Matlacha 'turning the corner' after past hurricanes

In Matlacha, where the population stays in the hundreds and hurricanes have become far too familiar in recent years, it's taken a huge effort to rebuild the little community. "It's good. It's all very good," Carol Scott said. "We're turning the corner." Scott has lived in the area since long before the storms. She's president of the Matlacha Civic Association, which is working to help restore the area. "This time last year, we were still struggling with the buildings that were dangerous and just a nuisance to the community,” Scott said. But that’s changing. Construction work on the causeway is finally complete, and most of the badly damaged buildings have been demolished. "Once those buildings were gone and you have a clean slate, you see a future,” Scott said. “You see a possibility of newness." That future means less blight and more brand-new builds. Some new homes are under construction, while other existing properties are being elevated. The area is changing, but Scott believes it has to happen. "We want to preserve that old Florida feel, but we also need to be safe and resilient,” she said. “We don't want to lose our homes. And we certainly don't want to lose people." Matlacha is an old fishing village turned into an art community, where the people are as colorful as the buildings. Bryan Toranzo – who's new to the area – has fit right in. “It's been kind of nice to have, like, I don't know. A super unique, sweet, generous support system out of nowhere,” he said. Toranzo is working to launch a new art gallery. It’s called The Venue at Matlacha, and he plans to open it next month. He said the community has been nothing but encouraging. "A lot of people are saying things like, 'Matlacha is coming back.' And it's kind of cool that people are seeing us as part of that,” Toranzo said. “I feel kind of honored to be plugged into that, especially because I'm new." There is more work ahead in Matlacha. Empty lots prove the rebuild isn’t over yet. But for long-timers like Scott, there's an optimism about the future that no hurricanes of the past can wash away. “With Matlacha, you'll never lose the charm, because the people here are wonderful,” she said. “It's home." DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.