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August 15, 2004

Charley's Wrath

by Jane Smith


The Holiday Inn in Punta Gorda was in the eye of the storm


Last Friday it was Friday the 13th. It was also the day that Florida was faced with it's first hurricane of the season, Charley. Born a tropical depression, moved to a tropical storm and matured into a Category 4 hurricane with winds 145 miles per hour.

Charley was due to hit Tampa so Tampa, St. Pete were all evacuated and sent out of the area. The scared and running families went to Orlando where they should have been safe but Charley turned at the last minute and Orlando was now in the direct path of his rage.

What seems like days is only hours and Charley is gone. He left devastation wherever he touched and he touched many. Lives are lost, homes are gone, memories were blown away. What was once beautiful and lovely to look at is only a faded memory of the mind.

Racetracks have been damaged but they can be rebuilt. Lives cannot be replaced so easily. Many lost everything they had, all the photos, their old love letters, their memories and their hopes. But with the help of each of us, maybe we can help each other and make new dreams and hopes.

Florida is destined for hurricanes. We all know it but somehow we believe we are safe. None of us are safe, Charley proved that. But even when the chips are down and they are down for many, we can and will survive because we have each other.

It has been five years since Brevard County got a real scare from Hurricane Floyd. We were made to evacuate the Island and Alex was only 6 years old. All he remembers is having fun at a motel but Friday I saw fear in his eyes. That is something every parent never wants to see but something we must deal with here in Florida.

Charley was a lesson for all of us. Never take each other for granted, never take any hurricane lightly.


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  COMING EVENTS


Pit Stop
 FMCRA Race School Graduates ready for 2005 Mini Cup season Opener

 Schedule for January 8th at New Smyrna Speedway

 New Smyrna Speedway returns to racing action Jan. 8 with Riverfest 300

 Reminder for all Sunbelt - Super Late Model Drivers about SpeedFest

 Entries Are Coming In for USA International Speedway's 2005 SpeedFest

 Happy New Year from New Smyrna Speedway and Team FASCAR

 Pro Trucks and Quick Kids added to River Fest 300 at New Smyrna Speedway January 8th

 Team Cheetah Racing has Great 2004 Season

 CCS TO RACE SUNDAYS IN JANUARY; SPEEDWAY PREPARES FOR NEW YEARS RACING

 Rick Bristol announces sale of his race team to driver R.J. Arnone

 Big Improvements being made at Orlando SpeedWorld, Entries pouring in for 2005 Winternationals

 Charlotte County Speedway Announces December 31 and January 2005 Events Schedule

 Volusia Speedway Park Announces 2005 Race Week Schedule

 USA will host 2005 Speedfest January 27, 28, and 29

 USA Sprints 2004 Southern Thunder Tour Champion Andy Kelly

 Greg Kielma Turns Over Driver Duties To Joey Barnes

 Florida Mini Cup and Santa Clause bring holiday cheer to Shriner's Hospital

 USA Sprints Return to Charlotte County Speedway

 Last Race Night Buffet a Success

 New Smyrna Speedway Ends 2004 with Full Program

 Citrus Closes 2004 with 2 Day Winter Spectacular

 Final 2004 Race Set for Saturday Afternoon at Orlando SpeedWorld

 East Bay Raceway Park Gears up for 2004 Finale and 2005 Winter Nationals

 Drivers have FINAL Chance to Practice at SpeedWorld this Wednesday

 Final Race Night Buffet will honor area track and series champions

 Bobby Orr returns to New Smyrna Speedway

 SPEEDWAY TO SPONSOR NOISE FOR TOYS NOV. 27 AT TOYS-R-US

 Greenwood Chevolet to Sponsor first ever FASCAR Pro Truck race this Saturday at Columbia

 CHARLOTTE COUNTY SPEEDWAY REOPENS WITH DAVIDSON MEMORIAL

 FASCAR Pro Trucks debut this Saturday at Columbia Motorsports Park





 
 
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