BREVARD COUNTY, Florida -- Many Brevard County residents know what those impacted by Hurricane Michael will be dealing with in the coming weeks and months.
- Brevard County residents still recovering from Irma
- The storm caused damage and flooding last year
- Survivors say they empathize with those affected by Hurricane Michael
We spoke to one Hurricane Irma survivor who endured hardships after his home was damaged in that storm.
"Roof got tore up," Grant Lewington says.
His Merritt Island retirement home was severely damaged when Irma's winds roared across the Space Coast last year.
"Whole front of the house got dings and bangs where stuff flew and hit it," he says. "Water was leaking inside from the roof."
Lewington and his wife evacuated to his daughter's house in Port St. John. When they returned after the storm, they saw the aftermath. The damage was estimated to be nearly $50,000.
"I turned in to FEMA three times and they said it was livable, can't help you," he says.
Lewington was forced to sell what was left and start over. He picked a lot down the street, but would be without a new home for nearly nine months.
Workers to make repairs and fix the house were scarce.
So if anyone can empathize with Hurricane Michael victims, it's him.
Lewington hopes people there had the foresight to evacuate. And that those people have all their paperwork in order so they can get federal help after the storm.
"Pack your patience and hope for the best," Lewington says.
The United Way of Brevard has ongoing resources to help Irma victims.