Marco Chips in With Bahamas Relief Efforts

Thoughts and prayers are obviously well meant sentiments, but the Marco Patriots prefer action.

Recently, the local non-profit initiated a mercy mission to the hurricane-hit Bahamas, delivering generators, grills and propane tanks to some of the people devastated by the storm.

The local Bahamian Rotary Club took possession of the items, and in turn distributed them to grateful recipients, according to Marco Islander Josh Ferris.

Ferris, a local police officer, is known for his efforts with the annual Crossing for a Cure (cystic fibrosis) Foundation by paddling 80 miles from the Bimini in the Bahamas across to the Florida mainland.

This time, he did the crossing from the East Coast in a powerboat accompanied by boat owner Paul Smolchek (also a supporter of Crossing for a Cure), Travis Suit (whose daughter Piper has cystic fibrosis) and Smolchek’s daughter Olivia.

Bahamian Rotarian Dave Mackey welcomed the group upon arrival.

“He explained what it had been like (in the aftermath of the hurricane),” Ferris said. “He told us about people’s displacement and living conditions you couldn’t imagine – no power or running water.”

Patriots co-founder Matt Melican said the next push will be for assorted construction materials to be forwarded to the Bahamas. In that regard, he said, Florida Roofing & Construction has already stepped up to the plate with pledges.

His sister and fellow Patriots co-founder, Erin, gave special thanks to Sunshine Ace Hardware for discounts on the generators and grills (Ace donated the gas canisters).

The twosome also mentioned Don and Liz Peccora, who are property owners in the Bahamas, and who gave them some secure contacts over there, as well as local singer/entertainer Frank Carroll, who has Bahamian roots.

Matt Melican said Bahamian emergency needs are beginning to shift to more long-term recovery efforts, particularly infrastructural issues like restoring hospitals, power and water desalination.