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Cody Dawg · Jul 8, 2005, 09:30 PM

As some of you may remember from last year, we took a direct hit on our home and area from both hurricane Frances and Jeanne (3 weeks apart) and here we are off to another start with Dennis on the way. We lost two cars and the side of our house and aside from what insurance picked up, we had $20,000 in damage that we personally were responsible for. We're one of the lucky ones, though, because at least our home was standing afterwards - and had a roof. Our neighbors weren't so lucky. Believe it or not, there are still homes in our neighborhood with blue tarps on them because the insurance companies haven't settled claims and people cannot afford to have a new roof put on if insurance doesn't pay for it. Winds are picking up and there are some pretty strong gusts even though we're on the Atlantic side of the state and not the Gulf of Mexico side.

Apparently most of the electrical poles are gone from Cuba where Dennis has just come through and trashed their island. I hope that we are able to put aside political differences in order to go down there and help them in some way.

Anyone in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana...watch out.

CreepingDeth · Jul 8, 2005, 09:39 PM

Oh so relevant
[/RAILhead]

Teronzhul · Jul 8, 2005, 09:53 PM

We had 40k damage from Ivan, and Dennis is headed straight back to P'cola.

zerostar · Jul 8, 2005, 10:18 PM

We were also directly hit last year, we live in Martin County (Sewall's point) and went through the 2 storms. We now have 2 weeks worth of propane generator and automatic hurricane shutters that take about 3 minutes to go down

Looks like another crazy season, I can't believe a Cat. 4 already in July.

Kerrigan · Jul 8, 2005, 10:38 PM

@ pic

Cody, the only good places in Florida are well inland.. namely, some of the suburbs of Orlando like Isleworth or Winter Park. It should be clear to everyone by now that you should not live along the coast, because you are just asking for trouble.

demograph68 · Jul 8, 2005, 10:55 PM

You think they'd figure it out. Hurricanes in Florida = BIG NEWS!!!!1111111111111

Cody Dawg · Jul 9, 2005, 12:38 AM

zerostar:

Congratulations on living in in one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

Sewall's Point, by the way, is where some of the most beautiful tropical properties can be found. Tori Amos lives in that area.

No, living in Orlando does NOT make one immune from a hurricane or damage from the hurricane. People who understand hurricanes or have been through them know this.

I have had a cat turn up on my doorstep tonight amidst all of the wind and rain. It is a Himalayan cat that purrs a lot. He had terrible matted fur and seems to have a cold. We brushed him for an hour straight then gave him about four washings and rinsings, then brushed him again. He was covered in fleas. Now he's nice and clean but his beautiful blue eyes seem like they might have a bit of an infection in them. I don't know. Crazy things are happening already.

Superchicken · Jul 9, 2005, 02:28 AM

I'll be praying for you guys Cody Dawg. I hope you're OK. Was the 20 grand a big problem for you guys or did you get by OK? Insurance must be crazy out there eh?

Cody Dawg · Jul 9, 2005, 06:42 AM

We were okay Superchicken, I suppose. But, no matter who you are, that's a big chunk of change. We have three boys so that affected our budget for the year - Christmas was a bit subdued as a result, but that is okay. The spirit of Christmas is love and happiness and not gifts.

To check out the local surf near our home on Jupiter Island here you go:

http://evsjupiter.netfirms.com/main.htm

Click on the picture to enlarge it.

The weather here where we are is something fierce. Wherever Dennis lands they are going to get NAILED. We're talking loss of life. This storm has a lot of tornadoes with it. We lost part of our fence last night - it's just gone. Just to let everyone know, anyone within a couple of hundred miles of that storm, as we are, is getting terrible weather. Having that thing go directly over is going to be devastating.

Also, FYI, the insurance companies don't always automatically pay claims. They like to argue and bicker. Ours was/is Allstate and they treated us like crap. Problem is, there are only about 3 companies, total, that will insure in our area. Allstate just sent us a letter notifying us that they are going to raise prices beginning in August by 23% - for the year.

This is historical: A cat 4 hurricane in JULY hitting the U.S.

Unbelievable.

Mastrap · Jul 9, 2005, 07:07 AM

Welcome to climate change.

But at least our collective leaders have now acknowledged it as a reality, not a hippy myth. Better late than never. And Cody, do get a blog. I don't mean that in a negative way, I am sure you'd get quite the readership.

