Tampa’s Financial Services Hub Empties Ahead of Hurricane Ian

Banks, Insurers close offices amid vast evacuation order
Storm could be one of the worst to hit Tampa since 1921

Source: DroneBase/AP
By Michael Smith, David Wethe, and Lucia Kassai
September 27, 2022, 10:00 AM UTC
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Tampa, one of the fastest-growing financial services hubs in the US, began emptying in a matter of hours Monday after officials ordered an evacuation of the Gulf Coast Florida city and parts of the surrounding area before the worst storm to threaten the region in a century.

Banks, insurers and investment firms, including JPMorgan Chase, Fisher Investments and USAA, closed offices or allowed employees to work from home as Tampa, a metro area of 3.2 million people, prepared for the wrath of Hurricane Ian. -- excerpt, rest at link above --

Published September 27, 2022 9:33am EDT
Hurricane Ian takes aim at Florida: What to know about the major storm
The Category 3 storm is expected to strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico
By Julia Musto | Fox News
https://www.foxnews.com/us/hurricane-ian...m?intcmp=tw_fnc
Tracking Hurricane Ian: Forecasters fear worst-case scenario for Tampa area

FOX Weather's Nicole Valdes reports on the evacuations along the Florida Gulf coast and FOX Weather senior meteorologist Janice Dean updates the projected path and strength of Hurricane Ian.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Hurricane Ian is taking aim at Cuba and Florida this week.

The Category 3 storm is bringing hurricane-force winds, mudslides and a life-threatening storm surge to western Cuba.
Where is the storm now?

Ian made landfall early Tuesday in Cuba's Pinar del Rio, where 50,000 people were evacuated.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the hurricane was located about 10 miles north-northeast of the city.

It was moving toward the north near 12 miles per hour, with the motion expected to continue.
The Hurricane Ian forecast track

The Hurricane Ian forecast track (Fox News)

Maximum sustained winds were estimated near 125 mph with higher gusts.

The center of Hurricane Ian was expected to emerge over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico in a couple of hours.

Ian is projected to reach top winds of 140 miles per hour.
When is landfall expected in Florida?

On the forecast track, the center of the storm is expected to pass west of the Florida Keys later Tuesday.
Hurricane Ian storm surge warnings

It will approach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday, through the evening.-- excerpt, rest at link above --

8AM Eastern projected path:

Insider Paper
@TheInsiderPaper
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JUST IN - Power line on fire as powerful Hurricane Ian approaches Naples, Florida
VIDEO

Florida Mayors Let Biden Go To Voicemail
Hurricane Ian makes landfall in southwestern Florida
https://dailycaller.com/2022/09/29/flori...iden-voicemail/
Kay Smythe
News and Commentary Writer
September 29, 2022 9:14 AM ET


Phone calls from President Joe Biden to mayors and county chairs in Florida went unanswered Wednesday during the throes of Hurricane Ian.

A Wednesday statement from the White House detailed that Biden made separate calls to the Mayors of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sarasota, and the Chair of Charlotte County, Florida to let them know that the federal government will support them as Hurricane Ian made landfall, according to the statement.

It’s unclear when the calls were made, as Hurricane Ian made landfall early on Wednesday as a Category 4 storm, battering the western Florida coastline. Reports of the major weather event were prevalent at least two days prior to Hurricane Ian making landfall.

Forecasters Warn Major Storm To Hit Florida In Coming Days https://t.co/dvGYax3Ikj

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 29, 2022

Footage and images from the destruction circulated online, showing mass devastation from storm surges in Naples, Fort Myers, and other areas around the state.

Biden was only able to get in touch with Mayor Kevin Anderson of Fort Myers, according to the statement. They discussed the city’s ongoing needs, specifically for the elderly and families who reside in mobile homes, the statement noted.

The Daily Caller spoke with Sarasota Mayor Erik Arroyo early Thursday morning, who said that he had not received a voicemail from the President. He did, however speak to Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs Gabe Amo on Tuesday.-- excerpt, rest at link above --

Quote: Sanguine wrote in post #6

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Elon Musk readjusts Starlink satellites to support Florida after Hurricane Ian
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/...a-hurricane-ian
by Jenny Goldsberry, Social Media Producer | 
 October 01, 2022 07:00 PM

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Saturday that Elon Musk is adjusting his Starlink satellites to serve Floridians affected by Hurricane Ian.

