This is Friday night October 21, 2005, At this moment Hurricane Wilma is clobbering the Yucatan Peninsula with 140 mph winds and a huge storm surge. Having become friendly with people in that area, I am very concerned about the extent of their suffering. We, in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida are standing by, hoping for a lesser hit but fearing the worst.
Since this is a barrier island, we are subject to a Mandatory Evacuation on Saturday, effective at noon. We will comply, and go to Mona's house in Ft. Myers, bless her.
Apparently the Mandatory part of a Mandatory Evacuation is subject to a host of interpretations. A couple of days ago we heard of one "go if you want to...". This is mandatory? The local one is subject to ssome questions, especially because even after evacuation you can come back to this island until the weather deteriorates. Here are several possible interpretations:
1. Get yo ass off this island by noon.
2. Start planning to get yo ass off this island at noon.
3. Evacuate, but come back at will.
4. Evacuate if you feel like it.
5. Have a good bowel movement.
We had the early bird special at Charley's tonight. They will close Sunday and Monday. They usually operate 364 days per year, only closing during the Super Bowl. But what about the Saturday noon edict?
Seriously, I think local officials are doing their best under very difficult circumstances. There is no firm information yet as to when, where, and how strongly Wilma will hit in Southwest Florida. Some people who stayed on the Beach during Hurricane Charlie last year say that they would never do that again. Others who did leave and were not permitted to come back to their homes for five days say they wouldn't leave next time.
Mona has stocked up on food, and she is the best cook in southwest Florida. We will bring water, wine, Jack Daniels, Gatorade, and some other household items. Another Beach resident, Joanne Stanley, will also be there.
A.M.