Cody Dawg · Jul 9, 2005, 07:17 AM

Hi Mastrap:

I read yesterday that the waters off of Grand Banks in the North Atlantic are two degrees higher than ever recorded - sustained. That is certainly something to be concerned about. We do need to do something about climate change. First, we need to use alternative energy and stop using oil because 1) They aren't making it anymore (joke) and 2) We are all fighting and dying over it and 3) It is ruining the earth

About a blog? It's so one-sided, you know? That's why I don't like them. I do like The Defamer, though. Cool blog.

MindFad · Jul 9, 2005, 07:31 AM

I had to run through part of the storm last night way down in South Beach, around 3:30 in the morning. It sucked. We almost ran into four big-ass pieces of trees in the road on the way home—with no streetlights at all. Always fun.

Cody Dawg · Jul 9, 2005, 07:56 AM

South Beach, eh?

Hoppin'!

I love it there. I love the little place around the corner from 14th and Collins behind the gas station across from the Beach Plaza Hotel. Great coffee. Oh, and around the corner from the coffee place, on Washington, is a great juice bar.

Wiskedjak · Jul 9, 2005, 08:09 AM

I feel bad for what you've had to endure in terms of hurricanes and hope that it's not bad for you this year. But, I've always wondered why people choose to live in areas that are prone to natural disaster ...

ghporter · Jul 9, 2005, 08:58 AM

Cody, if they say "get out," then SCRAM! I don't care if you weathered two storms in a row last year, the public safety people are going to be factoring in what happened then. DO NOT take chances.

I spent about ten years in Biloxi, Mississippi, and the one thing people will never forget there is Camille. A lot of people scoffed at the storm's potential, and there were a lot of hurricane parties. The location of one of them is STILL a vacant lot-a 4 or 5 story apartment building maybe 300 feet from the beach was ERASED by the storm. I weathered Frederick there in 1979, and while it was only a Category 3 storm (and I slept through it because of the nice medicines the dentist gave me after pulling my wisdom teeth), the destruction was awesom. It was months before some people got power back.

Climate change? Possibly, but not from the temperature of the Atlantic. Hurricanes that come over the Atlantic start out as depressions OVER AFRICA. Once again, it's Africa that needs attention to reduce a major problem, and in this case it's doing something about how badly the ecosystem in Western Africa is being treated by the locals. Dennis, on the other hand, seems to have sprung from a low coming off of Eastern South America...yet another place where people are slashing and burning to raise cattle instead of growing beans and fruits-and stabilizing both the soil and the local climate.

Keep safe, Cody.

Gamoe · Jul 9, 2005, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

Apparently most of the electrical poles are gone from Cuba where Dennis has just come through and trashed their island. I hope that we are able to put aside political differences in order to go down there and help them in some way.

Cody, the dictator in charge in the island has enough $$$ to replace all those poles, damage and more. It's he who has caused way more damage, death, pain and suffering than any hurricane could.

Unforunately, at least ten people have been reported dead due to the hurricane. You'd think they could have avoided it; Fidel claims he knew the hurricane's exact trajectory.

It seems that the brunt of the hurricane is going to miss us, though you guys in the Keys are at greater risk. Let's hope it just moves on and spares everyone.

ghporter · Jul 9, 2005, 09:05 AM

Gabriel, your political views notwithstanding, the fact is that Dennis didn't cross Cuba-it swept the LENGTH of the island. That says to me that, whatever the governmental policies in place there, there are a LOT of people suffering (more than they were before). Storms just don't care about politics...

Now, I'm wondering whether the storm will continue on track for the western panhandle and Alabama, or turn farther west and head for Louisiana. It's scary no matter what.

Cody Dawg · Jul 9, 2005, 09:45 AM

Having been through two "mild" hurricanes and having had devastation to our home with wind damage, flooding, etc., I know that Cuba must be devastated. Old and aged infrastructure, limited electricity and telephone lines, limited ability to dispense food and water, it's a huge humanitarian disaster. At times like that political leanings are irrelevent. Just like in Thailand with the tsunami.

