Almost a year after an EF1 tornado tore through the Ranchero Village community, demolition and construction crews are still working to restore what the storm took away — but residents say healing is underway.
The tornado struck the Largo neighborhood last summer, damaging an estimated 40 to 50 homes, according to Largo Fire Rescue. Many of those structures have since been demolished, with additional teardowns still ahead. Community buildings, including the lakeside area and the corral, are currently under renovation.
Norman Runkles, the HOA president at Ranchero Village and a lifelong first responder, lived through the storm firsthand. His home was destroyed, forcing him and his wife to buy a new one.
“The tornado is a lot different than a hurricane because you absolutely have no time to prepare,” Runkles said. “When the tornado is on top of you, there’s nothing you can do except sit there and just wait for the mercy of whatever’s coming.”
Despite the loss, Runkles said he remains grateful. None of his family members were injured, and their vehicles were left undamaged. He credited the community’s management company with moving steadily through repairs and noted that some elderly residents relocated permanently after the storm, with family members stepping in to help them find new living situations.
“They’re moving along, getting things, trying to get this park back to where it’s got some stability with the people living here,” Runkles said.
As another hurricane season gets underway, Runkles said his perspective has shifted. “Was it an inconvenience? Absolutely,” he said. “But everybody’s alive. No one was hurt, as far as our family goes, so we are lucky.”
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