It's a way to help our own and those who come here in need. If we're not capable of responding at a local level, we can't help anybody else.

246

A worst-case evacuation tells us 487,000 people in Hillsborough County alone would have to seek shelter. Out of Pinellas County, 550,000 people. Between the two counties ... we'd put a million people on the road. Those pictures we saw of New Orleans, we're looking at Tampa.

225

This is knee-jerk, because of Katrina. It is unnecessary. We do this once or twice a year because of hurricanes. Some parts of the country never had these problems, or don't have any plans. Our plans are well-tested, well-refined.

165

Last year, we just got brushed by two tropical storms [what was left of Frances and Jeanne], and we had people lose power from six to 10 days.

151

They were all built from 1920 to yesterday, and you can only assume that most of the buildings were built in compliance with the Florida building code. Most were built to withstand 100 mph winds.

149

We have a limited amount of resources, so we do need to maximize where they go. So we will gladly participate with the city and plan for those efforts. We love all 1.1 million of those people out there.

121

Life could be very, very different if we get hit by a major hurricane.

120

It's already happening. You can't find a hotel room along I-75 and 275.

116