Tropical Storm Debby Was a Real Downer in Punta Gorda, Florida

Tropical Storm Debby Visited Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda, Fla.
Tropical Storm Debby Visited Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Between the raindrops and wind bands, I’ve been moving from my apartment to new home for the past week. Tropical Storm Debby hasn’t made it easy and caused me to cancel a Central Florida appointment Monday evening. *sigh* Here in Southwest Florida, looks like Debby’s deluge dumped much of its wrath on the City of Punta Gorda in the form of flooding.

Olympia Ave. Had Police Guidance
Olympia Ave. Had Police Guidance

Oh, wait. Don’t be afraid. Here in Florida we’re pretty hearty when it comes to weathering tropical systems. Punta Gorda quickly rebounded following 2004’s weather malfunction (aka: Hurricane Charley).

I took a quick drive through downtown Punta Gorda yesterday to see what exactly had happened. The sun was shining which didn’t make things seem so bad. Actually, they aren’t that bad and businesses are open. Several Punta Gorda streets have turned into canals and are closed but it’s still navigable. Charlotte Harbor’s high tides haven’t helped things. (Here’s a release from the City of Punta Gorda listing street closings.)

TV Reporter Finding the Wettest Section for His Story
TV Reporter Finding the Wettest Section for His Story

As for my new digs, I’m in a 500-year flood zone and my home is on a little hill. Fingers are crossed it’s not time for that 500-year flood.

Chasteen is One of the Punta Gorda Roads Closed
Chasteen is One of the Punta Gorda Roads Closed

I’m hoping to return to a normal living groove by this weekend.

How are you holding up with Tropical Storm Debby?

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Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

That's me, Solo Travel Girl, swimming in Weeki Wachee Springs. Photo: Tammy Middleton/Studios Middleton
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