It always comes down to experience. The coastal growth will continue and the influx of the "uninitiated" will too.

I can only speak from my experience in SoFla, but I remember before Andrew that the emergency managers were always concerned about complacency. Well, that was all changed in a "trial by fire" way. Stricter building codes and higher insurance costs are a way of life now. 120mph wind-loading design and storm shutters are code enforced. More people are having their "hurricane parties" at Home Depot than at the liquor store!

How does this help MS? ...and LA and AL? I guess that depends on how willing the building offiials are to go against the developers and drive up costs. And what kind of pressure is/was exerted by the insurance industry. It never seems to be the popular mandate until the feces has already hit the forced ventilation machine!

I guess nothing motivates more than money and nightmares!

Rick