I love me a hurricane.
I'm not talking "gosh, the sound of the rain is pretty" but more "Yay! Hurricane Hermine!" and before you say it, yes, I know hurricanes kill people and no, that doesn't mean I'm looking forward to anyone dying these next few days. But it's how I'm built: show me a good banana wind and I'm in heaven. Best aphrodisiac in the world for me, thunder and wind.
It's Thursday night and we — the dogs, the man I call El Cap, and one ballsy-ass cat — moved onto the screen porch as Hermine's most recent band came through. Our bamboo and palm trees can take it; they're Florida tough. We're actually getting two old and dying oak trees removed tomorrow — apparently Yutzy Tree Service is pretty damn tough, too. I sit on the board of the Gulfport Historical Society, and we booked Craig Pittman to come out Friday night to speak about his new book, Oh, Florida!; Craig asked me yesterday if we wanted to reschedule. He didn't want to cancel, but he did want to check.
"Hell, no," the board told me when I asked. "We'll bring more alcohol and make it a hurricane porch party."
Florida tough.
By the time you read this, most likely this delicious bits of rain and wind will have made their way too far north to bring me any joy. So, in its honor — and mine — let's all get out there and weekend like we're a Cat One moving across the Gulf.
Friday
Gulfport Historical Society's Hurricane (after) Watch Party with Craig Pittman. Ain't no party like a hurricane after watch party….
Manatees on the Bay has a grand opening with a free buffet and free champagne (seriously, Gulfport knows how to party)
White Linen Nights in DTSP, because when the hurricanes start to target the Gulf coast, you know summer's almost over.
Saturday
Geckofest because, in truth, rain and hurricanes have never — never — shut it down. Not even 2004. #Respect.
Summer of Rum. Wait, isn't that every summer?
Sunday
Empty the WaterGoat It's a post-storm thing.
All-day happy hour at Sea Dog Brewing Company.
Monday
Labor Day Singles at St. Pete Shuffle
SHINE Opening Party along the Creative Block.
Labor Day Poolside Concert with Geri X. Hey, the rain has stopped.
This article appears in Sep 1-8, 2016.