Charley's Gone But Not Forgotten
Sunday August 15, 2004
Hurricane Charley certainly has taken a terrible toll across Florida and anyone that has planned a vacation in Central Florida or Southwest Florida should verify their reservations due to the state-wide damage that has resulted in continued power outages. Here is some of the information I've been able to gather via contacts and news reports:
Walt Disney World Resort closed Animal Kingdom Saturday, but today it is noted that they will have normal operating hours with these exceptions: Typhoon Lagoon is closed; Lake Buena Vista and Palm Golf Courses are closed; Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf open only 4pm - 11pm.
Orlando International Airport had to divert air traffic Saturday with no flights in or out of the airport until mid-afternoon delaying the departure of thousands of travelers. Three of four airside terminals suffered extensive damage to their roofs. You should call ahead for individual flight information.
Southwest Airlines is the only airline still NOT operating fully out of Orlando International Airport. Some flights scheduled for today have been cancelled.
Fort Myers Beach is closed with no access until authorities can verify the stability of the island's structures (with an initial report of 80% damaged). Updated: Aug 18 opened to residents and business owners only.
Sanibel Island is closed with no access being granted until authorities can verify the stability of the island's structures. Initial reports indicate some 60 structures were completely demolished. Updated: Aug 18 opened to residents and business owners only.
Captiva Island is closed. The island was literally cut in two by the storms surge.
Highway 27 south of I-4 to Highway 60 is open, but non-essential traffic is advised to avoid the area due to traffic signals being out.
Central Florida and Southwest Florida power outages continue.
Authorities are encouraging people not to sightsee. Travel in the affected areas of Florida is difficult due to downed trees, power lines and the lack of traffic signals. Hotel rooms are difficult to find considering the number of residents still without power and out-of-state disaster workers that are occupying them and widespread damage.
If you have friends and relatives in the area and have not heard from them, it is because most phone service to the Central Florida and Southwest Florida areas is being restored slowly or cannot be restored at this time. If you are worried about someone in the hardest hit areas of Southwest Florida, you may call the Red Cross.
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