It was a week ago Wednesday, around 1:00pm, when Hurricane Ian first approached the coast of southwest Florida. In the aftermath, once again the coastal topography has changed.
Incredibly, rescue workers are still going through rubble on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Pine Island and Matlacha while recovery operations continue in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Arcadia, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. Approximately 50% of Lee and Desoto counties are still without power and water.
The closer to the SWFL coast, the more devastating the infrastructure is damaged. However, the inland areas were also heavily impacted by wind damage and historic flooding. Hurricane Ian left a wide swath of chaos in his slow and sizeable wake.
On a positive note, there are fewer helicopter flights crisscrossing overhead, which would indicate most of the barrier islands have been searched and residents rescued in one of the largest air mobilizations in Florida hurricane history. The flights seem more focused on delivering personnel, equipment and supplies for recovery efforts.
The rednecks and roughnecks also delivered a remarkable accomplishment today, opening a temporary bridge to Pine Island. A few days before Governor Ron DeSantis announced the State DOT effort to help build the temporary bridge, locals from Honc Marine were already in ‘git r done‘ mode.
Incredibly a week after Hurricane Ian took out the bridge connecting Pine Island to Cape Coral, the temporary bridge was finished and five semi tractors/trailers from Publix Supermarket were first to cross into Pine Island with relief supplies. {Direct Rumble Link} WATCH:
Matlacha, the small area between Cape Coral and Pine Island that encompassed the bridge, has been devastated. However, the ability to drive into (and out of) Pine Island is a major cause for celebration amid the blue-collar working-class community.
Pine Islanders are known for their grit and independence. The devastation on the island is large from Saint James City (south) all the way to Bokeelia (north), but these are hardworking and industrious people. They will rebuild and restore their community street by street, and the bridge will speed up that process. An exceptional outcome in only a week. Many joyful tears flowing.
Above picture, Today – Below picture, last Thursday
The result is stunning, but, well, then again…. that git r’ done sensibility is locally known to live on Pine Island. Honc Marine is also a local company that knows how to git sh*t done. Put those two elements together, get the hell out of the way… and well, that’s the result. There ain’t no gender confusion, wokeness or cufflinks in this tribe.
….Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced yesterday that the contract to begin repairs to the Sanibel Causeway was awarded. Equipment was mobilized last night, and there is already a team on the ground to begin repairs. The repairs to the Sanibel Causeway are expected to be completed by the end of the month. (link)
Jumpin’ ju-ju bones. If they can get roadway access to Sanibel completed within a month… that’s beyond awesome.
From the Governor’s Office:
There are currently 298,820 reported power outages. They have already restored power nearly 2.4 million accounts across the state, representing 88.92% of accounts restored since the peak. There are currently 11 fueling depot stations open statewide, and a mobile fuel truck has been deployed to Arcadia to support residents without access to fuel.
Additional programs that have been put into place to aid communities include the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, the initiation of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof, and FDOT’s diligent work to construct temporary bridges into areas that are cut off from motorists.
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised nearly $35 million since activation. To read more info, click here. To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222. Additionally, the First Lady has worked with the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator Sara Newhouse to compile a webpage of resources to help first responders navigate resources for mental health needs post hurricane. To visit the site, click here
Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. Floridians’ health and well-being are a top priority, and the Department of Children and Families is reminding individuals that they are not alone. All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.
Safe and found persons can be reported safe at http://safe.fl.gov.
State response efforts include:
Search and Rescue
- There have been 2,500 rescues made to date.
- There are more than 1,000 team members performing search and rescue.
- DCF has created a First Responder Support Line: 407-823-1657 – that all first responders throughout the impacted areas can contact. This line combines current resources into a single point of contact that will connect first responders with mental health professionals.
- Florida National Guard engineering resources were deployed to assist with route clearance in Pinellas and Lee Counties.
- The Missouri Task Force 1 Disaster Situational Assessment and Reconnaissance (DSAR) Team is deploying to Florida through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to support urban search and rescue efforts and incident assessment.
- A Florida Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team deployed to Central Florida to support state USAR Task Forces and incident assessment.
- Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, Joint Task Force Florida has 5,050 personnel activated and is executing missions in response to Hurricane Ian. The Florida National Guard has supported a total of 247 missions.
- 27 POD sites operating and distributing food, water, and ice to local populations:
- 2,728 pallets of water distributed
- 2,331 pallets of food distributed
- 606 pallets of ice distributed
- 385 pallets of tarps distributed
- FDEM is working with feeding partners to open kitchens for impacted and displaced residents. More than 410,800 were served on Tuesday, October 4, and more than 936,100 hot meals have been served since volunteer kitchens opened.
- FDEM is coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct infrastructure assessments of water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, and assisted living facilities.
- Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), more than 1,800 personnel from 26 states have deployed to Florida to assist in response and recovery efforts.
- FDEM has activated the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) to provide an additional resource for Floridians to receive up-to-date information regarding Hurricane Ian. Residents and visitors can call this toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557.
- FDEM Recovery staff are conducting rapid damage assessments in Charlotte, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Putnam and Osceola counties to expedite available federal assistance for disaster recovery.
- FDEM has eight active fuel depots throughout Central and Southwest Florida to ensure first responders have the fuel they need to conduct search and rescue operations. An additional two public, mobile fuel depots are open in Arcadia and the Dunbar community to provide fuel for vehicles and gas cans for generators to impacted residents.
- FDEM is leading the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) for the Hurricane Ian response, with more than 350 SERT members staffing the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
- FDEM has received more than 4,500 resource requests for Hurricane Ian and fulfilled. Over 3,700 of these requests are currently being processed and are either en route or being mobilized. This includes the coordination of resources such as: trucks of food and water, generators and tarps.
- FDEM is mobilizing pet food and supplies for displaced pets, including: rabies vaccines, dry and canned dog food, dry and canned cat food, cat litter, disposable pet bowls and disposable leashes.
- FDEM is deploying the following resources for distribution to impacted areas:
- Coordinating to set up 4 barges to aid in the delivery of commodities in Lee County to Pine Island and Sanibel Island.
- Trailers for restrooms, showers, laundry, sleeping and sanitation to ensure the care of first responders in the field.
- More than 4,000 gallons of diesel to Lee County to power water plants that provide water to nearby hospitals.
- Drone teams to assess flooded areas.
- 500 traffic barrels to Charlotte County to safely modify traffic patterns.
- More than 400 bottles of oxygen to Charlotte County.
- 255 ambulances
- 200 trucks of food, water and ice
- More than 500 generators for traffic signals and other traffic needs
- 2 full service mechanical shops
- 500,000 tarps
- 375 kits for parents of infants and toddlers with critical supplies that will last for 10 days each
- Four mobile triage units to Miami-Dade County
- Five truckloads of blankets and five truckloads of cots to support displaced residents
- Coordinating the provision of meals for first responders staged in Orange County
- FDEM is in constant communication with all 67 county emergency management offices and state agencies to coordinate recovery actions and needed resources as communities experience storm impacts.
Power
- There are currently 298,820 people without power.
- Nearly 2.4 million accounts have already been restored across Florida.
- For a full report on current outages, click here.
- 42,000 linemen from utilities across the state are working 24/7 to restore power.
- 325 Florida Highway Patrol are transporting utility crews.
- 560 health care facilities have had power restored since the onset of the event.
- MORE
Lastly, on a personal note… I also have some good news. Jesus put a roof over my head today.
Literally, at my house today the crew leader for the roof repair team was a guy named Jesus.
How could I not forgive Jesus for poking fun at my carpentry (plywood cutting) and roof patching skills.
Jesus the roofer and carpenter. Big smile too.
Yeah, subtle as a brick through a window…. God is good and filled with humor.
Love to all,
~ Sundance
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Watching the video, it is obvious that pre fab homes, trailer parks and plain framed homes do not belong in coastal areas with hurricane/flood zone areas.
Yep.
They buy their tickets, they take their ride.
A discussion started and dismissed, after every such natural disaster,…aren’t there SOME places, we SHOULD NOT “Develop”, like flood plains?
