Hurricane Charley

**josephinekelly** · 14-08-2004, 22:14

Our family here in UK has been horrified to watch the unfolding of events in Florida and offer our sympathy for what must have been a dreadful experience, so very frightening.

So how is lovely Florida, especially Orlando and Kissimmee? Not a good time to be a property owner or a villa renter come to that. We shall be there in three weeks time and I hate to think of damage to any of those lovely well tended green places and the immaculate homes. We shall not be bothering our villa lessor with any questions as I am sure they have their hands full at this stage, but would like to hear how things are generally from anyone if you are able to spare the time or have electricity to reply.

**floridadreamvilla.co.uk** · 14-08-2004, 22:37

Our 3 bed has come out of it ok but the pool screen was ripped off one of our 7 beds and is all mangled and bent with parts in the pool. I'm told there is some small damage to the side of the house where it was ripped off it's fastenings [msnsad]

Other than that there is no electricity at the moment so the cleaners cannot vacuum or wash sheets / towels. We've let our next guest (who was due to arrive today but has had his flight postoned until tomorrow) know and he's happy enough and just said he'd spend some more time at the parks instead [msnsmile2]

We have plenty of spare sheets / towels so should be ok in that department at least [msnsmile]

**carolmc** · 15-08-2004, 00:40

Very little damage to our home on Lindfields.....just some pool screens damaged...thank God for that.

**jad** · 15-08-2004, 15:34

We just have some torn pool screens and a damaged side window so could have been a lot worse. We have power. We are in Davenport Lakes and guests arrived a couple of days before Charley - what a holiday so far!

I hear Kissimmee has taken a bit of a bashing though

Jackie

**markalex** · 16-08-2004, 16:56

We spoke to our Management co. last night and they have just got their cable back since Friday night. They lost power for a day or so too (Saturday) - I cannot imagine having no internet, emails, etc. for a whole 24 hours, my how times have changed! they are located down the 27, quite a way from our home but say that, very luckily, we haven't suffered any great damage (thank goodness).

Apparently the Holiday Inn in Kissimmee has been 'flattened' (their words) which will be shocking for any guests arriving there.

It is worrying being so far from our property and 'out of control' when things like this happen, huh?

Going out there in 10 weeks and counting! [msncool]

**blott** · 16-08-2004, 18:34

The service people are working around the clock in Florida to try to get things fixed up as quickly as possible for everyone concerned. The majority of homes have suffered minor damage only and those that have been unfortunate to suffer more damage will hopefully be fixed up as soon as possible. There's bound to be a transition period whilst all this work is going on but hopefully it will be finished as soon as possible.

The theme parks are open (they re-opened on Saturday) after thorough inspections.

Unfortunately, trees can't be repaired and there are quite a few that have suffered damage or have blown down. As soon as the important things have been fixed, I'm sure that replanting will take place and they grow very quickly in Florida.

If anyone is worried about their accommodation, please do check with your home owner in a few days time (unless you are going imminently) as, due to some current communication problems, that will give them a better chance to be able to keep you informed.

**Cruella DeVilla** · 16-08-2004, 23:28

We were lucky enough to come out of the horror unscathed. Our villa is three months from closing so we shall have to wait and see what happens and if it will be delayed.

**Cowboy** · 17-08-2004, 01:43

Hi Josephine,
We got off lightly at Ashley Manor. I am sure things will look different when you go compared to the current state of things. USA and Americans accept these happenings and are generally more prepared than ourselves in the UK. Crews from as far afield as Chicago are in Florida helping out. Most of the parks are now open although I haven't heard how Cypress Gardens was affected because Charley did a lot of damage in that area. Whether it will re-open on OCT. 1st. remains to be seen.
I feel it may be advisable to leave contacting your home owner for a few days until he/she gets a full report from the Man. Co.
Mike and Kath.

**Ray&Sarah** · 17-08-2004, 03:00

Our property came through without any damage, we really feel for those owners who have had their homes damaged. As Blott says if you have rented a property check with the owners before you fly, we are still without power, but our MC has been brillant. Thanks Julie and Terry.