Tropical Storm Fay

Tropical Storm Fay was a tropical storm and the sixth named storm of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season. As it zigzagged from water to land, it became the first storm in recorded history to make landfall in Florida four times. Thirty-six deaths were blamed on Fay. Damage from Fay was heavy, estimated at $560 million.


During seven days in Florida, August 18–24, 2008, eleven people died and thousands of homes plus roads were damaged, from 60 mph (97 km/h) winds and rain waters up to 5 feet (1.5 m) deep. Native wildlife, including alligators, were seen in flooded neighborhoods after high water forced them from their habitat. Making initial landfall in the Florida Keys and coming ashore again in the Naples area, Fay then crossed the state and exited near New Smyrna Beach, coming onshore again near St. Augustine and Jacksonville, crossing the Panhandle and finally leaving the Pensacola area into Alabama, early on August 24.

Fay was positioned just off the coast from Jacksonville for two days (8/21 and 8/22). Schools were closed and grocery stores were sold out of water as people hunkered down in their homes. What did the Kain's do to pass the time? Load up the family Sienna and head directly to the ocean between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

Growing up in the midwest, I was always jealous of the TV reporters that would be reporting from the beach during hurricanes. As storms approach or even pass by, the ocean turns violent as the wind and rain swirl, making the beach the place I want to visit. Ever since Kellisa was a baby, she has enjoyed the beach, especially the ocean breeze in her face. It was only natural to assume that she would enjoy a tropical storm out in the elements. Lisa was a willing participant, but stayed high and dry in the van. Not surprisingly, we were the only two people outside at what would otherwise be a popular beach spot on a Thursday afternoon in August.