-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
The Official Hurricane Frances thread...
- Thread starter GoCamels
- Start date
VIPIR is a complex system of computers that use advanced doppler radar to forecast a storm, and physically get 3-D images of a storm. It's amazing technology! Here's the site... http://www.baronservices.com/Products/VIPIR/vipir.htmlDisneydreaming said:
be warned that it takes a minute to load because it's inside a PDF file...
Amazing tech.
And it still says the storm will move farther north...
I just installed some high powered strobes in my rear tailights and as soon as the other strobe kit arrives I'll have four alternating strobes in the front, plus a 47" double decked lightbar on the roof of my Silverado is going through its final stages of assembly and modification, it will have 5 amber rotating beacons, plus the latest in LED flashers and Neostrobes.
i know very well what its like to drive in 100 mph winds as i was on Galveston Island south of Houston in 1983 when Alicia came through and plain emergency 4 way flashers are not adequite when the rain is solid and near horizontal. There are kits available on ebay (Strobesforless.com) that are concealable in front or rear parking lamps. I am a transportation supervisor for a large fleet of concrete mixers in Alaska so often I am having to work right off the roadway when an incident occurs or a breakdown, plus my truck is set up for snowplow work and 4 ways are always ignored but strobes get quick attention.
Now I almost every year rent a house in the Orlando area in the winter for about a month and we visit the parks and I think I may bring a portable dash and a rear deck strobe unit with me on our next trip for the rental car though the rain is somewhat
less in jan than august....because its better to be prepared and not need to use it than needing it and nothings available, kinda like the story in the news about a guy that bought the last generator available in the store I guess in Orlando and then found out he couldn't use it because a $20 adapter cord was sold out!
We rarely have exciting weather in Alaska but I feel for people that are really terrified right now, all i can suggest is to be with your family or close friends or find other co-workers and just pool supplies together in whoever has the better or safer place to stay. keep your cell phone handy and charged up. Stay inside and keep in touch with others by PC if possible. I've been reading all these posts everyday and this is basically my only post so as to leave space for more important news, cheers to those that are giving us the updates, I'm 5200 miles away but I can visualize it at the least, take care everyone!
i know very well what its like to drive in 100 mph winds as i was on Galveston Island south of Houston in 1983 when Alicia came through and plain emergency 4 way flashers are not adequite when the rain is solid and near horizontal. There are kits available on ebay (Strobesforless.com) that are concealable in front or rear parking lamps. I am a transportation supervisor for a large fleet of concrete mixers in Alaska so often I am having to work right off the roadway when an incident occurs or a breakdown, plus my truck is set up for snowplow work and 4 ways are always ignored but strobes get quick attention.
Now I almost every year rent a house in the Orlando area in the winter for about a month and we visit the parks and I think I may bring a portable dash and a rear deck strobe unit with me on our next trip for the rental car though the rain is somewhat
less in jan than august....because its better to be prepared and not need to use it than needing it and nothings available, kinda like the story in the news about a guy that bought the last generator available in the store I guess in Orlando and then found out he couldn't use it because a $20 adapter cord was sold out!We rarely have exciting weather in Alaska but I feel for people that are really terrified right now, all i can suggest is to be with your family or close friends or find other co-workers and just pool supplies together in whoever has the better or safer place to stay. keep your cell phone handy and charged up. Stay inside and keep in touch with others by PC if possible. I've been reading all these posts everyday and this is basically my only post so as to leave space for more important news, cheers to those that are giving us the updates, I'm 5200 miles away but I can visualize it at the least, take care everyone!
barnum42
New Member
I think tape proved it's use in London during The blitz, they put it on windows in a big star pattern to minimise the spray of glass shards when bombs landed, so I think it has a proven track record. But if someone is hoping it will keep the window intact then I agree it's a waste of time. Especially masking tape. But I guess if that's all you have and home depot is sold out it's better than nothing, even if it only has a placebo effect.speck76 said:
Tim G
Well-Known Member
Hurricane Frances Update
(South-East Florida Doppler Radar)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="98%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#ff0000><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=large>STORM STATUS</TD><TD class=small align=right>September 4, 4:33 AM EDT</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#cccccc><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="95%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>Name: Hurricane Frances</TD></TR><TR><TD class=small vAlign=top>Location: About 45 miles, 70 km, East of Freeport Grand Bahama Island. This Position Is Also About 125 Miles East Of West Palm Beach Florida.
Lat/Long: 26.6N, 78.1W
Max Winds: 105 mph
Category: 2
</TD><TD class=small vAlign=top noWrap>Heading: Northwest
Speed: 6 mph
Pressure
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
(South-East Florida Doppler Radar)
<TABLE borderColor=#000000 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="98%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#ff0000><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=large>STORM STATUS</TD><TD class=small align=right>September 4, 4:33 AM EDT</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#cccccc><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="95%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>Name: Hurricane Frances</TD></TR><TR><TD class=small vAlign=top>Location: About 45 miles, 70 km, East of Freeport Grand Bahama Island. This Position Is Also About 125 Miles East Of West Palm Beach Florida.
Lat/Long: 26.6N, 78.1W
Max Winds: 105 mph
Category: 2
</TD><TD class=small vAlign=top noWrap>Heading: Northwest
Speed: 6 mph
Pressure
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Tim G
Well-Known Member
Hurricane Frances Advisory Number 42
Issued at: 4:33 AM EDT 9/4/04.
Frances continues to batter the northwestern bahamas,
A hurricane warning remains in effect for the east coast of Florida from Florida city northward to flagler beach, including lake okeechobee. A hurricane warning also remains in effect for the northwestern bahamas. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
A hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning remain in effect from north of flagler beach to fernandina beach.
At 5 am edt, 0900z, the tropical storm warning is extended northward along the Florida west coast to englewood. A tropical storm warning is now in effect on the southern Florida peninsula from englewood to south of Florida city, and for the middle and upper keys from south of Florida city to the seven mile bridge, and for Florida bay.
A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the Florida west coast from north of englewood to the suwannee river.
At 5 am edt, 0900z, the center of hurricane frances was located near latitude 26.6 north, longitude 78.1 west or about 45 miles, 70 km, east of freeport grand bahama island. This position is also about 125 miles east of west palm beach Florida.
Frances is moving toward the northwest near 6 mph, 9 km/hr. A turn to the west-northwest is expected later today. On the forecast track, the large core of hurricane frances will continue to move slowly over the northwestern bahamas this morning, and will be very near the Florida east coast by late tonight or early Sunday morning.
Frances is a strong category two hurricane. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph, 165 km/hr, with higher gusts. Frances is expected to remain a borderline category two/three hurricane until landfall.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 105 miles, 165 km, from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles, 295 km.
The latest minimum central pressure measured by an air force reserve unit reconnaissance aircraft was 960 mb, 28.35 inches.
Storm surge flooding of 5 to 12 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, can be expected near the center of frances on the north side of grand bahama island. Storm surge flooding of 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels can be expected on the west side of the other islands of the bahamas.
Coastal storm surge flooding of 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, is expected near and to the north of where the center makes landfall in Florida. Storm surge flooding of 5 feet above normal levels is expected in lake okeechobee. Along the southwest Florida coast, storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels is expected south of the path of frances.
Storm total rainfall amounts could reach 20 inches in the northwest bahamas. Rainfall amounts of 8 to 12 inches, with locally higher amounts, are expected over the Florida peninsula in association with frances.
Swells generated by frances are affecting portions of the southeastern coast of the united states. These swells could cause dangerous surf and rip currents.
Repeating the 5 am edt position, 26.6 n, 78.1 w. Movement toward, northwest near 6 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 105 mph. Minimum central pressure, 960 mb.
For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.
An intermediate advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 8 am edt followed by the next complete advisory at 11 am edt.
Issued at: 4:33 AM EDT 9/4/04.
Frances continues to batter the northwestern bahamas,
A hurricane warning remains in effect for the east coast of Florida from Florida city northward to flagler beach, including lake okeechobee. A hurricane warning also remains in effect for the northwestern bahamas. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
A hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning remain in effect from north of flagler beach to fernandina beach.
At 5 am edt, 0900z, the tropical storm warning is extended northward along the Florida west coast to englewood. A tropical storm warning is now in effect on the southern Florida peninsula from englewood to south of Florida city, and for the middle and upper keys from south of Florida city to the seven mile bridge, and for Florida bay.
A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the Florida west coast from north of englewood to the suwannee river.
At 5 am edt, 0900z, the center of hurricane frances was located near latitude 26.6 north, longitude 78.1 west or about 45 miles, 70 km, east of freeport grand bahama island. This position is also about 125 miles east of west palm beach Florida.
Frances is moving toward the northwest near 6 mph, 9 km/hr. A turn to the west-northwest is expected later today. On the forecast track, the large core of hurricane frances will continue to move slowly over the northwestern bahamas this morning, and will be very near the Florida east coast by late tonight or early Sunday morning.
Frances is a strong category two hurricane. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph, 165 km/hr, with higher gusts. Frances is expected to remain a borderline category two/three hurricane until landfall.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 105 miles, 165 km, from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles, 295 km.
The latest minimum central pressure measured by an air force reserve unit reconnaissance aircraft was 960 mb, 28.35 inches.
Storm surge flooding of 5 to 12 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, can be expected near the center of frances on the north side of grand bahama island. Storm surge flooding of 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels can be expected on the west side of the other islands of the bahamas.
Coastal storm surge flooding of 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, is expected near and to the north of where the center makes landfall in Florida. Storm surge flooding of 5 feet above normal levels is expected in lake okeechobee. Along the southwest Florida coast, storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels is expected south of the path of frances.
Storm total rainfall amounts could reach 20 inches in the northwest bahamas. Rainfall amounts of 8 to 12 inches, with locally higher amounts, are expected over the Florida peninsula in association with frances.
Swells generated by frances are affecting portions of the southeastern coast of the united states. These swells could cause dangerous surf and rip currents.
Repeating the 5 am edt position, 26.6 n, 78.1 w. Movement toward, northwest near 6 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 105 mph. Minimum central pressure, 960 mb.
For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.
An intermediate advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 8 am edt followed by the next complete advisory at 11 am edt.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
Hurricane Frances Poised To Slog Ashore In Florida
UPDATED: 6:16 am EDT September 4, 2004
STUART, Fla. -- Hurricane Frances crawled toward the Florida coast Saturday, bringing a potential for 20 inches of rain and heavy flooding and prompting millions of residents and tourists to evacuate during the Labor Day weekend.
Forecasters expected the storm to come ashore late Saturday or early Sunday, about a day later than earlier predictions, as residents prepared for the worst after a dragged-out process of stocking up on canned goods and water, putting plywood sheets over windows and finding shelter. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
"Just got to believe in God," said Linda Benbry, 48, who watched as her grandson fastened duct tape across the front windows of their Fort Pierce home. "You can't run from death."
About 2.5 million residents were told to clear out -- the biggest evacuation in Florida history -- as Frances chugged along at a 6 mph clip about 125 miles east-southeast from West Palm Beach.
Passing through the Bahamas, Frances' top winds fell to 105 mph from 145 mph on Thursday, but its plodding pace meant it could cause disastrous flooding. Hurricane force winds extended outward up to 105 miles.
State meteorologist Ben Nelson said Frances might remain over Florida for two cycles of high tide, meaning two rounds of storm surges expected to be 5 to 10 feet.
"The water has nowhere to go and gets trapped because our elevation is so low," he said. "It could be a large mess."
Frances, carrying an imposing size twice as big as the devastating Hurricane Andrew in 1992, is expected to come ashore along the middle of Florida's eastern coast, push across the state as a tropical storm just north of Tampa and weaken to a tropical depression as it moves over the Panhandle on Monday.
A hurricane warning remained in effect for Florida's Atlantic coast, from Flagler Beach south to Florida City almost to the state's tip, and Gov. Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency for the entire state.
A tropical storm warning also was extended Saturday for the southwestern gulf coast from Englewood south to Florida City. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Bonita Beach north to the Suwannee River on Florida's northern gulf coast.
Wind gusts in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach reached 38 mph Friday afternoon, bending palm fronds and crashing waves into the beaches. The winds toppled trees and one gust peeled half the roof off Michelle Lyons' mobile home in Davie, just west of Fort Lauderdale, but no one was hurt.
"And we didn't even get the hurricane yet," said Lyons, 30.
