Hurricane Ian hit southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022, leaving a trail of destruction and altering lives in its wake. Justin Lammers and his family experienced the storm’s wrath firsthand, but their story took an unexpected turn.

 

“The scum line was about here,” said Lammers, reflecting on the aftermath.

 

Lammers, a YouTuber focused on outdoor life, moved from South Dakota to Cape Coral in 2016 to grow his business. By 2022, his hard work paid off as he was named one of Gulfshore Business’s 40 Under 40.

 

“We ended up moving out here and kind of building the American dream,” he said.

 

However, just days later, Hurricane Ian struck.

 

“My neighbor, who lives over that way, starts sending me photos, and he sends me a photo of the water coming into my backyard,” Lammers said. “It looked like white caps coming into my backyard. And I instantly just got sick.”

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Lammers was out of state with his daughter when the storm hit, while his wife was in Fort Myers. As the storm raged, he took to YouTube to share their harrowing experience.

 

“My wife was trapped in a home with flood water and sewage pumping in at a fast rate,” Lammers said. “At one point, she was thinking about telling me goodbye.”

 

Three years later, the emotions remain raw.

 

“Yeah, it’s tough,” he said. “To hear that from your wife and you’re so helpless that far away. It’s really tough.”

 

Upon returning home, Lammers found his house in disarray, with his wife’s wedding dress soaking wet.

 

“Justin and I’s anniversary is tomorrow and my wedding dress didn’t make it out,” his wife said. “It was pretty when I wore it.”

 

“She was considering throwing it out because it had got soaked,” Lammers said. “And I said, you can’t do that.”

 

In the aftermath, a childhood friend delivered a camper to their yard, providing a temporary home as they began rebuilding.

 

“We are doing the shiplap wall,” Lammers said. “Got Jason helping out. Saylor is helping out with supervising duties.”

 

Today, the Lammers family has rebuilt their home and restarted their YouTube business. They prioritize family over material possessions and cherish the community spirit that emerged post-storm.

 

“It sounds crazy to think, but I don’t know if I would change it for my family,” Lammers said. “For many others, I would probably want to change it, but I don’t know that I would change it for my family.”

 

As for the wedding dress, it was saved from the storm’s debris, with hopes that their daughter might use it one day.

 

WINK News looks back on the lasting impact of Hurricanes Helene and Ian. Explore stories of recovery and resilience here.