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Fla. Keys Unfazed by Fay

Residents dismiss storm that scares off tourists

By Neal Colgrass, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2008 6:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – Tropical Storm Fay has scared off tourists but left laid-back Florida Key residents unconcerned, the AP reports. "We're not worried about it. We've seen this movie before," said one Floridian who was stocking up on food and whiskey today. The storm that killed at least eight in Haiti and the Dominican Republic did lash the Keys today, and will likely hit the mainland at hurricane strength tomorrow.

Florida does have protection: 400,000 of its homes have been inspected for storm resistance, and the National Guard is ready with nearly 300 supply trucks. But "this is not the type of storm that's going to rip off a lot of roofs," one official said. Still, he's "seen many people die" in storms that "they dismiss as not being very dangerous."

[Images (5)]

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Cliff Fischer holds on to his boogie board during tropical storm Fay's winds in Big Pine Key, Fla., Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, as Tropical Storm Fay approaches the Florida Keys. (AP Photo)

People stand along the "Malecon", or sea walk, as strong wind gusts caused by Tropical Storm Fay create waves in Havana, Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. (AP Photo)

A pedestrian walks down Duval Street Monday, Aug. 18, 2008 in Key West, Fla. (AP Photo)

An unidentified couple walk in the rain as Tropical Storm Fay approaches the Florida Keys in Big Pine Key, Fla., Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. (AP Photo)

Map shows the location and projected path of Tropical Storm Fay. (AP Photo)

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"There are bad storms and there are nice ones, and this is a nice one. It cleans out all the trees, it gives people a little work to do and it gets the tourists out of here for a few days. - Becky Weldon, guest house manager in Key West

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Fla. Keys Unfazed by Fay