As Hurricane Melissa gains strength in the Caribbean, Central Florida’s Jamaican community is organizing to support people back home.

At Spirit of Joy Church in Orange County, members of the Jamaican Cultural Connection gathered Sunday for their monthly meeting, focused on how to respond if the storm causes major damage.

“The hurricane is sitting there. Has been sitting there just looking at Jamaica,” Debbie Jolly-Jarrett said.

Community leaders say they’re hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

“I’m worried about the people in the lower areas,” Fitz "MT" Taylor said.

Diana “Lady D” Blake-Taylor, host of Caribbean Affairs Connection radio in Orlando, said her recent broadcasts have been dedicated to helping Jamaicans prepare for what could be a dangerous storm.

“It’s ext

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