EVERGLADES CITY, Fla. — Two months after Hurricane Irma’s storm surge slammed through tiny Everglades City, the mountains of debris that lined the streets have been reduced to scattered piles and the occasional abandoned stove or refrigerator. Kenny and Brittany Smallwood say FEMA rejected their assistance request after an 8-minute home inspection even though Irma tore a hole in their roof and dumped torrential rains inside, destroying much of their furniture and causing extensive damage. It’s about coming together with outside help to get their town into reasonable shape. It remains closed because of water damage, but its surroundings are cleaner and quieter than they were a week after the storm. “That’s what people like about us.”——THE CHURCHIrma’s waters did not spare Everglades Community Church, which shares the town centre.

Source: National Post November 10, 2017 18:36 UTC