Florida counties begin to feel tropical storm impacts

MANASOTA KEY, Fla. – Homes along the coast are bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Hermine.

The area is especially susceptible to beach erosion and several property owners have dealt with property damage. Following Tropical Storm Colin, some homeowners took matters into their own hands by getting a temporary permit to build a seawall.

“We went ahead because we were fearful of the potential damage of impending storms and we went ahead and installed the seawall. It just got finished last week,” said homeowner Bob Seitz.

Homeowners will have to foot the costs for other protective measures against storms like sandbags because Charlotte County officials say their hands are tied until the state approves a beach renourishment project. That decision may come some time next year.

Sandbags line the homes of residents just north of Tampa on the low-lying island of Cedar Key where flooding is a serious concern. People there have stocked up on water, flashlights, candles and nonperishable foods.

“We worry, of course, just like everybody but we also knowing living on an island surrounding by water that these things can happen,” said Judy Davis.

Her husband, Mike Davis, added: “You never know what’s going to happen because it’s so unpredictable, especially one like this.”

Islanders in Cedak Key were expected to be hit the hardest, but the storm’s path shifted late Wednesday evening.

Still, they are preparing for the impacts of Tropical Storm Hermine by putting out sandbags, using their hurricane shutters and staying indoors until the worst of the storm has passed.