This is the first time since friday that i can get to a computer. I hope everyones families...and evo's are ok

 

Ok here, I went down to Punta Gorda yesterday to help out with clean-up and help where needed.... To be honest with you, I expected it to be worse than it was. All in all, it looks like things are survivable.

 

i don't live there but from the pics i've seen i expected a lot more fatalities

 

It may be a while before we hear anything from people that went through the storm considering the power outages and wide spread loss of communications (telephone/internet/cable). It seems that cell communications to that area is still very reliable so thats a good thing. The biggest lose apart from those that passed away becuase of the storm is the financial implications to that community and the business they deal with. The best of luck to you all.

 

Cell phone communications is actually very sketchy right now... a lot of that just depends on what provider you have. And yes, you are correct, the majority of the area is without water, electricity, telephone, etc....

Oh, almost forgot, the Evo's at one of the Mitsu dealership down there went unscathed (wing and all)!

OT: But I took some crappy pics on my cell phone if anyone wants to see... my brother who is in the national guard and is down in the area will also be bringing pictures back with him in about a week or so.

 

i spent most of yesterday in Orlando helping clean up around the golden rod area. They didnt get anything as bad as the western coast guys did, but lots of down trees, missing roofs etc. I brought a chainsaw from the west palm area, as they were sold out anywhere near orlando! everyone seems to be in pretty good spirits considering what they ahve been through. water and gas were on in the area I was at, but dont expect electric for a few more days. no cell service where i was at all.

 

I missed my county by about 3 miles... so I we lucked out... No damage!

 

im in fort myers...it went right over me. We went extreme hurricane swimming...that hurt (yes there was NO lightning at that time) the power was out from friday-monday night...so that sucked. my place is brand new, so it held up perfectly. I am thankful that i have power and everything else that i took for granted earlier.

 

Tampa was spared from a probable Cat 5 storm if it gained any more strength for over 70 miles in distance.

 

I was down there on Sunday as well...my in-laws live in Punta Gorda...their house was well-built and survived with only minor damage...many others were not so fortunate...

Folks, what you see on TV does not even begin to convey the utter devastation in that area...Charley has literally blown Charlotte County back into the 18th century...no power, phone, cable, internet, running water, air conditioning...you get the picture...all of the infrastructure was completely destroyed...

There is a notable contrast between the newer, more well-built homes (like my in-laws' house), which survived the storm intact, and the older frame houses and mobile homes, which were mostly smashed beyond recognition.

Andrew was worse, but not by much...I know it sounds cliche to say "it looks like a war zone", but it does...it's a real mess down there...