Florida’s Favorite Summer Sport: Tracking Storms from the Patio
There’s a certain rhythm to summer in Florida: sunshine, afternoon showers, and the annual habit of checking the tropics just one more time. 2025 gave us a quiet hurricane season, and we were all grateful. Now, the 2026 season officially began June 1st, and the Weather Channel is already buzzing—along with local news, social media, and just about every conversation you overhear at the grocery store. The big question always seems to be: will it be mild again, will the El Nino pattern help again this year or are we in for something more active?
Either way, a little preparation goes a long way.
We like to share a few simple hurricane-season reminders that help keep things calm before the storm:
Water:
The general recommendation is one gallon of water per person per day. Personally, I plan for about six days without power. That means Ray and I keep at least 12 gallons on hand. Don’t forget non-potable water for washing hands, flushing, and cleaning. And no—you don’t need to buy out the grocery store water aisle. You can use what you already have: clean water pitchers, unused vases, or saved juice bottles. You can also fill your bathtub for a non-potable water source if needed.
Before a storm is near:
Do your laundry, tidy up, and clean your home. Once the power goes out, you’ll be very glad you took care of it ahead of time.
Shutters:
Do you know where your wing nuts and screws are? There’s always that moment when no one wants to be the first to put shutters up… but you also don’t want to be the last one doing it in peak humidity with a storm approaching.
Food:
Pop-Tarts are fun—but they’re not a plan. A steady diet of sugar, carbs, and adrenaline works great for about 12 minutes, unless you’re actually 12. Think more along the lines of nuts, canned beans, and jerky (if you haven’t tried Detwiler’s jerky, it’s excellent—arguably better than Buc-ee’s). And once the storm passes, you can always cook on the grill. Soups are also a solid option.
A camp coffee pot is a must-have. It takes a while to percolate, but when you need coffee, you need coffee.
I also keep the freezer fairly low during hurricane season. If a storm is coming, I’ll cook down what’s in there so we have ready-to-go frozen meals afterward.
And yes—make ice. Not for cocktails during the storm (well… maybe), but mainly for coolers to preserve refrigerator items.
Cooling tip:
When a storm is approaching, turn your A/C down a bit cooler than usual. If the power goes out, you’ll appreciate the extra time before the house warms up.
A clever idea from a dog owner:
A small kiddie pool with sod placed inside—kept in the garage—creates a temporary “business station” for pets when conditions outside aren’t ideal.
Don’t forget the basics:
Batteries, working flashlights, and battery-operated candles for each room make a big difference when the lights go out.
It’s also a good idea to video your home—inside and out—before a storm, just for insurance documentation.
Speaking of insurance, take a moment now to review your policy. Make sure you understand your coverage, deductible, and who to contact. These are the “peace of mind” details that matter most when you need them.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is having a plan and being prepared. That’s what we can control. What we can’t control is Mother Nature.
I’d love to hear your favorite hurricane prep hacks—there’s always something new to learn from neighbors and friends.
Let’s create a hurricane party playlist, these songs came to mind:
"Rock You Like a Hurricane" by Scorpions (1984), "Hurricane" by Luke Combs (2016):, "Like a Hurricane" by Neil Young (1977), "Hurricane" by Bridgit Mendler (2012), "Beautiful Hurricane" by Tim McGraw (2023)
But of couse someone did create a hurricane playlist, check it out. The playlist will make you smile: Hurricane Playlist
Here is a checklist. If you would like a pdf of the list let me know and I will email you a copy.
Stats and Data Time
This month we're highlighting Rotonda West, one of those communities that tends to surprise people once they take a closer look.
If you'd like a deeper dive into the area, be sure to check out the blog I recently wrote about Rotonda West. Click here to read it.
“Mary, what makes Rotonda West appealing?"
For starters, it offers a Florida lifestyle that many buyers are looking for. There are multiple golf courses woven throughout the community, miles of nature trails, and you're just a few miles from Gulf beaches. When it's time to grab a bite, local favorites like Placida Grill, The Lighthouse, and South Beach are never far away.
Many homes sit on larger lots, giving homeowners a little more breathing room between neighbors. There are no CDD fees, and HOA fees are paid annually and are typically less than what many communities charge monthly. Residents also enjoy a bit more freedom when it comes to landscaping and outdoor living. Yes, there is still an Architectural Review Committee, but the process tends to be more flexible than in many newer communities. Some sections of Rotonda West even allow boats and RVs to be parked in the driveway.
Now let's talk about the market.
Looking strictly at resale pool homes, there are currently 82 homes available, ranging from approximately $225,000 to $800,000. Home ages vary from the 1970s to new construction, with a median price per square foot of $234 for resale homes.
There are also 22 reslae pool homes currently under contract, ranging from $329,000 to $675,000, with a median price per square foot of $211.
"But Mary, are homes actually selling?"
I'm glad you asked.
Around the start of Season, roughly the 30-day period around New Year's, there were 10 closed sales. Those homes sold between $290,000 and $543,000, with a median price per square foot of $206.
Fast forward to the most recent 30 days, and activity has increased. Twenty-three homes closed during that period, with sale prices ranging from $210,000 to $610,000 and a median price per square foot of $214.
"That's nice, Mary, but what if I want new construction?"
Rotonda West has beautiful new constuction homes.
There are currently 20 new-construction pool homes on the market, ranging from $479,000 to $700,000. Most are between 1,700 and 2,300 square feet. In the past 30 days, two new-construction pool homes closed at $525,000 and $655,000.
"Mary, I heard everything is in a flood zone."
No and Not exactly.
Many newer homes are built above the current flood plain requirements. Depending on the property and whether you have a mortgage, flood insurance may still be required. However, many owners of newer homes find their flood insurance premiums to be quite reasonable. And honestly, living in Florida, flood insurance is worth considering regardless of your flood zone designation.
As always, if you're curious about a specific section of Rotonda West, wondering what your home might be worth, or considering a move to the area, just reach out. I always enjoy talking real estate.
Check out these homes in Rotonda West:
New Construction with a pool
196 Jennifer, NEW construction with 4 beds and room for a pool
This picture made me laugh! Florida life does have its own language.
Hope your summer is filled with sunshine and great memory making times! Thanks for reading! & We hope you will share us with your friends and family!
Mary & Ray
