Miami Sports Teams Step Up In Hurricane Aftermath

MIAMI, FL — When Miami Dolphins rookie defensive tackle Vincent Taylor strode into the Red Cross Hurricane Irma shelter in Miami on Tuesday, the memories of Hurricane Katrina came rushing back.

“I know what it’s like to get help from other families and have people giving you stuff," said the 6 feet 3 inch, 278 pound native of The Crescent City.

Taylor was only 11 when Katrina changed his world and his family spent time in a shelter much like the one he visited on Tuesday at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition. The facility became a shelter of last resort for nearly 1,500 people and hundreds of pets at the height of the Hurricane Irma disaster. (For more hurricane news or local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Miami Patch, and click here to find your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

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"You wish you could be in your own house and have your own things, but around this time you’re looking for as much help as you can,” the 23-year-old recalled. “For me to be out here as a rookie and give back to these people, it’s a very special moment for me to just come out here and help.”

Since Hurricane Irma tore a path of destruction through South Florida earlier this month, all of Miami's professional sports teams — the Dolphins, Heat and Panthers — have stepped up in one way or another. They have collected critical supplies for storm victims, sent players to raise the spirits of evacuees and in the case of the Marlins, offered free game tickets to victims in the hardest hit areas of South Florida.

Pat Riley of the Miami Heat filled two SUV’s with food and water and drove them to three distribution sites along with team executives Steve Stowe and Rob Pimental.

"As Pat spoke to survivors, he realized more needed to be done," explained Capt. Ignatius Carroll of Miami Fire Rescue. "Pat and Steve purchased more food and water again and again and with the help of Rob, loaded 50 cases of Gatorade and water from the American Airlines Arena, and with a few friends, delivered the relief supplies to three senior citizens' facilities, two police department distribution sites and twice to a local church known for its humanitarian efforts."

But they still wanted to do more.

"Mr. Riley was then informed about the local search and rescue team in Key West and wanted to help. Pat along with Steve and Rob filled a Miami Heat van with even more supplies," added Carroll, who said the additional supplies included rice, beans and canned goods. The basketball coaching legend joined a city of Miami relief convoy to take the supplies directly to Monroe County, which includes the Florida Keys.

"The Heat van, along with three tractor trailers filled with water was delivered to two distribution sites in the most devastated areas of Monroe County," according to Carroll, who said Riley met with two search and rescue teams during his visit.

The Miami Marlins announced that Monroe County residents can attend any of the team's remaining home games for free as can first responders. But not just one game — all of them.

"We have been aiding all partner schools with their needs, and our partner organizations with their needs in helping those impacted by Hurricane Irma," the Marlins' Jon Alvarez told Patch. "For example, we are aiding Feeding South Florida with their needs and their efforts in providing to those in need. There is not set amount of money donated as it is a continuous effort to help our partners, such as the American Red Cross, fill the 'gaps' in their services. We want to ensure that our partners are able to continue operating and serving those in need."

On Tuesday, the Florida Panthers hockey club teamed up with South Florida Ford and the Dan Marino Foundation to take caravans filled with hurricane relief supplies to the Florida Keys. The donations included about 30,000 pounds of water, clothes, toilet paper, paper towels, batteries, flashlights and other supplies.

"We're stacking about 20 or so trucks right now and get ready for this convoy. We’re super excited about
it," observed Panthers' President and CEO Matthew Caldwell.

In addition to much-needed supplies, the Panthers joined with the Tampa Bay Lightning, National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League to make a joint donation of $2.7 million to those affected across Florida by Hurricane Irma.

The Dolphins' Talyor was joined by fellow teammates Isaac Asiata, MarQueis Gray, Torry McTyer, Rashawn Scott, Eric Smith and Kenny Stills in serving up meals, tossing footballs and hearing war stories from the 400 remaining storm victims at the Miami shelter. Dolphin cheerleaders, alumni, and staff also participated in the event that was coordinated with the AARP Foundation.

“The Dolphins visit to our shelter today made an enormous impact on the community and really lifted the spirits of those that have been so personally affected by Hurricane Irma,” explained Grace Meinhofer of the American Red Cross South Florida. “We are really grateful for their support.”

In addition to the team visit, Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross pledged $1 million to be used for immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Florida. The Dolphins have partnered with AARP Foundation on a dollar-for-dollar matching campaign to raise even more money for those affected. The proceeds are particularly aimed at low income people and victims 50 and older. Click here for more information on the Dolphins' hurricane efforts. To donate, click here.

Taylor said that some things transcend sports like the Katrina disaster he lived through as well as Hurricane Irma.

"It's bigger than football for me and all these guys who came out, taking our day off to come out here," he said. "It's big to come out here and serve food to these guys, and for these people and give back to them."

Watch below as defensive tackle Vincent Taylor discusses his experience in a shelter:

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Vincent Taylor shares his shelter experience at the Red Cross Hurricane Irma shelter in Miami. Photo and video courtesy Miami Dolphins.