Power was knocked out for about 40,000 Florida Power & Light customers in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Martin counties. The storm forced the evacuation of about 3,000 state inmates and about 500 patients at more than a dozen hospitals. Pumps were left dry at many gas stations as people rushed to fill up their tanks before the storm hit, but Bush said state officials were working to resupply stations along Florida's Turnpike.
Frances was set to slam into Florida's coast three weeks after Hurricane Charley killed 27 people and caused billions of dollars in damage in southwestern Florida. At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, President Bush spoke of another potential round of devastation for Florida.
"I've ordered teams to be in position to help the good people of that state," he said. "But the best thing we can do here is to offer our prayers."
In the sprawling mobile home community of Barefoot Bay south of Melbourne, Pat Brett prepared to join his neighbors in evacuating, well aware of the danger Frances posed.
"I don't think anybody's that insane here," Brett, 60, said.
Shelters received a steady influx of residents expecting to spend an unusual Labor Day weekend indoors. At a Red Cross shelter in Davie, elderly residents quietly huddled over a game of cards while several people played a pick-up basketball game.
"It's very organized," said Lucy Campos, who left a mobile home with a neighbor. "But I can't wait to take a shower."
Many schools and government offices closed, as did major amusement parks, the Kennedy Space Center and airports serving Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Melbourne.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency mobilized 4,500 workers, three times the number sent to help victims of Charley. Officials said they had enough people and supplies in the state to handle two disaster relief operations at once.
State officials said they were prepared to deliver 5.4 million meals during the next two weeks while 13,000 electrical workers awaited in staging areas in Alabama to enter Florida and restore power. To help new mothers, baby formula was being shipped to Jacksonville to be distributed throughout the state.
The American Red Cross planned a larger relief operation than the one it conducted after Hurricane Andrew. Back then, the agency spent $81 million.
Hurricane season usually peaks in early September, and the ninth named storm of the season grew stronger Saturday in the far eastern Atlantic. Tropical Storm Ivan was about 1,670 miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles with winds of 60 mph. <!--stopindex-->
UPDATED: 6:16 am EDT September 4, 2004
STUART, Fla. -- Hurricane Frances crawled toward the Florida coast Saturday, bringing a potential for 20 inches of rain and heavy flooding and prompting millions of residents and tourists to evacuate during the Labor Day weekend.
Forecasters expected the storm to come ashore late Saturday or early Sunday, about a day later than earlier predictions, as residents prepared for the worst after a dragged-out process of stocking up on canned goods and water, putting plywood sheets over windows and finding shelter. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
"Just got to believe in God," said Linda Benbry, 48, who watched as her grandson fastened duct tape across the front windows of their Fort Pierce home. "You can't run from death."
About 2.5 million residents were told to clear out -- the biggest evacuation in Florida history -- as Frances chugged along at a 6 mph clip about 125 miles east-southeast from West Palm Beach.
Passing through the Bahamas, Frances' top winds fell to 105 mph from 145 mph on Thursday, but its plodding pace meant it could cause disastrous flooding. Hurricane force winds extended outward up to 105 miles.
State meteorologist Ben Nelson said Frances might remain over Florida for two cycles of high tide, meaning two rounds of storm surges expected to be 5 to 10 feet.
"The water has nowhere to go and gets trapped because our elevation is so low," he said. "It could be a large mess."
Frances, carrying an imposing size twice as big as the devastating Hurricane Andrew in 1992, is expected to come ashore along the middle of Florida's eastern coast, push across the state as a tropical storm just north of Tampa and weaken to a tropical depression as it moves over the Panhandle on Monday.
A hurricane warning remained in effect for Florida's Atlantic coast, from Flagler Beach south to Florida City almost to the state's tip, and Gov. Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency for the entire state.
A tropical storm warning also was extended Saturday for the southwestern gulf coast from Englewood south to Florida City. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Bonita Beach north to the Suwannee River on Florida's northern gulf coast.
Wind gusts in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach reached 38 mph Friday afternoon, bending palm fronds and crashing waves into the beaches. The winds toppled trees and one gust peeled half the roof off Michelle Lyons' mobile home in Davie, just west of Fort Lauderdale, but no one was hurt.
"And we didn't even get the hurricane yet," said Lyons, 30.
Power was knocked out for about 40,000 Florida Power & Light customers in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Martin counties. The storm forced the evacuation of about 3,000 state inmates and about 500 patients at more than a dozen hospitals. Pumps were left dry at many gas stations as people rushed to fill up their tanks before the storm hit, but Bush said state officials were working to resupply stations along Florida's Turnpike.
Frances was set to slam into Florida's coast three weeks after Hurricane Charley killed 27 people and caused billions of dollars in damage in southwestern Florida. At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, President Bush spoke of another potential round of devastation for Florida.
"I've ordered teams to be in position to help the good people of that state," he said. "But the best thing we can do here is to offer our prayers."
In the sprawling mobile home community of Barefoot Bay south of Melbourne, Pat Brett prepared to join his neighbors in evacuating, well aware of the danger Frances posed.
"I don't think anybody's that insane here," Brett, 60, said.
Shelters received a steady influx of residents expecting to spend an unusual Labor Day weekend indoors. At a Red Cross shelter in Davie, elderly residents quietly huddled over a game of cards while several people played a pick-up basketball game.
"It's very organized," said Lucy Campos, who left a mobile home with a neighbor. "But I can't wait to take a shower."
Many schools and government offices closed, as did major amusement parks, the Kennedy Space Center and airports serving Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Melbourne.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency mobilized 4,500 workers, three times the number sent to help victims of Charley. Officials said they had enough people and supplies in the state to handle two disaster relief operations at once.
State officials said they were prepared to deliver 5.4 million meals during the next two weeks while 13,000 electrical workers awaited in staging areas in Alabama to enter Florida and restore power. To help new mothers, baby formula was being shipped to Jacksonville to be distributed throughout the state.
The American Red Cross planned a larger relief operation than the one it conducted after Hurricane Andrew. Back then, the agency spent $81 million.
Hurricane season usually peaks in early September, and the ninth named storm of the season grew stronger Saturday in the far eastern Atlantic. Tropical Storm Ivan was about 1,670 miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles with winds of 60 mph. <!--stopindex-->
Tim G
Well-Known Member
HURRICANE FRANCES -- CLOSING IN
Here it comes
Frances weakens but still packs punch
September 4, 2004, 4:54 AM EDT
Forecasters downgraded Hurricane Frances to a Category 2 storm Friday night but warned Floridians not to take the storm lightly as concerns shifted from high winds to torrential rains.
"This is good news, but don't let your guard down. This is still a formidable hurricane," said Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center near Miami. "The wind field is really spreading out, and I can assure you this will have an impact on Central Florida."
At 5 a.m. today, Frances' top sustained winds were 105 mph, down from 145 mph just a day earlier. It was located 125 miles east of West Palm Beach and projected to make landfall this evening just north of Fort Pierce.
Forecasters said with the storm's size, Central Floridians could begin to feel tropical-storm-force winds of 39 mph at noon or later. Hurricane-force winds extend 110 miles from the storm's center and tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 200 miles from the center.
Moving at 6 mph, Frances has the potential to drop an average of 8 to 9 inches of rain and up to 18 inches in some areas of Central Florida, which would cause major flooding of roads and low-lying areas. And the storm's slow speed means coastal areas could experience hurricane-force winds of 74 mph and higher for 12 hours or longer.
The Friday night forecast brought the eye of the storm south of Orlando. But because the highest winds are at the northeastern side of the storm, Central Florida would still take a beating as Frances crawls across the state, state meteorologist Ben Nelson said.
"Unfortunately, Polk and Osceola are going to take the double hit here," Nelson said, referring to Frances and Hurricane Charley, which hit Central Florida with 100-mph winds Aug. 13. "They're going to get it from the other side here with Frances."
Other forecasters said it was hard to say if the weakening trend would continue.
"Right now, it's a brief trend, but it's over warm water," hurricane specialist Stacy Stewart said. "Conditions could change. It could intensify some because it's moving over warm water."
In any case, Craig Fugate, director of the state Division of Emergency Management, said Frances is still bringing a variety of scary conditions -- high winds, heavy rain, a massive storm surge and tornadoes.
A storm surge of 5 to 10 feet could last through two or more tide cycles, Fugate said, creating huge problems along the barrier islands and in low-lying areas. Urban areas could be particularly hard hit by flooding, he said.
"If we get 18 inches of rain we could see water covering a lot of neighborhood streets, and water in a lot of homes," said meteorologist Dennis Decker of the National Weather Service in Melbourne. "There's no drainage system anywhere that can handle that."
The storm's downgrade probably won't affect the amount of rainfall it drops, he said.
Forecasters added a tropical-storm warning to the hurricane watch already posted for north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach. A hurricane warning also remained in effect for Florida's east coast from Florida City to Flagler Beach. Late Friday, a tropical-storm warning was issued for the Southwest Florida coast from Bonita Beach eastward to south of Florida City.
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said more than 4,000 emergency workers -- three times the number for Charley -- are poised to come to Florida after the storm barrels through.
A day after 2.5 million Floridians were told to flee Hurricane Frances before it was too late, residents waited anxiously in shelters, hotels and boarded-up homes as the lumbering, monstrous storm wobbled slowly toward the state's Atlantic coast.
The slow-moving storm gave residents more time to prepare, fret and stew.
"It seems like it's been going on for a week," said John Mafera, a 28-year-old aviation consultant in south Brevard County. "You just want to get it over with and see what needs to be done."
Frances' slow approach and downgraded status fed the frustrations of residents who waited in lines for plywood, gasoline and other hurricane-survival supplies.
"Every time I've done the board-up-your-house thing, we haven't gotten anything," said Joe Winter, who came from New Jersey to visit his mother, only to find she had left for England.
In Brevard County, Maria Seelman and her husband decided to ride out Frances in their dream home, a large Spanish-style villa on the Indian River. They used the extra time to stock their "hurricane room" with water, fans, flashlights and a Bible. "I've got water to last 10 years, probably," said Seelman, 43. "I think I bought out Publix."
Throughout the state, emergency officials prepared for the rising waters that Frances is expected to bring.
Orange County urged residents in low-lying areas to head for higher ground. In Seminole County, deputies with loudspeakers drove through neighborhoods urging people to flee.
In Fort Pierce, Frances' delayed arrival gave people an extra shot at last-minute preparations, but it didn't last long. By early afternoon, the first bands of Frances began to pelt the coastal city with hard rain and growing winds.
By late afternoon, virtually all businesses were closed and there was little traffic on the roads other than police cruisers. By early evening, U.S. Highway 1, the main north-south route through the town, was deserted, and large pools of storm water already were forming from the heavy intermittent rain.
Throughout the state, residents flocked to the stores that remained open, hoping to pick up bottled water and canned goods while long lines formed outside home-supply stores for scarce plywood or generators. Hotels and motels inland filled up, and gas stations ran dry.
Many Central Florida businesses were shutting their doors by Friday afternoon for want of customers and lack of supplies. Others were concerned for employees. Most major retailers planned to remain closed today and possibly Sunday, depending on the storm's severity. Some had generators at the ready, and fleets of trucks waiting outside the state to re-stock shelves.
All the major theme parks, except for Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot, closed early Friday. All of them -- SeaWorld Orlando, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando -- planned to be closed today. On Friday night, none had decided whether to reopen Sunday.
With the parks closed and stores boarded up across the tourist corridor, many said they were unsure how they would pass the hours today. Costumed characters were expected to be on hand at Disney hotels to entertain weary tourists.
A steady stream of traffic rolled into the closed Pirates Cove miniature golf course near Disney. Cars pulled in, then quickly pulled out. In one of the cars, Carol and Josh Franklin from Atlanta said they had found few options for entertainment.
"Nothing is open, except for a few grocery stores," Carol Franklin said. "We go from one empty lot to another, looking for something to do. This isn't how we envisioned a trip to Disney World."
In Vero Beach on Saturday night, nearly every store, restaurant and gas station was closed and boarded up. One store had spray-painted messages in large letters across the plywood. "Hurricane Frances," read one. "I hate you!!!" Another stated simply: "Osama Bin Frances."
Airports along Florida's east coast were closed or operating at reduced levels Friday under the specter of Hurricane Frances, sending some travelers scrambling to find hotel rooms or take refuge in shelters.
