Seaford and Wantagh hearts affected by Florence

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Members of the Seaford and Wantagh communities are dealing with the effects of Hurricane Florence, by phone and text — including two Seaford moms whose children are students at universities in the Carolinas.

Lifelong Seaford resident Tracy Aquino said she is still concerned, even though her son, 21-year-old senior Nick Aquino, evacuated from Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. Tracy said she heard of local road closures.

“”The Waccamaw River is nearby and I believe it is said to be…overflowing today (Monday),” she said. “He (Nick) is anxious to get back but I’ve asked him to stay put for another day or so at least.”

Nick traveled to where his brother, 19-year-old sophomore Joe Aquino, studies at High Point University in North Carolina. Tracy said Joe was “more than willing” to host Nick as there is “plenty of room” to sleep on the couch in his dorm suite.

Nick was concerned about being bored and did not want to initially evacuate, according to Tracy. “I insisted as the forecasts advanced,” she said. “I was concerned about loss of services, [such as] gas and food availability, and electricity for an extended period of time.”

Tracy said hurricanes come “with the territory in coastal South Carolina.” She said she did not initially panic but became more worried as the forecasts sounded worse for the area where Nick was located.

“The school and the county in general are very prepared and have protocols in place,” she said. “My son has been evacuated at least once every year he’s been there.”

Tracy said Nick had evacuated to Joe during one of last year’s hurricanes. High Point University “has been great” about allowing Nick to stay there, she said.

“Here in New York, so far away, it was such a comfort to know that at least my two sons were together,” she said. “Especially if there was a further emergency and they had to relocate elsewhere, they could travel together.”

Another Seaford mom said her son and a few of his friends evacuated from college in South Carolina and have been home since last Tuesday, September 11.

The storm is also affecting the hearts of the Wantagh Knights of Columbus. According to the Grand Knight of the St. Francis de Chantal Council 6526 George Jaeger, the Wantagh knights have sent around $28,000 to the Knights of Columbus headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut. The headquarters will then send the money to relief efforts in North Carolina.

Jaeger said an additional $250 will be sent to the headquarters from each of the four District 15 councils, including the St. Francis de Chantal Council.