Isn’t it just logical, not to build residences and businesses, whole towns and cities, where they are only a couple of feet above sea level, or in the case of areas of New Orleans, actually BELOW sea level?
Barrier islands, for instance,…
A few will bring up the issue, ask THE question,…and then it will be promptly shoved aside, till the next natural disaster,…
Same out here in CA; wild fires burn down entire towns, only to be rebuilt in same place. In the SF bay we have built over parts of the bay swamp where experts warned these homes would sink in a severe earthquake. So far not happened, but then we haven’t had a truly severe earthquake in many years.
So, relegate coastal areas to the 1%.
Hmm, my wife and I have worked really hard for our house… Hillary’s village and Obama had nothing to do with it.
We live near the Coast. Very nice place.
Why should we give it to the 1%?
That may well be true. That said, I bought my manufactured home a few years ago just to quit paying $1600 a month for a one bedroom apartment. (The rent is now $2500 month in my suburb 30 miles north of Seattle…$5000 a month for a three-bedroom apartment…)
I did the best I could, with what funds I had.
And I’m thinking the latter applies to a whole lot of folks in Florida.
Perhaps the zoning laws in FLA need to change, and construction standards need to be upgraded.
My guess is 30 miles N of Seattle is just a bit different than living in a mobile home/pre-fab home
– safety wise and insurance wise — on a FLA coastal island in a hurricane/flood zone area.
Same with folks to live along rivers that flood every 5-10 years and keep rebuilding.
From the AT today — Why Build There? – American Thinker
I get it. Everything you stated makes perfect, pragmatic sense.
My point — which I clearly didn’t make:) — was that sometimes people can’t just move wherever the heck they’d like to. They have limited funds, and just do the best they can under their particular circumstances. Unfortunately, those circumstances might include buying a mobile home in a really bad zone and hoping for the best.
I simply won’t judge their decisions because God knows I’ve brought enough grief upon myself with some of the egregious decisions I have made.
Except Pine Island appears to be primarily man-made. The housing boom in Florida beginning in the 1920’s saw many poor real estate decisions. So many areas where construction should have been curtailed or forbidden. Sad.
Pine Island isn’t “man-made”. Have you ever been on the island? It’s quite large – not sure how you could make that statement!
The zoning laws and new build laws in Florida are intense for the coastal regions. When we built on the intercoastal, concrete masonry with breakaway protections up to 10′ above sea level, before you could start timber framing. Hurricane-proof windows. Special roof tie-downs. Special underground gas linkage. Special doors and framing. No electrical switches or outlets below 10′ above sea water. No residential space on that first floor. I could go on. But the build cost was close to $300/sf, and that was over 15 years ago. The only affordable places on the water are usually those who are grandfathered in from these requirements.
Even prefabbed sheds have restrictions in construction and tie downs. My RO plant and storage sheds have a separate ins policy as to replace the machinery and contents.
Florida has some of the strongest building codes “Miami-Dade” standard for impact windows and doors, tie downs for roofs.
Did you watch the video? Those must all have been ‘grand fathered’ and not updated.
BTW, I am aware of the Miami – Dade code, esp as it pertains to winds.
I also am very familiar with Siesta Key, as we visit there every other year and stay in a condo.
If Ian had hit there, similar results would have happened to all the stick built one- and two-story buildings.
Mother Nature will find a way to destroy if she chooses. In Waveland MS where a 26 Ft wall of water came in with Katrina- even poured concrete houses were left like ghost shells with just the poured concrete left standing. That wall of water went all the way to the I-10 overpass – 5 miles inland.
Retired Magistrate here: A lot of manufactured homes are really well built; they have to be since they are transported from the factory by tractor trailer at speeds of 70 miles an hour or more. It looks like you are in the State of Washington so you should be fine.
As far as the people in Florida who purchased manufactured homes, some of those homes could probably survive a Cat. 1 Hurricane if they are anchored properly, but no one ever really expects to be hit by a Cat 4. I agree that a lot of retirees who wanted to move to a warmer climate-Florida-did the best they could with what money they had. We all take chances in this life and hope that our dreams don’t turn into nightmares. I just wish more people would have compassion on those who suffer loss from whatever disaster strikes them; either manmade or from the weather.
well put
Marcia,
FEMA, and my own experience of having lived through several hurricanes in Texas and Virginia, tell me that I’m not staying around to see what a Cat 4 hurricane does. I know better. I’ve seen sea water bend 8″ I-beam like a licorice stick.
