photo licensed by www.depositphotos.com
Thank you to everyone who inquired about the interactions that Michael and I had with Naples’ unwelcome guest, Irma.
We were in a mandatory evacuation zone, due to our proximity to the Gulf and fears of storm surge, so we headed to Gulfport, Mississippi. Ironically, this community is where Hurricane Katrina came ashore several years ago. It still bears the scars.
Irma made its second US landfall on Marco Island, several miles to our south. Thereafter, the eye actually passed over our neighborhood, so we feared the worst.
We made it back home yesterday. Some areas of Collier County have serious damage, flooding and habitability concerns. But our property, like virtually all in our neighborhood, is essentially unscathed. Minor damage, screens missing, a few dings and bumps, a few missing roof tiles and soffitt damage, along with massive vegetation issues (downed trees, bushes uprooted, etc.) seem to be the biggest effects. The major lingering issues are water safety – due to nearly 200 water line breaks, all of Collier County is under a boil water notification – and sewage. Because power is still off to some of the lift stations, all residents must be cautious about overtaxing the sewers, as they are backing up; so no clothes washer or dishwasher use, very quick showers, flush only when absolutely necessary. Many stores and businesses are recovering slowly, and thus groceries and gas are tight. Still, our problems are inconveniences compared to some of the images we see from other local residents, across the Florida Keys and further out into the islands.
Thanks to all who expressed their concerns.