My dad and I are going down Oct. 9-24 to help relatives in Pensacola get back on their feet. We planned a side trip (pre-Ivan etc.) along the Gulf Coast then up to Tallahassee. Is this still feasible? I'm not the type to expect everything to be "normal", but also don't want to be one more problem to deal with...Where's a good spot to break up the trip? any help greatly appreciated, thanks

What a great approach 'don't want to be one more problem to deal with'
Once you get there ask, people will know what to do and where to go or not to go. We are so sorry for your family and all those who were so unfortunate. I wish I could help you but at least this will bring your post to the top

Where to break up the trip? It's been a few years since I've driven up in that area, but I always loved Apalachicola. It was always like stepping back in time about 50 years. I believe they were spared from much damage from Ivan.
I think your tourist dollars can make up for any "problems" you cause by being in the Panhandle at the present time.

Oh, but I wouldn't count on breaking up the trip with an overnight. I'm pretty sure there will be no rooms to be had anywhere in that entire area. They are surely filled up with people who have been displaced and by people there to work in various capacities on the damage.

thanks for the quick reply. If you do hear of anything that might be of benefit, let me know. I'm coming from the "soggy" northwest, where we're still having a drought...My aunt Maril sent me a new motto for Florida--"The Plywood State" --someone's still laughing