I might, just might, in a truly desperate situation stay there myself to see if I could keep my stuff safe and help others, but there is no way I would risk my family in those circumstances. I would be very aware that I was betting my life and that the odds were against me. To paraphrase a line from an old movie, with a Cat 4 or above hurricane, the odds are NEVER in your favor.
Fionnagh,
You are right. People would do better if they could, but far too many times, they just can’t. $5000 per month for a three bedroom apartment is just unconscionable.
I live someplace south and inboard of you and I’m a member of the evil Snidely Whiplash class. We completely refurbished a house that has a 3-car garage and a big fenced yard. I would happily live there myself. It has a family room, two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom upstairs. Downstairs, it has one bedroom, a big family room with a fireplace, a bathroom, a food storage room and a big utility room with a washer, dryer and a lot of storage.
My wife put it–the whole house–on the market for $1500 on her social media and described it just as I have above. She had more than 100 requests to see it in slightly more than one hour. When I talked to her about it, she was in tears. She told me she had at least 15 people ask, “You said rent was $1500. Is that for the upstairs or the downstairs?”
May God be with anyone who doesn’t have a decent job these days. They are in a world of hurt in this country.
Prefab homes and mobile homes seem easier to clear and clean up. Way back when Florida had a Growth Management Act and Concurrency, one was led to believe back in the ‘80s and ‘90s that barrier island construction would be limited then, perhaps, grandfathered away. Not so much. Developers contributed to certain politicians. Jeb destroyed the Department of Community Affairs. Result: significant construction in flood and wind velocity areas. Significant $ damages. Today, in many Florida communities, the most expensive homes are on the water. Just makes no sense.
Not being callous… Or the pre fab is perfect. Cheap, disposable. Put another on the pad and plug in, and hook up the pipes.
Not only that but the taxes (FL has high property taxes) are significantly less as mobile homes depreciate.
Actually, it makes sense.
Make sure the concrete and utilities are well built and capable of withstanding a Cat-5… put in a reasonably nice pre-fab that can handle a Cat 2.
Above that, bring a bulldozer and bring in a replacement.
Okie dokie.
So I just have to remember before reading any of your hurricane recovery posts that I will cry. Cry pretty mournfully. That’s just the way it is. And maybe, just maybe, we are all crying as an outlet for those of you who don’t even have time to think about crying right now.
“… rednecks and roughnecks…”
Married to one who is also full of toxic masculinity.
Love rednecks and roughnecks, and love to you and your family/team, Sundance.
just as an aside,,,,,God’s Pit Crew stopped at my local hardware store and bought all 70 of the gennies they had, they are doing this everywhere they can all the way up the East Coast to New York,,,they will be there ASAP for anyone who needs them
NOW’S that is SERVING and DOING and helping out your fellow mankind.
NOT taught…it’s shown and it’s demonstrated and it’s a behavior good parents, g’parents showed to their children growing up….
what is a gennie? generator?
yes, generators…badly needed in SW Fl
This is real America and real Americans. Quite a contrast with the District of Columbia.
Publius,
YOU COULD NOT BE MORE CORRECT. Huge difference between “we the people” and “they the politicians.”
thank God we have Desantis as Governor vice Chris Christie
Chris Christie, or Charlie Christ?
Crist. No “h”
I meant chris christie… he handled hurricane sandy in Jersey horribly. Desantis showing everyone how to do it.
FF4L,
I’m an old man and I’ve seen a lot of hurricanes in my time. I took one minute to call the SAIL line in Florida from where I now live just to let them know I have NEVER seen hurricane response done as well as Florida, under Governor DeSantis, is doing it now. I didn’t want to hold them up, but I wanted to let someone there know that the rest of the country is watching in awe as they show us how it is SUPPOSED to be done!
They sounded tired, but appreciative of the compliment.
