Hurricane Ian affects snowbirds, travel agency for vacation plans

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As Hurricane Ian did on Wednesday, it’s affecting those at home like snowbirds and those planning their vacations.

“It’s scary for people who need to be there at this time,” said Connie Sheppard of Cadillac.

Ice cubeConnie and her husband Tom are glued to the television as they watch Hurricane Ian make its way.

“They’re showing 25 mph winds at Sebring right now, and that’s 20 to 30 miles south of us,” Tom said.

While the Shepards spend their summers in Cadillac, they spend their summers at their home in Central Florida.

“We have a modular home and we’re in a small park with 160 homes,” Connie said. “We’ve been here for 22 years.”

But this is not the first storm they have faced. In the year In 2004, Hurricane Charlie and Jane damaged their home.

“The last one we went through was 130 mph winds, and we had very little damage,” Tom said. “I fixed it myself.”

They are concerned about their neighbors in Florida.

“You hope you’re not hurt, you hope your friends aren’t hurt or anything, there’s no destruction,” Connie said.

Travel is on hold for the time being – but what the next couple of months will look like is the question for travel agencies.

Travel Smart with Jessica Pangbourne of Jays Travel Agency: “You’re definitely looking at bookings not as much in November, but you’re definitely looking at Christmas time. “I’m sure travel will definitely have an impact on Christmas trips.”

Pangborn, outside Mesick, said the tourist industry in Florida continues to be positive at this time.

“Universal, Disney, they’re looking at reopening on Friday,” Pangborn said. I know they have to assess that damage when the storm passes.

For those currently stranded in Florida, Pangborn said working through a travel agency can help find shelter during the storm.

“We always have a ‘Plan B’ and are always looking at the weather and events that may affect travel and experiences,” she said.



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