I lived in Florida off and on for 7 years as a youngster, and we have made many friends on the west coast of Florida during our 15 ys of vacationing there.
Tonight things look grim for the general Tampa area along that west coast as this hurricane approaches.
We weathered a tropical storm one year in our very solid concrete 4th floor condo - and luckily were able to find a big Chevy Tahoe in the 'pick what you want' National car rental garage....so our outings were little effected by the raging storm.
But this hurricane looks like it could be very dangerous for those living along the coast. I know that many of our favorite stops will be much affected by this storm - and we've come to know and befriend many of these people over the years.
So many places, like this hotel next door, and restaurant, will be so vulnerable to any storm surge....
My mother said there had not been a significant hurricane in her Tampa area since 1921.
St Peterburg....
Keep them in your prayers tonight and tomorrow....and this storm may not yet be finished with the USA after passing through Florida.
Stig