Jesus to te rescue! LOVE all the updates. BTW, I was rebuilding all those bridges in my mind when I first saw the pix of them being down. It wasn’t all that hard as is now obvious to all.
Sundance, I was also quite pleased to hear this morning on OAN that 4 crooks who have been burglarizing folks in Lee county were caught. 3 of them are illegal aliens, so Ronnie D has his 1st 3 he can deport to somewhere else, preferably back to their own countries. OR, just hang ’em. 🙂
Oh, and at the time I was rebuilding the bridges in my head I kept thinking how ingenious Ronnie D was when he took the opportunity to rush road construction through when The Swamp was locking us down and traffic was less than normal.
Hang’em is preferred by me…but that’s just ME.
THIS is the behavior we can expect our NEW America to be from the millions pouring in…
Loot, steal…what traits!!!
And stealing from those in despair and down troden.
BUT, isnt’ that ‘the plan’…
All four were released on bail quickly.
NOooooo! Gov DS should have his Marshalls deliver them as soon as they are arraigned to Martha’s Vineyard since they sport their Sanctuary City signs.
Tell Biden’s illegal trespassing Looters that the pickins are far better in that tony, exclusive island.
As the Marxist Dims all say,…… “Never let a Crisis got to Waste”, Right Gov.
Hah, IF he had rounded up the 50 illegals he shipped to Marthas Vinyard, from Florida, AND had waited a week ot two, he could have said he was “evacuating” them for their SAFETY, lol.
💯💯🤣🤣
Love you SD. God is great. This is the real America.
Samaritan’s Purse truck on the way and on Fox last night they are mustering volunteers 😊
I was also thinking one bridge at a time Lord, one bridge at a time.
lord-help-me-cross-my-bridges-one-by-one.avi
Sep 25, 2011
By GERMAN CELIS
Florida built a temporary bridge in five days?
Wow, unheard of….amazing!!!
This is American exceptionalism! Thank you Gov DeSantis.
Ever watch a bridge being built? It takes five years because the construction companies only put 5 people on the job at a time. Very annoying.
Ever notice a local highway crew – 10 men around ONE itty bitty pot hole! Tax $$$ at *work* LOL
Got to hold those shovels up!
I was thinking, ‘gotta put all those barrels out.’
I always see barrels, one lane,& never any workers.
I realize that’s the common joke, but as someone who is married to a “local highway” man (actually state), my husband is the one who knows how to do everything and has been doing everything and is now diligently (and frustratingly) trying to train (and inspire) others in how to do everything.
Remember the 20-80 rule? Twenty percent of the employees do most of the work, while the other 80 percent goof off? Well, be careful about who you laugh at. Some of those workers are the backbone of the company–and the country.
KOY,
Well expressed and absolutely true. Thank you for writing it!
Not to mention there now has to be a bi-lingual speaker on each crew.
Watched a city crew one time. They were painting a fire hydrant. The hydrant was yellow with a silver top and the plugs were red. The driver waited in the city truck while 3 men painted that hydrant. One worker with a can of yellow one with silver and the last with red. Efficient government work is like 3 monkeys f’n a foot ball.
Reminds me of what my father who would be 109 if alive used to say about the WPA (he called them ‘we piddle around’) during the depression years and their projects: Need 2 a comin, 2 a goin 2 on the toilet and 2 a mowin.
Florida built a temporary bridge in five days?
No, a local family owned company with decades of experience demonstrated what can be done when things need to happen fast. https://honcmarine.com/about/
It’s supposed to be a “temporary” bridge. Any guesses how long the State will take to sift through their government induced paperwork before commencing to even think about building a permanent structure?
2Y.
Happened where I live. Bridge will TAKE 2Y to replace and it’s probably 2/10 mile bridge. Locals have been droning the process and there are DAYS NOTHING is being done. Contractors got so furious with drones, they attempted to have them banned from spying on them…..THAT’S how bad.
And note, there are businesses shut off from locals being able to visit their places. It takes a 20-mile trip to get to the biz shut down by a 2/10 mi bridge FOR 2Y….
The drones tell/show the story…and locals are up in arms at the inactivity and now it is a full blown war.
