Coincidence? Crist Prays, Irene's Path Changes

By: Associated Press

Posted: Wed 12:44 PM, Aug 24, 2011

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - August 23, 2011 -

Can Florida thank God and former Gov. Charlie Crist for Hurricane Irene's shift away from the state?

Each year as governor, Crist either personally placed or had a
friend place prayers in Jerusalem's Western Wall asking God to
protect Florida from hurricanes. No major hurricanes hit the state.

Now out of office, Crist is continuing the tradition. He asked
Patrick Murphy, a Democrat hoping to challenge Republican
Congressman Allen West, for help during Murphy's trip to Israel.

Crist said Wednesday, "I said `You can do me and Florida a big
favor if you can take a prayer to the wall and ask God to protect
beautiful Florida."'

Initial forecasts had the entire state potentially in Irene's path, but it's now predicted to swing east of Florida.

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