10/12/2026
🧡🌴 NAVARRE STRONG. DESTIN STRONG. NORTHWEST FLORIDA STRONG. 🌴🧡
Hurricane Isaisis may have shaken our communities, but it will never break our spirit.
As we begin the long road to recovery here in Navarre, Florida, I wanted to share a little of what our family has experienced and, more importantly, just how grateful I am.
We own an acre of property in Holley by the Sea, surrounded by beautiful trees. It’s one of the things we’ve always loved about our home. Unfortunately, those same beautiful trees became one of our biggest concerns during this hurricane.
We are still without power. We have trees down everywhere, roof leaks, and more trees that need to be cut down and removed than I can even begin to count.
One of the scariest moments was realizing that our son’s brand-new tree fort actually saved our home from being crushed by a massive oak tree! 🌳❤️ Who would have thought that little tree fort would end up being one of the biggest blessings of this storm?
Fallen trees brought down power lines and blocked our driveway. We had to cut additional trees to create a safe path for our vehicles so we could leave our property to get supplies.
Then our generator quit on us! So off to Alabama we went to purchase a new one. Thankfully, we managed to save most of the food in our refrigerator. At this point, I’m learning to appreciate the little victories!
I’m also incredibly thankful for my husband, Ed. Shortly after we moved here in 2021, he purchased a Husqvarna chainsaw and began clearing trees around our acre. Looking at the destruction around us now, I truly believe that work helped save our home. ❤️
We’re tackling the cleanup ourselves, one tree and one branch at a time. With an acre of property and this much damage, it will be a long minute before our yard looks anything like it did before, but we’ll get there. It may not be pretty for a while, but it’s still home.
From what I’ve heard, power has been restored to parts of Destin and Fort Walton Beach, while Navarre and large portions of Pensacola are still waiting. I know utility crews are working incredibly hard, and I’m grateful for every person helping our communities get back on their feet.
But through all the destruction, exhaustion, and uncertainty, something beautiful has stood out to me.
OUR COMMUNITY. 🧡
Neighbors helping neighbors. Strangers becoming friends. People sharing supplies, checking on one another, clearing debris, and lending a hand wherever they can.
Seeing everyone come together makes my heart so incredibly proud.
My heart goes out to everyone across Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, and all of Northwest Florida who has suffered damage or loss. Some families are facing far greater challenges than we are, and I pray they find the strength, support, and resources they need.
As a Realtor, I talk about finding the perfect place to call home all the time. But this hurricane has reminded me of something far more important.
🏡 Home isn’t just the house we live in. It’s the people who surround us, the neighbors who show up, and the community that stands together when everything else seems to be falling apart.
And after seeing the love, generosity, and strength of our neighbors here in Holley by the Sea and throughout Northwest Florida, I know without a doubt that this is where home is. ❤️
We have a long road ahead, but we are resilient. We are grateful. And we will rebuild together.
Northwest Florida, we may be battered, but we are not broken. 🌅
With love, prayers, and strength to everyone affected.
🧡 Realtor Wendy Hollis
🏡 Emerald Shores Realty
📱 Text or Call: 850-686-3662
🌴 Proud to call Holley by the Sea, Navarre, Florida, HOME.
