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Residents Prepare For Tropical Storm Isaac

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The last hurricane to directly impact South Florida was Wilma in 2005.

Despite the seven year break, many in South Florida are not apathetic in their hurricane preparations as they keep a close eye on Tropical Storm Isaac's march across the Atlantic.

Stores have seen an increase in shoppers stocking up on flashlights, batteries, water and canned goods. But while hurricane kits are being checked and shutters given a once over, some people are taking a more 'wait and see' approach.

Thursday morning Kay Wartell and her family were headed to Key West on a vacation that's been in the works for months.

"Oh, it will move around, it will be okay, it will change direction, it's changed 20 times in the last 12 hours," said Wartell, "We're going to just keep going, do what you gotta do."

And if the storm looks like it will threaten the lower Keys.

"Then we get in the car and head back north," said Wartell.

Wartell said she's lived in Florida for more than 30 years and has been through lots of storms and hurricanes. She said she's not worried about this one, in fact, she and her family plan to go lobster diving.

"You just gauge it the best you can," said Wartell, "You gotta keep living and having fun and going on vacation."

But not every one has decided to wait and see what happens.

Paula Roberts, who lives in Marathon, was getting ready to head north early Thursday. She said she's not taking any chances.

"We closed up our difficult shutters before we left, all that needs to be closed are the easy ones, and we have our pets with us," said Roberts. "The reason we did that, if the storm should speed up or God forbid head to Florida we have the pets with us."

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