Charley-The aftermath

[StingRay]

Post here your thoughts, what you've heard, anything relating to the aftermath of Charley.

I heard this morning on CNN that Punta Gorda has ordered 60 body bags...........
heartbreaking.

[StingRay]

AP:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HURRICANE_CHARLEY?SITE=TXKER&SECTION=HOME

FLORIDA NEWSPAPERS
http://www.news-press.com/index.html -Fort Myers
http://jacksonville.com/ -Jacksonville
http://www.keywestcitizen.com -Key West
http://www.naplesnews.com/ -Naples
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ -Orlando
http://www.sun-herald.com -Port Charlotte
http://www.newscoast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage -Sarasota
http://www.sptimes.com/ -St Petersburg
http://www.tampatrib.com/ -Tampa

[ticka1]

Yes I am hearing the same thing Suzi - I heard late last night several nursing homes had roofs that collapse. I for one and am going to pray for all those that lost their lives in this storm.

When was the last time a category 4 hurricane hit the US during daytime hours?

[StingRay]

Not sure but I'll check the data and see what I can find. For everyone else, I THINK all the damage reports are current. For awhile there they were coming in faster than I could bring them over. I'll do another check in a couple of hours to see what else is coming. I think it is VERY apparent from all the reportsjust how horribly destructive this hurricane was, and when I think that the reports I did were just for FLORIDA, I am completely in shock. ANYONE who thinks they should ride out a Cat 4, INCLUDING ME, is a complete idiot. No horrible pun intended but this has just blown me away....................

:s:

[stormy]

just talked to my mother, she is in miami, but a real close friend of the family, who lives in the keys, he cant find his dad who lives in port charlotte. jimmy is a police officer, so hes bringing the crusier up to pick up my brother and they r going up to see if they can find him. say a prayer for him, i have known this family since i was a little kid. jimmy's father said he wasnt leaving. i will let u all know what kind of first hand damage they find.

[StingRay]

Oh stormy, I'll say a prayer that they find him and that he's ok. Please let us know when you hear anything.

[ticka1]

Stormy I will keep you friend in my prayers - this scenario is happening all over florida - in the areas hit the worst - no communications available to others to let them know if they are okay.

God Bless all Floridians and others in Charley's path today.

[Coriolis]

Stormy - I also hope that your friend of the family is found and unhurt.

Jim

[Coriolis]

As bad as what has happened with Hurricane Charley and I dont mean to minimize the tragedy that has happened, I hope that this might wake up the idiot legislators in Tallahassee, FL. After Hurricane Andrew - it was found that a lot of the damage was because of the building codes that were so lax or corrupt officials. Dade County has the stringest building codes now and yet the Florida Legislators wanted to make a uniform building for all of Florida. But the builders for all the homes actually want to weaken the codes that Dade County has. After Andrew you had specialists in their field tell the legislators what needs to be done, but it went in one ear and out the other.

Already they have found that there were no cross-bracing in the roofs. Probably minimum amount of roof straps. Lets just hope this time people will say enough is enough. If enough people stand up - maybe the legislators will open their eyes. Sorry - I just had to vent my feelings!!

Jim

[StingRay]

Ticka and I discussed that this morning, how horrible the codes must be that a HOSPITAL has problems, as well as a NURSING HOME? If we're not safe there, where ARE we safe. Excellent, excellent point. I read on a site once (can't remember where) about the bracing and roof straps, basically on how to insure your new home could withstand a major hurricane. I understand the trailers blowing over-NO one should stay in one of those, but MAJOR BUILDINGS? NO WAY.

[Coriolis]

StingRay - that is one if the problems. The gulf coast has not had a storm like that for many years. Unfortunatley - the legislators there in Tallahassee - those who have the power are those that live up there near the panhandle or are getting something from those lobbyists. I thought that after Andrew things might change. Nope! I thought that (the most known meterologist at a particular TV station in Miami - I don't want to say the name) - might be able to bring that cause and get things changed. The only thing that changed were the codes (for the better). Now those who were not killed, they will find out when they finally get back into a home - they will have the insurance prices tririple in just a few year OR not be able to get home insurance. :rolleyes3

Jim

[StingRay]

Insurance....that brings up another point. Are the politicians in bed with the insurance companies? We'd hate to think so, but it wouldn't surprise me. Money greases the wheels of industry, and if the insurance companies can drive up the rates because the laws are NOT changed since the legislators WON'T change them, who else besides the insurance folk benefit? The people purchasing the policies? No. I believe that would be the politicians, getting a nice little kick-back from the big corporate machine.............

[stormy]

JIMMY HAS FOUND HIS DAD. his house is not in good shape, but he has his life. he lost his roof and some damage to his house, he lives on the beach, so i thought that was good. they r trying to find plywood and a generator, nothing around at all. they r coming back tonite to pick up plywood, but they cant find a generator anywhere. he said it look bad. my niece is in orlando at central fla state, no power and a building down the street caught fire, how i dont know. lines are down everywhere. its great to have cell phones. she said disney had some minor damage.

[StingRay]

Well WONDERFUL. At least we know he is safe and alive. Material things can be replaced, people can not. Thanks for letting us know!