#FloridaStrong: After Irma

Now that life is back to a “new normal” following Hurricane Irma, I can take a deep breath and reflect on weathering the storm.  To be honest, everything is still a blur, from the moment I picked up my mom and drove northwest to Tallahassee and then to Georgia, to the day we finally drove back across the Florida state line.  Hurricane Irma proved to be an unpredictable storm with spaghetti models having its track anywhere from the east coast of Florida, up the center of the state, or veering into the Gulf.

It was the storm that kept us glued to our televisions or weather radios or social media. We prayed for the storm to dissipate and texted family and friends.

Fear.  Anxiety. They held a tight grip on many Floridians as Irma pummeled her way across the Sunshine State.

Out of the Storm

When dawn broke, the damage was crushing, the flooding was unfathomable and the power outages overwhelming.  When all was said and done, 98% of the state experienced at least tropical storm force winds. The fear that had held us tight turned into shock after the storm.

Debris littered our yards and our neighborhoods.  Rising waters from nearby rivers flooded our homes and caused road closures.  The absence of power left spoiled food in our refrigerators and grated on our nerves.  Schools were closed.  Store shelves were bare.

Outside of our neighborhoods, many of the places I have visited for the blog were closed because of their own damage or debris.  Lakes and rivers that would be brimming with activity have been closed to boating or swimming because of possible dangers or bacteria.

Irma caused substantial damage and disruption, but she did not break our spirit.  Out of the devastation emerged proof of the real Florida: resilient and compassionate.  Neighbors helping neighbors.  Communities helping communities.  Other states pitching in to help.  Even offers of help from other countries.

Social media became a focal point of the good going in this great state.  It revealed communities adopting linemen from other states.  Washing their clothes.  Providing them with snacks and necessities while they are away from their own families.

It showed statewide efforts of church groups providing clean up after the storm – from the Keys to the panhandle.

Florida will take some time to fully recover from Irma.  Debris cleanup alone will take months to complete.  Power poles have to be replaced.  Repairs to roofs and other structures require insurance adjustments, estimates and permits and time to complete.

And while we have suffered frustration and hurricane fatigue, our resolve as a state will continue to shine.

We are Florida.

We are #FloridaStrong.