If this storm had hit just north of TPA (as thought yesterday), we would undoubtedly be looking at 100 billion in damages. That said, these areas to the south did not expect it as much. The whole area is fairly populated.
That image shows upper level steering currents. It will give you a good idea where the system will go. It should follow much the same track as Bonnie. There is a cold front and broader trough sitting on the East Coast. That creates an area of 'weakness' that storms like to follow. This storm could emerge back into the Atlantic, and likely will for a time. It's anyone's guess as to where it might go from there.
So the wrong area was evacuated?
I'd rather lose the buildings than the people.