This post was first published in August of 2017, when we began our quest to discover how Florida got its coastal names. I was born on the Forgotten Coast, in the very small town of Port St. Joe. The beach, where I spent almost every summer of my childhood is just a few miles down the road. Because of a storm named Michael, you already know its name. This morning they are calling it ground zero as photographs of unimaginable devastation flood the internet. My heart aches for the people of Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach, and an entire region that will forever be altered.
My entire family of more than 32 people live in the path that Michael took. They all survived, some with more damage to their homes than others, but they survived. So today, I re-post this with gratitude that my family was spared, but great sadness that a place filled with so much magic can be changed in an instant. It is ironic that the Forgotten Coast is on the minds of many today. If it is own your mind, please consider a donation to the Red Cross to support much needed assistance.
Picture Retirement 
The Forgotten Coast truly is a magical place. My prayers are going out to all of those affected by this powerful storm. I’m so happy to hear that your family is ok.
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Thank you so much. It’s going to take a long time. We were scheduled to spend time with my brother and his wife in a condo that they had leased for the month of December. I am quite sure that will not be possible.
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Sending thoughts and prayers to all affected. So glad to hear that your family is safe.
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Thank you so much. They all have a lot of clean up to do, and my sister had some water intrusion (tree branch through the kitchen window), but gratefully, life goes on.
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So sorry for the damage that was done and the people whose lives will be altered by this storm. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.
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Thank you Dan, this place is very close to my heart.
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What a blessing your family is all safe, but it is such a recovery process. So many hurricanes over the past few years! Take care!
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Thank you Tracey. I am very relieved that no one was injured. Seems like there are more hurricanes, and they are definitely getting bigger and more destructive.
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Suzanne, I am so glad your family are all ok. But how sad for all others who have been affected in a more negative way, perhaps even loss of life. It is heartbreaking
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Hi Gilda, it is terrible for so many. I have not been able to reach my family today. I assume heavy cell phone usage is to account for that. The initial report has changed to include a nephew who has a tree on his house and another one on his car. Thank goodness they were not at home. I think most people are still in shock and trying to access damage. So far there have been 2 storm related deaths reported. But there are still lots of people who are unaccounted for. That is amazing, considering the magnitude of this storm.
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As I look at the pictures of the devastation, I try to imagine how I would feel in that situation… I can’t. I’m happy to know that your family is safe and I hope those who were greatly affected find the strength and support they need.
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Janis, I don’t think they are able to feel anything just yet. Right now they are running on adrenaline while trying to comprehend what happened and evaluate next steps.
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Just saw the devastation on GMA, unbelievable! Glad to know you are safe, but my heart goes out to those affected. Beautiful image.
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Thanks Terri, the storm came in on the West coast of Florida and I live on the East coast, so gratefully, we were not affected at all. I grew up on the West coast and all of my family still lives there and were in the path of the storm. They are all good, but have damage to homes, cars, etc. No electricity for apx. 3 to 4 weeks. It was an incredibly beautiful area, and will be again, but that will take a very long time. The image was taken a year ago when we last visited. All of the photos in the original post tell the story of what was.Such a terrible shame for so many.
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Our prayers are with you and your family. We in the Tampa area had mild weather comparatively. Our little share last year was nothing compared to Michael. We are the ones who have to pray for our blessings, and share what we can with others.
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Thank you James. I am so grateful that all of my family members have homes that are inland and were spared the worst of the devastation. I sit in the comfort of my air conditioned home on the East coast while they battle the cleanup with no electricity. Getting periodic reports from them, and so far everyone is coping well. The Coast is another story altogether.
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Glad to hear that your family are all okay. It is disheartening that in the same week as the United Nations issues a calamitous report on climate change with catastrophic end state by 2030, we read about the U.S. president’s obstinate denial of global warming and the new climate reality. Likewise, the weather evens in Florida and ensuing devastation are forcing politicians to say something about the climate. Sadly Republican politicians at the local state or national level choose to ignore inconvenient truths and the gross failure to prepare for current and future weather events.
Of course, all over the world there are cases almost weekly of extreme weather creating disastrous flooding. And disaster preparedness is tough, complicated, expensive and every country out there is struggling with how best to prepare to mitigate the impact of climate change weather disasters. But at least, most countries politicians have the courage and intellectual integrity to recognize the issue even if they don’t have the budget to necessarily solve all the disaster preparedness issues they face. Honestly, I don’t understand how residents in the states that have recently been impacted by extreme weather events can continue to vote in politicians that are exhibiting such denial of scientific facts.
Heart breaking to see such a beautiful region affected forever. Our thoughts go out to all those impacted and the challenges that they now must face to normalize their lives.
Peta
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Hi Peta, thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy your perspective on things and appreciate both your passion and knowledge. When you guys find the answers, (and I have faith that you will), please share with the rest of us.Peace!
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