I remember not having power and sitting in sweltering heat with rats and snakes coming up out of the water to get into the house where it was dry. Bugs everywhere. No food - and no stores open to buy food. No gas. Live power lines and telephone poles down everywhere. The National Guard patrolling up and down streets with bullhorns telling people that they'd better be in their homes by 7:00 PM because of a mandatory curfew. No food, no water, hot and miserable, and absolute silence except for the wind. People stood in line for hours for a loaf of bread and a gallon of water.

Not fun.

Gamoe · Jul 9, 2005, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by ghporter

Gabriel, your political views notwithstanding, the fact is that Dennis didn't cross Cuba-it swept the LENGTH of the island. That says to me that, whatever the governmental policies in place there, there are a LOT of people suffering (more than they were before). Storms just don't care about politics...

I agree, and I hope those people get some help. My political view is akin to saying Hitler was evil, or that the USSR was an oppresive state. The thing is hurricanes and storms thus far we cannot prevent, but suffering and death caused by other people we can and is inexcusable. This just adds to the normal suffering of the people of Cuba, as you said. It is sad really.

Originally Posted by ghporter

Now, I'm wondering whether the storm will continue on track for the western panhandle and Alabama, or turn farther west and head for Louisiana. It's scary no matter what.

Hmm. Hopefully it will weaken enough by then so as not to cause any major damage. Hopefully...

Allenzi35 · Jul 9, 2005, 09:51 AM

I live in Boca Raton (palmetto and powerline) and when I woke up this morning, the wind reminded me of last year all over again. Very gusty

On my way to work this morning (FTL) there was alot of debris in the road and I counted 4 trees down.

Here we go again

wdlove · Jul 9, 2005, 11:19 AM

I wish you all the best Cody Dawg and our other members that are in the path of Dennis.

IceEnclosure · Jul 9, 2005, 01:56 PM

All is well in my neck-of-the-woods, Fort Lauderdale.

word up.

Cody Dawg · Jul 9, 2005, 02:03 PM

Here's a view of the hurricane from out in space.

If you look at Africa you'll see big clouds rolling off of the west coast. Those storms move across the ocean to the east and with convection turn into hurricanes that then hit the United States.

Superchicken · Jul 9, 2005, 05:31 PM

Cody are you actually going to try and weather this one or are you going? I hope you're not going to stick around there, I imagine you can afford to get out right?

Cody Dawg · Jul 9, 2005, 08:18 PM

Hey, it's not near us. We had bad gusts and rain and tornado warnings (one touched down and took out a house a little north of us) but it's not in our neck of the woods. We are on the east side of the state about 2 hours north of Miami. It's on the west side of the state in the Gulf of Mexico and is aiming for Panama City. There is certainly going to be extreme damage there. We should all wish them well.

Cody Dawg · Jul 9, 2005, 08:19 PM

Oh, and yeah, we could leave. I have another house on the west coast of the state in Sarasota. I was actually worried that my house over there would be damaged. It's on the water over there and I was worried about flooding. Seems we'll be okay, though.

Sherwin · Jul 9, 2005, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

Welcome to climate change.

Put your burger down before you embark on that line of thinking Mas...

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/l...urce=PA%20Feed

Sherwin · Jul 9, 2005, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

Seems we'll be okay, though.

Teronzhul · Jul 9, 2005, 09:20 PM

People have been flooding the gas stations in the pensacola area for the last 2 days filling every container that would hold fluid with fuel. You can't buy a battery powered radio, ice, or a generator from any store in the area. The local Home Depot had a line of trucks around the parking lot waiting to buy plywood today. I stayed through Ivan, and I'm not going anywhere for Dennis. Several of my friends who weathered Ivan have evacuated to Tallahassee and Jacksonville.

I tested out the grill and the generator today, and I have 20 gallons of gasoline and 97 gallons of propane.

On a side note, the music they play on the weather channel while showing the radar is way too happy.

Railroader · Jul 9, 2005, 10:07 PM

Maybe this explains why gas jumped up $0.30 today. It hit $2.499 for 87 octane.

KeriVit · Jul 10, 2005, 12:34 AM

Good to hear Cody, now as for my brother near New Orleans....

Cody Dawg · Jul 10, 2005, 06:08 AM

UH, GET OUT TERONZHUL...IT IS A CATEGORY 4 WHICH MEANS LOSS OF LIFE

We haven't had power all night. Just came back on. It is VERY hot and steamy and very stressful. The wind is really bad here. The wind took out the screens on the back patio last night (big caged covered screened-in area.) And it's not even near us. Some trees are even falling over. This is a huge, strong, storm that is going to devastate the panhandle of Florida.

