Wow, Kat that's a thoughtful piece o'writing. There are stories aplenty to shiver anyone's timbers. Still photography was flourishing then so there are also some wrenching images of the square miles of splintered wood and masonry that had been homes and businesses...almost a Hiroshima without the fire. The city portion of the island is now "protected" by a seawall facing the gulf, about 15 - 18 feet high, and the stories of this engineering feat are interesting too - as to how streets and homes were transplanted while the earth was raised along the shoreline. But a category 3 or higher storm will probably raise enough tide in the bays on the north side of the island to cause extensive flooding from "behind"...but humans just seem drawn to living near bodies of water of all types, establishing their civilizations there, and hoping the crick don't rise.

Well none of that really related to pirating although many privateers would have sought refuge in the area during a storm...so come on about and steer the pointy end toward: http://www.interlog.com/~tbaikie/homepage/haddock.htm There you will find some truly inventive invective which is also suitable for minors, courtesy of Captain Haddock and the pirate Red Rackham. You'd better do it, you spineless freshwater brigand! 8)>