“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. If you have love for yourself and others, you won’t need it.
Fire, tornados, hurricane — we’ve been through them all and more. The lesson we learned was without preparedness, there can be no resiliency.
Resilience is the capacity of cities and the physical, social, and economic systems within them to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience. Resilience is just as much about planning and preparing as it is responding and reacting.
Amid Hurricane Irma, West Park came together to help families, friends, and neighbors. First responders (BSO Police & Fire personnel) navigated dangerous conditions to help individuals in need. Citizens answered the call to lend a helping hand. City staff took a leading role to prepare our city and assist with recovery.
Special thanks to Greg Berger from the Playhouse, Mark Alexander from Friendly Drugs, Ray Pina of BRAVO Supermarket, TyTy’s Mobile Kitchen, State Representative Shevrin Jones, Cristal Cole from AT&T, Pastor Kenneth Pace of Central Baptist Church, Rev. & Mrs. Miller and the wonderful people from New Macedonia Church, the Florida Panthers, Susan Seward, Dr. Katrina Touchstone, Karen Kelly, Carolyn Hardy, and again to all West Park staff.
Was it perfect? No, but lessons have been taught—and are learned.
Thank you West Park for your steadfastness, patience and most important your resilience after the storm!
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your educational ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 329-8660 or email fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
