Storm class divide

Weathering the storm with the wealthy

The Miami Herald reports on post hurricane happenings in the upscale Naples 'hood. One's level of wealth, which often translates into newer sturdier housing, allows the upper socieconomic classes to ride out these storms more easily than those less fortunate.

Insulated by wealth and privilege -- and the luxury of new housing built to exacting construction standards -- Naples and its millionaires carried an air of satisfaction just 48 hours after the storm.

Crews with leaf blowers were already out early Wednesday morning on Fifth Avenue, clearing any debris that would mar the city's boutique-lined main street.

By noon, sidewalk cafés were open to patrons in pastel-colored pants and boat shoes, resort attire rarely seen outside its native habitat on the sidewalks of Naples and Palm Beach.

Wealthy spared hurricane's worst [Miami Herald]