MATLACHA, Fla. — Jesse Tincher is one of the owners at Blue Dog Bar and Grill in Matlacha.
“The floors were clean now but the mud was just everywhere — as it was probably about that deep,” said Tincher.
His restaurant has come a long way since Hurricane Ian hit.
He said he was planning to ride out the storm in his home a few blocks away, but decided to leave at the last minute.
“I wasn’t afraid to die. That didn’t bother me. I just bought a new truck two months ago. I didn’t want it rolling down the street,” said Tincher.
That truck saved his life.
“That was the best part to hear was like everybody was alive,” said Tincher.
When he saw the damage inside he thought he would have to close his doors for good.
“I locked the door and I was going to go back to Miami,” said Tincher.
But then the news spread of Pine Island Road getting repaired.
“When the governor finally signs the dotted line, I tell people you cant wipe this smile off my face with a shovel,” said Tincher.
This isn’t Jesse’s first obstacle.
He had his last chemo treatment four years ago.
“It says survivor for the throat cancer — it’s really like I’m not a survivor, I’m a thriver,” said Tincher.
A thriver, like the rest of the community.
His business still doesn’t have power, but water is now available on the island.
“Life has kicked me in the butt quite a few times and then I get off the canvas and laugh in it’s face and say is that the best shot you got? And just keep going,” said Tincher.
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