After crossing Cuba and the Florida Keys, Hurricane Ian swept northeast over the barrier island of Cayo Costa, funneling a wall of wind and water into Charlotte Harbor and slamming into Punta Gorda and southwest Florida with a Category 4 knock-out punch. Torrential rain and relentless wind did their damage. When the slow-moving storm finally passed, it left devastating flooding and damaged buildings in its wake, along with many Charlotte County residents who were suddenly homeless or without electricity.

Established as a town in 1884, Punta Gorda is loosely translated from Spanish as “fat tip.” Today, Punta Gorda is a city of roughly 13,000 residents, many of whom are retirees and own their homes. Residents like Clemmie Anthony have called Punta Gorda home for the past eighty-five years.

In 2004, Hurricane Charley struck Clemmie's town and caused severe damage. This sweet senior citizen remembers the last time her city was a target of a significant storm. “As we went through it, we were blessed by people being there for us,” said Anthony. “Certainly, I would like to go back and think it was God who brought us through it.” 

When you listen to Clemmie recount the devastation from the storms in 2004 and 2022, you immediately notice her positive energy and feelings of gratitude. She is very appreciative of the help she has received from the Red Cross and its volunteers, "You have to have heart and that's the Red Cross caring for people, said Anthony.” Clemmie described the care, comfort, hygiene supplies, water, food and shelter that the Red Cross was able to provide. "People were there for us." She said, "We lost a lot, but we know that God will give it back to us… we just have to be patient and appreciative."

Another Punta Gorda resident, Roy Wiley, is a lifelong resident of Punta Gorda. He also experienced Charley. “That storm came through like a freight train- but did not dump much rain as it passed,” said Wiley. Ian, by contrast, “was the longest hurricane I've seen in my life. It seemed like it lasted forever.”

Roy lives in a 115-year-old historic home that has survived many storms. This time, the wind blew the roof off and rain damaged the interior. Roy is grateful for the help he has received. "I have always believed in the American Red Cross," he said.

As soon as the immediate danger of Hurricane Ian passed, the Red Cross mobilized to bring relief to Punta Gorda and other hard-hit areas of Florida. In the close-knit community of Punta Gorda, the Red Cross partnered with St. Mary's Church and the Charlotte County Branch of the NAACP to provide relief and support to the hurricane victims. Established in 1901, St. Mary's Church is the center of the local relief efforts. “We just want to bring in supplies to meet the needs of this community,” said Charlotte County NAACP President Dr. Darrell Gadsen.

The Red Cross opened community shelters to provide safe havens from the storm. Operating across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, a network of 100+ storm shelters are open and are now transitioning to Emergency Shelters. Here in Punta Gorda, Red Cross staff and a small army of volunteers provide hot meals and basic supplies like water, tarps and brooms to the displaced. Although power has not yet been restored, people turn to the Red Cross and St Mary's for help.

The devastation from historical photos are eerily similar to today: boats piled on each other in the local marina; flood waters filled the streets and homes; power outages and downed phone line - keeping local rescue crews busy day and night.

Further south in Lee County, "A lot of people are without electricity, a lot of people are without power and basic necessities," said Lee County NAACP President Gregory Ford. The community he represents has gone through a lot, but partnering with the Red Cross has proven to be a game changer. “Showing up here, making it happen for the people of the Dunbar Community. That's big."

It’s only the beginning. There is much work to do!