When Hurricane Helene struck Palmetto, Florida, on September 26th, followed closely by Hurricane Milton, the waterfront Tropic Isles community was left devastated. Known for its scenic canals, yacht club, and marina, Tropic Isles faced severe destruction, with many homes missing roofs, interiors and exteriors damaged, and debris scattered across the grounds. Some residents endured weeks without power or running water, waiting for the chance to rebuild.
Amid this destruction, Arctic Air Home Services, a local HVAC and plumbing company dedicated to supporting its community, quickly stepped up to help. Arctic Air’s team of volunteers, alongside their trucks and equipment, arrived on-site to assist residents with clearing debris from their properties. Their presence provided critical support, helping to remove piles of flood debris, downed trees, and scattered remains left by the storms.
In addition to Arctic Air, several local organizations joined the effort to help Tropic Isles residents recover. Volunteers from Palmetto High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, and Bradenton Schools came together to offer their time and manpower, while First Baptist Church of Palmetto provided additional support and resources. Together, these organizations showcased the strength of a united community, rallying around those in need.
Residents like Pat Delbrocco shared their stories of resilience and gratitude. “We haven’t had power since September 26th. The water was shut off before the hurricane landed,” she said, reflecting on the challenges she and her husband faced after the storm. Despite the hardships, the community spirit during the volunteer efforts on October 19th lifted her spirits.
Beverly Butts, another resident, expressed her appreciation for Arctic Air’s team, saying, “Your team came along and lifted a very heavy bag for me. We basically cleaned up all the stones.” She explained how difficult it was to handle the flood debris alone and how Arctic Air’s assistance made a world of difference.
Barbara McEvoy, the General Manager for Tropic Isles, was deeply moved by the overwhelming community response. “When you are here in the community every day, you get very involved with the people,” she shared. After reaching out to news channels and posting on social media for help, McEvoy received an outpouring of support. “There was an overwhelming amount of support. Look what happens when a community pulls together. Look at the good you can get out of social media. I’m just amazed,” she said.
Here for Our Neighbors, Now and Always
Arctic Air Home Services is honored to serve a community that comes together so powerfully in times of need. We’re proud to work alongside organizations like Palmetto High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, Bradenton Schools, and First Baptist Church of Palmetto to help restore Tropic Isles. Beyond emergency support, we’re here to ensure that our neighbors have safe, reliable HVAC and plumbing systems year-round. As the holiday season approaches, we encourage residents to schedule quality checks for their systems to stay prepared. Call us today to book your service and experience the Arctic Air difference.