The headlines called it Irmageddon. Irma Gate. Irmapocalypse. The world’s collective eye was on Miami to see how all of our new skyscrapers, greenscapes and stringent building codes would fare during a catastrophic direct hit from one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic. Anyone who was here for Andrew took the warnings very seriously. Then, as Irma’s cone of destruction moved further and further south of us and eventually west, we collectively breathed a sign of relief, but looked on with concen for our friends in The Keys and Florida’s West Coast. At Irma’s apex here in Miami, storm reporters took refuge behind hurricane impact sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows in condos, hotels and office buildings all over Downtown Miami and Brickell to stream their live broadcasts. Sure, the wind was loud. Yes, the surge was crazy. And those spinning cranes?! At least no one was hurt. Once the lights came back on, the waters receded and the sky was clear, like magic, we all simultaneously began picking up the pieces. Nature has an amazing way of regenerating itself, and mere weeks after Irma’s visit, new growth is emerging on foliage throughout the city and new business opportunities are sprouting up all over town. We’re back to normal and better than ever. But one thing will forever remain in our hearts and minds: We will never forget and we will always be prepared. That’s a small price to pay for living in paradise.
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