Hurricane Local Statement from Tampa-Horrifying

[AL Chili Pepper]

They are being very clear about the reality of the situation. I was in Frederick in 79, I have seen 135mph damage, they described it well in this text.
If you are told to leave, do so!!

I remember Frederic well. It's about the time when you start to wish it would veer away, and you wonder why you ever wanted to experience something like this. No fun AT all. The next two or three weeks will be a real drag for those unfortunate enough to be near the center.

[MW98GT]

I am in north tampa, there are two shelters across the street, i will decide tomorrow what to do.

[HalloweenGale]

i just hope my friend jack's house and boat are alright, he was asking me about the hurricane today, and said that he hopes everything will be fine

[baygirl_1]

All of you Florida West Coast folks are in my thoughts and prayers tonight and will continue to be til Charley passes. I remember summer vacations every year at Indian Rocks and cannot imagine a hurricane coming through there. I have some extended family in Sun City and the Sarasota area. They have all either evacuated to safe(r) locations or battened down the hatches.
Y'all stay safe!

[seaswing]

I have lived in Florida all my life, I am 45 years old and can remember most of the serious storms that have occured in my lifetime but this storm I feel will make history. In watching TWC and local channels, they call it a true Florida hurricane because there are very few areas (if any) that will NOT feel the effects of this storm. I have been thinking and even saying here a few times that we are LONG overdue and if this thing happens the way they are forecasting it to, the gulf coast will be devastated. I watched local new this evening and reporters were in Cedar Key which is very close to where I am located. They took this stom in stride and even the mayor said, he was going to ride it out although his house is only about three feet above the water. Cedar Key in a cat. 3 storm would have a projected storm surge of up to 17'! I really think that even the 'old timers' are being too complacent about this. Cedar Key, lke Sannibel has one way in and one way out and if the water is over the roads (which normally happens in hurricanes there) thats it, they are stuck. I am concerned that if this storms goes further up the coast and heads in at Cedar Key or close, there will be death there as well. Inland isn't even forecasted to be a safe place this time!

[birdwomn]

From what I've read here tonight a lot of people are in denial of what they may be facing tomorrow.

This is a very pessimistic statement, but I think there could be a large number of fatalities with this storm. There is just too much apathy out there, and people are treating this as though it's going to be a four hour period of strong winds and gone. That is denial.

I'm glad they put out a strongly worded statement. I would have been even more strident in my caution, because I've already seen that there will be significant numbers of people who are planning on sticking this one out in prime storm surge areas...

It has been quite interesting today as I was working with the public and had a difficult time believing that people didn't even know what evacuation zone they lived in, nevermind what to do when they found out that they were under a mandatory evacuation. I was amazed at the number of otherwise reasonable people who said they would stay at home even when they were under mandatory evacuations. Scary.

[wx247]

I don't like any of the things I have read in any of these posts. I am more concerned now than ever about the complacency of these people.

[bevgo]

God help those in the path of charley. I do hope this turns out like many storms that have threatned New Orleans. Big and bad until just before it hits and then sorta of fizzles. We will pray for a decrease in strength.