by Phyllis Bell-Davis
Often overshadowed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Hurricane Debby is sometimes forgotten—but its impact was deeply felt across Jacksonville, where flooding, power outages, and widespread disruption forced families from their homes and upended daily life.
One of those families was that of Salina Harmon, a Jacksonville resident and mother of two. Harmon and her children were among more than 50 residents evacuated from The Oaks at Normandy, a Westside apartment community, after the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) declared their building unsafe. A collapsed retaining wall exposed the building’s foundation, making it structurally unsound.
“We had no choice but to leave,” Harmon said. “I wasn’t familiar with Red Cross services, but the Northeast Florida Chapter was there almost immediately to help. It was a great gesture—they didn’t have to do it, but they did.”
Harmon and her children spent two nights in a Red Cross shelter, where she says they received excellent care and support. From there, the Red Cross assisted the family with food, hotel lodging, and temporary stays at various locations until they were able to return to The Oaks at Normandy—this time in a different unit.
“Originally, we had a three-bedroom apartment, but we were moved into a two-bedroom based on what was available,” she explained. “We still have half of our belongings in the original unit and hope to retrieve them soon.”
Despite the disruption, Harmon remains positive and grateful.
“Things are still a little unsettled,” she admitted, “but through it all, the Red Cross has been very helpful. I’m so thankful for their assistance—if it hadn’t been for the Red Cross, I really don’t know what would have happened.”
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
