The Merritt’s Mill Pond RV Resort in Jackson County faced significant destruction following a tornado, just days after completing repairs from Hurricane Michael. The incident has brought to light the challenges faced by outdoor hospitality venues in dealing with natural disasters.
As per a MyPanhandle report, Chuck Mcintosh, general manager of the resort, described his ordeal during the tornado, where he clung to his pickup truck amidst the chaos. “We were going to go shelter and I never got that far, like I said, I stepped out of my door and it went sideways,” Mcintosh said.
Regina Nickison, a guest at the resort, recounted the sudden weather shift that led to significant damage to her accommodation.
Post-tornado, the resort’s focus shifted to recovery, with Mcintosh emphasizing the importance of safety and immediate needs. “First account for people, make sure you’re safe, second thing, let’s get them some food, and then after that, let’s start to evaluate where we are, let’s help these people evaluate where they are,” he said.
Erwin Jackson, the property owner, committed to rebuilding the RV park, citing its importance to the community. “The RV park is such a treasure for not only me personally, but this is not a personal thing, I bought it because I wanted to protect this piece of property because Mill Pond has meant so much for people that live here,” Jackson stated.
The tornado also damaged a nearby propane tank, causing a gas leak. Florida Public Utilities crews responded promptly, preventing further disaster by shutting off the propane supply.
This event at Merritt’s Mill Pond RV Resort serves as a reminder of the necessity for disaster preparedness in the campground and outdoor hospitality industry. It highlights the need for robust infrastructure, emergency protocols, and effective communication with emergency services.
Florida Caverns RV Resort, nestled in Marianna, Florida, offers a serene getaway along the picturesque Merritt’s Mill Pond. Located conveniently off US Highway 90 and Interstate 10, the resort is surrounded by giant pines and cypress trees, creating a tranquil lakeside environment.
The resort, spread across 22 acres, caters to both short-term and long-term visitors, providing a range of activities such as fishing, diving, snorkeling, swimming, boating, and reconnecting with nature.
The resort is equipped with various accommodations and amenities including luxury cabins, rustic fishing cabins, new RVs (with or without slide-outs), and park model rentals.
The park features long, pull-through sites, both shaded and open, to accommodate all RV sizes, along with full-service hook-ups including water, electric, and sewage. The resort’s diverse flora enhances its beauty, featuring towering pine, red maple, cedar trees, magnolias, crepe myrtles, and a variety of flowering plants, ensuring a picturesque stay for all guests.
Featured image from Merritt’s Mill Pond RV Resort.
After the tornado hit Jackson County RV Resort, my heart goes out to everyone affected. Let’s all remember the importance of having solid emergency plans in place at RV parks. Safety first, always! Let’s stay prepared and keep each other safe in times of need.
Isn’t it wild how the Jackson County RV Resort is bouncing back after that tornado? They’re all about safety, working with relief groups, and beefing up their emergency plans. It’s cool to see them stepping up like this, don’t you think?