[lieqiang]

We thought we had this storm timed pretty well but we done messed up so have to check out of our hotel here in Gainesville tomorrow when the storm is passing through. We have a reservation Friday night in St. Pete.

I'm considering two options:

1. The west coast option. Leave early in the morning tomorrow before storm is at peak, head to west coast of Florida on 24, then hug the coast going south on 98/19. This should keep up farthest away from the storm as it goes by, and if we leave early enough could get out while the storm is still farther south.

2. The flee option. Head north to stay Friday night in Tallahassee or Valdosta (assuming can find a room) then go south on Saturday after the storm has passed. This would suck because we'd eat the cost of the room Friday night in St. Petersburg.

Curious if anyone has any advice on above? Option #1 makes me a bit nervous because I don't know much about highway 98 or 19, surely they wouldn't be nice big 3 lane interstate like I-75 but since on west coast I figure maybe less wind/rain/debris.

[LifeIsGood01]

The storm will not come near St Pete, you will be fine. It most likely won't even make landfall on the east coast of Florida, they will just be affected by the outer bands of winds and rain.

[Icemodeled]

I would personally choose going to st Pete, for the convenience and to not loose out on the cost of the hotel room. Unless it takes a drastic turn, st Pete shouldn't be effected - except maybe some rain and breezy.

[lieqiang]

Will do, thanks!