More than 15,000 people awaited Frances' arrival in 163 shelters statewide. In Orlando, Bibianne Despeines took her four children to a shelter at Odyssey Middle School instead of staying in her apartment, as they did for Charley.
"Last time, my kids were screaming and yelling. This time, they asked me to go away, find someplace" safe to stay, she said Friday. "I'm scared to stay in my apartment."
At the South Miami Senior High School, the waiting game was turning anxiety into anger, especially among cruise-ship tourists who expected to be enjoying the lap of luxury instead of the bare essentials at a crowded shelter.
"For this, I paid $5,000?" said Katy Attard, 52, a resident of Malta who had flown 13 hours to take a two-week cruise aboard the Carnival Glory. "I'm supposed to be on a five-star ship, and I'm sleeping on the floor without even a pillow."
Here it comes
Frances weakens but still packs punch
September 4, 2004, 4:54 AM EDT
Forecasters downgraded Hurricane Frances to a Category 2 storm Friday night but warned Floridians not to take the storm lightly as concerns shifted from high winds to torrential rains.
"This is good news, but don't let your guard down. This is still a formidable hurricane," said Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center near Miami. "The wind field is really spreading out, and I can assure you this will have an impact on Central Florida."
At 5 a.m. today, Frances' top sustained winds were 105 mph, down from 145 mph just a day earlier. It was located 125 miles east of West Palm Beach and projected to make landfall this evening just north of Fort Pierce.
Forecasters said with the storm's size, Central Floridians could begin to feel tropical-storm-force winds of 39 mph at noon or later. Hurricane-force winds extend 110 miles from the storm's center and tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 200 miles from the center.
Moving at 6 mph, Frances has the potential to drop an average of 8 to 9 inches of rain and up to 18 inches in some areas of Central Florida, which would cause major flooding of roads and low-lying areas. And the storm's slow speed means coastal areas could experience hurricane-force winds of 74 mph and higher for 12 hours or longer.
The Friday night forecast brought the eye of the storm south of Orlando. But because the highest winds are at the northeastern side of the storm, Central Florida would still take a beating as Frances crawls across the state, state meteorologist Ben Nelson said.
"Unfortunately, Polk and Osceola are going to take the double hit here," Nelson said, referring to Frances and Hurricane Charley, which hit Central Florida with 100-mph winds Aug. 13. "They're going to get it from the other side here with Frances."
Other forecasters said it was hard to say if the weakening trend would continue.
"Right now, it's a brief trend, but it's over warm water," hurricane specialist Stacy Stewart said. "Conditions could change. It could intensify some because it's moving over warm water."
In any case, Craig Fugate, director of the state Division of Emergency Management, said Frances is still bringing a variety of scary conditions -- high winds, heavy rain, a massive storm surge and tornadoes.
A storm surge of 5 to 10 feet could last through two or more tide cycles, Fugate said, creating huge problems along the barrier islands and in low-lying areas. Urban areas could be particularly hard hit by flooding, he said.
"If we get 18 inches of rain we could see water covering a lot of neighborhood streets, and water in a lot of homes," said meteorologist Dennis Decker of the National Weather Service in Melbourne. "There's no drainage system anywhere that can handle that."
The storm's downgrade probably won't affect the amount of rainfall it drops, he said.
Forecasters added a tropical-storm warning to the hurricane watch already posted for north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach. A hurricane warning also remained in effect for Florida's east coast from Florida City to Flagler Beach. Late Friday, a tropical-storm warning was issued for the Southwest Florida coast from Bonita Beach eastward to south of Florida City.
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said more than 4,000 emergency workers -- three times the number for Charley -- are poised to come to Florida after the storm barrels through.
A day after 2.5 million Floridians were told to flee Hurricane Frances before it was too late, residents waited anxiously in shelters, hotels and boarded-up homes as the lumbering, monstrous storm wobbled slowly toward the state's Atlantic coast.
The slow-moving storm gave residents more time to prepare, fret and stew.
"It seems like it's been going on for a week," said John Mafera, a 28-year-old aviation consultant in south Brevard County. "You just want to get it over with and see what needs to be done."
Frances' slow approach and downgraded status fed the frustrations of residents who waited in lines for plywood, gasoline and other hurricane-survival supplies.
"Every time I've done the board-up-your-house thing, we haven't gotten anything," said Joe Winter, who came from New Jersey to visit his mother, only to find she had left for England.
In Brevard County, Maria Seelman and her husband decided to ride out Frances in their dream home, a large Spanish-style villa on the Indian River. They used the extra time to stock their "hurricane room" with water, fans, flashlights and a Bible. "I've got water to last 10 years, probably," said Seelman, 43. "I think I bought out Publix."
Throughout the state, emergency officials prepared for the rising waters that Frances is expected to bring.
Orange County urged residents in low-lying areas to head for higher ground. In Seminole County, deputies with loudspeakers drove through neighborhoods urging people to flee.
In Fort Pierce, Frances' delayed arrival gave people an extra shot at last-minute preparations, but it didn't last long. By early afternoon, the first bands of Frances began to pelt the coastal city with hard rain and growing winds.
By late afternoon, virtually all businesses were closed and there was little traffic on the roads other than police cruisers. By early evening, U.S. Highway 1, the main north-south route through the town, was deserted, and large pools of storm water already were forming from the heavy intermittent rain.
Throughout the state, residents flocked to the stores that remained open, hoping to pick up bottled water and canned goods while long lines formed outside home-supply stores for scarce plywood or generators. Hotels and motels inland filled up, and gas stations ran dry.
Many Central Florida businesses were shutting their doors by Friday afternoon for want of customers and lack of supplies. Others were concerned for employees. Most major retailers planned to remain closed today and possibly Sunday, depending on the storm's severity. Some had generators at the ready, and fleets of trucks waiting outside the state to re-stock shelves.
All the major theme parks, except for Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot, closed early Friday. All of them -- SeaWorld Orlando, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando -- planned to be closed today. On Friday night, none had decided whether to reopen Sunday.
With the parks closed and stores boarded up across the tourist corridor, many said they were unsure how they would pass the hours today. Costumed characters were expected to be on hand at Disney hotels to entertain weary tourists.
A steady stream of traffic rolled into the closed Pirates Cove miniature golf course near Disney. Cars pulled in, then quickly pulled out. In one of the cars, Carol and Josh Franklin from Atlanta said they had found few options for entertainment.
"Nothing is open, except for a few grocery stores," Carol Franklin said. "We go from one empty lot to another, looking for something to do. This isn't how we envisioned a trip to Disney World."
In Vero Beach on Saturday night, nearly every store, restaurant and gas station was closed and boarded up. One store had spray-painted messages in large letters across the plywood. "Hurricane Frances," read one. "I hate you!!!" Another stated simply: "Osama Bin Frances."
Airports along Florida's east coast were closed or operating at reduced levels Friday under the specter of Hurricane Frances, sending some travelers scrambling to find hotel rooms or take refuge in shelters.
More than 15,000 people awaited Frances' arrival in 163 shelters statewide. In Orlando, Bibianne Despeines took her four children to a shelter at Odyssey Middle School instead of staying in her apartment, as they did for Charley.
"Last time, my kids were screaming and yelling. This time, they asked me to go away, find someplace" safe to stay, she said Friday. "I'm scared to stay in my apartment."
At the South Miami Senior High School, the waiting game was turning anxiety into anger, especially among cruise-ship tourists who expected to be enjoying the lap of luxury instead of the bare essentials at a crowded shelter.
"For this, I paid $5,000?" said Katy Attard, 52, a resident of Malta who had flown 13 hours to take a two-week cruise aboard the Carnival Glory. "I'm supposed to be on a five-star ship, and I'm sleeping on the floor without even a pillow."
Tim G
Well-Known Member
County-by-county updates and services
Brevard County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Central Junior High, 2600 Wingate Blvd., West Melbourne; Manatee Elementary, 3425 Salerno Road, Viera; Pinewood Elementary, 3654 Lionel Road, Mims; Bayside High School, 1901 S.W. DeGroodt Road, Palm Bay; Brevard Community College, Cocoa Campus, 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa. All other shelters are at capacity.
Sandbags: There are no sandbags or sand available through the county.
Help-line numbers: Brevard County Emergency Operations Center, 321-637-4070.
What's closed: Post offices, public and private schools, along with federal, state, county and city offices, will be closed today.
Other closings include Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Station, Port Canaveral, Melbourne International Airport, Brevard Community College, University of Central Florida, Florida Institute of Technology and the Brevard-Seminole State Attorney's Office.
Curfew: In effect from 8:30 p.m. until dawn until further notice
Cancellations: Weekend festivals and sporting events were canceled, and many business owners boarded up and went home.
Evacuation routes/orders: Residents of the barrier islands, including Merritt Island, and in low-lying areas and mobile homes are under mandatory evacuation.
Brevard County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Central Junior High, 2600 Wingate Blvd., West Melbourne; Manatee Elementary, 3425 Salerno Road, Viera; Pinewood Elementary, 3654 Lionel Road, Mims; Bayside High School, 1901 S.W. DeGroodt Road, Palm Bay; Brevard Community College, Cocoa Campus, 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa. All other shelters are at capacity.
Sandbags: There are no sandbags or sand available through the county.
Help-line numbers: Brevard County Emergency Operations Center, 321-637-4070.
What's closed: Post offices, public and private schools, along with federal, state, county and city offices, will be closed today.
Other closings include Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Station, Port Canaveral, Melbourne International Airport, Brevard Community College, University of Central Florida, Florida Institute of Technology and the Brevard-Seminole State Attorney's Office.
Curfew: In effect from 8:30 p.m. until dawn until further notice
Cancellations: Weekend festivals and sporting events were canceled, and many business owners boarded up and went home.
Evacuation routes/orders: Residents of the barrier islands, including Merritt Island, and in low-lying areas and mobile homes are under mandatory evacuation.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
County-by-county updates and services
Lake County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Astatula Elementary, 3925 Florida Ave., Astatula, 352-343-1334; Leesburg Elementary, 2229 South St., Leesburg, 352-365-6308; Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont, 352-243-2433; Pine Ridge Elementary, 10245 County Road 561, Clermont, 352-242-2223; Seminole Springs Elementary, 26200 W. Huff Road, Eustis, 352-589-1117; South Lake High, 15600 Silver Eagle Road, Groveland, 352-394-2100; Spring Creek Elementary, 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley, 352-669-3275; Tavares High, 603 N. New Hampshire St., Tavares, 352-343-3007; Umatilla Elementary, 401 Lake St., Umatilla, 352-669-3181.
Special-needs shelters: Astatula Elementary, 13925 Florida Ave., Astatula, 352-343-1334; Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont, 352-243-2433; Round Lake Elementary, 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora, 352-385-4399. The Villages Elementary shelter is at capacity and closed. Residents needing transportation to special-needs shelters should call the hotline at 352-343-9732.
Pet-friendly shelters: Astatula Elementary, 13925 Florida Ave., Astatula, 352-343-1334; Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont, 352-243-2433; Leesburg Elementary School, 2229 South St., Leesburg, 352-365-6308; Round Lake Elementary School, 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora, 352-385-4399.
Sandbags: Three Lake County maintenance sites have stopped sandbag distribution to the public. The Eustis Fire Department also has exhausted its public supply.
Help-line numbers: Lake County Citizens Information Hotline, 352-343-9732.
Radio: The Lake County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating with 790 AM (WLBE) to broadcast beginning this morning.
Evacuation routes/orders: Lake County has not ordered any mandatory evacuations. However, if people choose to evacuate, the major routes are as follows: Leaving from the west part of the county: U.S. Highway 441 to State Road 44 in Leesburg to Interstate 75 entrance at Wildwood; I-75 north. Leaving from the east part of the county: U.S. 441 to S.R. 46 in Mount Dora; S.R. 46 east to I-4. Leaving from the south part of the county: U.S. 27 north to Florida's Turnpike; Florida's Turnpike north to I-75 north.
What's closed: All Lake County offices are closed until Tuesday except for emergency operations. Lake County schools are closed until Tuesday. Lake Square Mall is closed until further notice. Lake-Sumter Community College's three campuses are closed until Tuesday. Eustis, Mount Dora, Lady Lake, Tavares and Leesburg offices are closed until Tuesday
Lake County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Astatula Elementary, 3925 Florida Ave., Astatula, 352-343-1334; Leesburg Elementary, 2229 South St., Leesburg, 352-365-6308; Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont, 352-243-2433; Pine Ridge Elementary, 10245 County Road 561, Clermont, 352-242-2223; Seminole Springs Elementary, 26200 W. Huff Road, Eustis, 352-589-1117; South Lake High, 15600 Silver Eagle Road, Groveland, 352-394-2100; Spring Creek Elementary, 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley, 352-669-3275; Tavares High, 603 N. New Hampshire St., Tavares, 352-343-3007; Umatilla Elementary, 401 Lake St., Umatilla, 352-669-3181.
