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Hurricane Memories Stoke Fears

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The Associated Press

Published: September 7, 2008

MIAMI - For those who live in its path, hurricane season stirs up anxiety even before devastating winds and rains hit land.

And for Suzanne Bonner, that means the days of blissfully lying in bed and listening to the rain no longer exist. Instead, alarms sound at 5 a.m. so she can check the latest forecast. She turns to the Weather Channel instead of watching a tennis match. And the first spot on her speed dial is reserved for a contractor, not her husband.

While there's always a certain nonchalance among those who call islands and coastal lands their home, it is different for those who have lived through devastation - and fear that tragedy is again on its way.

"It's not until you go through a major hurricane like Andrew and you realize the severity of it and that it's not a joke," said Bonner, 62.

It was 1992's Hurricane Andrew that destroyed her dream home and changed her life. Then, 13 years later, Hurricane Wilma damaged it again.

It's a story heard all along the Gulf Coast.

It's toughest on those who have been through disaster before.

Lauren Bronleewe grew up in Tampa and always thought of hurricanes as holidays. Some of the best parties she attended in high school were when a storm was looming.

But when Hurricane Katrina struck three years ago, Bronleewe was in New Orleans, a student at Tulane University. It changed her viewpoint.

"I can guarantee that I'll never attend another hurricane party for the rest of my life," she said.

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