Highlights
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Gamers find solace before Hurricane Irma
By Sara Girard Sean Hudelson flips the switch on his “OPEN” sign the day before Hurricane Irma hits the area. Sunlight still peeks through the window under an overcast sky. “It’s kind of tricky because I want to be there for the customers, but at the same time I don’t want to put anybody in danger,” sighed Hudelson, owner of Dino Games in Gainesville. He’s not expecting anyone to come in, but while he prepares the store for the storm, he says staying open doesn’t hurt. “Most of the games, they’re in a protective cover,” said Hudelson, adding that he doesn’t think the store will flood. “It’s more of the older games that could be a problem.” He sells video games, consoles, comic books and Dungeons & Dragons dice among other things. The Indiana native says he’s been through some storms before, but Irma seems a little different. “I’m kind of a little more nervous about this one,” said Hudelson, his hands fidgeting with a PlayStation 2 controller. Hudelson peers over at the front door as a little girl tugs on the handle from the outside. He’s got customers. “We’ll be playing video games and watching movies for as long as we can,” said Raychell Hesters, 26, who came to exchange some games with her parents and two kids. “We’ll probably be in here next weekend.” Hudelson hands Hesters a receipt for the games she returned while her kids explore the store. “We’re on the lower income side of town so we do a lot more trading and selling,” said Hudelson, adding that he opened the store about three years ago. “I just have a passion for video games.” Over the next two hours, 12 people come and go. “I'm kind of surprised, but I'm glad they came,” Hudelson smiled. “I guess I'm going to be open for a little longer.” |