Pancakes, spaghetti, and a whole lot of heart is how Florida communities are rebuilding following the 2024 Hurricane season. That’s the magic trifecta making a difference in one Tarpon Springs 55+ community.
Hurricane Milton destroyed the beloved Veterans Plaza in The Meadows. But a community effort quickly brought the heart of the community back to life. The repairs are thanks to a small but mighty Veterans Association known for making a difference inside and outside the Gulf Coast neighborhood.
Hurricane Milton Damage Motivates Florida Community
“This was a community-invovled effort.”
-Rick Harrison, Veterans Association Officer
It’s the only way to repair the damage left behind during a busy Florida hurricane season. The good people at The Meadows in Tarpon Springs, FL, will tell you all about it.
The Meadows is a retirement community lined with manufactured homes for active adults where neighbors support each other and enjoy community amenities you’d normally find at resorts.
So it’s no surprise that the community pulled together again when Hurricane Milton left a wave of destruction.
Before Hurricane Milton, the Veterans Memorial Plaza within The Meadows flew flags honoring the military branches high above. Below were bricks engraved with the names of veterans. Each brick represents a family member of someone living in The Meadows, with the oldest name honoring a Civil War veteran.
The 100+ mile per hour winds of Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the plaza. The Category 3 storm destroyed five flagpoles honoring the United States military branches and broke statues.
But residents refused to let the memorial remain in disrepair. United by a deep respect for those who have served, residents in The Meadows worked tirelessly to raise thousands of dollars to restore the plaza and replace each flagpole.
Veterans Associations & HOA Unite to Restore the Memorial
Fundraising began in Fall 2024 after the October hurricane with the 20+ person veterans club. Residents, the homeowners association, and The Meadows Veterans Association came together to bring the memorial back to life.
The plaza has been a place of reflection since its dedication in 2021. After Hurricane Milton, only the bricks remained undamaged.
Finding the money to make the repairs took the entire community. The Veterans Club wasted no time raising money. By early November, they had collected donations by grilling hot dogs at the community pool.
The same group hosted a Pancake Breakfast in February. The HOA board voted to match up to $1,000 in donations from the breakfast. The goal was met, and the funds went toward new flagpoles and repairs for the plaza.
Rick Harrison, a Veterans Club officer, said this was more than just a fundraiser—it was a true community effort.
The group also held a Spaghetti Dinner to raise remaining funds. The two events raised more than $1,500, and the HOA kicked in an additional $1,200. The fundraising, combined with private donations from residents and their families, eventually replaced what was lost in Hurricane Milton.
The Meadows, which is owned by Cove Communities, paid for the installation.
As Harrison emphasized, none of this would be possible without the collective spirit and generosity of everyone involved.
By spring, the new flagpoles were installed. The statues were repaired and back in place. The final touches included concrete work and landscaping. Now there’s even a new flag in the Tarpon Springs veterans plaza. All the donations allowed the Veterans Association to add a flag honoring the newly formed United States Space Force.
Beyond the Plaza – How Veterans Continue to Lead in Retirement
The Veterans Association does more than rebuild memorials. They show up all year long for The Meadows and the greater Tarpon Springs community.
They organize events, support local charities, and offer a strong network for veterans and their families.
In early 2025, Veterans Association members led a successful Clothing Drive. The response was so big that the donations filled an entire trailer, and even spilled over into an extra car. Five volunteers brought the clothes to the Salvation Army, where the clothing volunteers would go to veterans in need, the homeless, and people still recovering from the storms.
In the past, the veterans club has sponsored food and clothing drives. They’ve also supported Operation Shoebox, packing boxes of everyday supplies for homeless veterans. They’ve even donated to Fisher House – the VA health equivalent to the Ronald McDonald House.
“They accompany other vets to doctor appointments at the VA clinic,” explains HOA president Eldri Guldan-Zahn. “They will accompany family members of vets to pick up their loved ones’ ashes. They have done several full funerals complete with a chaplain, speakers, presentation of an American flag to the survivors, and taps.
It’s leadership that brings The Meadows together.
However, the sense of patriotism and duty extends beyond this 55+ community in Tarpon Springs.
Quilts Honor Tarpon Springs Veterans from The Meadows
The goodwill continued into March. Twelve members of The Meadows Veterans Club were honored in a Quilts of Valor ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by Bay Aire RV Park in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Members of the Bay Aire Quilters honored 20 veterans by draping handmade quilts over their shoulders. The ceremony is part of the national Quilts of Valor Foundation. The draping symbolizes warmth, comfort, and healing for veterans touched by war.
It was a powerful moment, and a reminder of the support veterans receive from inside and outside The Meadows.
Life at The Meadows in Tarpon Springs, FL
You can see the Veterans Association’s efforts in every part of life at The Meadows—whether it’s a breakfast fundraiser, a donation drive, or a moment of silence at the plaza.
The group brings people together, making The Meadows a stronger community.
The Veterans Association meets weekly. They also plan the annual Veterans’ Day ceremony.
The Meadows is more than just a beautiful place to live. It’s a place where people care. Residents who have moved away know it’s hard to beat the resort amenities, busy social calendar, and neighborly goodwill.
“Everybody helps everybody,” explained Tricia Baylis, who knows the grass is greener at The Meadows from experience.
Sure, the 55+ community includes access to a swimming pool, pickleball courts, and shuffleboard. These extras make life enjoyable for retirees and snowbirds.
But it’s the residents—and groups like the Veterans Association—that make it feel like home.