Things grow very quickly in Florida. Grass can grow a couple of inches a day in August. It is very sad to see Sanibel and Captiva without their canopy of Australian Pines but the conservation group had asked for them to be removed or restricted for years as they have shallow roots and they just toppled and snapped like toothpicks. The big concern I have now is with Frances. Huge logs are laying everywhere and haven't been picked up yet. Strong winds could turn these into missles.

The business of Lee County is tourism. It is our mainstay and all efforts are being put into getting the resorts back in order. Our studio is swamped each day with various owners looking to get their homes ready for season. We did the original interiors on much of the islands and are working as hard as possible.

LMF

LilMsFoodie, remember the day or so after the storm when I said I hope you were getting your rest? I know what business must be like right now for you! I could use the money, but I'm glad I'm retired right now!

And yes, vegetation grows back quicker than you might think. Money can also plunk huge palm trees in at a moment's notice. People liked those Australian Pines, but they truly do not belong here. They used to line the old Tamiami Trail from Naples to Miami, and they were finally all cut down as they were always blowing over or dropping huge branches.
Think of the hurricane as a natural "weeding" process. Just like natural wild fires in forests. It's part of nature.