Our condo building withstood the storm. No storm surge. Where we live, this time, the water was sucked out. Got a lot of driving rain. The power is out in our area.
Where we are staying in Orlando, there is a lot of small tree debris, but our car is okay. We didn't lose power here.
I hope that all in this community and beyond who were in the storm's path are waking to find less damage than feared. And that Florida recovers quickly before the next one.
Thank you all for your concern and prayers! It helps!
@lowtide My relatives are fine. One in Seminole did not lose power. Another in Orlando, also did not lose power and said the trees outside her building look startled but still standing. No flooding in her underground garage. Aside from 17 hurricane-spawned tornadoes, and some tragic deaths, I think Florida dodged a bullet compared to what was unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico as the storm approached. Things could have gone the other way.
What I hope Florida did not dodge is a healthy fear of climate change, the realization that it is real, that storms are escalating both in size, virulence, and frequency.
Sometimes fear is a good thing.
I hope everyone is sufficiently afraid of climate change now.
Because we must act.
We cannot let Mr Trump win.
We must stop burning fossil fuel.
Next time you need a car, get an EV.
Which is more convenient: range anxiety versus the end of the world anxiety?
It feels really good to know when you are out in your car that you are not adding to the greenhouse gas blanket that will take five centuries to disperse.
If you drive more than 250 miles a day, get a plugin hybrid.
Consider heat pumps to warm and cool your home.
Never ever ever vote republican.
@jeanne-mayell I so agree with you. The way people evacuated this time, I think it is starting to sink in that a healthy respect or fear of hurricanes is appropriate. I'm relieved that your family is safe!
We just bought an EUV that gets 300 miles on a charge. We are ecstatic to have it!
As much as I don't like Ron Desantis, he does know how to manage a hurricane. So job well done and give the devil his due. He did give proper credit to President Biden, FEMA and told everyone to stop spreading misinformation. And yes I know he did not take Kamala's phone call.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. (Trump is the only exception.)
We have a week lull in the action before storms start to develop again.
My friends Erika and Javier are safe. They evacuated from Pinellas Park, near St. Petersburg, and were with friends in what she called, "a sturdy house outside of the evacuation area." Early this morning she texted they were safe and sent thanks to Circle of Light for the prayers, Light and Angels. They have not been home yet so they do not know about damage in Pinellas Park.
All of my peeps are alive and safe. Orlando area,Jacksonville area fared the best ... only lost power for about an hour and some minor flooding... the Clearwater/St Pete's have not returned from evacuation so don't know the status of their homes... but know they themselves are ok. So thankful and grateful it lessened to Cat 3 and the timing avoided the high tide storm surge .. sad about the 17 tornados ... those damn things you are never prepared for!!! Prayers ongoing for the Highest Good For All Concerned 🙏🏻💜🪽💜🙏🏻
As much as I don't like Ron Desantis, he does know how to manage a hurricane. So job well done and give the devil his due. He did give proper credit to President Biden, FEMA and told everyone to stop spreading misinformation. And yes I know he did not take Kamala's phone call.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. (Trump is the only exception.)
Yes, Trump is the only exception. LOL
DeSantis did pass a bill in May that deleted climate change from all Florida State laws. His predecessor, Rick Scott, did the same thing with the term "global warming a few years earlier. So in his effort to capitulate to the fossil fuel industry, he has greatly contributed to the lack of effort to do something about climate change.
@jeanne-mayell Yes, he is a horrible politician and a mean person who will stop at nothing to get his way.
Speaking of DeSantis evil, he conspired with the insurance industry to soak residents during hurricane disasters.
Now that climate devastation is here in earnest, it may be time to understand how the homeowners insurance industry works. This article is an eyeopener.
Briefly,
1. Researchers, whistleblowers, and insurance experts say that it is an insurance company business model to routinely deny a percentage of claims. As claims rise, the percentage of denials will also rise.
2. Governor DeSantis proposed and passed a bill in 2022 to make it even harder for insured to get paid. I can only guess how much the insurance industry donates to his campaign chest.
State Farm flatly denied 46.4% of all homeowner claims in 2023, according to Weiss Ratings, which evaluates insurance companies.
A public adjuster in Tampa says policies now include endless exclusions and separate deductibles and limits on all kinds of storm-related damage, which simultaneously hiking rates 20% last year.
Florida Governor DeSantis, who appeared like such a hero the other night, has passed laws making it harder for people to get paid for their rightful damages:
@lowtide @journeywithme2 @iridium @vestralux @lovendures @unk-p @deetoo @bluebelle
My thoughts turn to the victims of these super storms. How easily it could have been any of us. To lose your life because of where you live on the map is tragic. Had I not moved back home to PA. and away from St. Pete Beach , Pinellas County who knows what path my life would have taken.
Waiting to hear from my Florida friends and my first ex-husband if they are all still safe.
It's a crazy world. As Lovendures would say: May we be compassionate and see our world rising up and all people reachng out to help. May we be lighthouses.
Happy to hear you are well. What a very kind message to write.
Whatever role I had in helping, it was very tiny compared to the collective light and prayers sent your way, prayers and light I believe which were working through a higher source (God/The Creator/ Spirit) in ways I still don't fully comprehend.
While many were spared the worst by Milton, I recognize those who were not as fortunate and are dealing with extremely stressful situations from both recent hurricanes.
I am relieved you and all our community members appear safe from these disasters and hope you can all move through whatever hardships may transpire in the aftermath during coming weeks and months. Especially having access to clean water and a save place to live.
This is an interesting article about what can be built along the coast to withstand hurricanes and storm surge. It's very expensive - out of reach for most people - but it's a start.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/12/climate/hurricane-milton-helene-florida-homes/index.html
So apparently FEMA has been forced to pause in their aid efforts. TFG and his friends disinformation campaign has caused armed militias to hunt first responders and aid workers in hard hit areas on WNC.
When will people stop believing all the lies? 😢😢
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/14/us/fema-helene-north-carolina-reported-threats/index.html
Hello everyone, I’m safe and well rested. Lost power and internet but it’s all back now. I’m in st Pete and no major damage since my parents place is at 11 feet no flooding. Lots of trees down and lots of friends of mine lost everything so praying for them and helping them with physical labor when I can.