It's just sprinkling right now. There's an eerie calm ... literally, the calm before the storm. It's not even very windy - yet.
On the way in, the streets were pretty deserted. I saw residents boarding up their windows with plywood; there was a line of cars at a gas station near our building. It's amazing that gas stations are even open - nothing else is.
I was surprised to see so many people at work, people who willingly left their families and their homes to come here and put out a newspaper that's supposed to hit residents' doorsteps tomorrow morning - whether those doorsteps will be there is another story. It seems like a futile effort, putting out a newspaper in an emergency like this, but journalists love this kind of stuff; they love being in the thick of things, providing all the latest news for people ... we feel like it's our duty, our way to keep the community calm. You might think it's stupid; maybe it is, but this is the nature of the business - always has been.
UPDATE: Winds up to 125 mph in the eye wall ... holy cow!
Our building is on Tamiami Trail, just a few blocks from Sarasota Bay. Yes, we are in a flood zone - 15 feet above sea level. We're having a staff meeting at 1:15 to access the situation. Most likely, we'll be moved to our press plant, which is further north and can better withstand hurricane-force winds.
I'll update y'all, as long as our power holds out. We're in for a long, long ride.
I'm praying ... I know you're praying, too. You people are wonderful.
Good luck to you JJ.
Praying for your safety and your co-workers and family members, etc.
Can you still hear birds chirping? Always amazing that the animals have this foreknowledge.
I hope you have some kind of BOB with you. Preparation would go a long way to reassuring your coworkers. Collect flashlights, 1st aid stuff, take inventory now.
Our prayer are with you and all of Florida. Stay safe.
Sarasota Bay
Yikes JJ!
Heard 1 mil without power and the water can go up to 18 feet?!