Our spirit thrives in tough times

On the days between blog ideas, or when the tank is simply low, I go out looking for inspiration.

That’s usually a drive, but also a good walk will do it. And that’s how I found myself Monday morning in Inverness at the site of Friday’s explosion at Storm Distillery.

The owner, David Mohr, is hospitalized in critical condition, according to numerous Facebook posts. Someone provided an opportunity at the business for passersby to write messages of encouragement and healing for David and others affected by this tragedy.

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Friends set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses. With a goal of $50,000, it had exceeded $33,000 by Monday, a true testament to a community caring for its own.
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The truth is that community spirit is often built through difficult times. We celebrate our successes, and this county has plenty of them, but that spirit kicks in during cries for help.

I can speak personally to the truth of that community caring. We write about government and politics here, but it’s people and their lives that make the community what it is today.

As badly as it is for David Mohr and his family during this incredibly difficult time, I’m encouraged, once again, by the community’s response. 

The friend who set up the GoFundMe page wrote: “David and Shannon have made a lasting impact on our beautiful town of Inverness with Storm Distillery. With an easy and welcoming atmosphere, when you walk through the doors of Storm, you are not just a customer, you are family. Always ready for a good conversation, David’s passion for distilling and creating edgy concoctions shines bright and brought him true joy to see the community enjoy them. From themed drinks to immersive events and a variety of nightly entertainment, David and Shannon made sure everyone had a wonderful and memorable time.”

Please consider donating. And prayers are always appreciated.

— The annual Chamber of Commerce Pillar Awards were Friday night. I missed the ticket deadline by weeks, so I didn’t attend for the first time in several years. And I’m kinda bummed about that. While I spent Friday evening with sober drunks and druggies, I missed my Citrus County friends.

The Pillars recognize Chamber members who are community leaders. Awards aren’t given for who’s making the most money. No, this is community-driven recognition, a reminder that, amongst all our chaos, lots of people are doing really great things.

I can be as cynical as the day is long, as anyone can attest. But cynicism holds no place in community spirit. Naysayers get little done. Finding fault is not the key to success.

I’m not suggesting we green light every idea to come down the pike. Or that everyone has the same community interests as me. We all march to the little drummer in our heads.

However, we have a lot more good people here than bad or indifferent. This community is loaded with folks who awake each day wanting to make our little speck of Earth a little brighter than the day before.

I sometimes forget. I get caught up in the latest County Commission drivel or find myself debating some silly issue that has little bearing on anyone’s actual life.

Then I walk past the site of a devastating fire. I miss an evening of shared community success. I witness my community going to their wallets to help a stricken neighbor.

And I’m reminded, once again, why Citrus County is the bees' knees. We don’t let our brothers and sisters suffer alone. We simply won’t allow it.

Here’s that GoFundMe link again for David Mohr. Time to shine, Citrus.

Have a great Tuesday, friends.

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