Many of those selected for state contracts have kickbacks built in.
Govt projects are bloated with bureaucracy, favors, graft and corruption. They justify that with “contracting laws, inspections, qualifications, schedules, and permits”. This all works well when there are no time, life safety, or emergency constraints. An endless machine that works on autopilot.
In a Federal or State controlled project, it takes 1 year to plan it, 6 months to contract and award it, and then the performance period.
None of this is responsive to emergencies. Sometimes to survive, the rules and stuff go out the window and Real People make things happen. Functionality is the goal. Not Politics and Administrative Slavery. Emergencies have temporary goals: Survival. Status Quo goals are different. Florida is not in Status Quo position. The temporary measures allow survival. Later, things will be reconstructed to other standards. But the people will be alive and their economy will survive.
That is how America got built; yep.
MAGAA
Actually, after the Northridge quake brought down the Santa Monica Fwy’s overpass in LA, CalTrans and the County got their stuff together and got if fixed in a few months ( that’s a 14 lane overpass ).
OTOH, in San Franciskovich, after the Loma Prieta quake, their Far Left polity decided to tear down their freeways.
Even the most blatant progressives in LA were pragmatic enough to understand that sometimes you gotta get it done! So, sometimes a real crisis will get their butts moving.
However, in SF, there were signs that portended ill for the future (today). Under no circumstances would need be allowed to intervene with wants… their mayor moved forward to demolish their weakened freeways – consequently, driving today in that city is a mess.
Given how the apparatchiks in San Franciskovich have taken over Calimexistan’s politics and policies, you can understand why we are so hosed out here.
Thank you, Jesus. I’ve never said it with more reverent meaning.
That unbelievably fast bridge ‘replacement’ is just incredible! Inspiring… Thanks to that crew! The many ‘giving’ responses to the damage done by Ian, is in SUCH sharp contrast to the continuing damage being done by the brandon crew and their “taking”.
Can someone help me out here? I showed the pictures to my woke son, and he retorted that the actual hard work was probable done by Mexicans and other immigrants. Can anyone send me data on the makeup of the work crews? Pictures would be good. (Please be honest ; we all need to acknowledge the truth. Leave ‘cherry -picking’ for lefty propaganda).
Thanks from a friend from across the pond.
Here’s their web site: https://honcmarine.com/about/
Why not contact them directly, perhaps their mgmt staff will be happy to wake your son from his Wokeness with the truth of their labor force. Best of Luck.
I was in the construction business for decades in the Pacific Northwest. I can say that those with a demo crew of Mexicans were lucky because they WORKED. This was well known. Where I lived in Portland we had our roofs replaced and those guys worked in the hot sun without whining. We had landscapers, upholsterers, painters, handymen, etc. who came her to work and better themselves. Those are the good guys…following the rules to achieve The American Dream.
I’m so glad Sundance found Jesus…or was it the other way around . :-))
Unfortunately illegals are taking jobs away from legal immigrants now.
So what if they are immigrants? The point is that the chores get done, someone organizes and manages the operation and pays the workers. Immigrants, unless specifically recruited for specialized skills start at low level jobs. That is true in all countries where people migrate to. Your son’s argument is meaningless.
Illegals are paid cheaply under the table- quality suffers and the customer still pays top dollar- I was the GC on my home and had this happen repeatedly. Not to mention they absolutely refuse to use porta potties.
Ask your son if it matters who got the work done. Nobody works for free.
Somebody did the work at prices and conditions they agreed to. The work got done.
Can your son send pictures and work crew makeups to support his projection or is he living an imaginary reality?
In a survival situation, politics and ideology rate last. Nobody gives a crap. Performance matters, everything else is nothing.
Your son is an idiot who has never faced a situation remotely like a Cat 4 Hurricane or the aftermath. He’s an armchair socialist that probably hasn’t built a house, doesn’t physically or financially support his neighbours, and expects to be coddled despite his inability. Perhaps not, in which case I apologize in advance. Results matter. Ideology doesn’t.
If he is of age, pack his bags, pack him a lunch with a hundred dollar bill in it, change your locks and put him, his bags and his lunch on the doorstep.
