Weather in Southwest Florida...

Despite much hype and media coverage, Tropical Storm Ernesto rolled into Marco Island as a heavier than normal breeze and intermittent rain showers. Quite frankly, we've have worst thunderstorms then this. Yet, the news media seemed poised to sensationalize the havoc that these storms will reap in their path. It's true that we have seen two of the most devastating seasons in history in the last two years. Fortunately, the only damage from this storm was sustained to my back from preparing my home from a storm that didn't materialize. Thank you TWC.

Looking back though, these bad seasons seem to be cyclical in nature which leads me to believe that we are in a cycle and that we will see improvement, if not already, in the weather patterns to come. I've spoken with many long time residents of Marco Island about their past experiences with storms on the island and the concensus was that there were only a handful of times in the last 20-25 years that they could recall having to leave the island because of an impending storm.

I know its better to be safe than sorry but do you think that the media, as well as the weather experts, could be a bit less dramatic about these storms. Weather experts first predicted another catastrophic season only to have to downgrade it because no storms showed up. Part of the reason we have so many properties on the market is because of the anxiety that is instilled by weather experts and news media who continuously bombard us with reports, projections and speculation of our impending doom. In a community of retirees, the added stress is not received well. All it does is make homeowners fearful and detour those that are thinking about buying their place in paradise.

Those who choose to live in Florida know that there is always a danger of tropical storms and hurricanes. It is the price we pay to live in one of the country's most sought after paradises. In the wake of highly publicized tropical storm Ernesto, I ask you to keep in perspective that the media tends to overplay the severity of these storms because it makes for provocative NEWS. Remember, their job is to keep you tuned into their channel.