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Ever wonder why so many Florida beach lovers choose to stay put during hurricanes?

In this episode, I reflect on the experience of enduring storms, sharing personal stories from the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. We explore why we chose to ride out the storms rather than evacuate, driven by our unwavering connection to the beach.

I recount my own hurricane cleanup efforts with friends and how our sense of community keeps us anchored. Guest Jen Hardy offers her insights on why her family decided to hunker down, discussing the extensive preparations and safety measures they've taken. Her perspective provides a glimpse into the sense of security and community support that often outweighs the urge to leave.

Drawing from anecdotes and excerpts from a New Yorker article, I delve into the resilient spirit of Floridians who prepare, hunker down, and ride out the storms, showcasing our unyielding bond with our coastal homes.


Article from the New Yorker magazine: The Relentlessness of Florida Hurricane Season by Carolyn Kormann https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-relentlessness-of-florida-hurricane-season

The Jen Hardy Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejenhardy

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In this episode, I share my eventful month, which included a fabulous trip to Italy, an unexpected bout with the flu, and the devastating and unprecedented impact of Hurricane Helene on our Florida Gulf Coast.

It all started with exploring Venice, Florence, Siena, Sorrento, Capri, and Rome, soaking in historic sites and delicious food, and even finding a few beaches.

Upon returning, I quickly fell ill, causing delays in my podcast schedule, making me fear losing my beach-loving audience. Then Hurricane Helene hit, bringing devastation to the Gulf Coast where many friends and family live, although Jacksonville Beach was relatively unscathed.

I reflect on the destruction of our beach communities, how we prepare for hurricanes, and how we maintain resilience in tough times.

Through it all, I find solace in the beach, which reminds us of its healing power. I hope this episode offers a bit of hope and connection for everyone facing their own storms.

To thank my loyal listeners, I’m offering a small beachy gift to those who message me at paige@thebeachspeaks.com

The beach is speaking.
Are you listening?

Mentioned in this episode:
Jamaican Beach Lifeguard Vibes: Stories of Heroic Rescues, Coconut Climbing, and Scuba Adventures with Oneike Jackson: https://www.buzzsprout.com/357242/episodes/13491902

PODCAST LINKS:

• Support the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=77845359
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

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In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Sindia M. Rivera-Jiménez, Ph.D., a native of Puerto Rico who was born and raised near the ocean. With a deep love for the beach, Sindia built a beautiful life in Puerto Rico, earning a degree in engineering, meeting her husband, and starting a family. The ocean was always a central part of her life.

However, a unique opportunity to advance her career took her away from her beloved beaches to the "swamps" of Central Florida, where she became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Education and an Affiliate Faculty of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Facing the challenge of teaching Chemistry in English—a language she learned later in life—Sindia's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and maintaining her beach-loving spirit.

In this episode, Sindia shares her experience of transitioning from the shores of Puerto Rico to landlocked Central Florida, coping with the distance from family and the ocean, and finding ways to stay connected to her roots.

For all the beach lovers out there who find themselves far from the coast, Sindia offers hope, inspiration, and practical tips for keeping the spirit of the sea alive, no matter where you are.

What do you do when you're landlocked and need to "reach the beach?"
Click the "Send Us a Text Message" at the top of the Summary and let me know!

About my Guest:
Sindia M. Rivera-Jiménez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Department of Engineering Education
Affiliate Faculty of Chemical Engineering Department
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida

PODCAST LINKS:

• Support the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=77845359
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks