Is it time to surrender Florida to the Sea?

Fla. Urges New Evacuations As Ivan Nears

Tourists and residents were told Thursday to leave the Florida Keys to avoid mighty Hurricane Ivan, even as Floridians still struggled with the destruction and misery left by Hurricanes Frances and Charley.

Forecasters said Ivan, which strengthened early Thursday to 160 mph, could reach the island chain as early as Sunday, making it the third hurricane to hit Florida in a month.


Charley struck southwest Florida on Aug. 13 with wind of 145 mph, causing an estimated $6.8 billion in damage and 27 deaths. Frances hit the state's eastern coast early Sunday with 105 mph wind, leaving $2 billion to $4 billion in insured damage and at least 15 dead in the state.

It is time to re-think Florida. Even before the storms this year insurance companies were reducing their coverage in Florida. Many with manufactured homes were unable to get insurance. We can bet that an attempt will be made to establish a Federal Insurance program to fill the vacuum left by the exodus of private insurers. This should not happen. It may be time to surrender Florida to the sea.