Seminole County, FL, Commission Meeting
11 October 2022
David Williamson (390 words)

Thank you Chairman Dalari, Commissioners, Staff, Citizens, Business Owners, and Guests.

As we gather this morning, let’s take stock of where we are not quite 2 weeks since Hurricane Ian ripped through the State and our County.

ALL of us have been affected, in some way, by the devastation.

Whether we found our homes, our cars, our neighborhoods underwater; or we found ourselves helping neighbors and community members in those circumstances.

Whether we found ourselves donating time, money, blood, food; or we found ourselves the beneficiaries of that generosity.

Whether we found ourselves cleaning up our homes, our yards, and places of business; or we helped others to do so.

We were all affected.

The forecasts, the sandbags, the evacuations, the cleanup, the hot days, and a few well-deserved cool nights.

We’ve been through a lot together,

…but we’ve been through it……together.

Because, in times of need, we respond–with kindness and compassion.

Our instincts kick in, and the part of our brain that can sometimes sow division…

…is switched off.

We find a need and take care of it–regardless of who needs help.

We aren’t one nation nor one county in those moments,

…we are simply human; and we are at our best.

I have to take the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of a few standouts who make a tremendous difference when communities are in greatest need.

Staff and volunteers supporting the Emergency Operations Centers across the county.

First responders who maintained their presence before, during, and after the worst weather was upon us.

Non-profits, faith communities, and individuals who gave as part of their mission or who stepped outside those bounds to help others.

Utility crews and lineworkers from nearby and around the country.

Everyone who pitched in and continues to help deserves all the gratitude we can muster.

And the work goes on. The clean up continues.

Lives changed forever.

There are new high water marks across Seminole County this week…

…but our people have risen in kind and showed one another…

…that while there will often be needs and work to be done…

…there will always be volunteers and resources staged and ready to help when the need is greatest.

We are here for each other. Let’s not forget that.

Thank you.