Anyone here in the Tampa, FL area?

[Scott Tichenor]

Just called Josh Pinkham to see if they caught the storms that destroyed so much property. They are about 10 miles from the coast I believe. He said they barely had a puff of wind and that it was almost disappointing. This was his spin on it though, not his dad's. Hope we didn't have anyone that lost property or worse in that event.

[steve in tampa]

The folks south of us took a bullet for us. Some folks had their power go out before the announcement that the storm had turned, so they didn't know it was on top of them.

Tampa, and the coastal areas north did not get damaged. The storm path was from Punta Gorda to Daytona. Mostly small communities, retirees, orange groves, plant nurseries and cattle and all the folks that make their living that way.

There are a lot of good, hardworking people down there that will need all the help they can get for awhile.

We were evacuated from South Tampa, so we went to North Tampa,it looked like it was coming through downtown, so we headed to Orlando, the storm turned and that area was evacuated. Ended up in Wildwood, and saw no severe weather. Had a motor home full of cats and instruments. If it would have hit as predicted, downtown Tampa would have had 10 to 14 feet of flood water.

Im sorry for all the damage up your way. Us in Virginia got the last of Charley which wasnt much. Hopes everything woks out for you'll.

[mandowilli]

Over here in Cocoa on the East coast we survived with minimal damage. Orlando and points North and East are without power in many areas and with much wind damage.
We are used to these storms arriving from the Atlantic ocean, so this one was a bit unusual in that it came right up the center of the state.
They evacuated Tampa and all of those folks headed for Orlando. Then they evacuated Orlando, and those folks headed for the East coast. Then it turned toward the East.
Yesterday there was an 85 mile traffic jam on I-4 (under construction no less), going toward Tampa. Perhaps Josh and his folks are there.

willi

[danman]

I live in Plant City which is about 25 miles east of Tampa and 10 west of Lakeland. Several family and friends live in eastern Polk County, just east of myself. This area #looks as though bombs had blown everything up.
...My brother,my pastor and I went there yesterday with water,batteries,propane bottles,towels and ice. We gave it out to whoever wanted it. These supplies were gone in a matter of minutes. We are going back tommorrow with more donations that have come in from our church congregation.
The destruction is massive..Pictures from TV don't tell neary enough.If anyone would like to help, please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-helpnow.
Josh is a kid that does not understand. His dad seems to be a wise man and I'm sure will educate his children in this harsh reality of life.

[Moose]

Yesterday morning I called my friends in Bradenton ; They were prepared(!??) to evacuate, but as we now know, the storm hit/landed a little farther south. They(Bradenton/Sarasota) of course got heavy rain & strong winds but thankfully no serious damage. May God bless & comfort those other folks not as "lucky" - Moose. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Dioptase]

My family lives in Daytona Beach, but I've been fortunate to be away during the storm spending some time out west. From what I understand, even in Daytona, across the state from landfall, the damage was quite massive. My family was fortunate-- they retained power during the storm but most houses on the same and neighboring streets lost power. We lost parts of roof and the beautiful Bay tree that was the focus of our small back yard.

My friends who live in the southwest parts of the state tell a much worse story. Gas stations are running out of fuel, and home suppliers are gouging prices.

Hope everyone on the board is alright.
Micah