BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, along with community partners, held a news conference on Wednesday, November 5 to discuss continued coordinated relief efforts to help Jamaica and other areas of the Caribbean devastated by the impacts of Hurricane Melissa.

The County's collection efforts have been strong, as many residents have strong ties and roots to the Caribbean, including Commissioner Davis. "I was raised in Jamaica and still have close family and friends on the island," said Davis. "Everybody survived, but they are traumatized. They have many needs. It's not just a natural disaster-it's a humanitarian effort that's needed now."

John Colombo, Vice President of the Florida Panthers Foundation and Community Relations, said their organization is collecting relief supplies and monetary contributions. "Our fans, we want to thank for supporting our efforts with our collection drives as well as financial support," he said. "The Florida Panthers are very lucky to have a fan base that cares about its community, and we're very thrilled to have partners that support even beyond our community. We're very proud to be able to provide items in need to support those in need in Jamaica."

Jamaican-born attorney and advocate Marlon Hill urged Floridians to consider the approaching holidays as a motivator to give whatever they can. "I have an appeal to dedicate your Thanksgiving to Jamaica," he said. "Give anything above zero to an organization you know is doing the work, along with any comfort items-tents, tarpaulins, air mattresses, hygiene items, and nourishment. Food is running out."

Former Broward Mayor and Commissioner Dale Holness, who was also born in Jamaica, echoed that message: "If everyone makes a contribution, that will be very helpful to all."

The Office of Emergency Management is working closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, municipal partners, Broward Schools and the Florida Panthers to efficiently send aid to the hardest-hit areas and distribute it to the families who need it most.

Captain Barrington Irving Jr., the Jamaican Guinness World Record holder recognized as the youngest person and first Black pilot to fly solo around the world, is already arranging airlift operations. "This will take a monumental effort," he said. "One of the things we've focused on is trying to help get the supplies down to the island. We're taking 50,000 pounds of cargo at a time on a Boeing 737-800 and forth from South Florida to Jamaica." He continued, saying, "We've had folks call and say, 'Hey, I have a garage filled with items-I just don't know how to get it there.' The whole point is to get these items into the hands of people in the various communities. Our first two trips start next Monday and Tuesday and will continue through Thanksgiving."

Jamaican-born Broward County School Board member Jeff Holness said the school district is also joining the coordinated effort. "I was born in Jamaica-I grew up in St. Elizabeth-so what I'll say is Broward County Schools have also joined relief efforts to make sure that we're providing the necessary support to Jamaica, Haiti, parts of the Bahamas, and regions that have been affected," he said. "We've partnered with BrightStar Credit Union, the Broward County Association of Student Councils, the Broward Council of PTAs, the Broward Education Foundation, the Broward Principals and Assistant Principals Association, and the Broward Teachers Union to support Jamaica."

See the list of County facility drop-off locations and items needed. 

November 7, 2025