When the eye came over land in the Naples area about 120 miles south of Tampa Irma started to fall apart. This is critical for any storm. They can't regenerate like they can over water and the frictional force disrupt circulation. Also as flat as Florida is just east of the Naples area is one of the highest parts of the state with rolling hills which break storms up.

I didn't ride it out - I stayed with a friend close by who was better protected by surrounding trees and buildings and 35 feet above sea level. If you are within a mile of water and less than 10 feet above sea level you are crazy to not leave. Its not cool or macho or whatever. Its a giant pain to be sitting in the dark hot, sweaty, no TV, etc. Its like how people have been swept away in the streams there in thigh deep water. You might make it wading across but its a certainty that if you don't try you won't die. For noobies to Florida every storm is a learning experience. We need to send them the right message.