It’s been three days since Irma came to town. Much of Miami-Dade is still without power and in West Coconut Grove that means residents are feeling hot, helpless, and like there’s no end in sight.
Miami City Commissioners Ken Russell, Francis Suarez, and their staff hauled bags of ice, water bottles and helped host a barbecue cook-out on Tuesday afternoon at Elizabeth Virrick Park.
Nearby residents who needed a good meal and something to keep them cool came out to eat and laugh with each other.
Staff from Miami City Commissioner’s Ken Russell and Francis Suarez’s offices hauled bags of ice from Marlins Park over to Elizabeth Virrick Park in West Coconut Grove.
“I’ve been without power since Saturday… I take the insulin pen, and now I can keep it cold,” Alice Williams said.
“I’ve been without power for…three days now,” Ronaldo Wright said.
An elderly couple living in West Coconut Grove, said they haven’t been able to sleep. The wife, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she’s asthmatic and her husband has heart problems. She said the water will help cool them down.
“Light light light. We need light,” chanted residents waiting for food. “Light CocoNut Grove 305. Give us light.”
Volunteers who helped clean up Elizabeth Virrick Park got to eat the hot meal first. Some of the food was donated from Villa Azure restaurant in Miami Beach.
