Wondering about impact of Harvey and Irma

[Thunder_Mountai]

For the first time I had toyed with the idea of snowbirding on the Texas coast or south Florida. Needless to say we did a 180.

So, I called to make reservations in one of our usual AZ winter parks. Glad we called. The area we like is usually wide open in December. Had a heck of a time finding an acceptable spot. Reservationist said they were really filling up early.

That got me to wondering about the impact of the two hurricanes on snowbirds in Texas and Florida. I did do a check using rvparkreviews.com on areas around Rock Port, Corpus, the Keys and up the west coast of Florida. In the Keys I did a rough count of maybe 1,500 sites. Didn't try to do a count around Rock Port and CC but must be in the thousands. I just gave up. I know there is a full two months before peak season. Lots of work can be done and marginally damaged parks reopened, but...

My question is for those of you in snowbird in the affected areas. What can you report about what you know about your favorite parks?

Good thoughts to all of you who have been affected.

[TomG2]

The park in the RGV (Rio Grande Valley of Texas) where I stay has had a little extra interest so far, but there are over four hundred more parks with plenty of space. The RGV is not Florida or Arizona but you can't beat the price and temperatures are often as high as either of them. World Birding Center for those interested and all other amenities for the rest of us. Zero storm damage.

[Dutch_12078]

All Florida State Parks are still closed to camping according to the Park Service website, although a fair number are open for day use only. I understand quite a few are mainly waiting on power to be restored so they can bring their water and sewer systems back online before they'll allow camping again.

Storm Information | Florida State Parks

[Chuck_thehammer]

South Texas was not hit.. or even got much rain... so Ready to go.

wife talked to a full time retiree last week that lives there 365...

[Johno02]

What's wrong with slamming AZ?? Its just their turn this week. Wait till I get started good..

[tomman58]

We stay at a wonderful RV park in Umatilla Fl. It is owned by an ex-military man that is also a builder. The park suffered a hit from a tornado during the hurricane. Many units were ruined and many others suffered damage, The park has many oak trees that had limbs broken. Some water and electric will take 3 weeks to repair. Sounds terrible doesn't it? Don't worry this park is a survivor and I expect when we show up in the first week of December we will see a wounded park but also one that is recovering quickly do to the efforts of a great park manager and a super staff. As for the owner , his park will be back and back in spades he wouldn't have it any other way. Good luck to those affected by these disasters.

[Me_Again]

pawatt wrote:
Warmer, friendlier and greener than AZ.

I will give you greener! Chris

[Me_Again]

Thunder Mountain wrote:
Unfortunately, I was looking at the Keys area. Guess I'll take a look at it next year.

You going to be at Canyon Vistas this winter? Chris

[phillyg]

My best guess is it will be months before the Keys will be available. Perhaps better around Naples and Ft Myers.

[SusanDallas]

South Padre island was unaffected by hurricane Harvey. Go down to Port Isabel. It is fabulous down there and I prefer it over the Corpus Christi area. There are a lot of really nice RV parks right on on the beach. You can also book day trips down to Mexico for shopping and seeing the sights. Warning, I would advise not to go down into Mexico by yourselves. It is not safe. The last time I went to the market with a male friend, we did not feel safe. With a tourist group, you would be fine and you can do your Christmas shopping and save a bundle.

[rr2254545]

azdryheat wrote:

pawatt wrote:
The 400 parks of the Rio Grande Valley were untouched by the hurricane and flooding. Come see what you are missing. Warmer, friendlier and greener than AZ.

You're a moderator and you just slammed AZ and the people of AZ? Not a good thing to do; looks bad on your part. I've always been a strong supporter of TX and we vacation in TX. I would never talk down TX to build up AZ. Thanks for nothing, moderator.

Do not agree that's not a slam just stated the facts

[DiskDoctr]

Ralph Cramden wrote:

That's slamming? LOL:S

HAHAHA! That's a good one!

Maybe it's snowing in AZ, 😛 😉

[Ralph_Cramden]

azdryheat wrote:

pawatt wrote:
The 400 parks of the Rio Grande Valley were untouched by the hurricane and flooding. Come see what you are missing. Warmer, friendlier and greener than AZ.

You're a moderator and you just slammed AZ and the people of AZ? Not a good thing to do; looks bad on your part. I've always been a strong supporter of TX and we vacation in TX. I would never talk down TX to build up AZ. Thanks for nothing, moderator.

That's slamming? LOL:S

[Thunder_Mountai]

Unfortunately, I was looking at the Keys area. Guess I'll take a look at it next year.

[Dog_Trainer]

Central Fl. dodged the bullet of the big winds that were expected. We spend winter s at Williston Crossings RV resort and we had minimal damage. I would expect this area to be full this winter as those areas hardest hit will be rebuilding for some time.

[Ivylog]

In Florida you can forget the Keys and the Ft Myers area...yes many parks will be open with some of the buildings repaired, but it will still look like a bomb went off destroying the trees. I would be concerned for any parks from Ft Laud south and Sarasota south and possibly the Sebring area. The rest for Fla faired just fine although flooding on the ST Johns and Suwannee rivers could impact some parks. In the past I did not say you needed reservations in central and northern Fla, but this winter you better get them.

Overall I would say Fla lucked out. Those in the Keys and Marco Island/Naples/Ft Myers would disagree with that statement as they were hit hard with 130+ mph winds. Of all the possible tracks, coming in at Marco Island (SW Fla) and continuing north over land was the best track resulting in less storm surge and quicker dissipation of hurricane force winds.

Fortunately VIR in WPB where I spend the winter only had moderate damage to the foliage without trees coming down and none of the RVs damaged or moved.