Special-needs shelters: Astatula Elementary, 13925 Florida Ave., Astatula, 352-343-1334; Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont, 352-243-2433; Round Lake Elementary, 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora, 352-385-4399. The Villages Elementary shelter is at capacity and closed. Residents needing transportation to special-needs shelters should call the hotline at 352-343-9732.
Pet-friendly shelters: Astatula Elementary, 13925 Florida Ave., Astatula, 352-343-1334; Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont, 352-243-2433; Leesburg Elementary School, 2229 South St., Leesburg, 352-365-6308; Round Lake Elementary School, 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora, 352-385-4399.
Sandbags: Three Lake County maintenance sites have stopped sandbag distribution to the public. The Eustis Fire Department also has exhausted its public supply.
Help-line numbers: Lake County Citizens Information Hotline, 352-343-9732.
Radio: The Lake County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating with 790 AM (WLBE) to broadcast beginning this morning.
Evacuation routes/orders: Lake County has not ordered any mandatory evacuations. However, if people choose to evacuate, the major routes are as follows: Leaving from the west part of the county: U.S. Highway 441 to State Road 44 in Leesburg to Interstate 75 entrance at Wildwood; I-75 north. Leaving from the east part of the county: U.S. 441 to S.R. 46 in Mount Dora; S.R. 46 east to I-4. Leaving from the south part of the county: U.S. 27 north to Florida's Turnpike; Florida's Turnpike north to I-75 north.
What's closed: All Lake County offices are closed until Tuesday except for emergency operations. Lake County schools are closed until Tuesday. Lake Square Mall is closed until further notice. Lake-Sumter Community College's three campuses are closed until Tuesday. Eustis, Mount Dora, Lady Lake, Tavares and Leesburg offices are closed until Tuesday
Tim G
Well-Known Member
County-by-county updates and services
Orange County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Barnett Park (pet-friendly), 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando; Orlo Vista Community Center (pet-friendly), 25 N. Nowell St., Orlando; Liberty Middle School, 405 S. Chickasaw Trail, Orlando; Hunter's Creek Middle School, 13400 Town Loop Blvd., Orlando; Southwest Middle School, 6450 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando. The Odyssey Middle School shelter is full.
Special-needs shelters: Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando; Freedom High School, 2500 Taft-Vineland Road, Orlando; Apopka High School, 555 W. Martin St., Apopka. The Meadow Woods Elementary, Chain of Lakes Middle, West Orange High, Blankner Elementary, University of Central Florida arena and Discovery Middle shelters are full.
Sandbags: No sandbags remain. Delivery in unincorporated Orange County will stop at 10 a.m. today.
Help-line numbers: Orange County, 407-836-3111, 24 hours; Orlando, 407-246-4268, 24 hours; Winter Park, 407-599-3494, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or message center@cityofwinterpark.org
Evacuation routes/orders: Mandatory evacuations for people living in mobile homes. Voluntary evacuations for low-lying areas. Routes include State Road 50, S.R. 528 (Bee Line Expressway), John Young Parkway, Florida's Turnpike and Interstate 4.
Curfew: Mandatory curfew 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. today and Sunday. Emergency crews and people traveling to and from their jobs are exempt. Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary encourages people to be off the road by noon.
What's closed: Lynx bus service; Orange County Public Schools; Orange County Courthouse; Orlando International Airport; Orange County government; Winter Park City Hall, parks and lakes; Orlando City Hall and Leu Gardens.
Garbage/debris: No garbage or debris pickup. Landfill is closed.
Orange County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Barnett Park (pet-friendly), 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando; Orlo Vista Community Center (pet-friendly), 25 N. Nowell St., Orlando; Liberty Middle School, 405 S. Chickasaw Trail, Orlando; Hunter's Creek Middle School, 13400 Town Loop Blvd., Orlando; Southwest Middle School, 6450 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando. The Odyssey Middle School shelter is full.
Special-needs shelters: Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando; Freedom High School, 2500 Taft-Vineland Road, Orlando; Apopka High School, 555 W. Martin St., Apopka. The Meadow Woods Elementary, Chain of Lakes Middle, West Orange High, Blankner Elementary, University of Central Florida arena and Discovery Middle shelters are full.
Sandbags: No sandbags remain. Delivery in unincorporated Orange County will stop at 10 a.m. today.
Help-line numbers: Orange County, 407-836-3111, 24 hours; Orlando, 407-246-4268, 24 hours; Winter Park, 407-599-3494, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or message center@cityofwinterpark.org
Evacuation routes/orders: Mandatory evacuations for people living in mobile homes. Voluntary evacuations for low-lying areas. Routes include State Road 50, S.R. 528 (Bee Line Expressway), John Young Parkway, Florida's Turnpike and Interstate 4.
Curfew: Mandatory curfew 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. today and Sunday. Emergency crews and people traveling to and from their jobs are exempt. Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary encourages people to be off the road by noon.
What's closed: Lynx bus service; Orange County Public Schools; Orange County Courthouse; Orlando International Airport; Orange County government; Winter Park City Hall, parks and lakes; Orlando City Hall and Leu Gardens.
Garbage/debris: No garbage or debris pickup. Landfill is closed.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
County-by-county updates and services
Osceola County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Harmony High School, 3601 Arthur J. Gallagher Blvd., St. Cloud; Discovery Middle School, 5350 San Miguel Road, Kissimmee; Narcoossee Community School, 2700 Narcoossee Road, St. Cloud; Reedy Creek Elementary School, 5100 Eagles Trail, Kissimmee; Kenansville Community Center, 1150 S. Canoe Creek Road, Kenansville; Central Avenue Elementary School (special-needs shelter) 500 W. Columbia Ave., Kissimmee.
Shelters at Kissimmee Middle School and the St. Cloud Senior Center (special needs) are closed because they are filled to capacity.
Residents should bring bedding (pillows, blankets or sleeping bags), medication and things to make them comfortable, such as coloring books, quiet games, reading material and a battery-powered radio. Residents may not bring pets to the shelters. Animal Control will not transport pets from shelters to the Animal Control Shelter because it is at capacity.
Sandbags: The county and municipalities are not giving out any more sandbags.
Help-line numbers: The Osceola County recorded-update line is 407-343-6942, and the live-update line is 407-343-4111. The Kissimmee information line is 407-847-2821. The St. Cloud information line is 407-957-7161. To report power outages, call the Kissimmee Utility Authority at 407-933-7777 or the Orlando Utilities Commission at 407-823-9150.
Evacuation routes/orders: Voluntary evacuation of residents in low-lying areas and in mobile homes. No mandatory evacuations are anticipated for now.
What's closed: Osceola County government, schools, St. Cloud City Hall, Kissimmee City Hall and the courthouse are closed. All Osceola County school-district athletic events are postponed. Stetson University's Celebration campus is closed through Tuesday.
A curfew from dusk to dawn is in place in all of Osceola County.
Osceola County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Harmony High School, 3601 Arthur J. Gallagher Blvd., St. Cloud; Discovery Middle School, 5350 San Miguel Road, Kissimmee; Narcoossee Community School, 2700 Narcoossee Road, St. Cloud; Reedy Creek Elementary School, 5100 Eagles Trail, Kissimmee; Kenansville Community Center, 1150 S. Canoe Creek Road, Kenansville; Central Avenue Elementary School (special-needs shelter) 500 W. Columbia Ave., Kissimmee.
Shelters at Kissimmee Middle School and the St. Cloud Senior Center (special needs) are closed because they are filled to capacity.
Residents should bring bedding (pillows, blankets or sleeping bags), medication and things to make them comfortable, such as coloring books, quiet games, reading material and a battery-powered radio. Residents may not bring pets to the shelters. Animal Control will not transport pets from shelters to the Animal Control Shelter because it is at capacity.
Sandbags: The county and municipalities are not giving out any more sandbags.
Help-line numbers: The Osceola County recorded-update line is 407-343-6942, and the live-update line is 407-343-4111. The Kissimmee information line is 407-847-2821. The St. Cloud information line is 407-957-7161. To report power outages, call the Kissimmee Utility Authority at 407-933-7777 or the Orlando Utilities Commission at 407-823-9150.
Evacuation routes/orders: Voluntary evacuation of residents in low-lying areas and in mobile homes. No mandatory evacuations are anticipated for now.
What's closed: Osceola County government, schools, St. Cloud City Hall, Kissimmee City Hall and the courthouse are closed. All Osceola County school-district athletic events are postponed. Stetson University's Celebration campus is closed through Tuesday.
A curfew from dusk to dawn is in place in all of Osceola County.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
County-by-county updates and services
Polk County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Sandhill Elementary, 1801 Tyner Road, Haines City; Ridgeview Global Studies Academy, 1000 Dunson Road, Davenport; Jewett Academy, 601 Avenue T N.W., Winter Haven; George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland; Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake; Bartow High School, 1270 S. Broadway Ave.; Haines City High School, 2800 Hornet Drive: R. Bruce Wagner Elementary, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland; Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary, 6600 Green Road, Lakeland.
Special-needs shelters: For preregistered residents: Stambaugh Middle School, 226 N. Main St., Auburndale; Lake Gibson High School, 7007 N. Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland; Polk County Public Health Department, 1255 Brice Road, Bartow.
Sandbags (supplies are limited): Crystal Lake, Fire Station 7, 2450 E. Main St., Lakeland; Golfview, Fire Station 10, 2902 E. State Road 60, Lake Wales; Highland City, Fire Station 13, 4101 Clubhouse Road; Indian Lake Estates, Fire Station 14, 20 Hogan Road; Jan Phyl, Fire Station 15, 21 Coleman Road, Winter Haven; Medulla, Fire Station 19, 5115 Old Highway 37, Lakeland; Polk City, Fire Station 22, 200 Commonwealth Blvd.; Providence, Fire Station 23, 8936 U.S. Highway 98 N., Lakeland; Poinciana, Fire Station 34, 398 S. Marigold Ave.; Rifle Range, Fire Station 25, 118 N. Rifle Range Road, Winter Haven; Sun Air, Fire Station 26, 400 Watkins Road, Haines City; Sleepy Hill, Fire Station 24, 3030 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland; Willow Oak, Fire Station 31, 4210 Willis Road, Mulberry; West Loughman, Fire Station 30, 6525 County Road 54; Bartow Fire Department, 110 E. Church St.
Help-line numbers: Polk County's Citizens Information Line, 863-534-0321 or 1-866-661-0228. Polk Emergency Operations Center, 863-534-0321 or 1-866-661-0228. Progress Energy, 1-800-228-8485. Tampa Electric Co., 863-299-0800. Bright House Networks, 863-965-7766. Verizon, 1-800-483-1000. Polk County Health Department, 863-519-7900. FEMA applications can be made by calling 1-800-621-3362.
What's closed: Polk County government is closed today, except for emergency services. The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and American Red Cross emergency center are closed.
What's open: The Watson Clinic Kidney Center, 1550 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, will be open Monday for dialysis patients. North Pediatrics, 1420 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Monday for acute care only.
Hurricane information: Polk radio stations 97.5 FM (WPVC), 98.3 FM (WWRZ), 1230 AM (WONN) and 1430 AM (WLKF) will broadcast up-to-date information from the Polk Emergency Operations Center at 20, 35 and 50 minutes after the hour.
Polk County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Sandhill Elementary, 1801 Tyner Road, Haines City; Ridgeview Global Studies Academy, 1000 Dunson Road, Davenport; Jewett Academy, 601 Avenue T N.W., Winter Haven; George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland; Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake; Bartow High School, 1270 S. Broadway Ave.; Haines City High School, 2800 Hornet Drive: R. Bruce Wagner Elementary, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland; Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary, 6600 Green Road, Lakeland.
Special-needs shelters: For preregistered residents: Stambaugh Middle School, 226 N. Main St., Auburndale; Lake Gibson High School, 7007 N. Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland; Polk County Public Health Department, 1255 Brice Road, Bartow.
