H
urricane Andrew was truly
a monstrous storm. Blasting
South Florida with gusts of more
than 175 miles an hour and
spawning tornadoes of even
greater ferocity, it left a path of
indescribable destruction.
Andrew’s full force hit
Gateway West community in
Florida City, leaving the 124-lot
neighborhood in
ruins. But there were
a few exceptions.
Of the community’s
ten Palm Harbor
homes, eight came
through with damage
no more serious than
broken windows and
lost shingles and lap
siding. The shingles
and siding came loose
when additions, such as aluminum
carports and Florida rooms were
torn away. The ninth home’s
sidewall was partially collapsed by
a neighbor’s flying refrigerator, and
the tenth was destroyed by a direct
tornado hit.
No other manufactured
homes weathered the storm as
well. And, while we’re thankful
that such disasters
are rare, we are also
proud that our home-
owners had this extra
measure of security.
As one resident
put it, “Look around
our community. It’s
obvious there is no
comparison between
Palm Harbor and the
other homes.”
“I was very unhappy
with the way my
(national brand) fell
apart in the storm. Since
the Palm Harbors in
our community survived
unbelievably well, my
replacement home
will be a Palm Harbor.”
Bill Mallette
Competing brand
August 1992
Hurricane Andrew
