BRANDON, Fla. — A special school in Hillsborough county is back open after feeling the wrath of Hurricane Milton.
At 1Voice Academy in Brandon, teachers work with young students who are battling cancer. The founder of the school said it gives the children a safe and healthy place to learn.
Diane Ventrice said her 9-year-old daughter Lordyn was happy to be back on Monday. Lordyn has a rare form of bone marrow cancer. The family moved to Florida from Massachusetts just so Lordyn could attend the school.
“She pretends all the time she doesn’t like it, but she loves it,” Diane said while laughing as her daughter played a game nearby.
The students have been out of school since Hurricane Milton. But only one building was open on the property Monday. There are still a lot of downed trees and debris around the school.
“When I say the perfect storm, two of things that are so appealing and unique about the property, are the beautiful trees and the beautiful lake,” said founder Mary Ann Massolio. “Both have caused damage, this particular storm. Milton hit hard.”
Massolio said she is expecting about 200 volunteers to help clean up the property. She’s hoping to have everything ready for their special holiday camp in December. The community is invited to help clear debris. Volunteers must be over 16 years old.