Hurricanes are some of the most tragic natural disasters a community can undergo. The news is always updated on the latest hurricanes, how severe they are and the damage inflicted. The hurricane’s effects are usually discussed on mainstream media for a short period of time after hitting, but the long-term issues are often not updated on and the natural disasters’ effects are forgotten. 

Data from Hurricanes Ike, Katrina and Sandy indicate that the average primary recovery period for hurricanes of similar size and magnitude is 14 months. Rebuilding an entire city can take extreme amounts of time and money.

Mindy Gamm, a Cape Coral, Fla. homeowner, was shocked after Hurricane Ian. “You see and read about the devastation resulting from a natural disaster hurricane but until it affects you personally, it is difficult to grasp the devastation,” Gamm said. 

Gamm and her family had to undergo many financial burdens post-natural disaster. “Financial ruin is common for people who have experienced hurricane damage. Both homeowners and flood insurance are very expensive,” she said. 

Gamm had extreme damage to her home. “There was 6-8 inches of flood water inside the house and 12-14 inches of water flooding the garage. The cars in the garage were flooded with water and destroyed. Inside the house major restoration was necessary. All doors had to be replaced and drywall completely replaced, all carpet had to be torn out and all water-damaged furniture and appliances had to be disposed of,” she explained. 

Gamm’s community has needed much time to recover from Hurricane Ian. “Beaches, vegetation, wildlife, towns, neighborhoods and businesses are leveled from Hurricane Ian. It will take years for it all to be restored,” Gamm said.

Not only are peoples’ homes affected, but the community as a whole is devastated. The financial ramifications for people who have lost everything in a hurricane are real, sad, overwhelming and instill a feeling of hopelessness and despair. 

Senior Ty Gardner visited North Captiva Island, Fla. in March 2023. “My family and I were unaware of the large amounts of rubble and disparity that was going to be on the island. We thought for sure the community would have been recovered from the hurricane that was months prior, but it was still very damaged,” Gardner shared.

North Captiva Island is a small community in need of rebuilding. The extent of people who still need refurbished homes and appliances is almost the entire island.

Although hurricanes are extremely tragic and cause a lot of pain to the people affected and their families, Gamm looked at the situation in a positive light. “Hurricanes bring out the good in people too. You see neighbors banding together to help each other, providing whatever they can assist with,” Gamm said. “It’s heartwarming to see the beauty of the human spirit in the midst of a natural disaster. The Hurricane Ian motto is: We will get through this… Florida Strong.”