Bahamas family overcomes Dorian’s destruction, makes new life in Naples

Evacuees, who made it the United States from the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian left the country in devastation, are doing what they can to stay afloat.

Liam Glass said he feels safe in Naples. But he is far from home.

Holding a flashlight with no electricity, Letitia and Laverne Glass, his parents, packed one bag each. The family fled the country the day when cruise ships announced people could leave the island nation for free.

The family escaped Grand Bahama. It is among the areas wrecked by Dorian. The decision to leave, leaving everyone else behind was difficult. The family had a graphic design and screen printing company.

“All the equipment was under saltwater,” Laverne said. “There’s no repairing those things.”

For Liam, 4 years old, survival mode did not feel right. He had a stomach virus. For his parents, it was painful to watch their boy struggle. He was up against his stomach virus and the horrifying aftermath of Dorian.

The family was not alone. Many victims had difficulties. Among them was waiting in the lines in the port to catch a ship.

“I watched them take a baby through a door like the person had to do this,” Letitia said as she outstretched her arms.

That kind of misery is why the boat leaving the port was so packed. However, the Glass family made it to Southwest Florida. They are now staying in Naples and are sending back supplies to the Bahamas.

They urge people to remember that mental health care will be one of the greatest needs after such devastation. Like everyone else, they have a challenging future ahead of them.

“We need to start all over again,” Letitia said.