I just figure if you have a couple pre-scouted holes on both the Stuart and Ft Meyers side. Then at least you have the option to shift to the lee side of the state.
As does the hurricane.
To go through the Okeechobee, you'd have to make an early decision and it would still be in a time frame that the storm shifting would not be all that unusual.
Talking about a hurricane hole and no damage from Irma sounds great, but we're in Fort Lauderdale and had no damage.
Also, you start running to your pre-scouted hole, be aware you're not going to be the only one.
Prepare the best you can and then make your own safety your priority.
Also, understand there is no perfect plan. I've seen people try to fly in and couldn't make it or couldn't get back out after preparing their boat. I've known people to run from the east coast to the west and the hurricane only impact the west. I've known people to head up the coast for hurricane season and get hit in SC while FL has no hurricane. I ran across a family from the coast of Texas that ran to Houston before Harvey.
You're right to be thinking in advance, just don't overthink it and believe you can come up with the perfect plan. Respect hurricanes but don't let them control your life and every move all the time. Take your planned action, if you can, when they're forming and headed this way.
I'll add one thing I learned last year. Don't be alone. There is strength in numbers, especially emotional strength. Definitely don't be separated from your family as they need you and you need them. We went to Rockport after Harvey and saw so many people pulling together, but the ones suffering the most were those who went through it alone. One girl who wasn't hurt but was in her house alone and the house ended up a pile of wood. She went through Irma with us in Fort Lauderdale and said she spoke of the difference, not just in impact but in being with others. I also talked to a man who left his family in Orlando to check on their boat in Stuart and couldn't get back home in time. Unfortunately, he also lost communication during the hurricane. He said after that he'd never put his family through that again as they worried far more about him than about the storm impacting them. Talking to his wife and children after made him realize what he put them through.