For Islanders, By Islanders 1 Year Post Hurricane Ian - 2024 Some of us were here and some of us were near, while many across the nation watched in fear. 365 days have almost passed from waking up to discover our piece of paradise was left nearly unrecognizable. Memories were lost, homes devastated, and our luscious greenery was stripped from its branches leaving us vulnerable and wide open to mother nature's force and destruction. Our sandy paths had to be cleared from uprooted trees, torn off branches and limbs, roofs, shingles, soffits, furniture, debris and personal belongings prohibiting us from making it to our homes and our friend's homes and strangers homes to tell them the news. The island had no water or power for days, all you could hear was the sound of generators in the background fueling equipment and morning coffees. People gathered for morning meetings during the most beautiful weather through breakfasts on propane grills and Starlink Internet Sessions to contact those on the mainland, then they headed out to the paths, to the houses to help anyone in need. People rallied supplies and FPL came through and saved the day and restored our power for us to begin our journey of rebuilding like most of our fellow mainlanders and islanders. We were a bridgeless barrier island in disbelief and in despair! Did we all know what was coming in the months ahead? Here we are almost a year later and many islanders are still facing many struggles with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. How could it take this long? Many continue to experience new loss and unexpected surprises along this journey and many homes are not even ready to welcome back it's visitors and loved ones. No matter where you were or who you are, full-time, weekender, owner or visitor, friend or hater of bug bites, what we share in common is our love for Little Gasparilla Island. Through the fellowship, the friendship, the stewardship, we all wouldn't be where we are today if we weren’t LGI Strong. We’ve all been affected, we’ve all cried, we’ve all felt lost and helpless, discouraged, and faced many challenges, but we are BUILDING BACK better than ever. We survived and we know that the best is yet to come! New houses, new upgrades, with the same untouched private beaches that unlock our souls. Memories are locked in our hearts here on this island forever. Neighbors helping neighbors, and people doing good to help each other out, People stepping up and on this island to restore it to its former glory. People coming from all over towing their big machinery down just to lend a helping hand. Some were fortunate and others had to say goodbye to what was once their safehaven from the real paved world, they said goodbye to the generational homes that they have been built and passed down to their families. We want to thank everyone for their role in building this island back to something stronger than it ever was before. Even if it was thoughts from afar or boots on the ground, y’all have taught us the true spirit of this island. Community Matters. Love Matters. We matter. Please join us on September 30, 2024, at the Firehouse For a live band, a well-run cornhole tournament, (Team Sign Up Coming), catered BBQ and yummy sides and fellowship. We want to celebrate our strength, resilience and our differences as we come together to share our experiences, our stories, our laughs and the future of Little Gasparilla Island. Fellow Islanders, this reflection committee and I are asking for donations to cover the band, set up, and food. The remainder of the donation proceeds will go towards the installation of additional fire hydrants throughout the island that have been identified by Fireman Bill and Little Gasparilla Fire and Rescue. Stop by for 5 minutes, stay for food or stay the whole night, life long friendship and memories will be made! Contact a committee member to make a donation or lend a hand. Suzanne Petrekovich Lara D’Amico Bobby Budgin Barbara Pendergrass Bruce Woithe Melissa Woithe Ryan Chamblee William Meyers By Islanders for Islanders Together in good times & Together in need
Artículos relacionados
