GENEVA, Fla. – With many homes overwhelmed by flooding near the St. Johns River in Geneva, one man has opened up his business to help neighbors in need.
Dan Shaw is the owner of Danville Bed & Breakfast, which is located on North Jungle Road. With the property receiving a minimal impact from Hurricane Ian, Shaw said it’s become a sanctuary for families unable to stay in their homes.
“This is going to be very, very difficult for them,” Shaw said. “My goal was to see if I could help them for now.”
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Shaw is offering displaced families in the Geneva neighborhood a place to stay free of charge, supplies and somewhere to store whatever they’ve been able to salvage.
“There’s a feel-good thing that happens when you help your neighbors and especially when your neighbors appreciate it,” Shaw said.
Jim Atwell is staying on the property with his wife and son while he works with FEMA to figure out what’s next.
“There’s no way to get into the house and we’re barely hanging on,” Atwell said. “Dan is a big benefit to this neighborhood. He has helped everybody in this neighborhood.”
Shaw said people have been helping throughout the tight-knit community as many families have a long road of recovery ahead.
“It’s time for us to get together and help one another get through this,” Shaw said.
According to the National Weather Service, the St. Johns River near Lake Harney was at 12.7 ft Tuesday. The water level was forecasted to decline slightly through Sunday, but still remain above major flood stage.
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