topic Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian in Community Chat

Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

golding76 — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:27:07 GMT

The more I see of the damage and the disrupted lives caused by Hurricane Ian, the sadder I become. So many folks are senior citizens who found their little bit of "paradise on Earth" that was affordable to them, and they have lost everything. Many no longer carried flood insurance because of its high cost.

And now, they have nothing. Where will most of them go? What will they do? How does the area rebuild with the knowledge that destructive storms like Hurricane Ian will occur with more frequency and not every 1,000 years, as these storms are being described? All this is tragic, of course, but they will go forward. But to what?

Not a time for political pontificating. This is a time for compassion and wisdom on how to rebuild wisely while caring for all those left behind.

[There have been remarkable displays of heroism by professional rescue groups as well as locals who care for their fellow citizens. Many hugs to the Cajun Navy! Bless them.]

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

On It — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:16:00 GMT

It is heartbreaking. I hope everyone finds the help they need. It will take a long time to recover that is certain.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

tansy — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:16:44 GMT

Deaths toll is over 100 with many people unaccounted for.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

golding76 — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:22:04 GMT

Frankly, this is some of the worst destruction of property and lives that I have ever seen on screen.

Hurricane Katrina was a horror. I guess these two (Katrina and Ian) are in the same league. I don't know, and no one wants to win that contest anyway.

Horror. Plain and simple horror.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

spiderw — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:22:40 GMT

Yes, it is very tragic how many lives were lost, how many homes were destroyed and the terrible aftermath of the hurricane. Thankfully there are those who help and rescue, who are out there working on the utilities, who are searching for people, who provide food and shelter. Also there will be aid from the government as there will be for Puerto Rico. I hope both places, Florida and Puerto Rico will be able to rebuild while keeping in mind that some areas aren't meant to be built upon and with knowledge that another hurricane will do the same destruction.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

golding76 — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:24:51 GMT

The only mildly upbeat hurricane news I've heard lately came from one woman who lives in Puerto Rico. She said that Ian was no Hurricane Maria. Thank heavens for small mercies.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

beach-mom — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:29:22 GMT

@golding76 - A lot of people lost everything, as you said. And those people are hurting. I believe all we can do is pray for them and help them financially where we can. I was glad to hear on the radio today that Chick-FIL-A and other restaurants are giving free food to residents impacted by Ian. Some animal shelters in Georgia are taking animals who were in shelters in Florida. They need financial help.

I have a dear friend here who lost everything when her house burned to the ground this past summer. Her young adult son was home at the time; she wasn't. He got out through a second floor window with burns and scrapes. He's OK. One of our other friends rallied the troops. They hosted a surprise party. We all gave cash donations. She still isn't at the point of needing "things," because of all of the red tape.

I plan to help financially through our religious denomination. I feel more comfortable doing that because I know the money will get directly to the people who need it.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

Foxxee — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:30:14 GMT

There are many safe lovely areas to live in the country.

Those deciding to live in hurricane prone areas should think twice about moving there.

Yes it is sad, but I ask myself the same question every year...why do people move there risking their lives, pets', other animals' lives, and everything they own?

Maybe, Florida and other hurricane zones should have remained wildlife habitat. Wildlife can escape much more quickly, then return when it's safe.

2 Bald Eagles lost their nest in Southwestern Florida. Harriet and M15. Returned and are building another one in the same tree. They don't require a lot of money and help to rebuild. How long will it take for human residents to rebuild?

I may sound cruel...not cruel, just realistic.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

golding76 — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:45:23 GMT

Foxxee, I understand what you have written. My 1 1/2 years of living in Miami certainly do not make me an expert on Floridians, but many who choose to live there are attracted to its particular brand of aquatic life. For many, that is the driving force. They like tropical-style aquatics, if you will.

For some others, I've seen some sort of desperate attempt to be able to live where it is affordable and the climate is mild (of course, for me, a lover heat who found Miami scorching, the heat can become too intense).

There is also a large number for whom it is a "last chance" place to land. I can't fully explain it, but there were some who had lost in Los Angeles, Houston and other points on the map, and they came to Florida in a last attempt (or so it seemed) to make it. There were many dreamers there, in my estimation.

And, of course, many end up in Florida because of their careers. Simple, regular middle-class folks.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

deepwaterdotter — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:01:39 GMT

The desperation of this situation is undeniable. It seems to me that every part of the United States comes with environmental dangers: hurricanes, fire, drought, earthquakes, flooding, etc. Here in Wisconsin we experience devastating tornadoes and dangerously-cold winter temperatures.

If this board has taught me anything, it is that ANY subject can be infused with politics. Such is the state of the polarized electorate.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

hopi — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:03:25 GMT

Hurricance season isn't over yet.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

tiny 2 — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:03:40 GMT

@tansy wrote:
Deaths toll is over 100 with many people unaccounted for.

