Price gouging comes on heels of hurricane Community responds superbly during storm

On Sept. 7, we were confirmed on a 7:45 a.m. flight to Latrobe, Pa., on Spirit Airlines. Spirit cancelled this and other flights, although the airport did not close until 36 hours later. The ticket agent said this was because the crew did not want to be stranded in Latrobe. There were no seats to anywhere, and no additional flights were added.

I suspect the real reason that Spirit and other carriers cancelled so many flights was that prior to the storm, no one was coming to Florida, and they did not want to bring in empty planes to help evacuate. This was a cruel business decision.

There were also incidents of price gouging. A man in front of us was offered one-way to Las Vegas for $1,750. This is not the “Spirit” to have during a natural disaster. State Attorney Pam Bondi and Congress should investigate.

I am one of 300 residents at Saint Andrews South, a retirement community in Boca Raton. We all anxiously awaited Hurricane Irma, but felt safer knowing we have an auditorium that is a hurricane-rated shelter. During and after the storm, our daily needs were met by a staff that performed superbly in all departments.

Personnel stayed overnight and were permitted to bring their families. Residents were also encouraged to have family stay over. All these people had to be fed and the culinary staff deserves special accolades. They managed to feed over 300 people, three quality meals a day, buffet style. Residents who could not come to the dining room were served in their apartments.

It was an incredible, efficient response to an emergency situation. Saint Andrews South stands as a shining example of how crises should be handled. They do not come any better.