August 25, 2005 at 6:30pm Hurricane Katrina Hits Lauderdale by the Sea

11 people killed in southern Florida as category 1 Katrina slams the areas north of Miami.

Capt Bill observes pre-Katrina as the LBS pier starts to take a pounding 12:20pm

Police come to the beach to alert and order surfers out of the water 12:45pm

Local Channel 23 New Team arrives to report as Katrina nears LBS coast 1:20pm

Report braces against sustained winds as they continue to build 50 mph 2:30pm

3:30pm The winds are intense trees, signs, fences begin to fall and come apart, sustained winds to 70 mph with higher gusts

View from Village Pump Grill toward Aruba Cafe and pier.

4:30 pm Leaning back into the 75-80 mph sustained winds on the Aruba Cafe patio the eye wall due to come ashore at 6:30pm

5:15pm Local power went out at about 4:00pm Capt. Bill gets sand blasted as Frank hangs on for life

Well something had to give, and it was a section of roof from the Aruba Cafe as it exploded off in a gust

News reports wind meter had winds 75-90 mph with gusts to 100 mph.

5:30pm Frank and I retreat back to the Village Pump as the eye-wall approaches LBS

coconuts, signs, air conditioning unit panels, tree branches and other debris is flying all around.

Arnie lights up some candles and the party continues.

6:00 pm, Frank and I have some of the last cold beer nothing like a Heniken with a Hurricane

6:30 the eye wall is upon us and the wind is incredible

The Village Pump Hurricane party continues to about 10:00pm

Dave, manager of the Village Pump Grill and wife, shelter behind the corner of the Village Pump Grill as Katrina comes ashore.

Where is Tommy Tunes you say? During all this historic action?

Like heck you say.

No power, No ice, No air-conditioning, No stores open, No Diving, Lobsters had to be cooked on gas out side grill

4 nights of sleeping in my air conditioned car, apartment was to hot and humid.

We look forward to next Augusts Lobster Hunt and Party

Oh ya but we did get to have a Hurricane Party or one of us did :)