[tbpiper]

I've decided to leave up my metal storm panels for a few days, at least until I see where Earl goes.

We're not going to break out the BarBeQue either here in east Hillsborough. Gonna use the time to shore up our defenses.

[dukeman]

Speaking of barbecue, we like to make sure every gas grill we buy has a side burner as well. It comes in very handy when the power goes out for a few days.

We lost power for about four days when Tropical Storm Gabrielle came through SW Florida in 2001. Most of the country doesn't know about that storm because it hit right after 9/11. It killed me to know the terrorists had attacked, but to not have the ability to watch the news coverage.

Everybody down this way in Sarasota County thought Charley would hit up in Pinellas or Hillsborough around 8:00 p.m. last night. The Charlotte County folks were really surprised when it came ashore early around 4:00 p.m. The death toll is going to end up pretty high, but it would be even worse if Charlotte had been a more urbanized county.

Stay low!