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PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - From first responders lending a hand to volunteers packing truckloads of supplies, South Florida organizations and law enforcement agencies continute to step up efforts to assist their neighbors on the west coast who have lost everything due to Hurricane Ian.
Speaking at a news conference, Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez said they will continue relief efforts for as long as necessary.
“We hear them, and we will be there through the long haul of this process,” he said.
A team of MDPD officers headed to Southwest Florida on Wednesday morning, ready to assist with anything from rescue operations to routine police patrols.
Another group of local police officers have also volunteered to help their fellow brothers and sisters in blue.
“Those people right now are at the lowest point they’re going to feel, but I can tell you this: in the long run, it’s all going to work itself out, and we will come back from this. We will recover,” said MDPD Sgt. Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association.
In Fort Lauderdale, 7News cameras captured volunteers with the Florida Broward Bar Association filling truckloats of much-needed supplies and basic necessities.
“It’s wonderful to see everybody just jumping in, chipping in and participating in this,” said Alison Smith with the Broward Bar Association.
Meanwhile, a supply drive across South Florida, organized by local leaders and the Global Empowerment Mission, went into its third day, this time at the Shops at Pembroke Gardens.
“We’ve collected enough goods to load four of those 53-foot trailers,” said Sweetwater Mayor Orlando Lopez. “Here we’re very confident that we’re going to be able to load another four or five containers.”
Wednesday evening, local resident Lori Fuchs came to the shopping center to donate supplies. She said she survived a hurricane 30 years ago.
“I was helped after Hurricane Andrew when I lost everything, so it’s just the right thing to do,” she said.
Fuchs said she understands exactly how Hurricane Ian’s victims currently feel.
“When you see them on the TV, and you see them walking around not knowing what to do, that’s exactly how you feel,” she said. “You’re like one step at a time, so you donate.”
Fuchs is not alone. The community has shown up in full force.
“Any little way that we can help. We got lucky; they were only 100 miles,” said a volunteer.
“They bring us blankets and flashlights and cat food and dog food and Pampers,” said radio personality Mobile Mike. “The outreach is truly incredible.”
Farm Share in Southwest Miami-Dade is doing its part as well, delivering more than 1 million pounds of food.
“That could have been us, and when it is us, we get an outpouring of help from other communities, so now it’s our turn,” said Lopez.
“We’re all is this together,” said the volunteer.
“Keep the faith; that’s basically it,” said Fuchs. “You know, people will pitch in and help you out.”
In Miami Gardens, rapper Flo Rida paid for a trailer that will deliver donations to the western side of the state.
From day one of my career, I always thought that, if anything happens, and I’m financially stable, I’m going to give back,” said Flo Rida.
The supply drive at the Shops at Pembroke Gardens is scheduled to resume Thursday between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. They will deliver the donated supplies on Friday.
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