Man plans and God laughs goes the saying!
So good to hear about your new roof and in particular courtesy of Jesus. 🙂
Once again my eyes are watering reading Sundance’s latest dispatch from the frontlines of the recovery effort.
Yes, I get teary-eyed, also, from every one of Sundance’s posts. Each contains either sadness or joy, or maybe both: Jesus the roofer/carpenter, for example. [I include Angel towing, too.]
Can’t wait to hear the upcoming Ode to Florida’s Ian recovery ‘Rednecks and Roughnecks,’ being composed as I write, I’m sure. God bless alpha males, country boys and girls, and Honc Marine team.
And, here’s to the Arcadia Rodeo toughies putting on another great show in 2023.
I’m proud to be an American! I bless Sundance for preserving the Conservative Treehouse where I have finally discovered more of my ilk, surrounded as so many of us are by the snarling correctivitis o’biden humorless hatefuls in ubiquitous ‘watch what you say’ enemy territory.
Cover our towns and roadways with American flags for Veterans Day.
The best of humanity is yet to come.
Instead of reserving the coastal areas for the “Royal 1%”, why don’t the landowners buy some really cheap manufactured homes, fill it with inexpensive furniture and save money for the next time. The next time a Hurricane blows it away, use the money saved and buy another cheap dwelling.
You can buy really cheap stuff and still keep it neat and clean. If you are wanting to flaunt your wealth, building expensive beach homes in a Hurricane zone is a stupid way to do it.
Thats what I was thinking. What is it worth to hear the ocean, the surf and the birds? If insurance is a sort of placing bets, a manufactured home with a screened deck and retractable awnings could provide years of daily happiness. It doesn’t take that much to feel blessed
Are these Deltec hurricane resistant houses expensive, and does anybody know how they have held up, if any were in the path of Hurricane Ian and the storm surge?
A lot of deltec in the Caribbean- exterior structures hold- interior iffy- and nothing can withstand a flood. All electric- drywall has to be replaced. Interior wood and concrete/tile replaced or treated with mold inhibitors.
Jesus has done much more for you than a roof, Sundance. He made you and your fellow SWFL crackers able to stand strong and show the rest of the country what can be done with a bit of cooperation. Imagine this on a national level!
Kudos on the completion of the Pine Island bridge. Now, on to Sanibel.
Is the criticism of James Judge, the Republican candidate for U.S. House in Florida’s 14th District justified?
“I am flabbergasted at the lack of federal military resources where we have been operating. The U.S. military has units whose sole responsibility is to build temporary bridges, including floating bridges, and conduct beach landings.”
Perhaps Sundance can follow up and comment?
The military is not the military we thought we had.
Buck,
Very true, and you could also say this military is not the military we USED to have. ‘Rats deserve the blame for that.
I believe the Gov called upon the Army Corp out of JAX to assist -FDOT-
Probably helped with plans and the local company was able to step up.
Amazing accomplishment.
Incredibly, not done because of Brandon’s help, but IN SPITE OF IT.
God bless those working to save Floridians.
Meanwhile, Let’s go, Brandon!!
I’m a retired Operating Engineer, so I know a bit about building things. That bridge is an awesome accomplishment. The Men and Ladies that built it should be Proud. I know that I’m Proud of them!! Well Done !
Thank you, Sundance.
I seem to recall during the first Gulf War when the oil fields were on fire. The medi reported that it would take years for them to be extinguished and capped. Then a fellow named Red Adair (a – DARE ? ironic, no?) stepped in and had it under control in months.
Amazing ingenuity us Americans have.
Thanks for the update SD. So encouraging to see the before and after photos in one week!
God bless you and thank you Jesus the carpenter 😉
Have always said God has a great sense of humor and irony.
look at last names too…
Wishing you a soft pillow to rest your head! Great news about your roof! Grateful thanks for your excellent on-the-ground reporting.
