Hurricane Joaquin recovery
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]urricane Joaquin was not kind to the southern Bahamian islands. The Category 4 hurricane hovered over five islands for 72 hours destroying houses, schools, toppling trees and unleashing heavy flooding. The recovery process, as most of us on the Treasure Coast experienced in 2004 and 2005, does not happen overnight and takes time, money and patience. After the storm exited the Bahamas, private relief efforts quickly organized, both in the Bahamas and the States, some groups focusing on fundraising and others on delivering water, food, generators and essential supplies to the areas hardest hit, specifically Long Island, Rum Cay, Crooked Island, The Acklins, Cat Island, and San Salvador.
Ways to Assist
In the months to come, relief efforts will fade, but the need for materials and building supplies will remain. Because of this a âStop Off & Drop Off for Bahamasâ challenge has been issued by Capt. Barb Evans, who is based in Marco Island, Florida.
âThere will be hundreds of yachts and sport fishing boats that will be heading south. I challenge each and every boat that is heading to the Caribbean to STOP OFF AND DROP OFF. We all will be driving directly past each of the affected islands. Please stock up on a few five-pound boxes of nails or a couple sheets of plywood, or anything you can think one might need to rebuild a home ravaged by a hurricane.â
For more details or suggestions on needed items, contact Capt. Evans at (239) 572-0887. A closed Facebook Group also exists (Stop Off & Drop Off for Bahamas) if you would like to join or if you would like to share the effort on your personal Facebook page or a business Facebook page.
To Donate Supplies or Money
For those who would like to donate to the relief efforts, below are the groups that have been very successful coordinating efforts and delivering needed supplies to the various islands:
- Bahamas Rotary: www.indiegogo.com/projects/hurricane-joaquin-bahamas-relief-fund/#/Â
- HeadKnowles Hurricane Relief: www.youcaring.com/bringing-relief-to-our-families-in-the-bahamas-443717.
- San Salvador Relief Effort: https://www.gofundme.com/qe54wxqs
Bimini Big Game Club Wahoo Smackdown VII
Preparations for the seventh series of the popular Wahoo Smackdown hosted by Bimini Big Game Club are nearing completion. The wahoo have arrived offshore, just in time for the November 12-14th smackdown. Guaranteed cash prize minimum is $10,000. Divisions include ladies, youth, mahi and tuna. Tournament director Misty Wells is offering free registration to the first all-female team, âOver the years I have been told âGirls canât fish without help from men.â Come on ladies, letâs make them eat their words and letâs get some lady anglers.â Registration is $1500 and includes up to four anglers. For more information or to register, visit biggameclubbimini.com or call Misty Wells at (970) 708-7997.