Sandbags (supplies are limited): Crystal Lake, Fire Station 7, 2450 E. Main St., Lakeland; Golfview, Fire Station 10, 2902 E. State Road 60, Lake Wales; Highland City, Fire Station 13, 4101 Clubhouse Road; Indian Lake Estates, Fire Station 14, 20 Hogan Road; Jan Phyl, Fire Station 15, 21 Coleman Road, Winter Haven; Medulla, Fire Station 19, 5115 Old Highway 37, Lakeland; Polk City, Fire Station 22, 200 Commonwealth Blvd.; Providence, Fire Station 23, 8936 U.S. Highway 98 N., Lakeland; Poinciana, Fire Station 34, 398 S. Marigold Ave.; Rifle Range, Fire Station 25, 118 N. Rifle Range Road, Winter Haven; Sun Air, Fire Station 26, 400 Watkins Road, Haines City; Sleepy Hill, Fire Station 24, 3030 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland; Willow Oak, Fire Station 31, 4210 Willis Road, Mulberry; West Loughman, Fire Station 30, 6525 County Road 54; Bartow Fire Department, 110 E. Church St.
Help-line numbers: Polk County's Citizens Information Line, 863-534-0321 or 1-866-661-0228. Polk Emergency Operations Center, 863-534-0321 or 1-866-661-0228. Progress Energy, 1-800-228-8485. Tampa Electric Co., 863-299-0800. Bright House Networks, 863-965-7766. Verizon, 1-800-483-1000. Polk County Health Department, 863-519-7900. FEMA applications can be made by calling 1-800-621-3362.
What's closed: Polk County government is closed today, except for emergency services. The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and American Red Cross emergency center are closed.
What's open: The Watson Clinic Kidney Center, 1550 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, will be open Monday for dialysis patients. North Pediatrics, 1420 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Monday for acute care only.
Hurricane information: Polk radio stations 97.5 FM (WPVC), 98.3 FM (WWRZ), 1230 AM (WONN) and 1430 AM (WLKF) will broadcast up-to-date information from the Polk Emergency Operations Center at 20, 35 and 50 minutes after the hour.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
County-by-county updates and services
Seminole County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Bentley Elementary, 2190 Oregon Ave., Sanford; English Estates Elementary, 299 Oxford Road, Fern Park; Geneva Elementary, 275 First St., Geneva; John Evans Elementary, 100 E. Chapman Road, Oviedo; Lake Brantley High, 991 Sand Lake Road, Altamonte Springs; Lawton Chiles Middle, 3225 Lockwood Blvd., Oviedo; Millennium Middle, 21 Lakeview Drive, Sanford; Walker Elementary, 3101 Snowhill Road, Chuluota; Winter Springs High, 130 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs.
Special-needs shelters: Layer Elementary, 4201 State Road 419, Winter Springs; and Highlands Elementary, 1600 Shepard Road, Winter Springs -- are open for residents requiring medical attention, such as those on oxygen. Anyone needing access should call 407-665-5102 before going to those shelters.
Pet-friendly shelter: Lyman High School, 865 S. County Road 427, Longwood. Pet owners must bring paperwork showing up-to-date vaccinations, a three- to four-day supply of pet food and a portable kennel or pet crate.
Sandbags: Seminole County is distributing up to 30 empty sandbags per resident, including those living in municipalities, at the County Roads-Stormwater Division warehouse, 101 Bush Loop, Sanford. Sandbags ran out Friday, but they are expected to be available again beginning at 8 a.m. today. Lake Mary is out of bags but has sand available at its public works facility, 235 Rinehart Road. All other cities have ended sandbag distribution.
Help lines: Seminole County -- 407-665-2650, answered 24 hours; Altamonte Springs -- 407-571-8000, staffed 24 hours; Casselberry -- 407-262-7700, Ext. 1049; Lake Mary -- 407-585-1448; Oviedo -- 407-977-6111 for recorded information, 407-977-6313 for questions; Sanford -- 407-323-3009; Longwood and Winter Springs -- call the county at 407-665-2650.
Evacuation orders/curfews: There is a mandatory evacuation order for residents living in mobile and manufactured homes and in low-lying areas. In large mobile-home communities, such as Palm Valley and Lake Kathryn, and in known flood-prone areas, such as Lake Mobile, Bear Gully Lake and Prairie Lake, the county's reverse 911 system is being used to alert residents. Law officers also will visit some communities and use loudspeakers to advise people. Residents will not be forced from their homes, but those who do not leave will be asked to fill out a card listing, among other things, their next of kin. A dusk-to-dawn curfew began Friday night in the evacuated areas. A 9 p.m.-to-dawn curfew begins tonight countywide, including all cities, and will be in effect until further notice. Emergency-management officials are asking residents to stay off the roads after 2 p.m. today.
What's closed: All government offices are closed at least until Tuesday. County libraries, county parks and most city parks are closed indefinitely. A decision will be made Monday concerning when to reopen public schools.
Debris: Weather permitting, storm debris will be accepted Monday at the county landfill near Geneva and the Central Transfer Station near Winter Springs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Residents throughout the county are asked to secure any debris as best they can today and prevent it from blocking storm sewers.
Seminole County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Bentley Elementary, 2190 Oregon Ave., Sanford; English Estates Elementary, 299 Oxford Road, Fern Park; Geneva Elementary, 275 First St., Geneva; John Evans Elementary, 100 E. Chapman Road, Oviedo; Lake Brantley High, 991 Sand Lake Road, Altamonte Springs; Lawton Chiles Middle, 3225 Lockwood Blvd., Oviedo; Millennium Middle, 21 Lakeview Drive, Sanford; Walker Elementary, 3101 Snowhill Road, Chuluota; Winter Springs High, 130 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs.
Special-needs shelters: Layer Elementary, 4201 State Road 419, Winter Springs; and Highlands Elementary, 1600 Shepard Road, Winter Springs -- are open for residents requiring medical attention, such as those on oxygen. Anyone needing access should call 407-665-5102 before going to those shelters.
Pet-friendly shelter: Lyman High School, 865 S. County Road 427, Longwood. Pet owners must bring paperwork showing up-to-date vaccinations, a three- to four-day supply of pet food and a portable kennel or pet crate.
Sandbags: Seminole County is distributing up to 30 empty sandbags per resident, including those living in municipalities, at the County Roads-Stormwater Division warehouse, 101 Bush Loop, Sanford. Sandbags ran out Friday, but they are expected to be available again beginning at 8 a.m. today. Lake Mary is out of bags but has sand available at its public works facility, 235 Rinehart Road. All other cities have ended sandbag distribution.
Help lines: Seminole County -- 407-665-2650, answered 24 hours; Altamonte Springs -- 407-571-8000, staffed 24 hours; Casselberry -- 407-262-7700, Ext. 1049; Lake Mary -- 407-585-1448; Oviedo -- 407-977-6111 for recorded information, 407-977-6313 for questions; Sanford -- 407-323-3009; Longwood and Winter Springs -- call the county at 407-665-2650.
Evacuation orders/curfews: There is a mandatory evacuation order for residents living in mobile and manufactured homes and in low-lying areas. In large mobile-home communities, such as Palm Valley and Lake Kathryn, and in known flood-prone areas, such as Lake Mobile, Bear Gully Lake and Prairie Lake, the county's reverse 911 system is being used to alert residents. Law officers also will visit some communities and use loudspeakers to advise people. Residents will not be forced from their homes, but those who do not leave will be asked to fill out a card listing, among other things, their next of kin. A dusk-to-dawn curfew began Friday night in the evacuated areas. A 9 p.m.-to-dawn curfew begins tonight countywide, including all cities, and will be in effect until further notice. Emergency-management officials are asking residents to stay off the roads after 2 p.m. today.
What's closed: All government offices are closed at least until Tuesday. County libraries, county parks and most city parks are closed indefinitely. A decision will be made Monday concerning when to reopen public schools.
Debris: Weather permitting, storm debris will be accepted Monday at the county landfill near Geneva and the Central Transfer Station near Winter Springs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Residents throughout the county are asked to secure any debris as best they can today and prevent it from blocking storm sewers.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
County-by-county updates and services
Volusia County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Two new public shelters will open at 11 a.m. today: Campbell Middle School, 625 Keech St., Daytona Beach, and Deltona High School, 100 Wolf Pack Run, Deltona.
These shelters will have additional space at 11 a.m. today: DeLand High School, 800 N. Hill Ave.; DeLand Middle School, 1400 S. Aquarius Ave.; Pine Ridge High School, 925 Howland Blvd., Deltona; Palm Terrace Elementary, 1825 Dunn Ave., Daytona Beach; Atlantic High School, 1250 Reed Canal Road, Port Orange; Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road, Port Orange; Volusia Pines Elementary, 500 E. Kicklighter Road, Lake Helen; Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona; Deltona Lakes Elementary, 2022 Adelia Blvd., Deltona; Friendship Elementary, 2746 Fulford St., Deltona; Forest Lake Elementary, 1600 Doyle Road, Deltona; Heritage Middle, 1001 Parnell Court, Deltona; Sunrise Elementary, 3155 Phonetia Drive, Deltona; Taylor Middle/High, 100 E. Washington Ave., Pierson; Spirit Elementary, 1500 Meadowlark Drive, Deltona.
Special-needs shelters: DeLand High School, 800 N. Hill Ave.; Heritage Middle School, 1001 Parnell Court, Deltona; Freedom Elementary School, 1395 S. Blue Lake, DeLand; Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Oxygen bottle refills are available at Deltona Fire Station No. 61, 1685 Providence Blvd., Deltona.
Pet shelter: Pets are not permitted in public shelters. Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. State Road 44, DeLand (quarter-mile east of Interstate 4 on S.R. 44).
Sandbags: Florence K. Little Town Hall, 12 Colomba Road, DeBary; Osteen Road and Bridge Facility, 200 S. State Road 415, Osteen; Volusia County Fire Station 34 (Indian Mound), 1700 Enterprise-Osteen Road, Enterprise; DeLand Road and Bridge Facility, Carlis Road off S.R. 44 (one street west of 2560 State Road 44); Volusia County Fire Station 44, 132 N. Fountain Road, Pierson; Dewey Boster Sports Complex, 1236 Saxon Blvd., Deltona; Volusia County Fire Station 13, 15 Southland Road, Ormond Beach; Road and Bridge Facility, 455 Walker St., Holly Hill; Volusia County Fire Station 11, 1580 Derbyshire Road, Holly Hill; Ponce Inlet Community Center, 4670 S. Peninsula Drive; Volusia County Fire Station 22 (Oak Hill), 213 N. U.S. Highway 1, Oak Hill.
Sand only: Residents must bring their own bags. Adult Activity Center, 4790 Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange; Daytona Beach Public Works facility, 950 Bellevue Ave.; New Smyrna Beach Public Works, 124 Industrial Park Ave.
Help-line numbers: Daytona Beach Citizen Information Line, 386-671-3333 or toll-free at 1-877-843-3737; New Smyrna Beach Citizen Information Line, 386-424-2113 and 386-424-2114; Ormond Beach Citizen Information Line at Public Works, 386-676-3220; police non-emergency line, 386-677-0731; Port Orange Citizen Information Line, 386-506-5999; Deltona Citizen Information Line, 386-561-2109; American Red Cross, 866-438-4636;Florida Department of Insurance, 1-800-342-2762; FEMA, 1-800-621-3362; Florida Power & Light, 1-800-468-8243; Salvation Army, 386-236-2020; Volusia County Information Line, 386-258-4088; county landfill, 386-943-7889.
What's closed: All county government buildings and offices, including schools and courts. All city governments are closed.
Evacuation orders: An 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew has been ordered for the evacuation zones, which include areas east of the Intracoastal Waterway and all mobile homes and manufactured homes countywide. The curfew will continue through the duration of the storm and could last for seven days.
Debris: Residents may bring tree limbs and other yard waste to Deltona's Festival Grounds, 201 Howland Blvd.
TV, radio: Official updates and related information will be aired on WCEU-Channel 15 and on these Black Crow Broadcasting radio stations: 1150 AM (WNDB); 1490 AM (WNDA); 95.7 FM (WHOG); 93.1 FM (US93); 103.3 FM (WVYB).
Volusia County reports and services
September 4, 2004
Open shelters: Two new public shelters will open at 11 a.m. today: Campbell Middle School, 625 Keech St., Daytona Beach, and Deltona High School, 100 Wolf Pack Run, Deltona.
