
Irma aftermath in Everglades City. Photos by Jodi Pree
15 years. I was part of the small group of islanders who decided to stay and ride out the storm. Staying was a difficult decision to make, but it was the best I could do at the time. As the threat of storm surge loomed, my children and I hastily packed to move to higher ground. On September 9th, I took one final look around my house knowing it might be the last time it looked like home. Bringing only necessities, my pets, and most cherished personal items, I knew that everything else could be replaced, although I had no idea how I might do that.

Ice was more precious than gold in Everglade City in the wake of Irma.
And there it was, everywhere I looked in Everglades City, my nightmare scenario. The effects of the storm surge we had all been warned about. Mud and standing water everywhere… home after home with all contents and personal items curbside. Clothing, toys, mattresses, appliances, fitness equipment, furniture, lining the streets in a mangled muddy mess. There I was facing what I’d feared most, and my heart sank. These people had lost everything they’d worked for: their homes and belongings.

Everglades City resident Brenda Johnson keeps a positive attitude while helping her neighbors.

Although the exterior of their homes look fine, significant mud damage is seen in the interior.

Everglades City home interiors with only one level look like this.
Reach Out Everglades & C.O.P.S. Association, Inc. serves this remote area in Southwest Florida, which includes Chokoloskee and Plantation Island. It is a 501(3) (c) not-for-profit corporation. Your donation qualifies as a tax deduction.

Twelve-year-old Katie stands at the mud line.

Neighbors work together to get ice where it is needed.

Curbside, entire contents of homes destroyed by Hurricane Irma.

Neighbors helping neighbors with much-needed gas.
Leave a Reply