Just woke up on this early Labor Day. Still a little wind and very light rain, but Frances has almost left Polk County. Actually, while Frances was a much longer storm to deal with because of it's slow movement, compared to Charley three weeks ago the amount of damage caused was much less. For those who live outside the area, the Lakeland Ledger included in today's edition a town-by-town summary of Frances' effect on the area.

Thankfully, today is a holiday, so people will be mainly concentrating on cleaning up their yards with all the limbs and other debris that may have blown around from the wind. Our maintainence crew here at the apartment complex will be busy this week, as a number of shingles came off several buildings. The new owner of the complex just had new shingles/some roof repairs done earlier this year along with other improvements.

Of course, some people and businesses in our area did not come out as fortunate. The Winter Haven Police training centre had it's roof ripped off and had two inches of water inside as of last evening. Please keep our friends/neighbours in your thoughts and prayers. Better yet, help support these organizations; they are always there when needed, and have been there over the past three weeks for Charley and now for Frances. These groups need and deserve your support:

AMERICAN RED CROSS: To make a donation - (800) 435-7669 To check on the welfare of a family member - (866) 438-4636

THE SALVATION ARMY: (800) 725-2769

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FLORIDA CONFERENCE: They do not have a toll free number to make donations, but you can click on the link to do so online, or mail to
Florida Conference Storm Recovery Fund, Post Office Box 3767, Lakeland, FL 33802-3767

CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA: (800) 919-9338

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION DISASTER RELIEF/NORTH AMERICAN MISSION BOARD: No toll free number, but their mailing address is Post Office Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543.