As Hurricane Melissa gains strength in the Caribbean, Central Florida’s Jamaican community is organizing to support people back home.At Spirit of Joy Church in Orange County, members of the Jamaican Cultural Connection gathered Sunday for their monthly meeting, focused on how to respond if the storm causes major damage.“The hurricane is sitting there. Has been sitting there just looking at Jamaica,” Debbie Jolly-Jarrett said.Community leaders say they’re hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.“I’m worried about the people in the lower areas,” Fitz “MT” Taylor said.Diana “Lady D” Blake-Taylor, host of Caribbean Affairs Connection radio in Orlando, said her recent broadcasts have been dedicated to helping Jamaicans prepare for what could be a dangerous storm.“It’s extremely important and I want everybody, not only here, but especially in Jamaica, to not take it lightly,” Blake-Taylor said. “This is the third time in 37 years we’ve had a major, major hurricane.”She said local groups are ready to provide aid if needed.“Food supply, clothing, bedding, building materials and, of course, monetary needs,” Blake-Taylor said.The Jamaican Cultural Connection’s president, Lurna Wozencroft-Franklin, urged people to keep Jamaica in their prayers.“We’re asking everyone, please pray for Jamaica and its people and we have to just wait and assist,” Wozencroft-Franklin said.The group’s 15th anniversary coincided with the storm’s approach — a reminder of why their mission matters.“So what a day,” said Debbie Jolly-Jarrett of the organization. “What a perfect day, not to really celebrate, but to get into action.”JCC’s relief fund can be found HERE.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

As Hurricane Melissa gains strength in the Caribbean, Central Florida’s Jamaican community is organizing to support people back home.

At Spirit of Joy Church in Orange County, members of the Jamaican Cultural Connection gathered Sunday for their monthly meeting, focused on how to respond if the storm causes major damage.

“The hurricane is sitting there. Has been sitting there just looking at Jamaica,” Debbie Jolly-Jarrett said.

Community leaders say they’re hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

“I’m worried about the people in the lower areas,” Fitz “MT” Taylor said.

Diana “Lady D” Blake-Taylor, host of Caribbean Affairs Connection radio in Orlando, said her recent broadcasts have been dedicated to helping Jamaicans prepare for what could be a dangerous storm.

“It’s extremely important and I want everybody, not only here, but especially in Jamaica, to not take it lightly,” Blake-Taylor said. “This is the third time in 37 years we’ve had a major, major hurricane.”

She said local groups are ready to provide aid if needed.

“Food supply, clothing, bedding, building materials and, of course, monetary needs,” Blake-Taylor said.

The Jamaican Cultural Connection’s president, Lurna Wozencroft-Franklin, urged people to keep Jamaica in their prayers.

“We’re asking everyone, please pray for Jamaica and its people and we have to just wait and assist,” Wozencroft-Franklin said.

The group’s 15th anniversary coincided with the storm’s approach — a reminder of why their mission matters.

“So what a day,” said Debbie Jolly-Jarrett of the organization. “What a perfect day, not to really celebrate, but to get into action.”

JCC’s relief fund can be found HERE.