These shelters will have additional space at 11 a.m. today: DeLand High School, 800 N. Hill Ave.; DeLand Middle School, 1400 S. Aquarius Ave.; Pine Ridge High School, 925 Howland Blvd., Deltona; Palm Terrace Elementary, 1825 Dunn Ave., Daytona Beach; Atlantic High School, 1250 Reed Canal Road, Port Orange; Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road, Port Orange; Volusia Pines Elementary, 500 E. Kicklighter Road, Lake Helen; Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona; Deltona Lakes Elementary, 2022 Adelia Blvd., Deltona; Friendship Elementary, 2746 Fulford St., Deltona; Forest Lake Elementary, 1600 Doyle Road, Deltona; Heritage Middle, 1001 Parnell Court, Deltona; Sunrise Elementary, 3155 Phonetia Drive, Deltona; Taylor Middle/High, 100 E. Washington Ave., Pierson; Spirit Elementary, 1500 Meadowlark Drive, Deltona.
Special-needs shelters: DeLand High School, 800 N. Hill Ave.; Heritage Middle School, 1001 Parnell Court, Deltona; Freedom Elementary School, 1395 S. Blue Lake, DeLand; Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Oxygen bottle refills are available at Deltona Fire Station No. 61, 1685 Providence Blvd., Deltona.
Pet shelter: Pets are not permitted in public shelters. Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. State Road 44, DeLand (quarter-mile east of Interstate 4 on S.R. 44).
Sandbags: Florence K. Little Town Hall, 12 Colomba Road, DeBary; Osteen Road and Bridge Facility, 200 S. State Road 415, Osteen; Volusia County Fire Station 34 (Indian Mound), 1700 Enterprise-Osteen Road, Enterprise; DeLand Road and Bridge Facility, Carlis Road off S.R. 44 (one street west of 2560 State Road 44); Volusia County Fire Station 44, 132 N. Fountain Road, Pierson; Dewey Boster Sports Complex, 1236 Saxon Blvd., Deltona; Volusia County Fire Station 13, 15 Southland Road, Ormond Beach; Road and Bridge Facility, 455 Walker St., Holly Hill; Volusia County Fire Station 11, 1580 Derbyshire Road, Holly Hill; Ponce Inlet Community Center, 4670 S. Peninsula Drive; Volusia County Fire Station 22 (Oak Hill), 213 N. U.S. Highway 1, Oak Hill.
Sand only: Residents must bring their own bags. Adult Activity Center, 4790 Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange; Daytona Beach Public Works facility, 950 Bellevue Ave.; New Smyrna Beach Public Works, 124 Industrial Park Ave.
Help-line numbers: Daytona Beach Citizen Information Line, 386-671-3333 or toll-free at 1-877-843-3737; New Smyrna Beach Citizen Information Line, 386-424-2113 and 386-424-2114; Ormond Beach Citizen Information Line at Public Works, 386-676-3220; police non-emergency line, 386-677-0731; Port Orange Citizen Information Line, 386-506-5999; Deltona Citizen Information Line, 386-561-2109; American Red Cross, 866-438-4636;Florida Department of Insurance, 1-800-342-2762; FEMA, 1-800-621-3362; Florida Power & Light, 1-800-468-8243; Salvation Army, 386-236-2020; Volusia County Information Line, 386-258-4088; county landfill, 386-943-7889.
What's closed: All county government buildings and offices, including schools and courts. All city governments are closed.
Evacuation orders: An 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew has been ordered for the evacuation zones, which include areas east of the Intracoastal Waterway and all mobile homes and manufactured homes countywide. The curfew will continue through the duration of the storm and could last for seven days.
Debris: Residents may bring tree limbs and other yard waste to Deltona's Festival Grounds, 201 Howland Blvd.
TV, radio: Official updates and related information will be aired on WCEU-Channel 15 and on these Black Crow Broadcasting radio stations: 1150 AM (WNDB); 1490 AM (WNDA); 95.7 FM (WHOG); 93.1 FM (US93); 103.3 FM (WVYB).
Tim G
Well-Known Member
HURRICANE FRANCES -- CLOSURES CUT BUSINESS
Storm rains on Labor Day profits
September 4, 2004
For every home-supply store where business was gangbusters Friday, for every frantic shopper grabbing plywood or mulch, for every Brevard County refugee seeking a hotel room inland, there were thousands more who weren't spending.
And the places where they would spend weren't even open.
Labor Day, summer's last hurrah, is generally a three-day buying spree that finds theme parks, department stores and groceries jammed.
Yet this go-round, with Frances bearing down on the peninsula, the holiday was shaping up to be a money loser in the many millions of dollars for Central Florida businesses.
Call it the lost weekend.
Like most things in the business world, the extent of the pain -- or the size of the loss -- depended a lot on where a business owner sat on the economic continuum.
Restaurants? Not looking good. Most are small businesses that suffer when tables are empty -- or when power knocks out a freezer full of food.
Orlando's K Restaurant was looking at a loss of at least $5,000 -- and probably more. It closed early Friday and wouldn't be open for dinner today. That's on top of $25,000 the business ate -- pun unintended -- after Charley.
Specialty stores? Many are small operators selling goods unneeded for storm preparation. Petty's Meats in Longwood, a haven for holiday grill masters, had been "dead all week," the manager said. The weekend will cost $20,000.
Add to that the Orlando International Airport, where there'll be no landing fees or parking and few concessions; the major theme parks, which lose hundreds of thousands of dollars to more than $1 million every day the gates are locked and Shamu has no audience; and 100 area Publix stores, which will be closed today and possibly Sunday.
And the major malls -- all closed. No Bloomie's. No Neiman's -- and at a time when holiday sales would have brought thousands of people in the door.
"Labor Day weekend is probably the single most important weekend in the retail year behind Thanksgiving," said Britt Beemer, a retail consultant who lives in Orlando.
It's when summer merchandise is discounted to make way for winter stocks. But a shuttered store doesn't make up for lost sales the next day.
"When you have a weekend where you are shut down altogether, you won't be able to regain more than about 15 percent of those sales," Beemer said.
As with anything in business, there will be ripple effects. The money not spent isn't just a hit for business, but also for the state, which collects sales tax on purchases.
The Department of Revenue takes in about $50 million a day. State coffers, arguably, will decline when the spending spigot is cut off this weekend.
But in the long run, revenue could grow. Within three years of Hurricane Andrew, the state had collected hundreds of millions of additional dollars, owing to the massive rebuilding spawned by that storm.
And already, spokesman Dave Bruns said, Hurricane Charley appears to have given August sales-tax collections a little bump -- a peculiar plus of a devastating storm.
"I don't think people are spending any less this weekend. But they're spending on different stuff," Bruns said.
Central Florida hotels will have a hard time topping this weekend, with occupancy right at 100 percent.
But with relatively few businesses so far benefiting from Frances, there was still room for complaint.
Housing sales were expected to be nonexistent this weekend as potential buyers braced for the storm. Sales are likely to remain slow for a least a week or two past the storm, as cleanup, rather than browsing, takes precedence.
Then there are the limos. Nobody's going for a joy ride this weekend. Showtime Limousines in Winter Park is likely to see a loss of at least $5,000 in revenue.
"Everything's canceled. All the weddings, canceled. All the airport trips, canceled," said Kim Krebsbach, owner of Showtime.
Showtime did have one call to take someone to the Atlanta airport, and another person wanted a ride to Pennsylvania -- a trek that would have cost $4,500. Krebsbach passed on both, figuring it was too far to send drivers.
Storm rains on Labor Day profits
September 4, 2004
For every home-supply store where business was gangbusters Friday, for every frantic shopper grabbing plywood or mulch, for every Brevard County refugee seeking a hotel room inland, there were thousands more who weren't spending.
And the places where they would spend weren't even open.
Labor Day, summer's last hurrah, is generally a three-day buying spree that finds theme parks, department stores and groceries jammed.
Yet this go-round, with Frances bearing down on the peninsula, the holiday was shaping up to be a money loser in the many millions of dollars for Central Florida businesses.
Call it the lost weekend.
Like most things in the business world, the extent of the pain -- or the size of the loss -- depended a lot on where a business owner sat on the economic continuum.
Restaurants? Not looking good. Most are small businesses that suffer when tables are empty -- or when power knocks out a freezer full of food.
Orlando's K Restaurant was looking at a loss of at least $5,000 -- and probably more. It closed early Friday and wouldn't be open for dinner today. That's on top of $25,000 the business ate -- pun unintended -- after Charley.
Specialty stores? Many are small operators selling goods unneeded for storm preparation. Petty's Meats in Longwood, a haven for holiday grill masters, had been "dead all week," the manager said. The weekend will cost $20,000.
Add to that the Orlando International Airport, where there'll be no landing fees or parking and few concessions; the major theme parks, which lose hundreds of thousands of dollars to more than $1 million every day the gates are locked and Shamu has no audience; and 100 area Publix stores, which will be closed today and possibly Sunday.
And the major malls -- all closed. No Bloomie's. No Neiman's -- and at a time when holiday sales would have brought thousands of people in the door.
"Labor Day weekend is probably the single most important weekend in the retail year behind Thanksgiving," said Britt Beemer, a retail consultant who lives in Orlando.
It's when summer merchandise is discounted to make way for winter stocks. But a shuttered store doesn't make up for lost sales the next day.
"When you have a weekend where you are shut down altogether, you won't be able to regain more than about 15 percent of those sales," Beemer said.
As with anything in business, there will be ripple effects. The money not spent isn't just a hit for business, but also for the state, which collects sales tax on purchases.
The Department of Revenue takes in about $50 million a day. State coffers, arguably, will decline when the spending spigot is cut off this weekend.
But in the long run, revenue could grow. Within three years of Hurricane Andrew, the state had collected hundreds of millions of additional dollars, owing to the massive rebuilding spawned by that storm.
And already, spokesman Dave Bruns said, Hurricane Charley appears to have given August sales-tax collections a little bump -- a peculiar plus of a devastating storm.
"I don't think people are spending any less this weekend. But they're spending on different stuff," Bruns said.
Central Florida hotels will have a hard time topping this weekend, with occupancy right at 100 percent.
But with relatively few businesses so far benefiting from Frances, there was still room for complaint.
Housing sales were expected to be nonexistent this weekend as potential buyers braced for the storm. Sales are likely to remain slow for a least a week or two past the storm, as cleanup, rather than browsing, takes precedence.
Then there are the limos. Nobody's going for a joy ride this weekend. Showtime Limousines in Winter Park is likely to see a loss of at least $5,000 in revenue.
"Everything's canceled. All the weddings, canceled. All the airport trips, canceled," said Kim Krebsbach, owner of Showtime.
Showtime did have one call to take someone to the Atlanta airport, and another person wanted a ride to Pennsylvania -- a trek that would have cost $4,500. Krebsbach passed on both, figuring it was too far to send drivers.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
In the heart of it all
September 4, 2004
I had never heard of an emergency operations center (EOC) until I moved to Florida, but for the next three days, I'm living inside one.
I grew up in Cincinnati -- nothing this terrifying ever really happens in Ohio. Of course, we have our fair share of tornadoes, but they usually come with a 30-minute warning -- just enough time to huddle in the bathroom, and definitely not enough time to wait in line for gas.
People at the EOC have been preparing for Frances for three days.
Orange County's two-story public safety building looks like a fortress. It's nothing like Cinderella's Castle, more like Alcatraz. All they need is a moat.
Black thin tarps cover all of the windows. They look as thin as plastic wrap, but they can deflect debris traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour.
The parking lot is so full that firefighters park their cars on the grass. Emergency responders have their own gas pumps in the back.
On the top floor is the 9-1-1 emergency call center. The doors into it are locked and reporters only get a glimpse of it through a thin window. The other part of the floor is reserved for fire chiefs' offices and the policy room.
The policy room is where orders are issued and decisions are made. About 16 people can sit around the gelcap-shaped conference table.
Twice per day, the county's leaders meet there. When things are running smoothly, I'm allowed in. On Friday, I was not.
Less-than-seamless shelter openings and concerns about how to prioritize anticipated reports of flooding are at the top of leaders' concerns.
Once decisions are made upstairs, word is spread downstairs inside the emergency operations center. It's like a nerve center in the brain.
Television is broadcast on mute. Large screens display weather maps and sophisticated diagrams of Frances' projected path -- far more technical than any graphic on the local news.
