Dear Bluebonnet News readers,
When Hurricane Beryl came barreling through, folks in the Bluebonnet News coverage area showed what real community is all about. Despite the storm’s fury, it was truly heartwarming to see everyone come together — volunteers, city and county leaders, chambers of commerce, and local businesses, churches and organizations — all putting their own worries aside to help each other out.
Right from the get-go, as soon as the hurricane threat was real, people stepped up. Volunteers were out there in the thick of it, handing out food and water in some pretty tough heat conditions. These folks are the real heroes, striving to make sure no one went hungry or thirsty. They showed what true community spirit looks like.
City leaders and staff were also right there, coordinating efforts, organizing resources, and keeping everyone informed. They weren’t just making decisions from behind a desk; they were on the ground, side by side with their neighbors, proving that we’re all in this together.
A special shout-out goes to the linemen who have been working long, hard days in the Texas heat to get the lights back on. To show appreciation for their tireless efforts, a luncheon was held on Friday, July 12, in Dayton. It was a chance for the community to come together and thank these hardworking individuals who braved the elements to restore power and bring a sense of normalcy back to our lives.
But let’s be real — the recovery from Hurricane Beryl is going to take a while. Even after the lights are back on and the internet and cell service are restored, many residents have a long road ahead. Lots of folks lost hours of work, their food reserves in the fridge and freezer spoiled, and their homes took a beating that will take weeks, maybe even months, to fix. The immediate crisis might be over, but the aftermath is still very much with us.
This hurricane was a tough lesson for many. Hopefully everyone is reminded of the importance of being prepared for the first 72 hours after a hurricane, as that’s how long it often takes for relief efforts to mobilize. With many weeks left until the Atlantic hurricane season ends on Nov. 30, it’s crucial that we try to be better prepared. God forbid we get another hurricane this season, but if we do, let’s try to be ready.
In the meantime, please continue looking out for one another. Not everyone has power back yet, so if you can, reach out to your neighbors in need. Offer them a place to cool off, a spot to charge their phones, or share a meal. It’s the little acts of kindness that make a big difference.
During this extended recovery, that same spirit of helping each other out is going to be essential. Neighbors will keep leaning on each other, sharing what they have, pitching in with repairs, and offering a shoulder to lean on. The road to recovery is a team effort, and we’ll need patience and perseverance to get through it together.
In the coming days, I will be assisting Small Business Administration officials as they hope to arrange a town hall meeting in the Dayton area where business people impacted by the storm can learn about their options for low-interest loans.
Bluebonnet News will continue to strive to keep everyone informed. Bluebonnet News is YOUR news source, committed to bringing you the latest updates and stories that matter most. Thanks so much for your continued support, Vanesa Brashier.