Brad...I found this is the discussion, but it doesn't mention anything about an eye forming:

MOST OF THE MODELS HAVE SHIFTED FARTHER NORTH LATE IN THE FORECAST PERIOD OVER THE WESTERN GULF OF MEXICO...DUE TO A
WEAKENING RIDGE AS A TROUGH APPROACHES FROM THE WESTERN UNITED STATES IN SEVERAL DAYS. THE OFFICIAL FORECAST IS ADJUSTED TO THE NORTH OR RIGHT OVER THE GULF...BUT NOT AS FAR AS THE MODEL CONSENSUS.

As for what was or wasn't said by Max Mayfield about an eye forming, it more than likely that he was on a media outlet (cable news, more than likely) and perhaps that is where Bob got his information. You never usually see him except on TV.....Max Mayfield, not Bob!

Evacuation update: MANDATORY evacuations for all of the Keys. Hospitals are closing and the airport is closing at 6pm. As usual, however, there are business/hotel owners that said they will not close and I am sure that they're are residents who will not leave. My personal opinion on this: if you are under a MANDATORY evacuation order and refuse to leave, then I believe that you should be responsible for any damage incurred, and only those that leave should get any government relief. After what Katrina did, not heeding evacuation orders is just plain stupid.
/rant.