100 days since The Big One...
Hurricane Michael struck 100 days ago. I honestly don't think life will ever be the same.
I could write a book about the experience but would have great difficulty trying to figure out where to start. I'm thankful and lucky that no friends or family were injured. Most of our properties will get repaired over time. Some will never be rebuilt.
We got phones, fax, internet, and wifi back at our office around 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Had to fire Comcast as they simply wouldn't come out to hook us back up after being their customer for well over 20 years. To put it lightly, Comcast and Verizon were both big disappointments.
Law enforcement agencies throughout Florida were here within hours of landfall and did a great job in controlling the chaos and hysteria that follow such an event.
Along with the good comes the bad, and the scam artists and unlicensed contractors descended upon us as well. I don't think the bodies were even cold before the public adjusters and ambulance chasers started railing on insurance companies. I've heard several people refer to them as "carpetbaggers". I've used stronger language.
The last few months are a blur. Hope I haven't missed much.
A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
I could write a book about the experience but would have great difficulty trying to figure out where to start. I'm thankful and lucky that no friends or family were injured. Most of our properties will get repaired over time. Some will never be rebuilt.
We got phones, fax, internet, and wifi back at our office around 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Had to fire Comcast as they simply wouldn't come out to hook us back up after being their customer for well over 20 years. To put it lightly, Comcast and Verizon were both big disappointments.
Law enforcement agencies throughout Florida were here within hours of landfall and did a great job in controlling the chaos and hysteria that follow such an event.
Along with the good comes the bad, and the scam artists and unlicensed contractors descended upon us as well. I don't think the bodies were even cold before the public adjusters and ambulance chasers started railing on insurance companies. I've heard several people refer to them as "carpetbaggers". I've used stronger language.
The last few months are a blur. Hope I haven't missed much.
A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Warning Level 2
Replies
US editor & journalist (1882 - 1958)
"Along with the good comes the bad, and the scam artists and unlicensed contractors descended upon us as well. I don't think the bodies were even cold before the public adjusters and ambulance chasers started railing on insurance companies. I've heard several people refer to them as "carpetbaggers". I've used stronger language."
And don't forget insurance fraud. A shingle missing and all the sudden it's a total loss. Quick $$ for some people.
Well said SAEnole.
The sound of chainsaws is just starting to die down around here except a lot of still standing trees will need to come down soon.
Was that the family dollar on 15th street?
Glad you and yours are ok. It will take time but you will overcome this. Easier said than done I know.
I saw many pictures of hard hit places but it was when and only when I laid eyes on places in person it really sunk in. I spent many days and chains running a saw in peoples yard that I didn't even know and did it only for the satisfaction of knowing that I was able to help and did. hang in there man.
A lot of them still standing Pines will die from Pine Bark Beetles in about 3 or 4 months.
I've got 36 new dead ones in my yard from last years hurricane that hit Naples / 10 Thousand Islands.
Have to watch where I park my trucks and boat. Them tree tops still weight a bunch , and their coming down slowly.
good to hear you and friends were not injured
recovery, structural and mental will take lots of time
And if your in a area with lots of large trees, a top end chainsaw with no less than a 18” bar and tools to remove timber. Spent two days cutting our way out of the neighborhood.
"Today is MINE"