The house I keep in mind won’t ever be the identical.
Days after Hurricane Ian obliterated components of Southwest Florida, I drove over the Matanzas Pass Bridge onto Fort Myers Beach for the primary time since shifting to New York again in February. Sitting within the tailgate of a Florida Task Force 2 pickup truck, the once-familiar view of an island the place I spent appreciable time with family and friends for six years now appeared nearly unrecognizable. Times Square is gone. The Cottage Bar, leveled. And but regardless of the immense harm to each constructing in sight, I instantly questioned: what number of lives have been misplaced within the transition of this former seashore paradise to the present ghost city I see earlier than me? We nonetheless don’t know.
IAN BEFORE AND AFTER: VIDEOS SHOW FLORIDA DEVASTATION IN FORT MYERS, SANIBEL ISLAND
Damaged boats are strewn on the land and water within the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers, Florida.
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Over per week after Ian’s landfall, search and rescue groups on Fort Myers Beach used drones, cadaver canine and boats to search for extra hurricane victims. Dogs nonetheless picked up new scents.
Per week prior, these “scents” have been dwelling individuals and lots of of my shut pals encountered them. My former co-anchor in Fort Myers instructed me a couple of lady she interviewed earlier than landfall. The lady deliberate to have a “hurricane party” along with her pals. One of these pals died after being swept away within the storm surge. Tragically, she was one among many.
FOX NEWS AERIAL VIDEO CAPTURES FORT MYERS DESTRUCTION: ‘THROWN AROUND LIKE LITTLE TOYS’
Displaced boats relaxation alongside the San Carlos Boulevard after the passage of Hurricane Ian, in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Sept. 29, 2022.
(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
A Fort Myers Beach resident instructed me he knew a number of individuals who died on the island.
Across the bridge I discovered survivors who misplaced practically all of their possessions. Dozens have been dwelling in makeshift tents after their houses had been destroyed. Yet regardless of enduring such monetary and emotional hardship, it was their resilience that I discovered most overwhelming. They haven’t any plans to go away; they’ll rebuild.
TROPICAL STORM IAN: FLORIDA PHOTOS REVEAL DEVASTATION
Rescue personnel search a flooded trailer park after Hurricane Ian hit the realm, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers, Florida.
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
During a time when so many wanted a lot, so few anxious about themselves. A doctor’s assistant spent her days offering free cellular medical care to individuals dwelling on the road; a Lee Health nurse cared for sufferers whereas being separated from his household for 3 consecutive days; staff on the Humane Society of Naples barely slept for per week whereas facilitating the care and future adoption of animals impacted by Hurricane Ian.
These are the the reason why I’m so happy with the individuals in my former house of Southwest Florida. And it’s why we are going to persevere.
IN FLORIDA, WINNING LOTTERY TICKET PURCHASED IN STORM-RAVAGED FORT MYERS
A house burns after Hurricane Ian handed by means of the realm on Sept. 29, 2022, in Sanibel, Florida.
(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Even although I now dwell a thousand miles away, a chunk of my coronary heart stays with you.
I can be again, and hopefully beneath significantly better circumstances.
All my love,
Nate