I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and purchased a radio (they didn’t have weather radios) and a flashlight. I purchased some food and returned my Redbox movie at Publix. I parked my car at the garage and walked back to my apartment.
Then, I turned on the TV. They said that downtown Orlando could get hit with 100 mph winds. Weather.com continues to say 70 to 80 mph. I received an email from the apartment complex telling me where the shelter locations were located. Uh? I thought those were only for mobile home owners. That didn’t reassure me.
Lisa, who is the events manager at the NEC, sent me a text saying I could join them out in Clermont. Initially, I said, “No, I would survive.” Then, I saw my neighbor’s car gone, so I thought she evacuated. I walked back to the parking garage and got my car. I returned to the apartment and obtained all my evacuation items and left my apartment (I did see my neighbor return).
I drove to Clermont which is about 32 miles west of my apartment. Lisa said she was concerned that the apartment was wood, so it is good thing I came over. It was slow driving when I made it to the turnpike, but I wasn’t on it too long.
I stopped at AutoZone, but a car cover was $70, so I decided to wait. I made it to Lisa’s. Her dad (who escaped from Titusville) taped my roof and Lisa’s husband put a tarp over it, so the car’s roof should be fine. Lisa made me a sandwich. Her dad’s wife is making a Belizean meal for dinner as the family is originally from Belize. I feel like a wimp, but surviving 50 mph winds is better than 80 mph.