The Year In Review – 2004
Croci North America Wishes Everyone A Happy and Healthy 2005!!!
2004 was the year of the hurricane for Florida. 2004 was predicted by the National Weather Service to be an “above average” season and the prediction did not disappoint as three separate storms collided with the panhandle. Starting with Charley, a category four hurricane, which had reported winds to 174 MPH in certain areas of Lee and Charlotte counties, damage was widespread and costly. Croci North America’s manufacturing facility and warehousing are located in Ft. Myers, FL – so our staff experienced the storm first hand – wind & water damage, power loss, water shortages, and all. Many homes and businesses in the Fort Myers area are decorated with the temporary blue tarp roofs provided by our good friends at FEMA. The most extensive damage was felt in northern Lee County, the barrier islands, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.
We can’t express in words how important the building codes enacted since Hurricane Andrew were and are to this community. Stricter building codes that include mandatory shutter protection saved lives and likely millions of dollars in storm damage repair. Although damage may never be completely averted, its important that society continues to be pro-active in developing and perfecting new technologies that protect life and property. Croci North America is a proud part of that process and will endeavor to continue developing and manufacturing its shutter based products as its contribution to safe living in coastal areas.
