It came..it destroyed...but Charley spared some

[Dax]

As the eye of the storm touched down over Punta Gorda..Tampa Bay began to sigh some relief...they were going to be spared of the worst...But just to the east of Tampa lies Polk County FL. Charley was headed right for us, and there was little time to react. The rains were beginning to start and the wind picking up as well. The storm was moving swiftly and there wasnt time to evacute everyone. Mobile home parks went first. As did the low lying areas. Most just braced for the worst.

When all was said and done, southern and eastern Polk were without power, trees were uprooted, and homes ripped apart. The north side of Polk, where I and some of my coworkers reside...had been spared of the worst. To us, it was just a bad wind and rain storm.

This morning as I drove to work, I was thankful that my mobile home was fine as was my neighborhood. I had power and water. I still had everything, even a job to go to, as my building here went through fine. As many here are wondering all about Disney...please dont forget about Disney's neighbor to the west..Polk County...where there is many without homes and power and are trying to recover from the loss.

I am thankful I survived a Cat4 Hurricane. I was prepared for the worst and hoping for the best...Now lets hope that the new one out in the water that is following the same path of destruction as Charlie does not head toward us again...next time we may not be so lucky...

 

[Luv2Roam]

We were VERY lucky (north of MK).
Our immediate area did not even lose it's power. There for awhile I thought it would be straight overhead. But it angled off to the east enough it hit Orlando more than us.
This was our first hurricane, so I was not sure exactly what to expect.

Luckily I can see almost no damage from my front door. A gal across the street had a young tree that is bending over and almost touching the ground. (Almost uprooted) It was just getting hit wrong by the brunt of the winds.

I walked around the neighborhood and there were other trees, some even somewhat sheltered, that are laying on the ground, roots intact.

First we had a few bands of BAD storms pass through. One where the skies were black and rain flooded the street out front. There was a funnel cloud spotted in Kissimmee, and another near where DH works -- and STILL was!!

I thought WOW! I can't imagine what rain the hurricane will bring.

After LOTS of prep, it finally hit. I can't say how long, but the winds were intense I would guess for at least a few hours. Rain, but not extremely heavy. It was blowing off too much.

I was concerned about the three windows at the front of our house. The sliding door at the back of the house is what took the brunt of the wind. I thought it would give. But no damage.

I was expecting the electricity to go out, and possibly be out for days. We could hear and see the flash of transformers in the distance. Street lights came on and off. Our cable finally went out. That was it for us.

We never did notice a real storm eye, as we were expecting. The wind died down SLIGHTLY and then the wind just changed direction.

We were very fortunate indeed.

 

[jwfla422]

Dax
Our thoughts are with all fellow Floridians.

We know all too well from Andrew what these things can do. Unfortunately Charley will top Andrew as being the worst storm to hit FL because it covered such a wide area like a lawn mower.

Glad to hear you made it through ok...especially in a mobile home! That's just too scarey!

This experience is just another awful one to let us know how vulnerable we are to mother's natures wrath. Can never be too prepared!

 

[grinningghost]

Another sigh of relief as two more Florida DISers check in and are OK.

 

[Serena]

Yes, very fortunate. I'm glad you were spared the brunt of it.
It's very hard to imagine it all. I'm glad you're ok. I hope your family and friends are as well.

 

[Lucky4me]

Dax, I'm glad you are okay.

Have you any idea about the mobile home park at 202 East Griffin Rd in Lakeland? I have a relative we cannot locate and we're getting nervous. She lives very close to the ball park. She would not leave it for shelter yesterday when we called. I'm not familiar with where that park is as far as N/S/E/W of lakeland.

Thanks for any info!

 

[Poohbear123]

I have friends that live in Punta Gorda, and they said their patio is destroyed, but they were very lucky. As some of you have listened and seen the news, over 60 people are feared dead, and over a hundred are missing This was Andrew's Brother, circa 1992, that hit South Florida 12 years ago. s to all and hope they have exaggerated the death count.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Good thoughts of thanks.

 

[olena]

My folks are lucky. They're without power. Their new house was damaged though. Oh well. They're OK though, and I'm so glad.

This was such a terrible hit for everyone there.....

 

[Dax]

Originally posted by Lucky4me
Dax, I'm glad you are okay.

Have you any idea about the mobile home park at 202 East Griffin Rd in Lakeland? I have a relative we cannot locate and we're getting nervous. She lives very close to the ball park. She would not leave it for shelter yesterday when we called. I'm not familiar with where that park is as far as N/S/E/W of lakeland.

Thanks for any info!

If its near the Tigers Stadium...they probably got the same as I did...I am sure some power was lost to other areas...but that address is probably about 10 mins from my house. I would keep trying..I am sure you will get through soon...

 

[sweet angel]

Glad you're okay.

Any idea how the Ft. Myers area fared?

 

[caseylouandtyler2]

Dax,

I'm glad your O.K., My mom lives in Lakeland as well, she is O.K. too. Do you know anything about Mulberry? My SIL and niece and nephew live there and we can't get them on the phone.

 

[Dax]

Mulberry is in Southern Polk...I also have friends there...I think they may have been hit a bit harder...I know most of southern Polk is without power today...So that could be why you cant reach anyone. It is a massive cleanup and rebuilding project...

Hopefully you find who you are looking for.

 

[caseylouandtyler2]

Thanks Dax,

We're keeping our fingers crossed.