Concerns from callers to the county's non-emergency line are forwarded via e-mail to stations inside the room – called ESFs, or Emergency Support Functions.
The men and women sitting at ESFs perform various jobs – mostly helping coordinate workers in the field.
For example, ESF 14 is called "public information" – these are the folks that release updates to the media. ESF 12 is "utilities" -- leaders from the Orlando Utilities Commission and Progress Energy sit at that station. There's a station for public works, Lynx, the sheriff's office, the Red Cross and even the National Guard. In total, there are 20 ESF stations.
All of these stations are located at five square tables. Blue placards -- engraved with the number and name of each ESF -- sit in front of each station's computer.
One table is reserved just for the county's partners, such as Disney and the University of Central Florida, and cities, such as Edgewood, Orlando and Eatonville.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, that table was empty, which hampered coordination. This time, it's full.
There's usually a great camaraderie inside the EOC – people sleep here, eat here and shower here.
During Charley's recovery, there was a great sense of accomplishment -- few sewers backed up into homes, water reached thirsty residents and there were very few reports of looting.
This time around, the anxiety level is higher. Some officials have had fewer than three days off since Charley. Their lives were just returning to normal when word of Frances came.
But what's at the top of their minds is that this event, unlike the last one, won't blow through in two hours. Rather than a one-night stay, many are expecting to spend three consecutive nights here away from their families.
Rather than a brief temper-tantrum from Mother Nature, they are expecting a two-day deluge of rain and wind.
Rather than a sense of curiosity about what's to come, there is a sense of dread.
The thrill is gone. They know what challenges lie ahead. And they know how difficult, but also how rewarding, recovery can be.
September 4, 2004
I had never heard of an emergency operations center (EOC) until I moved to Florida, but for the next three days, I'm living inside one.
I grew up in Cincinnati -- nothing this terrifying ever really happens in Ohio. Of course, we have our fair share of tornadoes, but they usually come with a 30-minute warning -- just enough time to huddle in the bathroom, and definitely not enough time to wait in line for gas.
People at the EOC have been preparing for Frances for three days.
Orange County's two-story public safety building looks like a fortress. It's nothing like Cinderella's Castle, more like Alcatraz. All they need is a moat.
Black thin tarps cover all of the windows. They look as thin as plastic wrap, but they can deflect debris traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour.
The parking lot is so full that firefighters park their cars on the grass. Emergency responders have their own gas pumps in the back.
On the top floor is the 9-1-1 emergency call center. The doors into it are locked and reporters only get a glimpse of it through a thin window. The other part of the floor is reserved for fire chiefs' offices and the policy room.
The policy room is where orders are issued and decisions are made. About 16 people can sit around the gelcap-shaped conference table.
Twice per day, the county's leaders meet there. When things are running smoothly, I'm allowed in. On Friday, I was not.
Less-than-seamless shelter openings and concerns about how to prioritize anticipated reports of flooding are at the top of leaders' concerns.
Once decisions are made upstairs, word is spread downstairs inside the emergency operations center. It's like a nerve center in the brain.
Television is broadcast on mute. Large screens display weather maps and sophisticated diagrams of Frances' projected path -- far more technical than any graphic on the local news.
Concerns from callers to the county's non-emergency line are forwarded via e-mail to stations inside the room – called ESFs, or Emergency Support Functions.
The men and women sitting at ESFs perform various jobs – mostly helping coordinate workers in the field.
For example, ESF 14 is called "public information" – these are the folks that release updates to the media. ESF 12 is "utilities" -- leaders from the Orlando Utilities Commission and Progress Energy sit at that station. There's a station for public works, Lynx, the sheriff's office, the Red Cross and even the National Guard. In total, there are 20 ESF stations.
All of these stations are located at five square tables. Blue placards -- engraved with the number and name of each ESF -- sit in front of each station's computer.
One table is reserved just for the county's partners, such as Disney and the University of Central Florida, and cities, such as Edgewood, Orlando and Eatonville.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, that table was empty, which hampered coordination. This time, it's full.
There's usually a great camaraderie inside the EOC – people sleep here, eat here and shower here.
During Charley's recovery, there was a great sense of accomplishment -- few sewers backed up into homes, water reached thirsty residents and there were very few reports of looting.
This time around, the anxiety level is higher. Some officials have had fewer than three days off since Charley. Their lives were just returning to normal when word of Frances came.
But what's at the top of their minds is that this event, unlike the last one, won't blow through in two hours. Rather than a one-night stay, many are expecting to spend three consecutive nights here away from their families.
Rather than a brief temper-tantrum from Mother Nature, they are expecting a two-day deluge of rain and wind.
Rather than a sense of curiosity about what's to come, there is a sense of dread.
The thrill is gone. They know what challenges lie ahead. And they know how difficult, but also how rewarding, recovery can be.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
Vignettes along the path of Hurricane Frances
September 4, 2004, 12:58 AM EDT
Worship services on hold
Many houses of worship in Central Florida have canceled weekend services or plan to decide today whether to cancel them. A recorded message at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in downtown Orlando informed callers that "unless God intervenes miraculously," today's and Sunday's services will be canceled.
The Catholic Diocese of Orlando called off all Saturday Masses, and several parishes, including Our Lady of Lourdes in Melbourne and St. Lawrence in Bushnell, have already canceled Sunday services, said Carol Brinati, a spokeswoman for the diocese. Other Sunday cancellations will be done "on a pastor-by-pastor basis."
Aloma Baptist Church and Killarney Baptist Church, both in Winter Park, have telephone recordings saying Sunday services have been canceled.
A security officer at First Baptist of Orlando, which was closed Friday, said a decision would be made today regarding Sunday services. The Congregation of Liberal Judaism in Orlando and the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation canceled regular Friday night and Saturday morning services.
Quiet on the playground
WEST PALM BEACH -- At the Armani Exchange, a silver hurricane shutter complete with the shop's signature AX logo was secured over the windows and doors.
The blocks of swank bars and boutiques that define this area as a playground for the rich were similarly empty late Friday afternoon, a time that would typically find them bustling with shoppers and happy-hour-seeking professionals.
In Palm Beach County, the most populated area that ordered mandatory evacuations for some of its residents, few cars stayed on the road as a strong outer band from Hurricane Frances made its way to shore, thrashing stop signs and trees with heavy gusts and rain.
The wind drove Lake Worth resident Bonnie Swaggerty back home.
She had ventured out to the Lizard Den, a downtown Lake Worth haunt, with a few friends. Under a dark-gray sky, they gulped down a few bottles of Budweiser, making the most of the time before the storm hit.
"I'm going to be cooped up for, like, three days, so I need to get out a little bit before that," said the 53-year-old seamstress.
Special-occasion sale
FOUR CORNERS -- With Hurricane Frances on the way and residents clogging the roads, it might seem an odd time for a yard sale -- or the perfect time.
"We usually try to come out at special occasions," said Helena Watts, who set up her diverse spread of wares at 5 a.m. Friday on U.S. Highway 27. By 10 a.m., Watts was doing a brisk business, and the wad of bills she frequently dug from her pocket was growing.
Hot items were coolers, tools, grills and cleaning supplies, but there were also knickknacks, a set of golf clubs, even stirrups for a horse. Watts buys goods at auction to resell at flea markets.
Jasmine Lewis, 18, of Davenport found seven CDs for $4, and didn't seem to think it strange to hit a yard sale before the storm. Watts said she would be wrapping it up around noon and getting ready to ride out the storm at home.
------
Hanging onto the gate of a filled Volusia County shelter, Victoria Murphy, 84, pleaded for volunteers to make room for just one more.
"Can't they fit just one more person?" said Murphy, a mobile home resident who said she had bronchitis and other medical problems. "Somebody's got to show me where to go or I'm going to be in an accident."
The shelter at Sweetwater Elementary School had filled by 8 a.m. Friday, just two hours after it opened, and residents fleeing the storm were directed to other schools.
Officials squeezed in Murphy and some other retirees.
All seven shelters in the eastern part of the county and several shelters in the western part were full by Friday afternoon. A few more facilities were set to open Saturday.
------
On South Beach just east of Miami, a handful of intrepid surfers took to the wavy waters looking for the perfect catch and a smooth ride.
However, many of them were driven from the ocean as a nasty feeder band approached Miami Beach.
"It was sunny, then I saw a black line of storms," said Ruben Riverol, 26. "Everybody got out and started racing to their cars."
------
As businesses along the Treasure Coast closed, many left messages for Hurricane Frances.
"Hey Frances make my day" was scrawled across the sign of one Port St. Lucie company. "Go away Frances" flashed on the electric sign of a large truck and recreational vehicle tire store in Stuart.
A Fort Pierce pool supply company painted "God bless this place. Good luck to all," across the plywood boarding up its storefront.
But perhaps the most popular sign in Stuart was a small piece of plywood near the entrance to Flanigan's restaurant. It simply read: "Open." The establishment was the only eatery open for miles.
------
At Davie's Bradford Marine, Ronald Howe helped his sons, Joshua and Jeff, check on dozens of yachts they help manage.
Ronald Howe, who owns a 55-foot fishing boat docked in Jupiter, said he was apprehensive.
"A lawn chair that hits the side of your boat at 115 mph can cause some very serious damage," he said.
"We've done everything we can, and now we are really just picking up some supplies and heading south," Jeff Howe said.
In a rented car, the Howes planned to head for the Florida Keys later Friday.
"It should be a pretty good party down there," said Joshua Howe.
------
Debbie Jamieson, 46, and her husband Bob West, 56, planned to ride out Frances at their Punta Gorda home.
Hurricane Charley tore half the roof shingles off their home, and blew away trees and a pool cage.
A blue plastic tarp was draped over their roof, and their son, Mason Perry, 17, reinforced it with wooden slabs, extra nails and clamps.
"I would say unless it's an extreme high wind that tarp will stay," West said.
The couple said they were willing to defy officials if ordered to evacuate.
"We will ride it out here ... it keeps us close to our house so that we will know what's happening as it happens," West said.
------
The Red Cross shelter in Davie's Fox Trail Elementary School was more than halfway full Friday evening.
Adults gathered in a designated television room to watch Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman give speak at a news conference. But the room went silent when she announced that 31,000 county residents had already lost power.
"Well, here they come," Chris Pardo, a volunteer running the shelter, said of the expected crowds that will seek refuge outside their homes.
------
While Hurricane Frances headed for land in Florida, Maxwell Dickinson did what he does three times a week -- head for the golf course.
Four decades ago, when Hurricane Dora plowed through Jacksonville Beach, Dickenson, his wife and three children evacuated their home and moved inland.
Dora ripped the porch off their home, blew off the front door and deposited water and sand inside. Winds and waves carved some 40 feet from their yard.
But this time, they're not worried.
"The storm seems to be heading toward the middle of the state, so all we will probably get is some backlash," said Dickenson's wife, Edna. "We have some plywood cut to cover the windows, but we are not planning on putting it up."
------
Barely an eyebrow lifted when evacuees at shelter in a Port Salerno elementary school were given more bad news about their living conditions late Friday night.
Power outages were expected overnight Friday, meal service was to be suspended until after "the event," and the facility was likely to lose running water, volunteers said. People were given bags to use for toilets and smokers were warned not to step outside for a cigarette when the winds kicked up.
Many people in a room of 32 men barely looked up from a Miami Dolphins game playing in the corner, and most others seemed resigned to their housing conditions.
September 4, 2004, 12:58 AM EDT
Worship services on hold
Many houses of worship in Central Florida have canceled weekend services or plan to decide today whether to cancel them. A recorded message at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in downtown Orlando informed callers that "unless God intervenes miraculously," today's and Sunday's services will be canceled.
The Catholic Diocese of Orlando called off all Saturday Masses, and several parishes, including Our Lady of Lourdes in Melbourne and St. Lawrence in Bushnell, have already canceled Sunday services, said Carol Brinati, a spokeswoman for the diocese. Other Sunday cancellations will be done "on a pastor-by-pastor basis."
Aloma Baptist Church and Killarney Baptist Church, both in Winter Park, have telephone recordings saying Sunday services have been canceled.
A security officer at First Baptist of Orlando, which was closed Friday, said a decision would be made today regarding Sunday services. The Congregation of Liberal Judaism in Orlando and the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation canceled regular Friday night and Saturday morning services.
