Southwest Florida

[gwishon]

Hoping for the best for all the Tugnuts friends in southwest Florida. The early reports of damage in the area are not good. The storm came ashore at Cayo Costa, and Pelican Bay, where so many of us attending the annual SWF Rendezvous have enjoyed many pleasant stays. The eye of the storm then traveled directly over Punta Gorda. No word yet on damage to the Burnt Store marina, but it is likely severe.

We were in Apollo Beach (on Tampa Bay) when we got the mandatory evacuation notice. We evacuated inland, to Kissimmee, before the storm hit. Storm surge was predicted to be 5-10 feet. Secured the boat to the lift and hoped for the best. Fortunately, the storm did not take the predicted path but came ashore 75 miles southeast, putting us on the west side of the storm. All the water was drained out of our canal by the winds and is just now returning. We saw 85 mph wind gusts at the house. Punta Gorda and Ft Myers reported 130mph winds.

SWF Tugnuts friends, please report in and let us know how you are.

Gordon

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Gordon, I’ve been thinking about you and Cyndi and the several folks I know in Florida. Seeing images of the approaches to the Sanibel causeway washed out by the storm surge emphasized to me how powerful and how high was the storm surge in that locale. I sure hope it wasn’t that severe in Apollo Beach.

Best wishes for a positive outcome.