Group of survivors launches book, hopes to inspire hurricane victims

TAMPA, Fla – A new book is being launched by a collection of Tampa Bay authors who have overcome adversity, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These authors hope to inspire anyone trying to get back on their feet, no matter the circumstances.

As Michelle Jewishbury walked into what was left of her living room in Davis Islands, she struggled to hold back tears.

“So this is the first time I’ve seen my apartment since the storm,” Jewsbury said. “I can’t believe water can do so much damage.”

All of Jewishbury’s belongings had to be thrown away and she is certainly not alone.

“Absolutely devastating, with furniture and trash on the street corners, in front of everyone’s apartment, in front of everyone’s house,” she said. “I cried a lot, just like I’m sure a lot of people in the Tampa Bay Area did.”

Jewsbury, however, knows that she will be fine; she is, after all, a survivor of domestic violence; these storms happened just a few weeks before the launch of her new book ‘Breaking the Silence: Volume 2’.

She believes the book can inspire people who are currently feeling down because of the devastation caused by these hurricanes.

“Because then you don’t feel like you’re alone, and that’s where a lot of people today feel trapped in their circumstances and they feel so alone,” Jewsbury said.

The book features stories from 21 different authors, many from Tampa Bay, about overcoming their own adversities. Topics range from domestic violence to suicide and sexual assault.

Many of these authors, like Jewsbury, also experienced damage during the hurricanes.

“It was almost like everything was ripped off the house, and when I got up the next morning and my fence was down, my trees were uprooted,” said author and survivor Leah Hallman.

“The pool was a mess, the backyard was a mess, we still have cables. I’m not even sure what kind of wires they are,” says author and survivor Barry Rothstein.

“My husband and I have suffered a lot because of our trucking company,” says author and survivor Tierra Carter. “It’s hard, but with all the tragedies and trauma I’ve been through, there is a way out.”

As they walk around the Davis Islands, these survivors understand that they have overcome worse, but for some of their neighbors, these storms will be the most challenging events of their lives.

“By sharing our story and showing people that they are not alone, we make things better. We show them hope,” says author and survivor Beverly Hatfield.

Jewsbury may have lost her entire apartment, but that doesn’t stop her from celebrating all the good things in life.

They are having a book launch party in downtown Tampa on October 24th. Visit this link for more information.

“I’ll be able to move back in and I’ll be fine, just like life,” Jewsbury said.