I lived in florida as well, and where I didn't have outdoor antennas, I 
would imagine that even though lightning is a bit more common down there 
then it is anywhere else in the world, you still have the same issues no 
matter where you go.  Antennas are by design, "lightning rods". 
Unfortunately, we depend on them to do what we love to do, so they're a 
necessary evil.  The point is, there's no magic theory that is going to take 
care of the problem with antennas and lightning, and whether you live in 
Florida, or Alaska, there's still the chance that your installation can get 
hit by it.  I would advise your friend that if he/she takes the same 
precautions that they would take anywhere else, then they should be fine. 
It really doesn't matter where in the world you are, lightning is still 
lightning, and the damage is still the same.  Yes, there might be a greater 
chance of getting hit by it, but the same precautions should still be 
followed and the risk in my oppinion is far outweighed by the reward.

73,
Chris, w8cjs
Web site,
http://www.w8cjs.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Walt" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 6:21 PM
Subject: Re: Question About Lightning For All You Florida Hams


> hi Ron,
> I now live in Connecticut but formally lived in Florida.  I was licensed 
> in
> 1976 and had antennas up until I came up here in 1994.  Yes, I agree that
> there is a possibility of lightening but I have never seen an antenna get
> overloaded with ice down there.  It doesn't matter where you live, there 
> are
> drawbacks to living there especially where it comes to antennas etc.  73
>
> Walt
> WA4QXT
> New London CT
> [log in to unmask]