I'm visiting family in Palm Harbor, about 5 miles from shore, and am very excited that Charley is going to pass overhead. I've always wanted to lean into hurricane winds like the reporters on TV. I'll be out there with weights on so I don't get too blown around. :-)
we're up high enough that we don't have to worry about the 15' storm surge, but we will have to look out for flash flooding. I don't think it will be too bad, though.
I have a cousin in Clearwater, less than a mile from the beach and she's staying. They have to wear name tags so that officials can identify them should something bad happen. Their condo is made to withstand 150mph winds, and it's been around for decades so they should be fine.
Remember what Bikers4Bush posted earlier, quoting Ron White. "It's not THAT the wind is blowing, it's WHAT the wind is blowing." If you get hit by a flying Volvo....
I'm watching this with much interest, as my mother and sisters live in Polk County, and that area seems to be in the projected path across the state.
Stay safe, stay prayed up.
Jim