The sun shined again over Sunrise on Saturday after a tornado zig-zagged through the neighborhood Tuesday night.
Much of the debris has been hauled away and unstable homes have been boarded up. What was seen throughout the community was compassion and optimism.
"I don't have a backyard, my fence is gone, the jacuzzi's gone, I have roof damage," said Randi Adler. "But that night even out in the pouring rain after the storm passed through we were all out in the street and talking with each other and trying to work together."
It's the reason the city hosted a town hall meeting for tornado victims at Flamingo Park Saturday morning. Residents gave praise to the city for it's quick response.
"This seemed like a good time to sit down with those who had questions, tell them we're here to help and give them all the numbers they need," said Sunrise Mayor Mike Ryan. "And if they need help, we'll be here."
He says the city of Sunrise doesn't qualify for FEMA assistance because not enough homes were damaged. Broward County is seeking a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration so tornado victims can apply for low-interest loans for repairs.
Officials from the city's police, fire and rescue and other departments were also on hand to provide guidance, regarding rebuilding efforts -- warning residents of unlicensed contractors and looters.
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"The biggest challenge is to hopefully the insurance and everybody going to pay what they supposed to pay so I can rebuild the house," said tornado victim Yomtov Assidon.
For those hit hardest by the tornado, it will likely take at least a year to rebuild.
"We're just going to take it one step at a time," said Adler.
