I live in north Lakeland (Polk County), and live about a block from a Home Depot store. Just passed by about a half hour ago, and visited a 7-11 on US 98 near I-4. Based on that visit I can say that people here are watching but we are not seeing the amount of concern/prepardness I had seen in earlier hurricanes. Either people had purchased their plywood or simply are not going through it again. The 7-11 cashier did tell me, though, that they are quickly running out of gas.

BTW: For anyone considering Polk County for an evacuation spot, they may want to consider visiting the Polk County Visitors and Convention Bureau Web site, www.sunsational.org, for information on room availabilities. On the site click on the "Hurricane Update" spot on the page.