DeSantis made the news while participating in a press conference in Wauchula, Florida, in Hardee County, standing behind a set of SpaceX user terminals that allow those nearby to connect to the internet via its satellites. The billionaire Tesla and SpaceX CEO repositioned satellites over the affected parts of Florida to help with connectivity, the Florida governor said. The on-the-ground terminals are called "Dishy McFlatface."

"We're happy to be able to bring that here," DeSantis said of the terminals.

ELON MUSK ACTIVATING STARLINK INTERNET IN IRAN AS US LIFTS SANCTIONS AMID PROTESTS

The Florida governor is touring the state now that Hurricane Ian left Florida toward the end of Thursday. It has since been categorized as a tropical storm.

"It's better than the last time I was here," DeSantis said. "Now we're here surveying a lot of flood."-- excerpt, rest at link above --

Florida death toll on Saturday afternoon at least 77 – more than double the number from morning
https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/...aign=newsletter
Roughly 1,000 people so far have been rescued from flooded areas along Florida’s southwestern coast.
By Just the News staff
Updated: October 1, 2022 - 5:59pm

ArticleDig In

The death toll in Florida late Saturday afternoon as a result of Hurricane Ian reached 77 – over twice the number reported earlier in the day.

The storm made landfall Wednesday on the state's Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane – leveling homes and taking lives with storm surges and flooding rains driven by 150 mph winds.

After hitting Florida's western coast in the mid afternoon, the historic storm raked across the state, regaining strength upon reaching the Atlantic Ocean, then heading north for a second landfall Friday in coastal South Carolina.

The death toll alone in Florida early Saturday was 27, according to the Associated Press. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis says that over 1,000 people have so far been rescued in his state.

Ian, one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the U.S., impacted millions of people, hitting western Cuba earlier in the week, then gaining strength in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters before striking Florida.

Most of those who died drown, but others died from related causes – including an elderly couple who died after their oxygen machines shut off when they lost power, authorities said.

Roughly 1,000 people so far have been rescued from flooded areas along Florida's western coast, the National Guard told the wire service.-- excerpt, rest at link above --

While this is very sad, it's thankfully so much less that that Sheriff predicted in the very beginning.

Biden, DeSantis To Meet Face To Face For Hurricane Aid
https://conservativebrief.com/aid-67003/...B&utm_medium=SG
 Carmine Sabia
October 2, 2022


OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.

President Joe Biden and Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are about to meet face to face, and many would think that would start fireworks, but they would be incorrect.

The two politicians who are opposed on near every policy issue have had kind things to say about one another in the wake of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, showing that people can push politics to the side in a time of crisis.

The president was asked about his coming meeting with DeSantis and how his relationship was with the governor.

“In fact, very fine. He complimented me,” the president said. “He thanked me for the immediate response we had. He told me how much he appreciated it. He said he was extremely happy with what’s going on.”

“This is not about anything having to do with our disagreements politically. This is about saving people’s lives, homes, and businesses,” he said.

The Florida governor has also refrained from attacks when he spoke to Fox News host Tucker Carlson last week.

“Given how politicized things are at the moment, are you confident you’re gonna get the federal support Florida needs?” the host said.

“So, I actually spoke with the President, and he said he wants to be helpful,” the governor said. “So, we did submit a request for reimbursement for the next 60 days at 100 percent. That’s significant support, but it’s a significant storm.”

“I’m actually cautiously optimistic that we do. As you say, Tucker, we live in a very politicized time,” he said.

“But you know, when people are fighting for their lives-- excerpt, rest at link above --

FEMA head said Ian aid will go to ‘all communities,’ rejecting Harris’ calls for ‘equity’
By Mark Moore
October 3, 2022 9:17am Updated
Video shows shocking extent of destruction in Fort Meyers, Florida, after Hurricane Ian
https://nypost.com/2022/10/03/fema-head-...=site%20buttons

More On: hurricane ian

Biden thanks Coast Guard member for hurricane heroics— but then fires him over vax mandate
NYC migrants pile into vans they say are headed to Florida for Ian cleanup
Despite Hurricane Ian’s punch, wedding day saved on wet Pawleys Island


​The chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency insisted Sunday that Hurricane Ian aid will be provided to “all communities” — dismissing Vice President Kamala Harris‘ earlier claim that the assistance should be “based on equity.”

