| Facing high winds, rising waters, and careening yachts, a group of neighbors managed a harrowing rescue.  Photograph by Bryan Thomas “Every so often I would go in my room and sit in my recliner, take deep breaths, sip on some water, get my composure together, and then get up and put on a strong face.” That’s Adam Rayhart, a bartender who has lived in Florida for most of his life, recounting the experience of living through Hurricane Ian in his home in Fort Myers last week. When Rayhart first hunkered down in his second-floor apartment, he wasn’t too worried; he had experienced many hurricanes before, and anticipated losing power for a few days. “I can live off Mountain Dew,” he said. Then a downstairs neighbor asked for help. The parking lot in their complex flooded. And, as the waters rose, another neighbor knocked on his door. The man’s young family was still waiting downstairs. Charles Bethea tells the story of a frightening rescue operation, and how one group of neighbors banded together to face the life-threatening storm. —Jessie Li, newsletter editor | 
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