Florida wildlife experts have warned people who have returned home after Hurricane Milton to keep an eye out for alligators and snakes wandering in the waters of their neighborhoods. “The water pretty much pushed them obviously out of their pond areas. They’re going with the flow,” Rene Walker of Tampa Bay Rescues, an animal rescue and conservation organization, told NBC News. Jen Messer, who lives in the Tampa area, reported that she found an alligator crawling around her home gym. “He made a trip over the treadmill, got his cardio in for a second and then he meandered outside underneath my truck,” she said. They were ultimately able to shoo the gator to the pond near their home. “We redirected him, but he wasn’t that happy about it.”

Meanwhile, at our mobile home park, a few wandering gators decided to enjoy the post-hurricane floodwaters, casually floating through the streets like they were on a lazy river ride. Normally, they’re just sunbathing by the canals, minding their business — unless, of course, a neighbor loses grip on a small dog. Then things get... less peaceful.

The normally beautiful trees and flowers in the area now resemble fall in New England. Instead of their usual vibrant tropical hues, the leaves have turned a crispy shade of brown and orange, having been “wind-burned” thanks to the salty spread from the bay in the hurricane winds.

Most of the gas stations have run out of gas after filling up the tanks of hurricane evacuators. We were lucky enough to have a little bit of gas to run our generator, a Godsend, in an area where electricity is non-existent.  While it has been reported that 20,000 electrical workers from 41 states and Canada are working around the clock, many of us, even a week later, have no power. “Crews continue to work around the clock and will not stop until every customer has their lights back on,” Florida Power and Light said in a statement.

Bugs are in abundance, especially mosquitoes. It’s a mad dash to get into my car and to slam the door quick or risk turning my vehicle into a flying, buzzing nightmare. It is dangerous enough to drive when there is no electricity, as the red lights and the green lights do not work.  We have been instructed to treat each intersection as a four-way stop…easier said than done when the roads are six lanes across each way.  Florida drivers are not the best in the first place, but to add this challenge makes them more dangerous than ever.

Because the hurricane knocked out the power, several restaurants fired up generators and served food as long as people could come in to order and to pay with cash. One local Chinese place really stepped up, offering combination plates at a deep discount. It worked out great for everyone: the restaurant sold off ingredients instead of tossing them, and they made some cash for much-needed repairs. Hungry neighbors were thrilled that they got a hot meal even though they had to wait in a line halfway down the parking lot. Even folks who don’t normally eat Chinese food were so grateful, they promised to make it their new go-to.

Help is available everywhere I turn.  The US National Guard has set up many points of distribution for things like water, food, personal care items, dog food, and cleaning supplies.  They will even come to one’s home to help remove debris, especially important for those whose windows and roofs have been blown in and whose bedroom dresser has been thrown in the front yard, askew, with important photos and papers scattered in the mud. 

The US Army corps of engineers have a free “Blue Roof Program” where they provide fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs. It is especially heartbreaking to see whole neighborhoods of blue roofs, which will stay that color for up to two years as homeowners fight with insurance adjusters.

For those without electricity (and thus, no hot water), feeling storm-grubby is an unfortunate reality.  Comfort Stations are strategically placed around the community. These locations provide free resources, including restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and cell phone assistance. Individuals are asked to bring their own personal shower supplies and a towel, as well as laundry supplies including detergent and dryer sheets.  Many community gyms also offer free showers for those affected by the hurricane.

While there are many downsides to experiencing a hurricane, there are definitely some surprising upsides as well.  Nothing says family bonding more than playing cards in candlelight in lieu of playing games on my iPad or watching television, (although I did miss, once again, “Survivor.”) This provided a newfound appreciation FOR games on the iPad and watching television, and I was near giddy when both were restored. Also, like snow days in Rhode Island, the hurricane provides extra time off of school and work. It also brings people together, both relatives and strangers. I wanted to know where all of my Florida friends were during the storm to make sure they were safe.  After the initial hurricane, Hubby was instrumental in helping our neighbors remove debris from their yards.  County wide pick-ups at the curb were provided for five piles: one for vegetation, tree limbs and other organic matter, one for building materials such as siding, shingles, windows and roofs, one for household items such as couches, mattresses and kitchen tables, another for the regular recycled items, (such as my many Diet Coke and Hubby’s whiskey bottles) and one pile for regular garbage.  In many cases, the piles were higher than the damaged house itself.

The biggest upside of the hurricane for me was gaining a whole new appreciation for life. I know it sounds a bit corny, but after facing the fear of dying in the wind and flood, I was absolutely delirious to still be here. House or no house, damage or no damage, electricity or no electricity — I was alive! It’s amazing how a near brush with a death defying hurricane can strip away all the small worries and leave you with nothing but pure gratitude for simply breathing.