​”​We’re going to support all communities. I committed that to the governor, I commit to you right here that all Floridians are going to be able to get the help that is available to them through our programs​,” Deanne Criswell said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday. ​

Criswell was responding to a question from host Margaret Brennan about Harris’ Friday comments and the backlash that they prompted, including from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reelection campaign, which said the remarks ​could cause “undue panic.”

Earlier in the show, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said the FEMA aid should be colorblind. -- excerpt, rest at link above --

Hurricane Ian Recovery Update, Day 3
October 2, 2022 | Sundance | 148 Comments

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/10/02/hurricane-ian-recovery-update-day-3/

First things first. We are blessed by a loving God who continues to provide the greatest nourishment we need, food for the soul. You’ll find it all around, including in the gift of a temperature irrelevant shower, the first in five days, and a belly full of beef stew, Dinty Moore of course. 🙂 Finest gourmet dining in years. Perfect.

Airborne search and rescue efforts continue with particular emphasis on the barrier islands and back bay region. If you haven’t watched the video of U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from Airstation Miami, you should [See Here]. It’s a great example of the hundreds of rescue flights taking place all day, and the kid who used the mirror to signal the flight crew and protect his grandma is, well, sharp.

Again, if you evacuated the coastal region of Southwest Florida (SWFL), stay put where you are. There is no power and no water system; literally nothing to sustain you that you do not bring yourself. If you do enter this region to check on your property, do so with the intent to leave again because there’s no current timeline for any restoration. A strict sundown curfew remains in effect throughout.

Rescue ferry service from Sanibel Island continues for those who can make it to the Western side of the destroyed causeway. The entire island is being evacuated leaving only the national guard in place to provide security. No reasonable estimate for any recovery. Officials need everyone off the island. Earliest estimates for repair of the major damaged infrastructure are being made in terms of years.

Air and boat rescue from Matlacha and Pine Island continues. Like Sanibel Island the bridges are gone. State and county law enforcement resources are too stressed to operate in a location now inaccessible by road. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered. See Graphic for how to leave Pine Island today (Sunday):

Hurricane Ian Recovery Update, Day 4
October 3, 2022 | Sundance | 101 Comments

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/10/03/hurricane-ian-recovery-update-day-4/

I am going to start the Day 4 update with the golden words from dear Sharon, who eloquently writes:

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“That’s just one thread in the word pictures presented by Sundance–a thread that is sort of a knothole in the fence…. and looking through it, there are details to be seen….confusion, uncertainty, counting the cash in one’s pocket (again), checking (again) for any possible cell phone coverage, glancing over to the neighbor who hasn’t taken a break for several hours (perhaps for fear that if they sit down, they won’t be able to get back up again)…. men at work with chainsaws…. women returning to what remains of the house to dig through the kitchen or the bathroom cupboards in search of some more, still usable everyday things….

And, … this is an open-ended transition. Length uncertain. Ultimate destination uncertain. How to get there–mostly undetermined at this point.

In terms of individual lives, places to live, jobs/careers…. most of them probably don’t know for sure, yet, whether they are on an onramp or an offramp.

Sometimes I wonder if reaction to such events from a distance clouds the reality that those who are living it have no capacity to step away from it, not even for a moment. The lines on the field have been obliterated and none who are living this can be completely sure of how far away the goal line is.”

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Perfectly and succinctly stated.

Day 4, is exactly like all day fours I have experienced before this one. The autonomic response starts to give way to adrenalin exhaustion and human batteries need to be recharged. Day four is also when internal callouses become valuable.

For some a quick “stay focused on ‘the task at hand‘” can suffice. For others it’s, ‘go home to your family – take a break – see you the day after tomorrow‘.

