Hurricane Ian, photo credit: NOAA
Well, in 40 years of Florida living, that storm was extraordinary.
Though Wildewood Springs buildings are like bunkers, my husband and I evacuate if a storm is forecast as a Cat 3 or higher. So, we fled the forecasted effect of Ian with our family. Terry took this photo of a shelf cloud as we drove south to Hollywood, FL on Monday, September 26.
We returned home yesterday, Saturday, driving through the damaged areas. We had to exit I-75 because of the Myakka River dam breech. Exits 179 through 191 were flooded. This photograph is stunning. And so was our drive.
I have no words for what we saw yesterday along Ft. Myers and especially on the detour driving through Punta Gorda and North Port. Neither of us took photos. We simply didn't think of that as we took in the devastation.
I'm here mostly because I want to share some photos of our neighborhood for those not yet here.
But first, I want to tell you about this beautiful response to the storm by Pineneedle neighbors. With the power out, Pineneedle residents who stayed gathered to clean up the landscape...
...followed by a community cookout and shared dinner! I've heard from some of the residents already how wonderful this was. Deb Coomer, our Board president took a video and this is a screen grab from it of part of the good time.
Now, for storm-related photos. Generally, in Pineneedle, there was very little landscape damage. Perhaps other village residents would say the same, though a fence or two blew down, and on Wildewood Drive, a big tree - not an oak, perhaps a Gumbo - not sure of the type, but it's huge. You will notice more light on the drive.
The Pineneedle Board had recently trimmed the palms. A few casualties, though:
The newly planted Rainbow Tree (a Eucalyptus) went down. And then randomly, other photos. Notice areas of no tree damage as well.
An Orchid Tree
Look at this Southern Live Oak, some leaves shaken loose - but mostly grand it stands.
The Laurel Oak directly behind us had many broken branches. Here is a photo of the smaller ones gathered up off the grass so landscapers can mow.
This oak was next to the Pineneedle Village sign.
Behind Pineneedle, perhaps those here noticed the large Carp that didn't make it. Notice the pond is much lower.
This photograph taken the day after the storm.
Most of Pineneedle's orchid plants hung on!
A heart of a message. While I was away, Wilma sent this photo of a raptor the day after Ian, knowing as a birder it would make me happy to know how our feathered friends fared.
Not Pineneedle, but here are some photos of other villages. Many Ligustrum tree trunks or branches broke off. First, Mara's dad Tim waves after a catch up chat on Wildewood Drive!
A fence down, Woodlawn.
The Carrotwood on Oak Street.
How fortunate we are.
Generally, we continue to see that Orchid, Carrotwood, Jacaranda, Royal Poinciana, and Ligustrum trees seem the first to break. As do the Laurel Oaks (a recent tree specialist said that the Laurel Oak lives 50 years and spends 30 of those years breaking down.
Unlike the stately and beautiful Southern Live Oaks that live 500 years. I am awed by the Southern Live Oak tree holding its own in storms. Let's plant more of them! Wood Storks love them.
Gosh, again I realize everything changes. Today the sun is bright, the light clear, temps are cooler, and birds are here reminding us of resilience. Here's one just moments ago.
A few important notes:
1. Manatee County Recycling Pick Up is suspended for now to concentrate on removal of trash and lawn debris.
2. Pineneedle Village and other WWS's villages are a private development, so lawn debris is removed by our Landscape Management vendor. Join me in extending patience as we wait for the removal of piles neighbors have gathered.
3. Whenever you can, thank the Board and Management Company for their work. If you're like me, you're imagining as many ways as possible to call out their care.
