Community - Hurricane Ian brings community together

U.S. Congresswoman XX Cherfilus-McCormick, U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black met with FEMA representatives about Hurricae Ian’s impact. Julius Amos stands in his home where the storm waters reached the line on the wall behind him.

ONYX MAGAZINE TEAMED UP WITH FLORIDA LEADERS TO FIND SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY HURRICANE IAN.

Publisher Rich Black joined U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (Florida 17th District), U.S. Congresswoman, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Florida 20th District), Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando Commissioner Regina I. Hill, (District 5), Tara Dorsey of 26Health, and Orlando Clerk of Court Tiffany Moore Russell at the Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner, where Orlando residents who weathered the storm received free hot meals.

“When we have disasters, there are opportunities for us to hear the untold stories in the vulnerable communities and how residents are impacted,” said Black. “It’s said that when America catches a cold, Black America catches pneumonia. (Some of our communities) have pneumonia. We are all committed to change and we can only do that effectively when we come together as a community.”

During the two-day event on Monday and Tuesday, October 10-11, Denny’s served pancakes and sausage to nearly 1,000 people who visited the 53-foot diner at Lake Lorna Doone Park or received deliveries from community volunteers. The Mobile Relief Diner has traveled across the United States since 2017 to serve free breakfasts to those impacted by natural disasters.

“We are a friend of the community and we are going where the need is,” said April Kelly-Drummond, the vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Denny’s. “That’s what’s it about—all of us coming together where there is a need.”

At a news conference, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed his appreciation for the effort. His thoughts were echoed by those of Orlando Regina I. Hill, city commissioner of District 5, which was hard-hit with flooding and wind damage. However, Denny’s’ efforts extended beyond those borders.

“I am so grateful (Denny’s) used what I call ‘the jewel of the westside,’ Lake Lorna Doone as their hub to extend this important effort out to the citizens, not just in the city of Orlando. We also are delivering meals over in Orlovista, which we know was hardest hit in Orange County,” said Hill. “HOA presidents are taking meals to many they know who have been impacted. In downtown, we have been serving those who are experiencing homelessness.” From Lake Lorna Doone, Black, Wilson and Cherfilus-McCormick caravanned to Orlovista and Denny’s VP April Kelly-Drummond, Tiffany Moore-Russell, ONYX Publisher learned about some of the resiRich Black, U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Orlando Commissioner dents’ challenges since Ian swept Regina I. Hill, 26th Health Government Affairs Director Tara Dorsey. through their streets. Residents Julius and Clara Amos and their daughter Lorene Johnson stood in their front yard with piles of suits, dresses and shoes that had been damaged when flood waters rushed into their home. Mr. Amos invited the group into their home and recalled the terrifying experience. “The electricity went off and within two hours’ time, the house was filled with water,” said Amos. “It stayed that way for three or four days.” “The storm surge crashed the front door and brought limbs, wood, leaves,” said Johnson. “Things that were on the top shelves of closets got wet because the water was like a tidal wave coming into the house. (My parents) left in a boat.” The home is currently uninhabitable, so the Amoses will live with Johnson in Seminole County until damages can be repaired. They started their FEMA paperwork, and now they wait. Finally, the community leaders headed to a FEMA briefing in Kissimmee. Representatives explained they have identified the commuONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black learned about how to further nities with the highest needs and help residents negatively impacted by Hurricane Ian. First a stop at have been on the ground door-toDenny’s Mobile Relief Diner followed by an interview with STAR 94.5, door in those neighborhoods. a trip to Orlovista with hard-hit residents, and finally a briefing at a FEMA office in Kissimmee. For residents who need assisFor residents who need assistance, please contact FEMA at tance, please contact FEMA at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ian https://www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ian