Cody Dawg · Jul 10, 2005, 06:13 AM

Pensacola News.

Here is the news link for where the storm is going to blast through, apparently.

What I think a lot of people don't realize is that thousands of Floridians haven't had their homes for a year because of the hurricanes last year. There is a house behind us that has a blue tarp over a hole in their roof from the hurricane last year - their roof hasn't even been fixed yet. Now it's a year later and here comes another one. Some people are now having to evacuate their mobile home trailers that FEMA gave to them to use while their homes are being repaired - and some people no longer have a home period. Some people lost their homes and their insurance was inadequate and now they have no way to rebuild their homes.

This is a disaster all over again - and it's only July. These types of storms normally don't come until the end of August and are typically worst in September. We've got a 2-month jump start apparently.

Cody Dawg · Jul 10, 2005, 06:16 AM

Atlantic Ocean/Florida Satellite

Here is a good link to see the storm come ashore.

Athens · Jul 10, 2005, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Gabriel Morales

Cody, the dictator in charge in the island has enough $$$ to replace all those poles, damage and more. It's he who has caused way more damage, death, pain and suffering than any hurricane could.

Unforunately, at least ten people have been reported dead due to the hurricane. You'd think they could have avoided it; Fidel claims he knew the hurricane's exact trajectory.

It seems that the brunt of the hurricane is going to miss us, though you guys in the Keys are at greater risk. Let's hope it just moves on and spares everyone.

Get your facts right, it has been the United States that has caused the most pain and suffering for cuba, more then Castro or any Hurricane. Read up on the Helms-Burton Act.

Cody Dawg · Jul 10, 2005, 06:34 AM

I think we're going to have to help a lot of Americans in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana in about 24 hours.

It's going to do extreme damage up there.

Randman · Jul 10, 2005, 06:38 AM

Having "weathered" hurricanes Bertha and Francis when they hit in the same season (and a few hundred yards from one another), a shout out to those hanging in there. Hopefully, things will blow and the 'cane will lose power on the water.

And here I thought my trip to Charlotte next week was going to be a little more suspenseful.

OogaBooga · Jul 10, 2005, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

I think we're going to have to help a lot of Americans in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana in about 24 hours.

It's going to do extreme damage up there.

I lived in Birmingham, Alabama for about 10 years. I never thought I'd get a hurricane way up in B'ham but when hurricane Opal came (in '94 was it?) and did some damage, I changed my mind. Fortunately I was only 8 years old at the time so I didn't have to pay for any of the damages.

Hurricane Dennis seems to be very similar to Opal so far. We'll see how strong it remains at is moves further onto land. Now if we could only get one to stray a little further west into Austin so we can finally get some rain... that would Rawk.

Gamoe · Jul 10, 2005, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by Athens

Get your facts right, it has been the United States that has caused the most pain and suffering for cuba, more then Castro or any Hurricane. Read up on the Helms-Burton Act.

I suggest you get your facts straight, Athens. I am not going to discuss the embargo or any other political issue in depth here, because right now I have not the time or inclination and this is not the appropriate thread for such discussions.

But, Castro is responsible for most of the death and suffering in Cuba, not the U.S. Go live there a while, as a Cuban and get a clue. I know, I have family there.

And exactly what actions have lead up to the embargo, regardless of whether you agree with it or not? That's right, Castro's behavior. Things like shooting down American airplanes with American citizens in them.

Meanwhile the rest of the world is having a ball exploiting the Cubans and ganging up on the U.S. because it refuses to trade with a communist regime. Please, Athens, don't choke on the anti-American propaganda.

zerostar · Jul 10, 2005, 08:14 AM

Wow I didn't realize this was back up to a category 4 with 145 mph winds. Last I heard this was at 100 mph or less. I hope this doesn't hit a category 5 before slamming the panhandle, this will be ugly.

As a side note, I noticed the lights have been dimming randomly since about 5 yesterday, turns out the power has been off and on and the generator has kicked in an ungodly amount of times, looks like I'll have to get a propane truck out here to top us off incase of a storm coming our way in the months ahead.

