But, today newspaper and television reporters focused on the complaints across the area of debris from Frances that is piling up in front of homes and businesses. I have to admit we were frustrated last week when the three trash cans and huge pile of yard debris wasn't picked up. After all, Hurricane Ivan was supposed to be headed for the area and the trash could become missiles in the high winds. We understood though that we might have to drag it from the street to the backyard, hiding it in an area least-likely to spread it about again. We understood that even in our small subdivision of only 76 homes there was too much trash to pick up in one day, let alone by one truck.
Hillsborough County officials say it may take as much as a month before they catch up with debris removal. The area was inundated with debris from Frances' tropical storm force winds that blew limbs down and toppled trees. Although they have hired independent contractors to help with the debris removal, some of those contractors are still busy in other areas of the state where debris from the Hurricane Charley still remains.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Top 10 Reasons Hurricane Season Is Like Christmas
(I wish I knew who wrote this so I could credit them.)
10. Decorating the house (boarding up windows)
9. Dragging out boxes that haven't been used since last season (camping gear, flashlights)
8. Last minute shopping in crowded stores
7. Regular TV shows pre-empted for "specials"
6. Family coming to stay with you
5. Family and friends from out-of-state calling
4. Buying food you don't normally buy ... and in large quantities
3. Days off from work
2. Candles
And... the number one reason Hurricane Season is like Christmas ...
At some point you know you're going to have a tree in your house!
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
A Few Of My Favorite Things
The Orlando Sentinel published a list of 30 Things That Hurricanes Charley and Frances Taught You. Here are a few of the best:- An oak tree on the ground looks four times bigger than it did standing up.
- When house hunting, look for closets with lots of leg room.
- AA, C and D are the only alphabet we need (think batteries).
- Chainsaw-wielding-men are nothing to be afraid of.
- You can't spell "priceless" without I-C-E.
- Gasoline is a value at any price.
- Candlelight is better than botox — it takes years off your appearance.
- No matter how hard the wind blows, roadside campaign signs will survive.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
The First Reports Are Bad
About mid-morning the initial reports of damage began filtering in. The Pensacola and Panama City areas were hardest hit in Florida. Here is just the beginning of the reported damage:- Bay County (Panama City area) - More than 200 homes reported with significant damage and two confirmed fatalities.
- Escambia County (Pensacola area) - Damages are being reported at area hospitals and shelters, but there have been no known injuries.
- Santa Rosa County - The Navarre Beach Pier "T" was destroyed.
- Franklin County - Highway 98 washed out between Carrabelle and Highway 65.
What I have found interesting is that these hurricanes have served as a wake-up call to all Floridians who had not taken the threat of such storms very seriously for many years. Emergency Management officials are saying that it isn't too hard now to convince people that they need to leave when ordered to evacuate. It is also interesting that those who chose to stay are now saying they'll never do it again. Ah... the lessons we learn.
Continue to Personal Glimpse of Hurricane Jeanne
