The Board of Directors of Lighthouse Cove is sorry to inform the Owners that the Resort is temporarily closed due to severe damage incurred by Hurricane Wilma, a Category Three Hurricane. Wilma traveled across South Florida on October 24, 2005 with sustained winds of 105 MPH and wind gusts that exceeded 120 MPH when it reached Pompano Beach. According to the National Weather Service, "wind speeds about one category stronger could be experienced in high rise buildings". In addition to strong hurricane force winds and tornadoes, over twelve inches of rain fell in the area.
When the storm was over, Wilma revealed the vast damage this powerful storm left in it's wake. It is hard to imagine the power of such a storm without proof. Seeing is believing. We have posted on the Lighthouse Cove's website actual pictures taken at the resort during and after the storm. If you do not have access to a computer, your local library has computers that you can use to access the resort's website.
It is important for you to frequent this website as this will be the tool we will use to communicate to our Owners information regarding the ongoing efforts your management company is coordinating to rebuild Lighthouse Cove. Please do not call the resort to find out what happened during the storm. There are over 5,000 LHC Owners and with our reduced staff, we are unable to handle a large volume of calls. In addition, it is imperative that the phones are open so we can receive calls from our insurance agents, adjustors, contractors, suppliers, county officials, etc. Please be patient so we can expedite the recovery process.
As you will see in the pictures, there was major damage to the pool area, the lobby and all of the buildings. LHC II and III had the least damage, LHC IV had more damage and LHC I had the most damage. Power was out for seven days and was re-established on Monday, October 31, 2005. In the past week, management has worked extremely hard coordinating a vast array of functions including but not limited to securing the property to prevent additional damage to LHC, cleaning up the debris in the common element, interviewing and hiring professionals such as contractors to repair and replace air conditioners, street lights, glass, pool contractor, carpet suppliers, cabinet makers, drywall contractor, painter and a private insurance adjustor that will work for LHC to make sure that we maximize LHC's recoverable damages from our insurance company.
We do not know how fast repairs can be made. We should be able to give you an update in about two weeks. We are closed for 60 to 120 days. You must pay your maintenance fees even if you are not able to occupy. Do not come to the resort until we officially open because you will not be able to occupy. Check the website for progress reports. Please be patient, calls to the resort will only slow down the recovery process. Thank you for your support.
