Automobile dealers in Florida are evaluating the disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Debby, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on August 5 near Steinhatchee, FL. Although it weakened to a tropical storm inland, it is still expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and flooding to southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina through Wednesday.
Ted Smith, president of the Florida Automobile Dealers Association, said it is too early to fully understand the storm’s impact on dealerships or their employees. Smith expressed particular concern for counties between Tallahassee and Jacksonville but was relieved the storm was less severe than anticipated.
Tom Moore, COO of Morgan Auto Group based in Tampa, reported that some of their more than 60 dealerships in the state were without power on August 5. The Tallahassee Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram dealership was closed until noon due to the weather.
Thomas Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet in Hudson, FL, mentioned that while the storm brought heavy rain, the dealership only experienced minor roof leaks and no flooding. Castriota took precautions by moving vehicles from low to high ground and is also checking on employees, one of whom had to stay in a hotel due to power outages.
Despite the weather, Castriota Chevrolet’s service appointments continued as scheduled, with several customers already showing up for their appointments by mid-morning.
A company spokesperson confirmed that used-vehicle retailer CarMax closed its dealerships in Tallahassee and Gainesville on August 5 due to the inclement weather.
As the storm progresses, Florida auto dealers will continue to monitor and respond to its impact on their operations and employees.
