CLEARWATER, Fla. — Stephen Bracciale left his dwelling Friday morning and walked the streets of his hurricane-ravaged Pass-a-Grille neighborhood in St. Pete Beach, Florida, looking for a spot to cost his cellphone and iPad.
Bracciale, a 71-year-old diabetic who has survived bladder most cancers, left his spouse of almost 50 years, their cats and canine, and the medical provides that he depends on at dwelling, pondering he would return shortly. He was mistaken.
A neighbor provided to take him for a drive, saying he may cost his cellphone within the automobile. Bracciale gratefully agreed, realizing discovering electrical energy elsewhere on the barrier island can be difficult.
But after crossing a bridge together with his neighbor, Bracciale’s blood sugar spiked dangerously excessive. He was rushed to a hospital emergency room after which discharged to the care of his son, Brandon Bracciale, who lives inland.
A day later, the roads to return to St. Pete Beach are closed, and Stephen Bracciale hasn’t been in a position to go dwelling to the insulin that he must handle his diabetes and the pouches that he requires after his bladder most cancers. In the meantime, the daddy and son have been desperately looking for locations that promote them.
“We’ve been working throughout Tampa looking for these provides to ensure he’s OK for the following few days,” Brandon Bracciale stated in a Zoom interview from his automobile, seated subsequent to his dad.
Back on the home, Stephen Bracciale’s 72-year-old spouse, Debra, is stranded, too — with no working water. The couple’s automobile is submerged in floodwaters, Stephen Bracciale stated, so driving to anyplace that sells water isn’t an possibility.
“As of but, we haven’t seen any emergency automobiles which can be carrying water to those that have stayed on the island, however hopefully that’ll come very shortly,” he stated.
Despite all the things he’s been by way of, Bracciale stated he’s in good spirits.
“I’m feeling positive,” he stated. “Just a little bit pissed off that I’ve needed to run round and discover the medical gear that I want.”
Marissa Parra reported from Clearwater, Florida. Elizabeth Chuck reported from New York.
Kayla McCormick and Carla Kakouris-Solarana contributed.