Yes, I've noticed a lack of coverage of amateur radio, and coverage in general. It's almost like "oh, this was a really bad storm". The whole no electricity is a big thing in central florida. Funny people complaining like its their right to have electricity "Oh my, its so hot". Yeah, this is Florida. I really don't know how bad it is, because here in Brevard (think Cape canaveral) only the northern part of our county got hit, and I haven't gone sightseeing. One thing that would make me happy with the news if they would latch onto the real ability to get people prepared for next time. Perhaps they can start telling people to be prepared the next time. (I'm going to go send out a few emails on this.). There is plenty someone can do ahead of time, and doesn't take that much money.

On the note of ARES, Brevard County's BEARS (Brevard Emergency Amateur Radio Services) has sent their COMM 3 vehicle over, and this weekend I will be going along on our COMM2 vehicle for an expected 3 day deployment. We are scheduled to go to Charlotte County, the hardest hit. This area is still a "disaster" area, but things are getting somewhat back to normal.

I'll let everyone here know my experience, and things I did do, or would do differently next time. I don't have much experience on going camping, and that is what this is going to be. I have to take my own water, toiletries, and food, just in case. 4 days worth. I'll see how this works out. Of course, you'll all have to wait to hear my story after I get back. If you want to send a message to me there, maybe you can try the NTS and _maybe_ I'll get it (Our BEARS unit operates under the K4EOC callsign). I have no idea how this is all going to work out.