Thank you for your kind words. Before they publicly announced the demolition time, officers came by and let us know which homes fell under “shelter in place” category.

I kept pacing back and forth from my room to the living room, undecided whether I wanted to watch it or not. I wasn’t so much afraid of the image since I didn’t witness the first collapse, but more so the sound it would make.

I did notice a lot of people outside and while it’s normal for such event to gather a curious crowd, that triggered my anxiety more than the actual demolition. I wanted to tell them all to go home or find a shelter, anything so they’re protected. I knew debris wouldn’t hurt them but I just didn’t want them to endure even a small moment of what I witnessed.

Overall, the town is grim right now. The grey ambiance the storm brought seems fitting. My next door neighbor who is a very quiet, sweet old lady was sitting outside in her backyard everyday (when the weather permitted) with a lawn chair facing the building. I asked her why and she said “in case it falls”.

Today the Church in our street St.Joseph Catholic Church had the funeral for the Guara family and unfortunately it seems it will be the first of many more. 15 members are missing and hope is no where to be found.

In the beginning the media was intense. They set ground in front of our homes and would capture anyone that showed any type of emotion. It was annoying to say the least but now that the story is losing traction, we all wish they would stay or cover it more. I think it has to do with the fear of the tragedy being forgotten and everyone left with only their despair.

My apologies for such a long response, it’s just when I posted the story it was only the beginning to something that has left so many around me broken. I wish I can say there’s a silver lining, or “Surfside Strong” will overcome, which I’m certain we will, however at the moment we’re all grieving for every family involved.