Community Corner

FishHawk Fire Victims' Holiday Spirit High

An account has been set up for the Watson family at Wells Fargo in FishHawk.

The FishHawk Ranch family whose home was devastated by fire Dec. 12 are now settled into a rental home and are preparing to celebrate Christmas.

According to Kiteridge Drive neighbor Kelly Rowjohn, who has led efforts to help the Watson family recover from the fire, Melissa and John Watson along with their two daughters, Riley and Abbie, and dog, Bailey, are staying in a rented house in the area until they can rebuild their home on Kiteridge Drive.

Thanks to help from the community, the family that lost nearly everything in the fire now has furniture, including twin beds for the girls, clothing and household goods.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They even have a Christmas tree thanks to a donation from  in front of Newsome High School.

"Thank you so very much to all the volunteers, community members, friends and family who made it possible," said Rowjohn. "Out of such devastation, the love and blessings have abounded."

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rowjohn said, while the Watsons now have all the clothes they need, they are still in need of some household items and cleaning supplies. Anyone who is able to donate these items can contact Susan Antalek at 813-928-9618. A complete list of needs is on a website established for the family, http://www.watsonfamilyhome.com/index.php/items-needed.

Well-wishers also can leave a message for the Watsons on the website.

Rowjohn extends special thanks to the following businesses for their help: FishHawk Computer Services, , at FishHawk, at FishHawk, Ann Marie Vaughan at Re/Max/South Shore Realty, Marilyn Bower with Coldwell Banker Realty, Thomasville Furniture, Cheddar's Casual Cafe, Central Maintenance and Welding, , in FishHawk Ranch, Brandon Rental, FishHawk Storage, the Brenda Wade Team and .

An account under the Watsons' name has been opened at Wells Fargo Bank for donations at any branch.

In addition, the Greater Brandon Community Foundation has set up meals at Take Them a Meal, www.takethemameal.com. Residents can sign up at the bottom of the page using the password, "watsonjohn."

"The Watsons are an extremely family-oriented family and love to spend time together outdoors and doing other family activities," said Rowjohn. "If you, your company or someone you know has tickets to MOSI, the Aquarium, movies or anthing that can get them out with the girls and away for a bit over the holidays, it would be greatly appreciated."

Tickets can be dropped by Rowjohn's home at 6161 Kiteridge Dr., Lithia, or you can contact her at 813-655-9985.

"I know we probably keep repeating ourselves, but the amount of graciousness and support the community has shown is simply astounding," said Rowjohn.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here