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Gulf Coast Life

Chair of Collier County Commission Optimistic After Irma

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Sun-baked mud coats the sidewalk outside Everglades City city hall a week after Hurricane Irma.
Photo: Rachel Iacovone, WGCU

Collier County Commissioner Penny Taylor reflects on the emergency response before, during, and after Hurricane Irma, and she says she’d give the county an “A.” She joins Gulf Coast Live to talk about whether any of the hardships after the storm could have been avoided with different planning or infrastructure, and what changes the county might consider moving forward. 

She also discusses the critical housing need in Everglades City and Immokalee, and how Everglades City’s fishing industry managed to escape much damage.

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.