As soon as the immediate danger of Hurricane Ian passed, the American 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. An extremely pleased community after seeing a line of Red Cross emergency response vehicles in front of the church.

After crossing Cuba and the Florida Keys, Hurricane Ian swept northeast over the barrier island of Cayo Costa, funneled a wall of wind and water into Charlotte Harbor and slammed 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, the name 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 Cemmie Anthony, who has called Punta Gorda home for the past eighty-five years. This sweet senior citizen remembers the last time that her city was a target for a major 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.”  The year was 2004 when Hurricane Charley struck her town and caused severe damage. 

When you listen to Cemmie recount her experiences of 2004 and 2022 the trait that you immediately notice is her positive energy and feelings of gratitude. She is very appreciative of the help that 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.” Cemmie described the hygiene supplies, water, food and shelter and that “people were there for us.” She said that, “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 life-long 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. Ian, by contrast, “was the longest hurricane I've seen in my life. It seemed like it lasted forever.” 

Here in Punta Gorda, Red Cross staff and a small army of volunteers are providing hot meals to the displaced, along with basic supplies like water, tarps, brooms, and more. Although power still has not yet been restored, people turn to the Red Cross and St Mary's for help

The scenes of devastation from historical photos were eerily similar to those of today: boats piled up one on top of the other in the local marina; flood waters filled the streets and homes; power was lost, phone service was out, and rescue crews were kept busy day and night. 

Down south in Lee County “A lot of people are without electric, 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.”

We are so grateful and pleased to be partnering with the American Red Cross. “It’s only the beginning. There is much work to do” noted President Ford.