@tansy, Thank you. I haven't heard today.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

Love4cats — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:03:42 GMT

It is a very sad situation, my heart goes out to all those people that have been affected. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose everything you have worked for and even worse lose a loved one. I hope they get a lot of help and get their life back to normal soon.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

golding76 — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:19:00 GMT

Returning to my response to Foxxee's post, I want to hasten to add that some of the dearest people in my life now live or have lived in Florida. Here are their stories:

1. My dearest friend and matron-of-honor: Born in Washington, D.C., but as a young bride, she and her husband decided to make a life for themselves in Florida. They lived in Miami Springs, had a home and their only child, a daughter, there. Then she later moved to Davie, Fla., and retired to St. Petersburg.

2. Another BFF: Born and raised in Maryland. Worked for DOT like me. Later, lived in Virginia Beach. Retired to a barrier island off Florida. Loving it. She and her hubby still snorkel and fish, etc.

3. College friend and the guy I mentioned in a post last week -- the one with whom my ex-husband and I went to Marathon, Fla. He always loved Florida! After he completed his schooling, he headed there and stayed. Lives in Florida in a luxury condo on a barrier island. Retired as a Professor of History Emeritus.

4. A "koumbara" (close relationship through marriage): She and her husband lived and worked in Baltimore and decided to retire in Fort Lauderdale. A regular couple. Their children moved to their own homes in Florida to be near them.

5. A wonderful friend I worked with when I was transferred to Miami by my job: Originally from upstate New York, she was divorced and went to Florida because her parents had retired there. She eventually met a truly great guy who lived in Florida and they married. She died several years ago at their retirement location further up the East Coast of Florida.

All regular, good people who found a satisfying life in Florida.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

Mersha — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:28:03 GMT

When you are free to choose the area of the country where you will live, you must take into account the pros and cons of the place.

If looking at Florida, you know, most likely, you will be subjected to hurricanes, some of which will be devastating and life threatening. It is no secret. It will always be a gamble to live there.

I wonder if those impacted by Ian will stay and rebuild knowing the hurricanes will never end or pack up and head elsewhere?

Personally, I think one would be enough.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

vsm — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:38:54 GMT

@FoxxeeThe same questions could be asked of people who choose to live in areas prone to tornadoes, or in environmentally fragile areas like Malibu, or areas subject to earthquakes, fires, and floods. Would I want to live in any of those places? No. But I don't speak for everyone.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

AuntG — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:47:48 GMT

There are many people I know of who will never see their winter homes again. They are Wisconsin residents who purchased homes in Florida. They've been notified their entire park will be bulldozed. Many planned on heading down last week, but of course couldn't go. One is now looking in Texas and Arizona for a winter residence, but isn't having any luck.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

Foxxee — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:48:54 GMT

@vsm wrote:
@FoxxeeThe same questions could be asked of people who choose to live in areas prone to tornadoes, or in environmentally fragile areas like Malibu, or areas subject to earthquakes, fires, and floods. Would I want to live in any of those places? No. But I don't speak for everyone.

@vsm

Very true.

Everyone pretty much has a choice where they want to live.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

vsm — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 21:03:38 GMT

@Foxxee wrote:

@vsm wrote:
@FoxxeeThe same questions could be asked of people who choose to live in areas prone to tornadoes, or in environmentally fragile areas like Malibu, or areas subject to earthquakes, fires, and floods. Would I want to live in any of those places? No. But I don't speak for everyone.
@vsm

Very true.

Everyone pretty much has a choice where they want to live.

Agree with you, @Foxxee. My parents chose decades ago to move from NY to Naples, Florida, where I would never want to live because I hate the heat and humidity but love the seasons. They survived a 3-week evacuation to Orlando due to hurricane Irma, but my Dad (then in his 90s) declined rapidly during that short period. After he died in 2019, my mother insisted on staying in Naples. Fortunately, she has good care there, but is still without power. At 96, she's phyically frail but sharp as a tack mentally, and I'm grateful she's where she wants to be. I just wish she lived closer, especially now.

Re: Heartbroken by All the Devastation in Parts of Florida Hit Hard by Ian

magicmoodz — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 21:17:16 GMT

I don't mean to sound uncaring because my heart breaks for those who claim Florida as their home. I don't know much about flood insurance or the intracasies of Fema, but I sincerely hope they get the help they so desperately need.

I do have many family members who own homes on the west coast of Florida. They are, however, snowbirds owning homes here in the area I live, their Florida home and several of them also own a third lake home in the northern part of our state.

I feel it might be risky to choose a vacation home in an area where devastation could be one hurricane away.