![]() ![]() "It's hard to describe seeing an entire community flat," Bush said after flying over the area. Hurricane Charley turned much of the town into ruins. (Left to Right) Maria Yetman, 56, and Roy Bilhardt, 62, sit amongst the rubble that was their mobile home at the Palmetto Mobile Home Park in Port Charlotte.Ībout 15,000 people called Punta Gorda home, many of them living in manufactured homes or mobile homes because they cost a fraction of a conventional home near the water in Florida. ![]() Those needing assistance can call toll-free 1-80. They are bringing ice, water, generators and rescue teams. About 175 federal officials were on the ground in various parts of Florida and that number, too, will grow daily. About 800 state law enforcement officers and 2,000 National Guard members were sent into various areas to support local law enforcement. Throughout the day, help flooded into areas hit by Charley. He said he does not believe Charley will have the same effect on the insurance industry that Andrew had because of changes in insurance law. He said Citizens Property Insurance, the state fund, has enough cash on hand to pay the losses. Insured losses were estimated at $11-billion by Tom Gallagher, the state's chief financial officer, making Charley the second-costliest hurricane in history behind Andrew's $26.5-billion. The Chalifouxs plan on using the gun if needed to protect their Port Charlotte home from looters. He called Punta Gorda "ground zero."Ī Beretta 380 handgun sits next to the bed of John Chalifoux and Bonnie Chalifoux. Jeb Bush said after touring the hardest-hit areas. Hurricane Charley's stunning swath of destruction through Florida's midsection became clearer Saturday as federal and state officials began a widespread relief effort. Property damage in the billions and spiraling upward. Thousands homeless and millions without power or water. What follows is the text of the original story, interspersed with photos taken by Times staff photographers.īy Chase Squires Leanora Minai Lucy Morgan David BallingrudĭEATH: "Significant loss of life' feared as rescuers and cadaver dogs prepare to comb through debris.ĭAMAGE: Insured losses estimated at $11-billion, thousands homeless and 1.1-million without power.Īt least 13 dead. This story appeared in the pages of the St. The mobile home was located along a rural stretch of US Highway 17, approximately six miles north of Punta Gorda. A family Bible rests in a tree after it was thrown from a mobile home that was destroyed by Hurricane Charley. ![]()
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