Karen Drew: Cars still being pulled from water months after Hurricane Ian pummeled Florida

NAPLES, Fla. – It was a sight I’ve by no means seen. Automotive after automotive within the intercoastal waters of Bonita Springs and Naples, Florida.

Some had been caught in muck, others turned over with their tires protruding of the water. One other was being pulled out as our fishing boat glided by.

I knew I’d see injury right here as Hurricane Ian pummeled the world in late September, however months later I used to be so devastated to see what number of automobiles Ian tossed into the water and are nonetheless there.

Restoration and salvage crews are working arduous, nevertheless it’s fairly a job.

Our boat Captain Christy bought teary as she talked about “her yard” — these waters the place she takes teams fishing, sightseeing, and has spent a lot of her life having fun with the peacefulness of the water.

They’re now full of particles, dive crews, and salvage groups attempting to tug out the remnants of a nightmare that simply received’t go away.

I wished to share a number of the photos to let you recognize what continues to be occurring and the way a lot nonetheless must be completed. Many people have grandparents, mother and father, or pals who’ve moved to Florida or retired there.

On the beachfront in Naples, I noticed so many houses destroyed, boarded up, after which I noticed this girl — I’m guessing she was in her 70s — with a rake in her hand cleansing up particles subsequent to her ranch house on the seaside.

That home at all times captured my consideration. I at all times admired the gray Fifties-era ranch. After I would go to the world through the years I’d at all times see the driveway full of automobiles and visiting household and thought, ‘what a really particular house full of love.’

The lady raking instructed me she retired right here 30 years in the past from Atlanta. I used to be with my ladies strolling the seaside once we met her and wished to let her know the way very sorry we had been and stated we’d pray for her and her household. I might inform this girl was sturdy not just for her potential at her age to be doing the heavy work she was doing in cleanup — however her coronary heart and soul.

She was grateful for the prayers and stated she is hoping to rebuild and make extra household reminiscences there. I didn’t need to trouble her and didn’t keep lengthy. She and her household had work to do.

I pray her dream of rebuilding does come true.