OogaBooga · Jul 10, 2005, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by zerostar

Wow I didn't realize this was back up to a category 4 with 145 mph winds. Last I heard this was at 100 mph or less. I hope this doesn't hit a category 5 before slamming the panhandle, this will be ugly.

As a side note, I noticed the lights have been dimming randomly since about 5 yesterday, turns out the power has been off and on and the generator has kicked in an ungodly amount of times, looks like I'll have to get a propane truck out here to top us off incase of a storm coming our way in the months ahead.

That's why it's nice to have a laptop. If the power cuts out, your system will remain useable for another 3-4 hours.

Athens · Jul 10, 2005, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Gabriel Morales

I suggest you get your facts straight, Athens. I am not going to discuss the embargo or any other political issue in depth here, because right now I have not the time or inclination and this is not the appropriate thread for such discussions.

But, Castro is responsible for most of the death and suffering in Cuba, not the U.S. Go live there a while, as a Cuban and get a clue. I know, I have family there.

And exactly what actions have lead up to the embargo, regardless of whether you agree with it or not? That's right, Castro's behavior. Things like shooting down American airplanes with American citizens in them.

Meanwhile the rest of the world is having a ball exploiting the Cubans and ganging up on the U.S. because it refuses to trade with a communist regime. Please, Athens, don't choke on the anti-American propaganda.

I'll start a post in the politics section about this very subject later tonight, so we dont kill this thread. Look forward to more of your every one is against American propaganda too

Athens · Jul 10, 2005, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by OogaBooga

That's why it's nice to have a laptop. If the power cuts out, your system will remain useable for another 3-4 hours.

unless you are on a hungary P4 like me, can only get a hour of this sucker.

zerostar · Jul 10, 2005, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by OogaBooga

That's why it's nice to have a laptop. If the power cuts out, your system will remain useable for another 3-4 hours.

As I said I have a propane backup system good for about 2 weeks, the only thing that sucks is the cable modem node (down the street) batteries usually die in a day or two.

I have a Verizon internet card for my powerbook but the network is usually overloaded after a hurricane so your are SOL trying to get a connection. Best bet is to drive to starbucks once the cable goes out

The Godfather · Jul 10, 2005, 11:48 AM

Tampa Bay is safe this weekend. We will have to brace for at least one hurricane this year, most likely. I live in a 2nd floor apartment, so all I can worry about is my belongings inside. The car will be parked somewhere high if it starts to flood.

And to anyone who starts making jokes about the hurricane going after Jeb Bush: that joke is lame.

BlueSky · Jul 10, 2005, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by The Godfather

And to anyone who starts making jokes about the hurricane going after Jeb Bush: that joke is lame.

It's basically targeting TV reporters.

Cody Dawg · Jul 10, 2005, 01:23 PM

Every single time a hurricane goes through an area the reporters all stand outside in a windbreaker and let themselves get blown around while yelling into a microphone, "This is the wind at 100 miles per hour! It is pushing me all over...ahhhh...whoa...this...wind...is...very...st rong." Somehow they are always fine. I just wish one would blow away. Just once. Their gig is getting old.

BlueSky · Jul 10, 2005, 01:37 PM

CNN has made it an art form.

I just wish one would blow away. Just once.

Me too. I vote for Anderson Cooper.

budster101 · Jul 10, 2005, 01:39 PM

It's entertaining to say the least, which is not saying very much.

It'd be funny if a fish flew out of the water and smacked one of them in the face. Preferably a big fish.

Edit: One more thing. That camera that is video taping the Huricane being blown all over and being all shakey is getting old. They do have telephoto lenses right? Set one up INSIDE a room and then show the surf. I know, dramatic effect. Pathetic.

BlueSky · Jul 10, 2005, 02:15 PM

CNN Anchor: Anderson, can you give us a storm update?

Anderson: Mmmf ghhdbl ib bwfgwib pftwb bwf mmbfq.

CNN Anchor: Anderson?

Anderson: I said...mmbf bwp...I have a...mnbpwf...STARFISH...bwmphh...wrapped around...ibwpmn...my FACE...hgpbwm pwft...

CNN Anchor: Anderson, I can't hear you very well... you seem to have a starfish wrapped around your face.

Starfish: Back to you, Judy.