NORTH PORT, Fla. — Veterans in the North Port area celebrated the re-opening of the AMVETS Post 312 hall, Tuesday.
The hall located at 7050 Chancellor Blvd. was damaged by Hurricane Ian when it came through the area in late September 2022. The roof of the hall was blown off and mangled metal and building materials were scattered all over the property. But the community joined together to help rebuild the place that many veterans have made their home.
In conjunction with the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, AMVETS POST 312 hosted a ribbon-cutting event and opened its doors after the repairs and remodeling. The post's commander spoke about the journey to re-building.
"A lot of hard work and I'm so proud of everybody. I love this place," William Bruzdowski, AMVETS Post 312 Commander, said.
"A good part of the roof was just wrapped around the pole. It was unbelievable how the beams were just wrapped around the pole. I mean the force of the storm that was here."
Bruzdowski said the damage inside the hall, including flooding, made the situation worse than he could imagine.
"There was a big gaping hole in the ceiling. The damage went up to the flag and the flag was still hanging here where it was supposed to be," he said. "We had over 4 feet of water inside by the stage. It was just – everything was devastating. It was like how are we ever going to put this place back together? It'll be a year before we get this place back to get it."
But with his leadership, coupled with community support, the veterans were hopeful and determined to see their beloved hall up again.
And half a year later, the hall features a new roof, a restored patio, a fresh coat of paint, and the familiar smoky smell of burgers and hot dogs on a grill.
"From sun-up to sundown, it was just amazing how everybody got together," Bruzdowski said unable to hold back his emotions. "I am so thankful that the Lord put me here to do what I can do, and the people. The people are the main ones I thank them all."
"It's a home, it is a veterans' home not so much as a living place, but a family, and everybody here is family, and in all this is a bighearted place," he added.
The hall still features games and events for the veterans including bingo, golf, and bowling as well as daily lunch and dinner specials.
The AMVETS post suffered around $1 million dollars in damages but with the help of insurance and generous contractors, the organization rebuilt the hall with $450,000. The veterans still have many outstanding pieces of furniture and equipment that need to be replaced and are accepting donations to assist them to complete the refurbishment.