Hurricane Dorian: Floridians Launch Support Effort For Bahamas

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — As Hurricane Dorian continues to wreak destruction on the Bahamas Sunday and Monday, a relief effort by Floridians was underway.

Michael Reimer, a driver/engineer and paramedic for the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, is coordinating a team of paramedics to head to Marsh Harbour in the Abaco Islands, along with air transportation for relief supplies to be delivered to the islands as soon as the airport at Marsh Harbour reopens.

At the same time, Ponce Inlet charter boat Capt. Nick Searok is collecting relief supplies to take to Green Turtle Cay in the Abaco Islands in his 35-foot boat. Searok plans to make his first trip to the islands on Saturday.

The Abaco Islands, which sits about 180 miles east of south Florida, has reported widespread devastation after Hurricane Dorian made three landfalls in the islands.

Searok is a frequent visitor to the Abacos Islands.

"Our friends in the Abacos always go out of their way to make their visitors feel at home, and they work hard to make sure we always have a great time," said Searok. "I feel it’s my turn to return their generosity."

Anyone who owns a boat and would like to join Searok on his trip to the Bahamas can message him.

"We'll be picking up more supplies in Lantana, and we’re planning on crossing Saturday morning from Palm Beach," he told Patch.

Reimer is donating the use of his warehouse to stockpile donations to be delivered to the Marsh Harbour Fire Department and the Marsh Harbour Rotary Club.

"They have been vetted and will ensure proper distribution," Reimer told Patch.

Those wishing to contribute can drop off supplies at 3455 High Ridge Road in Boynton Beach. The nonprofit is also making arrangements for a collection site in Riviera Beach.

Items needed include nonperishable food, toiletries, tar paper, tarps, hammers and nails, chain saws, generators, new fuel cans and Tyvek or similar materials used to protection buildings during construction.

Reimer is also looking for certified paramedics who would like to travel to Marsh Harbour. Those interested should email a copy of his or her current paramedic certificate to info@internationalmarineservice.com.

Searok has been in touch with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism who said the island is in need medical supplies, tents, bug spray, bug nets, tarps, tools, nails, chainsaws, diapers, wipes, nonperishable food, water and toilet paper.

Donations can be dropped off at two sites in Deland: Downtown Goldsmith & Engraving , 139. N. Woodland Blvd. and Skydive Deland, 1600 Flight Line Blvd. (care of Tara).

Richard Rudon, who has been monitoring the hurricane from Nassau for radio station Star 106.5 FM and the Nassau Guardian newspaper, said the devastation is extensive.

"Abaco is in real trouble," he said. "People really need help."

Marsh Harbour is the largest town in the Abaco Islands with a population of just over 6,000 people. The combined population of the islands is about 17,200.

Home videos show extensive flooding with cars completely submerged, roofs ripped off homes and trees snapped like toothpicks from hurricane-force winds. Bahamas media are reporting that five people have died including an 8-year-old boy who drowned in the Abaco Islands.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Dorian Makes Landfall: Hurricane Watch Issued In FL