An Awful Predicament in Florida

[cmartin748]

My two sisters , their husbands and I have been coming to Florida for a few months every winter for several years. Martha's husband Eddie became ill three weeks ago and was hospitalized in St Petersburg. She was able to get into the KOA at Madera beach but we were not. He is now not expected to pull through. He is on a feeding tube and a breathing machine and the family from up north has been called in.'
I have the 16 ft scamp and my other sister and bro in law have a 40 ft fifthwheel and we cannot find anywhere in the area, state campground or private with an opening. Found a place to store the campers and the motels are booked
What a mess
Never planned for something like this and we have to head north tomorrow.
Its our last night in this park and they have no more available here either.
I would settle for and open field or a back yard somewhere within a reasonable distance but just dont know anyone in the area.

[Donna D.]

Have you checked at the hospital? Some hospitals have RV parking when family is hospitalized. Might be worth checking out.


Prayers to your family

[cmartin748]

Yes we did thanks. They cant accommodate the campers at this hosp.
Thanks for your reply tho

[Mike Magee]

So, you are looking for a space for one rig, or two? For how many nights? It's not clear to me from your post what you need; you say you are in a park for one last night and tomorrow you head home, so is this for your other sister's rig?

I wonder what the local Wal-Mart's policy is? Any Cracker Barrels nearby? Just tossing out ideas.

[Donna D.]

Call the American Red Cross and ask for suggestions.

[Roger H]

Have you contacted any of the local RV dealers? They may have space for a couple of short-term storage trailers given the circumstances. And you might check some of the trailer parks to see if they have RV storage for their tenants too.

[cmartin748]

40 ft fifth wheel and a 16 Scamp
Walmarts in the area wont allow overnight parking.
Thank You!

[mary and bob]

We were in Florida a few weeks ago, and had a couple nights with nowhere to go. A couple ideas; look on RV Parky, look on allstays, and go on reserve america, put in some campground in the area and when it shows nothing available click on "find facilities nearby" which will start close and work out with other options. We had to move between a couple different campgrounds and change sites in one. I've heard Elks Club members can camp in club parking lots. Good Luck. all stays covers many options, state, federal, county parks

[cmartin748]

This is some good info, Thanks so much

[Gilda]

I suggest you contact Don and Kim Greene, owners of Harvest Hosts, a club allowing members to park and stay overnight(s) free at farms, wineries, attractions, etc. all over the USA. At the moment, I cannot open my file to see what is available in Florida. They are nice people and, perhaps, under the circumstances they could help you out without paying the nominal $40 annual fee. We have only had great success here in California staying overnight at wineries and vineyards. dbg@harvesthosts.com

[cmartin748]

Thank you!
That is some great info
Charlie

[Mike Magee]

There are 2 Elks lodges in St. Pete, and 1 in Madeira Beach. Google shows addresses, phone numbers, and locations. I bet if you showed up at one, even if someone from the lodge came to question you, they'd probably let you stay when they heard your situation.

[cmartin748]

We don't know how many night for sure because he was just put on life support today
Many thanks to everyone.
Although the free places are a great plus we are willing to pay the price. It is an unexpected expense. If Elks or someone allowed us we would sure make a donation.
A cold one in the Elks sounds pretty good right about now.
You folks are awesome!
Charlie

[Eddie Longest]

(2 hours away) Highland Hammocks has a bunch of sites open Sunday and one site open M-F next week. FYI this is Race week in Sebring.
Eddie

[cmartin748]

Thanks thats a nice park too.
I actually started out venting my situation. I had no Idea that I would get this type of response.
My email is cmartin7482@gmail.com
Phone 703-785-7868
Thanks again

[mary and bob]

Originally Posted by Eddie Longest

FYI this is Race week in Sebring.
Eddie

Probably Spring Break for some colleges too ?
I was told the SKP (Escapee) park in Wachula never turns anyone away. Was told their overflow has water & 20 amp service and a boondocks area if overflow is full. Also think they will allow non members for a short time. Norm & Ginny may be there now to help. There's lots of RV parks in Florida, finding one with space and no size, age, or minimum time stay can take some research.

[cmartin748]

Thanks to everyone
cmartin7482@gmail.com
703-785-7868

[Letitia]

Little Manatee River State Park is 16 miles from St. Pete and shows two open sites for tomorrow night.

[Borrego Dave]

Charles, certainly sorry to hear of this happening. If you were in SoCal you could park them here for what ever time needed, I've got plenty of room. Sure hope one of our members in your area can step up and help out.

[Carol H]

If all else fails you could try and talk with the Social Worker at the hospital they may be able to pull some strings for you.