Michelle Cavaliere and Jim Salerno. COURTESY PHOTO
“We almost died,” said Michelle Cavaliere, recounting the terrifying escape from rising floodwaters in her former Fort Myers home during Hurricane Ian three years ago this month. “Our home filled rapidly, and we barely escaped with our pets and the clothes on our backs.”
As the water surged and the wind tore off the roof, Michelle and her husband, Jim Salerno, were forced to the attic, where they broke through a wall into an adjoining unit. Once the water receded, the couple ventured downstairs, waiting for sunlight, wondering if the worst was over and hoping for the best. Alan, a neighbor, stopped by to check on them, responding to Michelle’s frantic text sent before all communications were severed…