By David Triana
If not for 100 miles or so, our area now would be going through what our neighbors to the east and northeast are struggling with since October 10th!
If not for 100 miles, WE would be the ones attempting to recover from the devastation of our homes, businesses, churches, schools and possibly, even more than a month later, some of us would still be without power or water, others suddenly unemployed or living in Tent/Tarp cities.
It is overwhelming to see or hear of such conditions in our paradisiacal area, but, very close to us, that is precisely what is occurring! From tragedy, there is always something good that can happen. Depending on how we react to that tragedy, it will make the difference, either positive or negative, in our lives and the lives of others around us.
We are blessed with a HUGE NUMBER of charitable and generous people, individuals willing to help their friends, neighbors, and total strangers. We are blessed with business owners who are not just about the “mighty dollar,” but also care deeply about their community and understand it is that community that makes it possible for their businesses to succeed.
The response to the needs of those affected by Hurricane Michael has once again shown why the Emerald Coast community, when it comes to caring for others, has few equals throughout the world. There are so many individuals, businesses, civic groups, and organizations that are giving of their time and money to help.
I recently spent some time at a church in Panama City that was heavily damaged by the hurricane. How incredible that, since a few days after it got struck, and among its damaged buildings, they are using their parking lot and have established an impressive system to provide much needed supplies to the community around them! While there, I got a chance to speak to some volunteers manning the supply stations. One group was from Crestview, another from Niceville, and the third was from Pensacola. Church members and others from the immediate area were also helping out. According to one of the volunteers, “more than 3,000 people were going through on a daily basis,” and this was almost a month after the hurricane!
My utmost respect to those of you reading this, who as individuals, business owners or leaders, have taken the time to “do something to help.”
Many people in our nation think we are a divided nation and to some extent I agree. But I think our Emerald Coast is an example of many regions that our country can emulate. In the midst of tragedy, we have once again shown that generosity, charity, and UNITY are better choices for a community to make.
I extend a personal thanks to Adron Bailey of B’s Smoking BBQ, Primerica’s Neil Tabot and his friend Larry, to Rebecca Koelzer and other businesses and persons, too many to mention. Believe me, your generosity has helped many in the Panama City area and beyond.
GRACIAS… for being a part of our UNITED Emerald Coast.
