Eye on the Tropics

Hurricane Irma: Merritt Island residents continue cleanup efforts

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Officials said Thursday that Hurricane Irma spawned at least six tornadoes in Brevard County, including one at Merritt Island’s Island Lakes neighborhood.

The storm badly damaged or destroyed many of the neighborhood’s manufactured homes, which remain without electricity and running water.

Crews on Thursday helped residents remove debris from the community.

Resident Darren Finney said he and his wife of 71 years were more fortunate than their neighbors.

Although their home was badly damaged by the storm, it remains habitable.

“It's rough, but we'll make it,” he said. “If it wasn't for my Lord and our belief that God's going to take care of us, I don't think we would make it.”

Finney said the storm destroyed his garage and his sun porch.

“I'm going to have to replace the whole awning, the garage, the back room,” he said.

Finney said he spent a lot of time praying while the hurricane hit and has continued to do so after the storm.

Read: Reported tornado destroys Palm Bay homes

“We have our church friends, our daughter and the help with our pastor,” he said. “We'll make it.”

Property managers said volunteers visited the neighborhood Thursday to help residents apply for FEMA assistance.

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