Anyone who understands the local economy here knows this is a significant event. Yes, it will be a challenge for us to come up with money, but this is a tourist economy, and we need to have it. |
I've been surprised by the numbers of local businesses that have showed interest. That is high considering how much local areas were affected by the hurricanes. |
Many of the folks coming will have a chance to volunteer for a full range of activities, including clean up, Habitat for Humanity or helping people gut their homes. |
Police coverage will be more concentrated and easier to maintain. |
This is an opportunity. People who stand behind us and support us can come and help our economy get restarted. |
We are coming back, and we are open. On the other hand, we have some challenges in certain parts of the city. |
We knew this would be an uphill struggle to find corporate sponsors in so short a time frame. |