Hurricane Frances
Alright, as a resident I’m obligated to chime in on the local news, subject being hurricane Frances. Hurricane Frances has a projected path to swoop into the east coast of Florida and sweep across to the west. While it’s entirely possible for the hurricane to change its course as we previously witnessed with Charley, it’s still worth being updated on its path. There’s no doubt that Frances is bound to cause serious damage wherever it lands.
I just read that the port of Tampa is closed and won’t be opening until Frances is gone, from what I’ve read this means that there will be no shipments of gasoline into the bay area until after the storm. I don’t know if this has been officially confirmed yet, but if it is, what gas is here is all there is until it’s reopened? Who knows, all I do know is that everyone who does have to refuel to be alert of price gouging. This happens around here EVERYTIME.
If by chance you feel you were a victim or have seen a store that is participating in price gouging you can call the state hotline at 1-800-646-0444 and report them. You can also visit www.800helpfla.com. Businesses that are found to be guilty of price gouging are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation, and up to $25,000 for multiple violations in a 24-hour period. This isn’t just limited to gas either; this includes food, water, etc.
Some interesting info on Hurricane Frances:
1. Frances is currently a category 4, with its winds being 145MPH
2. It’s REALLY FARKING BIG, twice the size of Charley, it’s been said that it’s larger than Texas?!
3. It’s diameter of destruction is equal to the distance from the southern tip of Florida to Altanta, GA.
4. 1 Million people have been evacuated thus far
6 Comments, Comment or Ping
Been thru a few hurricanes myself in Hawaii. Quite scary. I just remember the storm getting louder and Louder and LOUDER. Thought it would never stop until my ears burst.
Sep 2nd, 2004
I’ve lived in Florida for quite some time now but have yet to experience an actual hurricane.
They look so fierce from space.Looks like we’ll experience a category 1 storm by the time it hits across to our side of the coast.
Sep 3rd, 2004
Re: price gouging,
two things, first in an impending crisis many business owners are anxious to get their money invested in their inventory back since they know it can be destroyed or looted (and how often do you see anti-looting hotlines or more than a token amount of people arrested for looting)
2. It’s their property they are entitled to charge any price for it they want, if you have a problem with the price or can’t afford it, then don’t buy it. Eventually with the drop off of customers who remember their practices, they will stop or go out of business.
Sep 3rd, 2004
Oh! I forgot that during a hurricane people loot gas!
And this is seen how often?!
Sure, it is their property and they are entitled to charge whatever price they want.
However, when you charge $3 a gallon for gas, $4 a loaf of bread and $5 for a bottle of water prior and during a natural disaster, this is considered price gouging.
I’m sorry that you think price gouging is OK, but in reality Scott, it’s against the law. I didn’t make this law, I’m just stating it.
Sep 4th, 2004
where’s our IVAN update? GOT LIQUOR?
Sep 9th, 2004
Don’t fret, I’ve got your IVAN update coming. Got an extra liver?
Sep 10th, 2004
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