood in his roofless livingroom) then faxed it to the handling claims office to get the claims ball rolling. Just a thought for your parents in case they still have not been able to get through.
I can certainly understand their jaunt to Englewood being the highlight of their day. A little bit of normalcy. I hope you'll keep us abreast of their progress through this ordeal and do let us know if there is a way we can help. I'm close and I have the time.
Aug 17th, 2004, 04:42 AM
#36
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My don't our roles reverse as we grow older. My dad refused to come stay with us when we thought it was going to hit here. He is 85 years old and still lives in the home I grew up in. He boarded every window and brought in every little thing from his yard which is over an acre. I don't think he's been able to get up from his LazyBoy all week, but at least he's in one piece.
I figured that the daily gas run was their link to sanity. If anything changes the offer stands. They are working furiously to restore power so hopefully theirs will be working soon.
I figured that the daily gas run was their link to sanity. If anything changes the offer stands. They are working furiously to restore power so hopefully theirs will be working soon.
Aug 17th, 2004, 05:04 AM
#37
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Maggi I'm fine thanks for asking! Our part of Florida completely escaped any damage (Treasure Island, Pinellas County, Tampa Bay). Thanks so much for your loving concern - this board has been fabulous in that respect, hasn't it? Amazing! God Bless all of you!
To Here2Day:
I was on a pre-planned mini trip in Tampa over the weekend. On Sunday night the Hyatt (not OO's) completely filled up with men. I asked the valet what was going on: he said they are all volunteers from Georgia Power, and they took off Monday morning at 5:00 am to go down to the hardest hit area to help restore power. That is good news for your parents and everyone else, thought you'd like to know: help is on the way. Just have mom and dad hang in there.
To Jayne: I know exactly how you feel about becoming your parents' parent! My 79 year old parents fled Tampa Bay on Thursday morning (before the evacuation even began) leaving their waterfront house unsecured, didn't even have a motel reservation. I was at work and they just left a message at home! I was furious. They ended up staying near Arcadia - the hardest hit area - in a fleabag motel with no power and no water past 6 pm. And they could not come home for two days, because all the roads are trashed. I made them promise NO MORE - we stay TOGETHER!
To Hibiscushouse: let us know if you are successful in offering your home as shelter. I too have room in my home now (taking my baby to college tomorrow - but that's another sad story!) and would love to help.
God Bless America! I love this country, and all the people in it!
To Here2Day:
I was on a pre-planned mini trip in Tampa over the weekend. On Sunday night the Hyatt (not OO's) completely filled up with men. I asked the valet what was going on: he said they are all volunteers from Georgia Power, and they took off Monday morning at 5:00 am to go down to the hardest hit area to help restore power. That is good news for your parents and everyone else, thought you'd like to know: help is on the way. Just have mom and dad hang in there.
To Jayne: I know exactly how you feel about becoming your parents' parent! My 79 year old parents fled Tampa Bay on Thursday morning (before the evacuation even began) leaving their waterfront house unsecured, didn't even have a motel reservation. I was at work and they just left a message at home! I was furious. They ended up staying near Arcadia - the hardest hit area - in a fleabag motel with no power and no water past 6 pm. And they could not come home for two days, because all the roads are trashed. I made them promise NO MORE - we stay TOGETHER!
To Hibiscushouse: let us know if you are successful in offering your home as shelter. I too have room in my home now (taking my baby to college tomorrow - but that's another sad story!) and would love to help.
God Bless America! I love this country, and all the people in it!
Aug 17th, 2004, 05:22 AM
#38
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Joan, so glad to know that you are OK. In the light of some of the other stories here, you were indeed fortunate. We have young friends who live in St. Pete with their children and fled by car to Georgia. Luckily, their abode was unscathed as well.
Congrats on having a college bound daughter. I can imagine you are having mixed feelings. It's hard to let go, but I know she will do great.
Congrats on having a college bound daughter. I can imagine you are having mixed feelings. It's hard to let go, but I know she will do great.
Aug 17th, 2004, 07:02 AM
#39
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Finally got through to a 813 area code number for Red Cross about offering our condo as temporary housing. They took my name, number and zip code and will forward the information on to the central information center. May not work out as we live about an hours drive from all of this, and I know people are hesitant to leave their homes. But who knows. I just know I have cool air, a warm shower, and a nice bed that will be sitting there vacant come Saturday, and it's a stone's throw away from where they don't have any of that.
I'll let you know if anything comes of it.
I'll let you know if anything comes of it.
Aug 22nd, 2004, 06:00 PM
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Not that anyone has asked( or gives a crap), but we here in poor Cape Coral had a hell of time....but of course we don't have the cache that others have.... so what else is new here... sprry to be bitter, but I am.
