Mike, one other thing to keep in mind with the weather and your late September dates - Yak-Trax or micro-spikes. If you get a snow dump up high before your start, you'll want something with a little traction, especially coming from Florida and having limited mountain experience. These along with trekking poles should keep you reasonably stable in fresh snow or slush. They're worthless on ice, though.
Last year the first decent snow dump on Whitney was in early October, so your dates are in the window of possibility. I wouldn't buy them before you leave Florida (assuming you could even find them down there), but watch the weather and trail reports. If you decide it's a good idea to have them before you start your hike, the sporting goods and mountaineering stores in Lone Pine have them. The Vegas REI stores also have them, if that's your in-bound destination. Yak-Trax are relatively cheap ($20 or so), the micro-spikes a bit pricier ($50-$70).
Good luck and post a TR. Like wagga said, if there are no photos, it didn't happen.
