OVIEDO, Fla. — Friday marks the final day for the 2018 Hurricane season.

Although Central Florida didn’t get hit this year, Hurricane Irma, which came through in 2017, is still having a lingering effect on many in the region.

Oviedo resident Joe Hurley sees things differently, standing in what used to be his front yard. He considers the view to his lake mesmerizing, but the view of his home may be considered terrifying.

Hurley’s home was destroyed by Irma. It has been 14 months since he has lived at his house. Recently, he has raised the home 10 feet above the ground and is now six feet above flood level.

“You try to look at the positives," he said. "The positives is we have six months of nice weather to finish this, to get ready for the next hurricane season.”

The process has not been a fun one for Hurley; in fact, just to get to the front door of his house, he has to climb a ladder.

But he’s optimistic. In fact, while others are getting ready to unwrap presents this time of year, Hurley is still wrapping up a life-changing event and trying to stay positive.

“Well I see pavers, and I see covered porches," Hurley explained with a smile. "I see a 10-foot elevation, and now the view of the lake is much better … again you just got to make lemonade out of lemons."

He hopes to move back in to his home by Christmas.

Hurley says that by raising his home six feet above flood level and giving it a stronger foundation, he’ll be ready for the 2019 hurricane season.

The Hurleys haven’t been home for 14 months, and despite not being home for Christmas this season, their New Years resolution for 2019 is to return to their home sweet home with what Joe says is "an absolute amazing view."