Last night the rain, wind and cold came through. My cat, Freeway (named that since a friend's daughter found him on the interstate with a brother and 3 dead brothers and sisters in pouring down rain), went wild about 11 p.m.
Freeway spent Hurricane Katrina in my house, while I was at Stennis Space Center. My next door neighbors let him out after the storm, and, when I returned home, I found hundreds of muddy kitty cat footprints all over the house, on furniture, the washing machine, the ripped mini blinds, etc.
So last night, when the rain started hitting the trailer and the wind started blowing, he freaked out and wanted to go outside. I let him out, but the scars are obviously still there for a great many of us, including our animals. By the way, my other cat, Bleu, a 16-year-old Himalayan, did not make it. She stayed outside for Katrina, and has not been seen since.
I am a member of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and we had our first board meeting since Katrina last night. We talked about our concerns about a grocery store returning here. We heard that the shopping center where Winn Dixie was located may look OK from the outside, but is very messed up inside. Just rewiring the shopping center could cost more than $1 million.
But, the necessity of getting a grocery store here is vital. People are not going to return here until we have a grocery store, and the grocery store is not coming here until it has a building that's fixed, and until people are returning. And other businesses are not coming back until a grocery store is here and people are returning to their homes. So we are in a vicious circle.
The chamber is struggling to get businesses back in operation, but, according to a survey done by FEMA, a total of 308 businesses in Hancock County were destroyed, 498 were damaged, 299 are open and 142 will reopen. We feel this is a good sign, and hopefully by the beginning of 2006, we will begin to see life being pumped back into our area.
Read related post: Businesses stirring
I also learned last night that the Super Wal-Mart is opening an express store in their building, which had more than 8-12 feet of water. They are currently in a 16,000-square-foot tent, but will now move into part of their building and complete the rebuilding behind the scenes.
So, things are looking up. I worry tonight, though, about the people who are still in tents, since the temperatures are supposed to drop into the 30s. And, let me assure you, there are still many people in tents and their cars. I even spoke to a FEMA inspector who said she had slept in her car or in a tent for most of her visit here. She was even depressed, after hearing and seeing the devastation, but last night she finally got a good night's sleep and felt a little better.
We here in Hancock County are a resilient and survivalist people. We will rebuild. We will rise again. We may have a few rough days along the way. But we will still be here and we will be better people for it.
Beginning of a business comeback
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Poooooor Freeway. Cats are very smart, but I'm sure they can't understand why their worlds turned upside down this summer. And poor Bleu; I can feel the pain you have for your missing cat - me, the mother of two cats.
But if Wal-Mart is coming back to life, then it must mean that Hancook County will survive, eh? Okay, I'm trying to be funny, but maybe its not so funny. I can understand why the grocery store would be pivital for people returning. However, it only takes one domino falling to knock down an entire tower. I'm glad you're behind to help out in rebuilding - and keeping us up to date.
Stephanie Umbro, Standish, ME (Sent Nov 16, 2005 8:45:16 PM)
I'm so happy to hear that the Chamber had a meeting it is the first step in reuniting our business leaders. I'm from Slidell, LA dislocated to Portland,OR, I've been reading the stories here with amazement of the strength that your community has. I remember lunch at Traponies and shopping for gifts at your local stores for christmas presents last year. I love the people of your community and will be back to support you when I return to the south. Stay strong and keep the faith, we the people are praying for you.
Susan, Slidell via Portland (Sent Nov 17, 2005 10:58:12 AM)
Here in Oklahoma we have tornadoes and hideyholes are a consequence. Our hidey has seen us with our kitties huddled together waiting for the big blow to move on. So Mary Perkins we know a little of the fear that comes with natures devastating power but not the magnitude you folks have suffered thru. I have worked to restore your communications systems from Camile and Betsy when I was much younger and tougher but the views I see now of the destruction you folks have to deal with is beyond my comprehension. Hang tuff Mary and maybe someday Bleu will return. If not, like my 16 year young Tippie Kittie, there will always be those special memories that will help wipe away the tears.
Russell Thrasher, Stillwater, Oklahoma (Sent Nov 17, 2005 11:22:59 AM)
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