Almost two weeks ago Hurricane Michael roared ashore near Mexico Beach, Florida, leaving behind it a vast swath of nearly apocalyptic destruction. The storm leveled not only thousands of homes but also dealt a destructive blow to the local boating community and marine industry.
Treasure Island and Pirates Cove marinas, situated only blocks from the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City, Florida, were particularly hard hit. Michael’s 155-mph winds took the roof off of at least two of Treasure Island Marina’s buildings and essentially leveled one of two dry stack buildings at Pirate’s Cove Marina. This drone footage shows the heartbreaking damage.
Panama City Marina also sustained severe damage to its docks and marina buildings. This video shows a couple who owned a boat at the marina surveying the damage.
Private docks fared no better, the storm surge and wind picking up the boats and depositing them far away, or puncturing their bottoms on top of pilings, sinking many in their slips. This drone footage from Mexico Beach shows the effect Michael had on private homes and docks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPJ6fhQ8-Tw
Recovery and rebuilding efforts are expected to last for years. You can help by donating to the American Red Cross, which is helping people put their lives back together after the storm.
