We had heard from Brad at Sunjammers (Panama Beach, Florida) yesterday. He had just visited Kirk delivering water and fuel to him. THANKS BRAD!
Today Kirk called me. They are all fine. He wanted me to report that to everyone.
Kirk says they had weathered the storm at his old house in Gulf Breeze (now his daughters place). It is on high ground. Says he slept right through the storm alongside his little daughter Christi. They have power and gas, so their immediate conditions are pretty good. He says the damage to the area is intense. He figures that maybe only 3-5 percent of the buildings have as little as moderate damage in an area approx. 30 west to 20 miles east. The rest are really bad. His house on Pensacola Beach was flooded to 5 feet deep inside the first floor. The upstairs is fine.
As previously reported, they had a storm surge of about 40 feet! Sawyer's house, two blocks in from the beach at Gulf Breeze, was completely destroyed. Apparently he was riding out the storm at home and had to swim out at about 1 AM! Kirk also reported that local sailor, Kevin Rejda had stayed home. His house in Oriel Beach was destroyed as well. They weathered the storm inside a cabinet wearing life jackets!
He had just been out to the island to see the store and the devastation. The store is standing. He will forward some pictures as soon as he can get back on-line. The store just needs power, water and some walls. They had removed most of the inventory before leaving. They lost some parts and kayaks, but recovered a couple of the Hobie Kayaks down the beach. One was about three miles away and completely intact with all of the parts in the shipping package. He gives kudos to the kayak packing department. Says a Hobie Banner was still hanging on the wall in the store! He says he hopes to have his website back up and running in about a week or so. At that time he can determine when he will be able to operate as a store once again. Says he will be back in full operation by the spring.
