From Bruce Pratt

To all concerned: As we are getting inundated with telephone calls as a result of national news coverage of last night's tornado through Central Florida, I'm sending this update as a blanket email. Please help spread the news to others you know that also have concerns. Any important updates will come as they arise. 1) The Martin Street Corporate Office Complex was untouched. It is open today and in operation and the print shop is functioning as well. 2) The Circus Winterquarters (although located closer to "ground zero") was also unscathed. Animals, personnel, buildings, barns, vehicles, John Pugh's motorcoach, etc. all survived with little damage. Bob Green, 24 Hour Man, reports that other than many limbs and palm frons which are down - not to mention his personal tent/awning which was shredded - winterquarters remains intact. 3) Less than a mile southwest of there we were not so fortunate. John and Brigitte Pugh's residence has been devasted and may in fact prove to be a total loss. Although I have yet to verify it, reports are that Brigitte may have broken a shoulder as the ceiling collapsed on them while sleeping. She was driven to DeLand Hospital but then we have since heard she has been released - not unusual with a broken limb injury. Branchwater Bend (the street they live on) is nearly totally devasted, with trees and telephone poles etc. gone. All of the homes have broken windows and are either entirely lacking roofs or have only skeletal remains of their trusses. Renee Storey also lives at the opposite end of the same street and sustained serious damage as well, although not the total devastation seen at the Pugh's. She has windows broken, damage to most of the roof, water everywhere, etc. Everyone is without phone and power and at last conversation, Renee's cellphone battery was running low. Needless to say, she is not at work today. I drove out that way this morning, managed to talk my way past the police barricades, and was able to see John as well as Renee and other acquaintences in the area. Everyone is fine. Larry and Sheila Sheffield who live another mile south also had no damage. They checked for us at Lake Beresford Yacht Club and report that John's boat also survived with no injury. The media is now reporting that this rare Florida Tornado may indeed have been an F3. The field of "debris" includes boats, wave-riders, bar-b-q grills, trailers, motorcycles, all strewn about - or thrown through windows or hanging from wires. Most cars are over-turned. One guy's 40 foot RV (or what's left of it) is on his roof. Our brand new Governor was elected for his stance on insurance reform so we can hope for the best. He just flew overhead and will be touring the Branchwater Bend area shortly. Simply put - for those of you who are Floridians or have gone through a hurricane, imagine the worst you can remember - then multiply times ten. Bruce Pratt