Standing Tall
Stories from Hurricane Michael
The world should know what happened here on Oct. 10.
They should know how Hurricane Michael devastated this community, but they also should know how this community joined together to rise back up. That we were down, but not out. That what happened on Oct. 11, Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 and even last weekend, is just as important.
So we’re going to tell them.
The News Herald, partnering with Bay Storytellers, is bringing you a night of storytelling on the seven-month anniversary of Hurricane Michael. Stories that are about the hurricane, but also are about what makes us #850strong and the resilience it takes to overcome.
Called “Standing Tall: Stories from Hurricane Michael,” the ticketed event will happen May 10 at Roberts Hall in Lynn Haven starting at 7 p.m. It also will be broadcast live on The News Herald’s Facebook page and some of our sister papers’ pages as well.
“This is going to be one of the coolest events we’ve ever hosted. It feels almost like we’re putting on a play except there are no actors, just your friends and neighbors telling their unique storm stories in their words, with their voices, their facial expressions, their emotions on display as they open themselves to the audience,” Executive Editor Mike Cazalas said. “We know that as powerful and descriptive as the written word is, there is no way to reproduce what we all will see and hear in person when one of our neighbors is standing on a wooden stage, likely speaking to an audience for the first time, with the spotlight on them.
“I can’t remember the last time we did something publicly that evoked such strong feelings internally for me, but I expect this will be a moving evening.”
Speakers for the event include Lynn Haven Mayor Margo Anderson, members of the Bay Storytellers, the winner of a Girls Inc. competition, and readers taking the stage for the first time.
Because of limited space, tickets are being sold for $10 and are expected to sell out.
People are also encourage to share their Hurricane Michael stories with the paper. People can share them via the form to the right.