PARIS, FRANCE – Countless people are stranded in France following Friday's devastating attacks in Paris. That includes two women from Jacksonville. Both are in Paris for a conference, and were just a couple blocks away from where the attacks happened. Those women spoke to Channel 4's Ashley Harding via Skype. The women will be able to return to the United States soon.
They have been in contact with the American Embassy. They'll be able to fly home tomorrow. The women say they plan on getting to the airport as early as possible because they are anxious to get back to Jacksonville.
Nadia Jones and Tracee Holzendorf were at a restaurant when the attacks happened.
"Initially, we thought, wow, it must be something busy happening in Paris. Then we saw police cars coming. More and more police cars. More and more ambulances coming. Then we saw crowds of people starting to move quickly," Holzendorf said.
Both women returned to the hotel where they are staying. Both have been in touch with their families
As information continues to develop from Paris, countless people are reflecting, sharing their stories, and close calls. Some are right here in Jacksonville.
Kim Spadaro lives part of the year in Paris working on her fragrance business. She was just there until last week. Her boyfriend also lives there full time, who was out of town when the attacks occurred.
"I got a call from my boyfriend who is usually in Paris, but he 's in Tunisia on business. He said, 'it's happening again in
Paris,'" said Spadaro.
What was happening--horrified Spadaro. She started watching the news. Her cell phone was ringing off the hook as friends and family were checking to see where she was.
"I was glued to it. I couldn't pull away. I was in disbelief, and saddened. Immediately, I start reaching out to people I know," said Spadaro.