My parents (in Venice, south of Sarasota) got lucky. They were without power for 5 days and still have no internet. Their flag pole got taken down and a big section of their backyard fence. Plus they lost a handful of roof shingles. But their neighborhood fared pretty well from a “home damage” perspective. They report that almost all trees in the neighborhood are down and a nearby mobile home park was pretty well decimated. Feeling like they dodged a bullet.
I remember that feeling after Wilma hit here in Broward. You really had to know your way around, because there were no street signs or traffic lights or stop lights or… even some of the recognizable landmarks.
Sorry! Nothing personal (a really good work friend of mine lives in Ft. Myers (and I was born there)). But in terms of total population/damage/cost a strike on Tampa Bay is pretty much the worst scenario.
Working every day to make sure y’all get what you need. Florida Strong!
They’re down to 250,000 people without power.
I found out today that there’s no lines at the gas stations anymore. I’ve been trying not to use my car this whole time because running out of gas has been my biggest source of anxiety.
Power outage now 147,000. It looks like basic infrastructure is coming back quickly. Now for the long painful rebuild.