Neighboring beach club welcomes Atlantic Beach club members displaced by tornado damage
The kind gesture happened as cleanup and repairs continue at Sun and Surf Beach Club.
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A neighboring club stepped in on Saturday to help Atlantic Beach club members impacted by Thursday's tornado.
The kind gesture happened as cleanup and repairs continue at Sun and Surf Beach Club.
New York Beach Club President Alex Jacobson was at the beach when the storm hit and witnessed the powerful winds firsthand.
"I was actually in the cabana, when the storm hit," Jacobson said. "We were in our pool court, and things just started shaking a little bit, and we just closed the doors and wish for the best."
While New York Beach Club sustained only minor damage, the storm left a significant impact across the area.
Sun and Surf Beach Club suffered the most extensive damage from the tornado, which left beachgoers stunned.
"Very devastating," said Ramona Levy, of Roslyn. "And thank God no one got hurt and there was no lives lost. So that was the most important thing."
In the aftermath of the storm, New York Beach Club employees worked quickly to clear debris, including chairs, tables and umbrellas, so the facility could reopen.
The club has since extended an invitation to Sun and Surf members by offering free admission with a valid club ID while their beach club rebuilds.
The gesture was well received by members.
"If it was mine, I'd be devastated," said Hilary Bressler, of Glen Cove. "It is a business, but the fact that you can welcome other people...the people that run this club are more like family."
Jacobson said between 20 and 30 Sun and Surf members took advantage of the offer on Saturday.
Sun and Surf officials say they hope to reopen before the end of the summer season.
