Florida Legislative Black Caucus visits SWFL to see destruction from Ian

The Florida Legislative Black Caucus visits SWFL to see the destruction left behind by Hurricane Ian.

After hosting at Town Hall, they went out to communities devastated by the storm. They went to Harlem Heights, Dunbar, and Lehigh Acres.

Tommy Bowen lives in Dunbar, he said all of his belongings are a total loss. Most of his things are in front of his home and destroyed.

His spirits are still high and he is ready to rebuild in the community he calls home.

Bowen has had his house completely flooded twice in the last five years.

Nat pop “How is this in comparison to the irma damage? Umm about the same ”

The Florida Legislative Black Caucus visited his Dunbar community to assess what is needed there for hurricane relief.

“I live in a and got flooded here and we have plenty of damage to my home. Last time, I think I was the only one flooded out to an armory in this neighborhood. But this time it even really flooded the neighborhood,” Bowen said.

Luckily Bowen has insurance to cover the damages.

“Have a great adjuster come out to come in did my estimate already. So this is a good contract to come through and to get a bid and get back home within three months,” Bowen said.

He lost all his belongings but he is still concerned about his neighbors who may have it worse.

He said he learned his lesson after Hurricane Irma.

“Because I know they’re living in homes right now with mold is going up the wall. I was fortunate because insurance and I knew the process,” Bowen said.

Bowen is really eager to get his house up and running again. He will be staying with his daughter nearby until his home is rebuilt.

But even after two major floods in five years, he said he does not want to leave the Dunbar community and will always call it home.