Launched kayaks from Matlacha many a time. Know the area well. You can virtually drive up to anyone’s door there from the water. Not the place to be during storm surge, it is almost a floating city between the western end of Cape Coral and Pine Island. I doubt if the Ragged Ass Saloon just north of St. James City survived, not much did on any of the islands including Estero Island except the big towers. Heard the owners of Margaritaville are vowing to rebuild the entire island. The mayor of Sanibel vows to rebuild better and stronger and I can’t help thinking he ought to check that pride a little cause no matter how strong you rebuild; the big guy can knock it down again.
Most everything that wasn’t submerged or wiped out is back to full power and normal activity, heck even most of the traffic lights work already, still a few stubborn ones causing trouble for all the brain damaged drivers. Decent prioritization overall, getting the most troublesome areas first. My biggest pet peeve is the amount of brain damage I witness on our public motorways on an almost daily basis, crisis or not. Many stores were open in the following days and many others were quick to follow with hastily brought in generators keeping the fuel flowing. As soon as they fix those last two pesky lights at intersections no one needs to stop at usually anyway but, now they insist and cause massive traffic backup, I will be completely back to normal. Except all the people I know homeless or the massive cleaning up still to do. That will take time.
HH,
Thanks both for the update and the optimism!
Blessings to you Sundance and all of the Floridians who are picking up the pieces and moving forward after Ian.
Me, not so lucky. Can you send Jesus my way? I finally got a tarp but I can’t even reach anyone about a roof estimate, I’m somewhere way down on the list. Anyway, yesterday I was told we would probably have power today. Today the police and firemen were dispatched to notify us that not only were we not getting power today, but they were shutting down the power that had been restored in our park and it will be weeks before we get it restored. Anyone have any suggestions on how to find temporary housing in the Venice/ North Port area? I’m on 24/7 oxygen and need power. If it stays off that long, mold may prevent me from returning for even longer. Just when I thought it wasn’t that bad it got almost unbearable.
Send an email to Sundance and co … link is at top right of the blog. Maybe they can get you some help.
These tend to be Republican voting areas. Hope it doesn’t severely depress the vote in these areas. That would be a massive help to Democrats.
Sundance, so happy you are recovering and the roof is getting repaired! God’s blessings to your family. I didn’t know you lived here is SWF. We are south Fort Myers zone B, evacuated after both my wife and I felt led to abandon the plans to ride it out. Thankfully our home is OK, but ache for all those impacted. Supporting recovery, one leg up for a family here and there. The beauty of everyone helping each other.
So much is gone. We mourn and already miss the restaurants, places, landmarks of FMB, Matlacha, Sanibel. In time new places will come, perhaps some older ones rebuilt. Just last month our son and his bride were married on FMB, with the evening celebration meal for the family at Fresh Catch Biestro. How many times we’ve enjoyed Junkanoo’s next door.
Our thanks are outpouring to all those working tirelessly to rescue, rebuild, replenish and restore. Praise to God for all His miracles unfolding before us. Prayers for your continued recovery and service.
now this is the kind of shit Sundance has been talkin’ about.. ..getting.. shit.. done..
it is what this country was founded upon.. Common Sense..
not book sense.. not college sense.. not fake sense.. but real world sense..
yet people keep voting or installing “ivy league” “phd” types who have proven time and time again that they have no Common Sense..
because after eight to twelves years in college stuffing their synapses with bullshit.. there’s simply not enough room for anything else.. even elementary lower case common sense..
their cpu’s lock up from overload.. like computers do.. so in the end you only get a bullshit “not responding” message..
it is plain to see right now.. just look at LCEC.. the “not responding” message..
what the people in Lee County need to do is call HONC Demolition.. to demo and install some of their badass Common Sensers.. they obviously get shit done..
they just proved it.. see that bridge.. three days.. ..t.h.r.e.e. d.a.y.s. ..three.. ..3..
so call.. their phone number is 239-772-BEST.. call today..!
Through all this sadness and trauma it is refreshing to see such co-ordination, progress, and organization.
It is really quite impressive. Continued prayers for all and happy SD has a roof!
Did Jose help Jesus? Did he have a crew of 12?
You do know how Jose translates into Ingles, right?
Awesome story, God does help those who help themselves and Sundance sure is up there in God’s Graces… heck, he sent Jesus to help him…
I sure hope Jesus and crew got some cold beers afterwards.