- March 28, 2024
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WINDERMERE -- A lightning strike around 8 p.m. Friday has caused 24 families at Windermere's Buena Vista Place Apartments -- just off Reams Road -- to lose all of their belongings and their homes, said Julia Deaver, a resident of the nearby Enclave at Berkshire Park community.
Orange County Fire Rescue personnel battled a fire consuming most of a three-story apartment building until about 10 p.m., according to reports.
"We would like to come together as a community and help the families in desperate need at this time," Deaver said. "They are literally without everything at this time."
The viral photos of the lightning strike behind Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom that evening were of the bolt that completely ruined much of one building of the complex and everything some families had, she said.
"These are low-income housing apartments," Deaver said. "They do not have renter's insurance, most of them, so they're basically starting over from ground zero. A lot of families say they really do need as much assistance and love and support as possible. I think it's important we all come together to love and support this beautiful community of Windermere."
Locals have organized a drive for items of need, which must be delivered by Wednesday, Deaver said. Among the items are: clothes for men, women, teens, children and babies -- all sizes; toothpaste; toothbrushes; deodorant; feminine products; soap and body wash; shampoos and conditioners; disposable razors; washcloths; hairbrushes; combs; diapers and wipes; laundry soap; canned goods; and any non-perishable food items.
"We have three drop off locations," Deaver said. "Please feel free to drop items off at their porches."
Those locations are as follows, with contacts: Kevin Galbasini in Berkshire Park at 13323 Riggs Way; Molly Scovel in Summerlake Park at 14506 Bahama Swallow Blvd.; and Clay Beck in the Enclave at 6128 Golden Dew Drop Trail.
"Or please deliver your donations directly to the Buena Vista Place Apartments offices at 8825 Buena Place, Windermere, Florida, 34786," Deaver said. "Thank you everyone for your help in donating to these families that are in desperate need. We are ever (grateful) to live in such a blessed community."
So far, donations of items have been successful, but families who still have somewhere to live are looking for furniture, and a fundraiser is just starting, she said. Most are staying with friends, family or community pillars such as churches, but finding another place is a struggle that must be resolved quickly, she said.
"All the items in the world can help, but money would really help to cover costs of re-buying," Deaver said. "Starting over is really expensive."
No injuries have been reported at this time, Deaver said.
For donation information, visit crowdrise.com/VictimsOfTheBuenaVistaApartmentsFireFundraiser/fundraiser/JuliaDeaver.
Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].