Max Mayfield's distinguished career in meteorology has earned him five Emmy Awards including two during 2011 for the station's Hurricane Special and Hurricane History program. Now, the evening at the Estate offers a chance to meet and learn from one of our country's leading hurricane specialists.

The Deering Estate at Cutler was near ground zero for Hurricane Andrew, and following the storm, Mayfield describes coming to the property to assess the damage.  "We couldn't get the main gate open because of the debris that had been pushed up to the rock wall." Once inside the grounds, the team searched for markers of the storm surge that were later measured to be 16.5 feet at the DEC.  "We went inside the ballroom and although there was debris on the walls, there were no marks indicating a storm surge. We realized that the strong winds had sand blasted the walls." The group later found water-level markers inside a closet that had been protected from the strong winds.

Mayfield explains how Hurricane Andrew was primarily a wind event, a small Category Five storm, that didn't extend far from the center like Hurricanes Katrina and Hugo. Had the scope been more extensive, Andrew's storm surge would have been worse. He summed it up, "Hurricane Andrew was not the big one."

For those who lived through the storm and for the others who have never been through a similar event, the evening provides an opportunity to be reminded of and understand the magnitude of a hurricane. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Wryly says, "It is easier to plan for a catastrophe and then scale back as needed.

The evening is designed to reflect and remember the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, and educate our community on what to do in case of an impending storm. "Have a plan," says Mayfield. "The best efforts of the meteorologist aren't enough, it comes down to people having a hurricane plan and being able to execute that plan."

Nature is resilient, and to see the magnificent Deering Estate at Cutler today, one would never believe the extent of the damages it had suffered. Over the last twenty years, the innovative environmental stewardship programs created by the Estates' Educational and Interpretative staff, have complimented the lush natural growth. The goal of these nature-based programs is to raise awareness and to protect and preserve our precious resources for this and future generations.

One of the most successful programs is a partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools that pairs Nature-Center-to-School for hands-on learning and educational enrichment. N.E.S.T.T., Nurturing Environmental Stewards of Today and Tomorrow, is an extension of the Estate's award-winning Living Classroom/Eco-Academy.

The Deering Estate at Cutler is located at 16701 SW 72 Avenue, Palmetto Bay. The program will be held in the historic Stone House Ballroom, and is Free for Deering Estate Foundation Members and $15 for Non-Members. The admission may be applied toward the purchase of a Foundation Membership. All proceeds from the evening benefit the N.E.S.T.T. Program. To reserve a seat at Max Mayfield's presentation, please contact Ashley Sodeman at 305-235-1668 x 263.

About the Deering Estate Foundation
The Deering Estate Foundation is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation that was founded in 1989 by members of our community. Join in their efforts by becoming a member as they work to gain national recognition of this community treasure, while preserving and sustaining Florida's natural habitats and rich history for future generations.  For more information, please visit Deering Estate.