Always wonder how the Gulf of Mexico being shaped like a comma seems to help storms in this location organize. Also not the second wind max off the Florida west coast will look similar to the blob east of Hurricane Mathew.
The damage reports are reminding me a lot of Hurricane Maria. The steep terrain in a lot of these areas enhanced the wind and flooding damage, and is also obstructing relief efforts.
Agreed the dry air source to the east has been effectively cut off by the band from the south wrapping up the east side of the storm. Any dry air left in the core is being mixed out by the minute.
Just my opinion but it looks like the dry air is on its last stand and the banding structure is looks robust and locked in place. Usually this indicates the start of a 12=24hr RI period.