I am at my house in Sebring. The storm is around 500 miles away and perhaps will pass very close to my house. It is to early to know the exact track and the wind speed. I have very little risk of flooding but the green house and the zillion flowers my wife has are at risk. We survived Ian without issue but did not have the green house at that time.

Our ranch is also in the path as it stands now and the workers have evacutated. We did not lose any cows with Ian and I expect the same with this storm. We had 135 mph wind with Ian. Lost some roof material on two buildings and over 100 big trees down, many on fences.

The storm is expected to arrive at my house here in Sebring early Thursday morning. Winds have been recorded over 200 mph and now sustained at 155mph. All the models have the wind coming down to Cat 3 at landfall. I will have a much better idea if that is true around noon tomorrow. If the storm is still up around Cat 5 I will leave and go to Miami. I have not seen video of State road 27 south but I-4 and I-75 are bumper to bumper. 27 is only a mile or so from my house and I am going to drive there this afternoon to take a look. My house will stand wind to about 125 mph without major damage.

There is much news about Tampa and the coast in general but not much about the inland areas.

We have plenty of water, a well, food for at least a month, sat phone, and two generators and fuel for one month.

It looks like Tampa will suffer greatly based on current information. I assume some people will not leave their homes there and are at great risk of losing their life.

I expect my home owners insurance to double again.

Being 100 miles inland does not keep you safe any longer from the wind.

I expect the hurricane issue to get worse every year.

Put your guitars and such in their case wraped in plastic just in case.

Best wishes for everyone affected by both of these storms. Try to help take care of the people around you.

Cheers,

Billy

“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”