Bob Carpenter, who
was WKNT radio news director in Kent before fleeing to Punta Gorda, Florida, smack-dab
in the middle of the Hurricane Ian landfall, gives an update on their experience:
“GREETINGS FROM
HELL! Yes, Kaye, Cruise and I survived. Lost many shingles on roof to Ian.
Neighbors put up tarp. We lost 11 trees and bamboo, and our lil’ garden oasis
is wiped out.
“Power is back after
9 days of generator noise. Still do not have Comcast or WiFi as cable ripped
from house. Cleaning up and hauling debris to street side continues thanks to
my chainsaw, rakes, garden buggy and pitchfork. About 30+ loads so far.
“Ian hit Sep. 28, we
were at the local Days Inn. Kaye’s Colitis/Diverticulosis went rampant and
she’s been in the hospital since last Wednesday; not sure when she will be
released. I had surgery on my left ear and neck just before Ian to remove Basel
Cell Carcenomas...the 28 stitches came out Friday.
“Our insurance man
is coming Oct. 18th so we can proceed. Cruise (the family dog) is glad to have
his backyard temporarily fixed after trees smashed two sections of chain link
fence.
“Sorry we haven’t
been able to communicate as towers went down and WiFi or phone work very
little. Thanks to all for your concerns about our safety...it is appreciated.
Don’t be offended if I cannot make replies.....hope we get out of this living
hell soon.
“THANK YOU! Carp,
Kaye and Cruise”
Punta Gorda was
declared part of the disaster area by federal authorities.
Bob,
who worked with Paula’s late husband, Jeff Tucker, as KSU
broadcasting students at WKSU and Kent’s WKNT.
He is
former executive director of the Punta Gorda Business Alliance and an
award-winning public information officer with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s
Office.
Bob
moved
to Maui, Hawaii in the mid-70s.
Paula
and I have had visits with Bob and wife Kaye, who have been married for 51
years, when we spent long winter months in The Villages, Florida.
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