Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida — Initial estimates by the Volusia County Property Appraiser indicate that the county suffered at least $481 million in damage after Hurricane Nicol.
Twenty-five homes in Wilbur-by-the-Sea were forced to evacuate after being deemed structurally unsafe. Similarly, dozens more condominiums and hotels are vacant.
What you need to know
- Hundreds of buildings were affected, but at least 19 were declared completely destroyed or destroyed.
- Financially, condominiums and commercial buildings suffered the most losses, with a combined loss of $467 million.
- Residents now seek help as they try to get over their loss
The beautiful shores of Wilbur-by-the-Sea are dotted with reminders of desolation. Fragments of broken seawalls, debris and even bathroom fixtures gather in crumbling hills, leading to sandy beaches. Back walls are missing in some homes, exposing family kitchens to the waves and beachgoers.
A view like this is just a snapshot of what happened in Volusia County.
“I’ve lived in the area for 30 years, and even four hurricanes in 2004 didn’t cause much beach erosion,” said Wilbur-by-the-Sea resident Matthew Clayton.
Right on the beach ramp, Clayton worked at a neighbor’s house to restore power. His home survived Hurricane His Nicol with little damage. Now he’s trying to keep the lights on for his neighbors.
“A good number of these people lost their entire lives. Basically they lost their lives. Everything they ever did could have been in that house,” Clayton said. Told.
Down a few doors you’ll find scary orange signs hanging over the houses. At the top is the word “UNSAFE” in bold type.
This scarlet letter hangs in Nina Lavina’s house, courtesy of Hurricane Nicole. But behind the front door, her friends and family are working to put away her belongings. The back of her house has been washed away, exposing almost everything.
“We are all working together on this issue. If we don’t help each other, it won’t work,” Lavinha said.
She hopes this story will inspire people to step up to help.Volusia County needs you, and they can’t do it alone, she says.
“It doesn’t matter where we live or politics or whatever. Sooner or later we will all be naked and this is what we are all about. We only have each other.”
