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Those spared from tornado damage in Port Salerno lend helping hand to those suffering losses

Kelly Grandinetti founded the Rocky Point Tornado Relief group on social media for those impacted by last week's tornado outbreak
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MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The Mauri family is picking up the pieces, salvaging what remains of their home. They live in Port Salerno's Rocky Point neighborhood in Martin County and were one of the many homes hit by Wednesday's tornadoes.

A nearby neighbor, Kelly Grandinetti, decided to step in and help. Grandinetti founded the Rocky Point Tornado Relief group on social media. She adds the group received an outpouring from the community.

“Surviving through the tornadoes and coming out completely unscathed, and then going out into our neighborhood, and seeing how many of our neighbors weren’t so lucky — I knew we had to do something,” Grandinetti said.

The National Weather Service said an apparent tornado touched down near the Miccosukee Service Plaza off Interstate 75 on Oct. 9, 2024 (1).jpg

Hurricane

IMAGES: Hurricane Milton's impacts in South Florida, Treasure Coast

Matt Papaycik

Grandinetti says funds helped the Mauri family find temporary housing. She adds the community has helped donate food, clothing and housing supplies.

“It was just a really, really, beautiful thing to see the neighborhood come together after such a terrible tragedy — and to help very deserving people,” Grandinetti said.

The Mauri family is grateful they made it out alive, although they lost their home, vehicles and the family's business boat. The family has started a GoFundMe page as they wait for an insurance adjuster.

Grandietti knows this is a long road to recovery for many families in Martin County, but she wants to help in every way she can.