When you build internal callouses you train yourself not to look at the miles, you look at the two to four feet in front of you. Look up and you will allow the whisper of despondency to creep in. Stay focused on the 2-to-4-foot task at hand and your brain remains wired in a manageable condition.

Steady, we fill that 20 or 40-yard container, then go eat. Reengage, clear the path, fill another 20-yard and then move… Always forward. If you start calculating the time it will take to clear and fill 4,768 40-yard containers the gremlins will whisper in your ear all day and wear you down.

Ignore the gremlins.

Instead, listen to the faces – hear their stories, then keep going to the next set of faces…. Always forward.

I should also mention that sunscreen is an essential hurricane supply. If you see the 30 or 50 block version, the thick stuff on sale, throw one in your battery box. If needed, slobber it all over yourself during morning coffee time and again early afternoon after chainsaw sharpening.

It has been a long time since I have seen so many east/west helicopter flights all day. The southwest Florida skies look like the air highways around Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I can only imagine what RSW airport looks like. Probably quite an ocean of helicopter aviation. The gremlin wants me to imagine lots of things related to seeing so many search and rescue missions ongoing this far after the event. I’m ignoring the whisper. Death toll at 76.

Warning in advance – What follows below comes from my cracker disposition:

SWFL has a tremendous amount of unemployed ‘service workers‘ right now. SWFL also needs a massive and organized laundry operation. Hint to SWFL management, please put those two elements together. Thank you in advance.

“Mandatory” evacuations continue on the barrier islands. There is a considerable resistance effort underway from the ‘crackers.’ Hint to SWFL management, if the resisting resident has a boat registered in the county (easy to check), then retreat from the severity of your effort. Again, thank you in advance.

On a practical note, I see the millionaire/billionaire boating class are being told they must remove their status yachts from a couple of major locations.

Having grown up in the region and remembering where the barges operated before the roads and bridges were built, I suspect we are going back to pre-1960’s municipal port operations as an interim action to supply the islands. This type of infrastructure repurposing makes sense, but a whole generation of the white wine spritzer tribe is big mad right now [insert cracker squinting smile here].

I mentioned on Day 2 the historic Sanibel lighthouse is still standing.

Since 1884, every twelve seconds the lighthouse beacon blinked twice, creating a sequence of four navigational alerts per minute. Ask me how I know that, and I will show you the clock of my childhood.

I learned how to read a sextant on the front porch of the Lightkeepers house. I traded Mr. Brennan 4 fresh trout from Dixie Beach flats for the lessons, there were two (one day and one night), on using a sextant. From that moment at the age of around ten, I was known as “Trout” when I came back. It wasn’t funny.

Long before there was a ‘city glow’ on the eastern shore, the Sanibel beacon remained my waypoint in life. Twelve seconds, blink twice, four per minute. I spent tens of thousands of minutes with the comforting beacon at my six. I was always safe when I could see it and I never strayed beyond its reach.

My first bull shark took me for an almost 1,000 blink-long tour of the back bay inlet during a particularly memorable night.

I also ‘caught‘ my first Silver King within reach of the beacon at sunrise. Recording the moment by removing (then laminating) the trophy scale which to this day sits in an old cigar box filled with buttons, wire, ribbons, weird metal bits and mysterious childhood treasures.

That particular morning was exceptionally memorable because I proclaimed myself a ‘king fisher.’ Unfortunately, it was a short-lived moment of ego quickly deflated by an unusually furious mom – because I was going to be late for middle school. “King Fisher” shouts I, dashing out the door, while hearing “fisher fool” chasing my ear from behind.

The Calusa Indians were smart enough never to live on this particular narrow finger of barrier islands. Instead, they buried their dead out there.

As I get older, I realize that many generations made the Calusa wise.

Love to all,

Sundance

(left) Before Hurricane Ian – (right) After Hurricane Ian

Kenfreek@Kenfreek1
·
2h
Replying to @yaf

If you have a complete willingness to ignore historical data...sure 🤪 The facts are 2/3 of major hurricanes to hit Florida in the 100 years happened over 60 years ago. They simply are not getting stronger or more frequent. #ClimateScam



https://twitter.com/Kenfreek1/status/1577759665198403588