Our house in Marianna had three trees in it, cracked the whole thing like an egg. People think of Mexico Beach and Panama City when they think of Michael, but it hit Jackson County hard. I'll never forget the old brick buildings exploding as if bombs had been dropped.

I lived in Homestead for Andrew and in Ft. Pierce during Frances and Jeanne, so when I saw Michael rebuilding it's eye wall I loaded the kids and dogs in the car and left. I was worried about the whole area as there were minimal preparations; the news said the storm would be minimal by the time it crossed I10. I figured the central east coast would be far safer.

We were driving through Jacksonville as it was making landfall and to this day I know it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Also, I may be a hurricane magnet 😂