One thing that sickens me more than anything during a tragedy such as a hurricane is to see predators who don't think twice about taking advantage of the situation to make an extra buck from those who may have lost their homes, jobs, and in some cases, loved ones. Businesses who jack up their prices during this time should be hit with the full force of the law, and people should remember these people and spread the word about their crappy business practices.

The State Attorney General's office has filed civil charges against a Days Inn in West Palm Beach and the Crossroads Motor Inn in Lakeland (just up U.S. 98 from where I live) for price gouging, hiking up the room rates to evacuees as much as $20 a night. Listening to an Orlando radio station yesterday, I heard reports of gas stations in that area who were selling fuel for $1.78 before the storm; in one case reportedly $2.09 now.

And of course we can't forget about the unlicensed contractors who charge exhorbant prices for poor quality work, and people soliciting contributions saying it will go toward relief efforts when it will only go into their pockets for another six pack.

There will be a special place in Hell for people such as these.