Hurricane Warning Provides Boost To Economy

MANGONIA PARK, Fla. -- Hurricanes warnings and watches are not welcome words for many who live in south Florida, but people are finding they do come with a benefit -- a boost to our economy.

Bob Franklin owns and operates RG Franklin Inc., a hurricane shutter company.

He said his crews have been busy all weekend installing shutters.

"We really need a scary [storm] for the customers to realize how important it is to have shutters on their houses especially here in south Florida," Franklin said.

While Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast are no longer in Hurricane Ike’s sights, the threat had people on alert.

The stores bustled as people bought supplies ahead of a possible landfall by the monster storm.

Hardware stores reported people stocking up on generators, groceries and water.

Franklin said that to be prepared, people should do their storm preparations early while the weather permits.

Even though the company has shutters in stock, it takes a couple of weeks to get the installation permit paperwork processed.