I hope and pray that all of you and your families remain safe and get through this as best we can all hope.

I've lived in South Louisiana most of my life. Hurricanes suck. I've run from some. I've stayed and suffered through others. But about 5 years ago I decided to ride one out (I believe it was Isaac) and the eyewall passed right over my house. Absolutely terrifying, and that was just a Category 1 storm. I will never stay again.
 
So everyone who is in the path of Irma or who has loved ones there (my parents are in Sarasota), you are in my prayers and I wish you the best of luck.
 

It's looking West but could go back and forth. The fact that it was and could still go straight up the peninsula is a one in a hundred but here we are.

We did just get the boards up on windows etc, all the usual a bit ago. We don't have to get plywood anymore... I still use what we got for first hurricane here, 15 yrs ago.

When we had three in a row, in one week, several years ago I still remember telling my wife as we looked out of the living room..."don't worry Sweetie.... there's no way the third one will hit us too.
😉Famous last words.....it came right over I-4.
So you never know..
Best wishes and stay safe.

HelRazor
I am very close to Orlando and we're bracing for it.  I feel especially bad for the people who live in the Keys and Southern FL.  This is not a storm to take lightly.  

Hang in there. I'm in Orlando...