Normally I don’t bother with updates, opting to start fresh with every post. But so many of you sent messages of concern and support over the last 48 hours, that I just wanted to write a quick message of thanks.
We were very fortunate. We never lost power, though the lights did flicker constantly throughout the hours as Ian made its way north. Our region suffered no direct damage from Hurricane Ian, as it went out to sea around Daytona Beach. It’s now reformulated back to Hurricane strength and is heading towards Georgia and South Carolina (sending good thoughts your way, Laura!).
Throughout the day yesterday our phones were buzzing with warnings of flood alerts…
St. Augustine’s downtown historic district flooded heavily, especially with the high tide that came in yesterday afternoon. But by today the streets are back normal and they’ll just be working on cleaning and mopping up.
The city of Fort Myers sustained the storm’s worst assault with tragic damage to homes and businesses. Please join me in making a donation to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts there and other communities also affected. You can do so by clicking on this link.
Snakes in the Grass 
Oh, Marty, this is good news … about your situation, that is. Thanks for letting us know. The scale of the devastation wrought by Ian is mind-blowing. And it looks like there is more to come further up the coast.
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I saw the pictures of downtown St. Augustine and was worried that you had more damage. Thanks for the update and yes, donate to the relief efforts for both people and pets.
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I was wondering how you were affected so thanks for the update!! The pictures of Ft Myers make me want to cry.
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Glad to hear your boots on the ground are still grounded. Ha-thanks for the mention, Marty! As you know hurricanes can change intensity and direction on a dime. And this one is slated to heavily affect inland areas, too. So for now our biggest window of concern begins around noon when Ian lands near/at Myrtle Beach. (Florence is about 60 miles SE of MB) Until then, our ‘waiting’ is quite pleasant…but not to be lulled into thinking it’s nothing of consequence! Will let ya know when we’re on the other side here in your comments.
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Yeah, 60 miles is sometimes nothing in a big storm. I’ll keep good thoughts for you all the same!
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Not officially over for our area till 7ish…but things here are fine – soggy, swampy, rainy but fine. It always gets me when people start thinking it ‘wasn’t that bad of a storm’ and it was ‘overhyped’ because they got off easy…we got off easy (felt more like an amped up South Carolina rainstorm with wind), but know in other areas Ian was an horrific hurricane. Especially in your state, and Puerto Rico.
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Exactly, Laura. It can turn on a dime. People forget that. All of the Florida communities will rebuild eventually, but I sure hope people remember Puerto Rico with their wallets. I’m glad you’re okay!
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I’m so glad to hear you are ok!
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Glad all is well on your end!
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Thanks for checking in. You know we worry about you!
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So glad that the two of you made it through safely!!
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Thanks, Tammy!
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Thanks for letting us know, Marty. That must be such a weird thing to go through… are you aware that you won’t be in its direct path while it’s happening, or do you just hang on and hope for the best?
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Hey, Janis. We knew from the track before it hit land on the Gulf side that it would be lowered to tropical storm status by the time it came to us. So that was somewhat of a relief, but of course tropical storms can also be deadly. As far as its eventual path, we saw its change the night before, with it going out to the ocean by the time it hit Daytona Beach (an hour south of us). So we knew when we woke up yesterday morning that we would just have outer core winds thankfully. So many in the Gulf area, particularly Fort Myers, were tragically hit by it, though.
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I’m glad you’re OK.
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Thank you for the post. Dangerous weather and very glad to hear all is well at your place. Since, we’ve stayed in Sanibel, it was really hard to watch that coverage for sure. Take care.
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Thank you for the update. So glad that you and Gorgeous are safe amidst the terrible devastation. Thank you to the link to the Red Cross.
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I am very happy to read that you are both well. My friends in Tampa were fortunate as well.
I’ll be meeting up with former co-workers for THEIR end of the fiscal year celebration and bacchanal 😎🍸
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As you know, Marty, I have been thinking about you and Gorgeous and I appreciate the update. Quite the photos of the flooding. Thank you for checking in and stay safe. Thank you for the link.
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I was thinking of you, kept saying to Rich that I must message you, but then wondered if you had power. Glad to hear you’re both okay,
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Grateful that you thought of us!
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Phew, phew & more phew! Glad you escaped the devastation, and thanks for the quick update 🙂 We, your loyal fans, appreciate it!
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Thanks, Debs. 🙂
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Hi Marty,
I am glad that you guys are okay.
It is heartbreaking the situation in some areas. I am donating.
Blessings!
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Wonderful!
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Thanks for the update and for letting us know you and Gorgeous are alright. Even though we haven’t received a lot of news while here in Nepal, we did hear about the big Florida hurricane Ian. Been thinking about you. Take care!
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Thanks, Joe. It was a big one with many people losing their homes and possessions. There but for the grace. Travel safe over there!
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A great check in with good news. My daughter’s friend lives in St. Augustine and gave us similar news. Those warnings are so scary! My college friend lives in Venice – just second year – and this was her first hurricane. She was terrified. Take care during the clean up!
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Thanks! 🙏
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I’m glad to hear you made it through the storm OK. Take care.
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