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In 2004 Hurricane Charley came ashore at Punta Gorda which is about 120 miles from Altamonte Springs, where we are until we can get up to North Carolina. Charley moved quickly, hit us with winds of about 100 mph and left the state at the Daytona Beach area still a hurricane. Lots of tree and roof damage all along his path. Frances and Jeanne came into FL from the east around Stuart FL, which is about 110 miles from Altamonte. We still got winds of 60-70 mph from both, and they crossed the state south of us. So being inland can protect you from the worst, but you still need to be prepared.
As far as the odds of a major hurricane hitting any specific area in any given year? Well, My family moved to Vero Beach Fl, on the east coast in 1958. During the 46 years to 2004 (and for many previous years), no major hurricane hit in the area. Then in 2004, both Frances and Jeanne came ashore with 100mph+ winds in almost the same exact spot within three weeks. Frances heavily damaged my sister's house and Jeanne finished it off.
So you never know. You prepare the best you can, watch the weather reports from June to November and go on with your life.
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