‘We have health and strength’: Jamaicans describe impact of Hurricane Melissa
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica with record-tying 185 mph winds Tuesday , was a beast that stood out as extreme even in a record number of monster storms spawned over the last decade in the Atlantic Ocean.
There are some people whom News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton and his wife Christy have become very close with over the years in Negril, Jamaica, one of the hardest hit areas by the storm, west of Montego Bay.
These people are family to them, and they have been worried about their safety.
RELATED | How to help those impacted by Hurricane Melissa
Bruce heard from them as Melissa began bearing down on the Caribbean nation and shared some very personal messages and thoughts.
Press play above to watch
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Bruce Hamilton headshot
This Emmy Award-winning television, radio and newspaper journalist has anchored The Morning Show for 18 years.
Loved ones say farewell to 23-year-old JFRD engineer who died in crash ▶ 0:47
Loved ones say farewell to 23-year-old JFRD engineer who died in crash
St. Augustine replacing downtown parking kiosks with cashless touchscreens ▶ 0:57
St. Augustine replacing downtown parking kiosks with cashless touchscreens
Loved ones mourn Jacksonville father of 4 killed in apartment shooting ▶ 1:00
Loved ones mourn Jacksonville father of 4 killed in apartment shooting
Hundreds participate in Jacksonville ‘No Kings’ rally against Trump administration ▶ 1:47
Hundreds participate in Jacksonville ‘No Kings’ rally against Trump administration
Family, friends honor man who was fatally shot during a road rage incident on Edgewood Avenue ▶ 1:02
Family, friends honor man who was fatally shot during a road rage incident on Edgewood Avenue
Flagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concerns ▶ 0:52
Flagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concerns
It's a great day for Jumbo Shrimp baseball! Join us tonight for the home opening weekend ▶ 0:56
It's a great day for Jumbo Shrimp baseball! Join us tonight for the home opening weekend
GAME DAY ⚾🦐 The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp return ▶ 0:50
GAME DAY ⚾🦐 The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp return
Duval County schools warns families about unsanctioned ‘senior skip day’ at Jacksonville Beach ▶ 1:28
Duval County schools warns families about unsanctioned ‘senior skip day’ at Jacksonville Beach
Should an HOA or property management company be required to post parking rules for visitors? ▶ 1:19
Should an HOA or property management company be required to post parking rules for visitors?
240 new affordable housing units are for ‘people who keep this city running,’ councilman says ▶ 1:30
240 new affordable housing units are for ‘people who keep this city running,’ councilman says
Fights erupt at Palatka Junior-Senior High after field trip focused on mental health ▶ 0:44
Fights erupt at Palatka Junior-Senior High after field trip focused on mental health
The Block Jax owner continues working on parking solutions ahead of busy sports weekend ▶ 1:24
The Block Jax owner continues working on parking solutions ahead of busy sports weekend
Mother of teen punched during arrest says officer went too far ▶ 1:21
Mother of teen punched during arrest says officer went too far
Slow down & move over: Ride-along with JSO traffic patrol drives home important safety reminders ▶ 1:29
Slow down & move over: Ride-along with JSO traffic patrol drives home important safety reminders
⚾️ Opening Day + perfect weather = the ultimate Friday night in Jax ▶ 0:34
⚾️ Opening Day + perfect weather = the ultimate Friday night in Jax
Voices of the 904 Ep 2. - Her creative lens turned a studio into a space elevating Jax's identity ▶ 0:33
Voices of the 904 Ep 2. - Her creative lens turned a studio into a space elevating Jax's identity
Study finds most ‘Mayport Shrimp’ dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually imported ▶ 1:06
Study finds most ‘Mayport Shrimp’ dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually imported
Viral video of Dasaun Williams’ takedown prompts new use of force questions ▶ 0:54
Viral video of Dasaun Williams’ takedown prompts new use of force questions
New ‘larger format’ Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzas ▶ 1:12
New ‘larger format’ Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzas
USS Donald Cook departs Mayport as Operation Epic Fury continues ▶ 0:37
USS Donald Cook departs Mayport as Operation Epic Fury continues
Family of A’hmari Robinson shares stories at candlelight vigil days after his death ▶ 0:45
Family of A’hmari Robinson shares stories at candlelight vigil days after his death
Developers break ground on affordable housing project in St. Augustine ▶ 1:10
Developers break ground on affordable housing project in St. Augustine
Getting ready for the next GROW ROUND! Tower Garden maintenance... ▶ 2:52
Getting ready for the next GROW ROUND! Tower Garden maintenance...
End the month off right with this lineup of events from March 26-29 ▶ 1:10
End the month off right with this lineup of events from March 26-29
Previous photo Next photo