Miceli’s reopens after month-long clean up from hurricanes, a testament to resilience and community spirit. Situated in Matlacha, Florida, this beloved eatery is much more than just a restaurant; it has become a cornerstone of local camaraderie. After enduring the devastation wrought by recent storms, the team at Miceli’s rolled up their sleeves and embarked on the arduous journey of restoration.
“A lot of hard work, a lot of tears, a lot of sweat, but we’re home,” Stephen Margolin, a dedicated server, expressed. His words encapsulate the emotional high of returning to something so familiar yet alarmingly altered by disaster. Each member of the staff played a part in this comeback, pouring their heart and soul into the recovery effort.
Watch Bella’s full report below:
‘We’re home’: Miceli’s reopens after month-long clean up from hurricanes
“A lot of mud, a lot of mud, and it just took everything out pretty bad,” Amber Brady, co-owner of Miceli’s, recounted, reflecting on the overwhelming aftermath. The scene within was nothing short of devastating. “You walk in and just see everything destroyed. It was gut-wrenching, absolutely gut-wrenching,” she recalled, her voice heavy with emotion.
However, the heart of Miceli’s is more than just its physical structure; it’s the people. Thanks to the unwavering support from their dedicated staff and the local community, they rose from the debris. “Everyone from Pine Island has been just like coming in hot, going, we’re here for you. We’re getting the community back together. It’s just been beautiful,” Brady shared. This collective effort breathed life back into their cherished neighborhood.
Remarkably, while the cleanup and rebuilding occurred, the owners made a concerted effort to keep their staff employed, even increasing hourly wages. “You know, they’re our family. We got to keep them going too,” Brady explained, illuminating the sense of kinship that defines the establishment.
George Perez, another server, echoed that sentiment, remarking on his personal connection to the restoration. “You walk in today and see your own contributions. I walked in here and I was like, ‘Oh, boy! I painted that, yeah, you know, I sanded that booth,'” he said, pride swelling in his voice. The work done was not just physical; it was emotional and personal.
Both Perez and Margolin agreed that helping with the cleanup was a spontaneous decision. “This place is a staple in the area,” stated Margolin, his tone imbued with determination. “They’ve done a lot for the community. The community has done a lot for us just trying to get back on our feet so we can have a livelihood again.” This mutual commitment to one another reflects a profound understanding of what it means to belong.
Now, Miceli’s stands open once more, a beacon of hope and strength for the Matlacha community. With the resilience of its staff and the support of its patrons, it is a symbol that not even hurricanes can sweep away the spirit of a united community.
