Beach Destroyed by Hurricane Sandy Has Lafayette Ties

Posted: Nov 1, 2012 6:24 PM by Steven Albritton
Updated: Nov 1, 2012 7:04 PM

Memories of the past are all that remain after Hurricane Sandy destroyed Breezy Point, New York. It hits close to home for Suzanne Ferrara of Lafayette and her family.

"Breezy Point was our world since we were children, since they were children, Since my grandparents were children. That is just gone," she said.

During the storm, a fire destroyed more than 80 condos. One of them was owned by Ferrara's grandmother. It's where the family often visited in the summer.

"It's just amazing that as of a month ago they were there, enjoying their time together. Remembering their mom and dad who are no longer here and all the other joy it brought to their lives."

Family living in the area saw first hand how bad Breezy Point was hit and they know they lost piece of their past.

"I had some of my best memories there. It terms of growing up as a kid with the swimming, the surfing. That's where I learned how to surf. That's where I learned how to swim. That's where I learned how to dance," Bob Allen said.

Allen is Suzanne Ferrara's Uncle. He now lives in New York City in a 9th floor apartment. He is still without power, water or plumbing. He can see other parts of the city with power and hopes his will return soon. As for Breezy Point, even though homes were destroyed, we're told many people were trying to help their neighbors even after their own home was destroyed.

"They rose above 9/11 and they live in this community and they are going to survive this. They will. They have hearts of gold. They're full of faith; and they're beautiful people inside and out. And they will survive this," Ferrara said.