CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2026) – After Hurricane Melissa tore through southern Jamaica, families in the rural community of Burnt Savannah were left without reliable access to food, clean water, safe housing, and medical services. In the weeks that followed, helping hands from near and far came together to support families as they began the long road to recovery.
From Nov. 8 to Nov. 22, 2025, Charlotte County Fire & EMS Lieutenant Jarrod Gavagni served as Operations Section Chief with Project Heal Jamaica, supporting relief efforts focused on helping residents stabilize their daily lives after the storm.
For many families, the most immediate concern was simply having enough to eat and drink. As part of the response, Lt. Gavagni helped coordinate and support the distribution of more than 12,000 hot meals, approximately 10,500 Meals Ready to Eat, and more than 1,000 cases of drinking water to communities impacted by flooding and limited access routes.
“After a storm like this, food and water mean everything to families who are just trying to get through the day,” said Lieutenant Jarrod Gavagni. “Our goal was to get those basic needs to people as quickly and safely as possible, even in hard-to-reach areas. Just as important was being there, listening, and making sure families knew they were not forgotten.”
Helping children return to school became another priority. Working with local officials and international partners, response teams tarped approximately 10 schools so students could safely return to class and regain a sense of routine. Churches and community gathering spaces were stabilized to resume essential services, while nearly 30 homes were repaired or tarped. Efforts focused on elderly residents and single-parent households who were among the most vulnerable following the storm.
Access to medical care was also a pressing concern. While licensing restrictions prevented direct treatment, teams supported three local clinics by providing generators, assisting with structural stabilization, and coordinating with local healthcare staff. These efforts allowed clinics to reopen and continue serving their communities despite ongoing power outages and fuel shortages.
The work was not without challenges. Damaged roads, remote terrain, and localized flooding complicated travel, while generator fuel had to be transported from depots more than 90 minutes away. Despite these obstacles, teams adapted daily to ensure critical services remained available.
“This mission reflects what the fire service stands for at its core, helping people when they need it most,” said Acting Fire Chief Matthew McElroy. “Lieutenant Gavagni’s leadership and commitment to service made a meaningful difference for families working to recover and rebuild.”
Throughout the mission, local voices guided the work. By listening to and empowering trusted community leaders, recovery efforts were shaped by the people they were meant to serve.
The Hurricane Melissa humanitarian mission stands as a reminder that recovery is not just about rebuilding structures, but about restoring dignity, hope, and stability for families as they move forward together.
For information, contact Ashley Turner at 941-833-5610 or Ashley.Turner@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
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