TAMPA, Fla. — As the Caribbean braces for Hurricane Melissa, Tampa’s Caribbean community is mobilizing to support loved ones in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic — nations expected to be hit hardest.

The storm’s projected path has many residents on edge, but the diaspora in Tampa is already springing into action.

What You Need To Know

As the Caribbean braces for Hurricane Melissa, forecast to strengthen into a Category 5 storm, Tampa’s Caribbean community is mobilizing to support loved ones in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic — nations expected to be hit hardest

Donations are currently being accepted at Jerk Hut and through CANDO, Inc.

CANDO, Inc. notes that many Floridians are still recovering from their own hurricane season, which could limit the amount of remittance and support families can send overseas

Community members are gathering food, clothing, and financial donations — ready to ship them as soon as the storm passes and ports reopen.

For Andrew Ashmeade, owner of Jerk Hut restaurant, the crisis feels deeply personal.

“The general feeling right now is tense,” Ashmeade said. “We are hoping and praying that even at the last minute there will be some type of turn and it goes out to sea.”

Ashmeade just returned from Jamaica after visiting family. He’s now turned his restaurant into a donation hub, teaming up with the Caribbean-American National Development Organization (CANDO, Inc.) to send aid to the islands once it’s safe to do so.

Francis Joseph, chairman of CANDO, Inc. says financial help will be critical.

“A big part of this is going to be the financial aspect,” he said. “It’s going to take money to ship whatever we collect.”

Joseph notes that many Floridians are still recovering from their own hurricane season, which could limit the amount of remittance and support families can send overseas.

“There is a lot of remittance that the Caribbean countries rely on,” Joseph said. “We know in the U.S., in Florida, that we are going through our own little hurricane.”

Despite these challenges, the spirit of solidarity remains strong. Evie Larmond with Tampa Cares says the community’s resilience is what keeps them united.

“We are a very strong group of people,” Larmond said. “We are resilient — and in times like this, we really work together.”

Ashmeade says even small acts of generosity can make a difference.

“Enjoy your life,” he said, “but find a way to help other people.”

Donations are currently being accepted at Jerk Hut and through CANDO, Inc. Organizers say every dollar and every box of supplies will help bring relief — and hope — to families across the Caribbean.