ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The images of historic flooding caused by Hurricane Ian about two months ago inspired a half-dozen Central Florida residents to spring into action and help — including Gary Griffin, sons Wyatt and Lane and his friends, Brian Booker, Joshua Jones and Hunter Boyd.

Griffin runs a concrete construction business, WLM Services, named after his children.

“Construction is what pays for my boating,” he said.

Griffin has been boating since he was 18, but in late-September, he and the others loaded up three airboats for the most important boating trip of their lives. They volunteered to help rescue people in North Port who were stranded in homes and cars engulfed in floodwaters.

“Once we knew, once we knew that people were actually in danger and needed help, we were there,” Griffin said.

When they got there, they found the situation was worse than they expected.

“There was a lot of damage for people who actually live out there,” Booker said. “It was pretty bad. There were dogs and little babies, and everyone was crying.” 

In total, the team of six rescued 224 people in North Port, including two babies. They also helped rescue 27 dogs and five cats. They worked nonstop around the clock to help as many people as possible.

“I think it means the world,” Griffin said. “I’d do it again right now. I just like to help people.”