We were thinking about going to Florida in November to celebrate our anniversary. Particulary the 2nd week of November but DH is skeptical due to the Hurricanes. We were considering Ft.Lauderdale beach area. Is there much damage in that area? We are nervous about going? We also feel so bad for the Floridians dealing with all this wicked weather. What should we do? We want to go somewhere warm with a nice beach/ocean. Florida seems to be the perfect choice.

Hurricane season ends at the end of October (and we can't wait!)
You will find no noticeable effects from this year's hurricanes in the Ft. Lauderdale or Miami areas, the Keys, or Naples area. Sanibel is probably the most changed by the recent storms.

Actually Patrick, hurricane season ends December 1st but last December there were a couple of tropical storms and one hurricane that didn't touch land.

Traveler, have you not seen the news in the last couple of months? Hurricane Ivan is in the northeast right now creating a mess.

I'll say this again, if you are afraid of hurricanes avoid the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, West Coast (including Mexico), Hawaii, entire Pacific Rim and anywhere within 500 miles of those areas.

Florida needs your tourist dollars. Tell your husband to buck up and make reservations for Ft. Lauderdale. It is a beautiful place.

Thanks for the insight. I was thinking that hurricane season ended the beginning of November end of October too. Maybe we should still give it a shot. I love Florida.

September is, historically, the worst part of the hurricane season. Although Mother Nature has a mind of her own, later in the season has fewer chances of hurricanes. This year has been horrendous for Floridians. Ironically, I headed to North Carolina to escape Ivan and ended up coming back earlier than planned because he found me up there. I was a day ahead of him, though!! LOL

The beaches in Ft. Lauderdale and points south were unscathed (so far!) I just heard on the news today that the beaches in St. Augustine were washed out. However, I just drove by that area and the homes/businesses didn't seem to be affected. I guess just the beaches were touched by the storms.

You can get some good deals via Priceline in November, so consider using them if you don't need any particular room types (i.e., 2 beds as opposed to 1 larger bed.) Check www.BiddingForTravel.com to get ideas of what to bid in certain categories.

Thanks for the information. Glad to hear at least some parts of Florida were saved. We want to stay on the beach. Looking at Lago Mar or Harbor Beach Resort. I'm wondering if this area or hotels are close to the new Hollywood Casino? We would like to visit the new casino. Any idea?
Also what is the difference between Lauderdale by the Sea and Ft.Lauderdale?

You know you may consider Englewood Beach on Manasota Key about 30 minutes south of Sarasota and 1 hour north of Fort Myers.

Quiet, peaceful and beautiful beaches. You can stay at Englewood Beach Villas which is only 300 feet from the ocean and also is walking distance from several restaurants. You won't even need to get in the car is you don't want to.

Call Jean Leach at 941-474-7171 - I know they have several villas available.

You can also google "Englewood Beach" and you will find lots of places to stay, some even right on the beach!

I can't wait to go back!

Enjoy Florida, it's soooo relaxing.