Thank you for this thread NautiNurse. Just moved to SWF (Rotonda) a little over a month ago. Looking for all the level headed advice I can get at this point. Was thinking of bugging out, but I75 N is already a mess.
We are waiting for County Emergency Management Ops recommendations. Carefully note how strongly the recommendation is worded for your flood zone. If “mandatory” evac, the barrier islands are expected to leave first. We have only had to evac once here in almost 20 years, and it was a surprisingly smooth process just north of you in Tampa Bay area.
I-75 is a mess on a good day.
I cannot imagine it now.
I wouldn't let that stop me. It's better today that in will be tomorrow.
I left Boca for Orlando as Andrew barreled in. All lanes went north at a snail's pace, frightened children and pets jammed into cars with luggage and laundry baskets, even a few horses on trailers. We were all looking at one another with fear, but that was fine.
Just be sure you have enough gas and CASH. And don't get off the road for anything until you absolutely must. Fill the tank, empty bladders, buy takeout food and get back on again right away.