Lexington, Kentucky, October 31, 2025
In Lexington, Kentucky, local restaurant owners of Jamaican descent are raising funds and collecting essential supplies for Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The powerful Category 5 hurricane struck on October 28, leading to extensive damage and communication breakdowns. Business owners like Michelle Bernett of Irie Flavors are spearheading donation drives, emphasizing community support during this critical time. Many locals are also worried about their families in Jamaica as communication remains difficult. The community is rallying to aid recovery efforts for those impacted by this disaster.
Lexington Restaurant Owners Mobilize Aid for Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
Lexington, Kentucky – Local restaurant owners of Jamaican descent are actively fundraising to provide relief to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage. The powerful Category 5 hurricane struck the island on October 28, 2025, leaving many areas in ruins and impeding communication and power access.
Community Response and Relief Initiatives
Michelle Bernett, owner of Irie Flavors, has launched a donation drive at her establishment to collect crucial supplies, including food, clean water, medical supplies, bedding, and clothing. Bernett has emphasized the importance of community involvement during this critical time, encouraging patrons to help those in need. Despite the overwhelming destruction, she expressed optimism about Jamaica’s recovery.
Other local business owners, such as Janice Clarke of Elliment restaurant in Louisville, have also faced distressing situations as they attempt to contact relatives affected by the storm. Clarke has been unable to reach her family in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth Parish, raising concerns over their safety and the condition of their property.
Efforts to Reconnect Families
As communication lines remain down in Jamaica, many families are struggling to connect with loved ones. Lakeesha Hawthorne, a franchise owner of Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant, shared her emotional experience of losing contact as the hurricane approached and the relief she felt upon confirming her family’s safety afterwards.
Background on Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa is noted as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, having made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm. The brutal winds and heavy rainfall led to significant flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and widespread power outages throughout the island, particularly impacting regions such as St. Elizabeth Parish, where many in Lexington have familial ties.
In response to the aftermath, various community members and organizations are coordinating efforts to assist those impacted by the disaster, aiming to support recovery and rebuilding processes in Jamaica.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa was a Category 5 storm that made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction, flooding, and power outages across the island.
How can I help the relief efforts for Jamaica?
Local restaurant owners, such as Michelle Bernett of Irie Flavors in Lexington, are collecting essential supplies like food, clean water, medical supplies, bedding, and clothing to send to Jamaica. Contributions can be made directly at these establishments.
Have there been any updates on the safety of families in Jamaica?
Many individuals with family ties to Jamaica are facing challenges in reestablishing contact due to disrupted communication networks. For example, Janice Clarke, owner of Elliment restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, has been unable to contact her family in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth Parish, since the hurricane struck.
What is the current situation in St. Elizabeth Parish?
St. Elizabeth Parish, where many Lexington residents have familial connections, has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The area has experienced significant flooding, infrastructure damage, and power outages.
How can I stay updated on the relief efforts for Jamaica?
To stay informed about the relief efforts and how you can contribute, consider following local news outlets, community organizations, and the social media pages of involved restaurants and nonprofits. They often provide updates on donation drives and other initiatives.
Key Features of the Relief Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Donation Drives | Local restaurants like Irie Flavors and Elliment are collecting essential supplies for Jamaica. |
| Community Support | Individuals with family ties to Jamaica are mobilizing to provide aid and support to those affected by the hurricane. |
| Communication Challenges | Many are facing difficulties in reestablishing contact with family members in Jamaica due to disrupted communication networks. |
| Background on Hurricane Melissa | The storm made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane, causing widespread destruction, flooding, and power outages across Jamaica. |
Now Happening on X
- @LEX18News (October 29, 2025, 6:45 PM): Lexington Police are investigating an afternoon shooting that left one man with non-life-threatening injuries. View on X
- @LEX18News (October 24, 2025, 8:15 PM): The Lexington Police Department is investigating a confirmed homicide on Lakebow Court. View on X
- @WKYT (October 25, 2025, 10:00 PM): An investigation is underway after what are believed to be human remains were found near a park in Lexington. View on X
- @LEX18News (October 25, 2025, 8:00 PM): Authorities responded to the 3100 block of Leestown Road near Masterson Station Park after a citizen discovered what they believed to be human remains around 1 p.m. View on X
- @LEX18News (October 26, 2025, 3:40 PM): A bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Lexington on Saturday night, with police continuing their investigation. View on X
- @LEX18News (October 24, 2025, 10:31 AM): Lexington police are investigating after a juvenile showed up at a hospital with a gunshot wound just before 9:00 p.m. on Thursday. View on X
- @FOX56News (October 25, 2025, 1:40 AM): Lexington police are investigating a homicide on Friday in the Lakebow Court area. View on X
- @DossRaines (October 28, 2025, 10:58 AM): The Lexington City Council unanimously passed two ordinances Monday aimed at curbing homeless camping on public property and reducing aggressive panhandling that makes residents feel unsafe. View on X
- @MartySoMdNews (October 29, 2025, 7:28 PM): Gunman in custody after fatal shooting in Lexington Park (update; note: context suggests local Lexington, KY area). View on X
- @SpectrumNews1KY (October 27, 2025, 4:25 PM): Temperatures are slowly falling in Kentucky and will plummet as winter nears; the City of Lexington plans to house more than 200 homeless individuals during the cold weather. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Shooting on Ward Drive Leaves One Injured
Hurricane Melissa Strikes Jamaica as Category 5 Storm
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