Quiet on the playground
WEST PALM BEACH -- At the Armani Exchange, a silver hurricane shutter complete with the shop's signature AX logo was secured over the windows and doors.
The blocks of swank bars and boutiques that define this area as a playground for the rich were similarly empty late Friday afternoon, a time that would typically find them bustling with shoppers and happy-hour-seeking professionals.
In Palm Beach County, the most populated area that ordered mandatory evacuations for some of its residents, few cars stayed on the road as a strong outer band from Hurricane Frances made its way to shore, thrashing stop signs and trees with heavy gusts and rain.
The wind drove Lake Worth resident Bonnie Swaggerty back home.
She had ventured out to the Lizard Den, a downtown Lake Worth haunt, with a few friends. Under a dark-gray sky, they gulped down a few bottles of Budweiser, making the most of the time before the storm hit.
"I'm going to be cooped up for, like, three days, so I need to get out a little bit before that," said the 53-year-old seamstress.
Special-occasion sale
FOUR CORNERS -- With Hurricane Frances on the way and residents clogging the roads, it might seem an odd time for a yard sale -- or the perfect time.
"We usually try to come out at special occasions," said Helena Watts, who set up her diverse spread of wares at 5 a.m. Friday on U.S. Highway 27. By 10 a.m., Watts was doing a brisk business, and the wad of bills she frequently dug from her pocket was growing.
Hot items were coolers, tools, grills and cleaning supplies, but there were also knickknacks, a set of golf clubs, even stirrups for a horse. Watts buys goods at auction to resell at flea markets.
Jasmine Lewis, 18, of Davenport found seven CDs for $4, and didn't seem to think it strange to hit a yard sale before the storm. Watts said she would be wrapping it up around noon and getting ready to ride out the storm at home.
------
Hanging onto the gate of a filled Volusia County shelter, Victoria Murphy, 84, pleaded for volunteers to make room for just one more.
"Can't they fit just one more person?" said Murphy, a mobile home resident who said she had bronchitis and other medical problems. "Somebody's got to show me where to go or I'm going to be in an accident."
The shelter at Sweetwater Elementary School had filled by 8 a.m. Friday, just two hours after it opened, and residents fleeing the storm were directed to other schools.
Officials squeezed in Murphy and some other retirees.
All seven shelters in the eastern part of the county and several shelters in the western part were full by Friday afternoon. A few more facilities were set to open Saturday.
------
On South Beach just east of Miami, a handful of intrepid surfers took to the wavy waters looking for the perfect catch and a smooth ride.
However, many of them were driven from the ocean as a nasty feeder band approached Miami Beach.
"It was sunny, then I saw a black line of storms," said Ruben Riverol, 26. "Everybody got out and started racing to their cars."
------
As businesses along the Treasure Coast closed, many left messages for Hurricane Frances.
"Hey Frances make my day" was scrawled across the sign of one Port St. Lucie company. "Go away Frances" flashed on the electric sign of a large truck and recreational vehicle tire store in Stuart.
A Fort Pierce pool supply company painted "God bless this place. Good luck to all," across the plywood boarding up its storefront.
But perhaps the most popular sign in Stuart was a small piece of plywood near the entrance to Flanigan's restaurant. It simply read: "Open." The establishment was the only eatery open for miles.
------
At Davie's Bradford Marine, Ronald Howe helped his sons, Joshua and Jeff, check on dozens of yachts they help manage.
Ronald Howe, who owns a 55-foot fishing boat docked in Jupiter, said he was apprehensive.
"A lawn chair that hits the side of your boat at 115 mph can cause some very serious damage," he said.
"We've done everything we can, and now we are really just picking up some supplies and heading south," Jeff Howe said.
In a rented car, the Howes planned to head for the Florida Keys later Friday.
"It should be a pretty good party down there," said Joshua Howe.
------
Debbie Jamieson, 46, and her husband Bob West, 56, planned to ride out Frances at their Punta Gorda home.
Hurricane Charley tore half the roof shingles off their home, and blew away trees and a pool cage.
A blue plastic tarp was draped over their roof, and their son, Mason Perry, 17, reinforced it with wooden slabs, extra nails and clamps.
"I would say unless it's an extreme high wind that tarp will stay," West said.
The couple said they were willing to defy officials if ordered to evacuate.
"We will ride it out here ... it keeps us close to our house so that we will know what's happening as it happens," West said.
------
The Red Cross shelter in Davie's Fox Trail Elementary School was more than halfway full Friday evening.
Adults gathered in a designated television room to watch Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman give speak at a news conference. But the room went silent when she announced that 31,000 county residents had already lost power.
"Well, here they come," Chris Pardo, a volunteer running the shelter, said of the expected crowds that will seek refuge outside their homes.
------
While Hurricane Frances headed for land in Florida, Maxwell Dickinson did what he does three times a week -- head for the golf course.
Four decades ago, when Hurricane Dora plowed through Jacksonville Beach, Dickenson, his wife and three children evacuated their home and moved inland.
Dora ripped the porch off their home, blew off the front door and deposited water and sand inside. Winds and waves carved some 40 feet from their yard.
But this time, they're not worried.
"The storm seems to be heading toward the middle of the state, so all we will probably get is some backlash," said Dickenson's wife, Edna. "We have some plywood cut to cover the windows, but we are not planning on putting it up."
------
Barely an eyebrow lifted when evacuees at shelter in a Port Salerno elementary school were given more bad news about their living conditions late Friday night.
Power outages were expected overnight Friday, meal service was to be suspended until after "the event," and the facility was likely to lose running water, volunteers said. People were given bags to use for toilets and smokers were warned not to step outside for a cigarette when the winds kicked up.
Many people in a room of 32 men barely looked up from a Miami Dolphins game playing in the corner, and most others seemed resigned to their housing conditions.
Tim G
Well-Known Member
HURRICANE FRANCES -- CLOSING IN
Weaker Frances still poses flood threat
Residents of homes built in what is considered the `100-year flood plain' face particular risk of flooding.
September 4, 2004
Even as Hurricane Frances weakened Friday, forecasters and local officials warned that the danger of flooding is still strong, especially for the thousands of homes built in Central Florida's vast flood plain.
Orange County officials urged residents in low-lying areas to ride out the storm elsewhere.
"If your neighborhood floods during a good hard rain, you're probably in a flood-prone area," said Ricky Ricks, captain of the homeland security division at the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Lake County also issued an evacuation order for low-lying areas, joining Seminole and Osceola in telling residents of flood-prone areas to find higher ground.
Though several areas in Volusia and Polk are prone to flooding, those communities had not been asked to evacuate as of Friday evening.
Weather-service forecasters are predicting an average of 8 to 9 inches of rain, with some areas possibly getting socked with as much as 18 inches in a 24-hour period.
"We shouldn't be letting our guard down just because the storm may be weakening," said Bob Wimmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. "There's a potential for a lot of rain to fall -- the moisture content in the atmosphere is still the same."
At most risk are homes in what is considered the "100-year flood plain" -- areas that have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any given year.
The flood plain includes thousands of homes built in low-lying areas that have chronic flooding problems, as well as areas near waterways, lakes and wetlands.
But officials warn that some areas outside the flood plain could be under water because of the massive amount of rain that Frances could bring. Additionally, some neighborhoods that typically don't flood will have problems because of debris from Hurricane Charley that is clogging gutters and blocking grates.
Orange County officials said they're aware of specific areas that might have problems.
"These are historical sites where we have had issues," said Mark Massaro, Orange's deputy director of public works. "These are places where we have to constantly look after and patrol."
George Andrews, 77, a resident of the Starlight Ranch mobile-home community in east Orange County, pointed to an overflowing retention pond at the edge of his back yard.
"It's been that way since Hurricane Charley," said Andrews, whose driveway and four others nearby were wet from water spilling out of the pond.
Andrews and his wife, Nattica, were packing to leave Friday.
"We'll be floating," said Nattica, 72, explaining what she expected Hurricane Frances to do to the couple's home.
Other residents vowed to stay put, despite rising waters.
Woody Graves, who lives in Geneva in northeastern Seminole County, figures that after the storm he'll be surrounded by flood waters.
Still, he's prepared. He has a johnboat, and two neighbors have motorboats.
"If we can't drive, we can float," he said.
Lots of people who live on Lake Harney will be under water, he predicted.
"There's just no place for the water to go quick enough," he said. "Flood waters? Yes, I guarantee it."
In the Sherwood Forest mobile home community in Osceola County, resident Bill Traeger, 70, and his wife, Ethel, were planning to go to a motel Friday and spent the day packing up cards, a board game and food. Most of their neighbors already had fled.
"This place is going to flood, and we're not going to be here to watch it," said Traeger, a retired truck driver from Pennsylvania.
Some cities, such as Clermont and Mascotte in Lake County, are closer to the Green Swamp and already are on guard because of recent rains.
"Its just one of those things we're going to have to deal with," said Glenn Irby, city manager in Mascotte, where nearly half of the 4,000 residents were forced to evacuate from manufactured homes on Friday.
Irby said the city already is soaked with rain. Part of Laurel Street is flooded, and water is rising near Park Drive and the city's ball field.
Weaker Frances still poses flood threat
Residents of homes built in what is considered the `100-year flood plain' face particular risk of flooding.
September 4, 2004
Even as Hurricane Frances weakened Friday, forecasters and local officials warned that the danger of flooding is still strong, especially for the thousands of homes built in Central Florida's vast flood plain.
Orange County officials urged residents in low-lying areas to ride out the storm elsewhere.
"If your neighborhood floods during a good hard rain, you're probably in a flood-prone area," said Ricky Ricks, captain of the homeland security division at the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Lake County also issued an evacuation order for low-lying areas, joining Seminole and Osceola in telling residents of flood-prone areas to find higher ground.
Though several areas in Volusia and Polk are prone to flooding, those communities had not been asked to evacuate as of Friday evening.
Weather-service forecasters are predicting an average of 8 to 9 inches of rain, with some areas possibly getting socked with as much as 18 inches in a 24-hour period.
"We shouldn't be letting our guard down just because the storm may be weakening," said Bob Wimmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. "There's a potential for a lot of rain to fall -- the moisture content in the atmosphere is still the same."
At most risk are homes in what is considered the "100-year flood plain" -- areas that have a 1 percent chance of flooding in any given year.
The flood plain includes thousands of homes built in low-lying areas that have chronic flooding problems, as well as areas near waterways, lakes and wetlands.
But officials warn that some areas outside the flood plain could be under water because of the massive amount of rain that Frances could bring. Additionally, some neighborhoods that typically don't flood will have problems because of debris from Hurricane Charley that is clogging gutters and blocking grates.
Orange County officials said they're aware of specific areas that might have problems.
"These are historical sites where we have had issues," said Mark Massaro, Orange's deputy director of public works. "These are places where we have to constantly look after and patrol."
George Andrews, 77, a resident of the Starlight Ranch mobile-home community in east Orange County, pointed to an overflowing retention pond at the edge of his back yard.
"It's been that way since Hurricane Charley," said Andrews, whose driveway and four others nearby were wet from water spilling out of the pond.
Andrews and his wife, Nattica, were packing to leave Friday.
"We'll be floating," said Nattica, 72, explaining what she expected Hurricane Frances to do to the couple's home.
Other residents vowed to stay put, despite rising waters.
Woody Graves, who lives in Geneva in northeastern Seminole County, figures that after the storm he'll be surrounded by flood waters.
Still, he's prepared. He has a johnboat, and two neighbors have motorboats.
"If we can't drive, we can float," he said.
Lots of people who live on Lake Harney will be under water, he predicted.
"There's just no place for the water to go quick enough," he said. "Flood waters? Yes, I guarantee it."
In the Sherwood Forest mobile home community in Osceola County, resident Bill Traeger, 70, and his wife, Ethel, were planning to go to a motel Friday and spent the day packing up cards, a board game and food. Most of their neighbors already had fled.
"This place is going to flood, and we're not going to be here to watch it," said Traeger, a retired truck driver from Pennsylvania.
Some cities, such as Clermont and Mascotte in Lake County, are closer to the Green Swamp and already are on guard because of recent rains.
"Its just one of those things we're going to have to deal with," said Glenn Irby, city manager in Mascotte, where nearly half of the 4,000 residents were forced to evacuate from manufactured homes on Friday.
Irby said the city already is soaked with rain. Part of Laurel Street is flooded, and water is rising near Park Drive and the city's ball field.