SUWANNEE, FL (352today.com) – While Hurricane Idalia swept through Suwannee altering the landscape last week, one thing the storm didn’t change: the collective kindness of its people.

While covering the damage in the Dixie County town, I stumbled upon some residents who were headed to check on a family member. They saw me walking and shouted a directive. “Smile!”

Jack Ramsey and Aldean Lunsford gave me what they called the 50-cent tour to show me Idalia’s damage. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today

I couldn’t help but grin from ear-to-ear. How inspiring it was to see people so positive in the midst of a tragedy.

Meet Jack Ramsey and Aldean Lunsford.

They returned back to the town to find their homes had survived the horrific hurricane. Others were not so lucky.

They offered me a ride and gave me what they called the ’50-cent tour’ of the town and Idalia’s destruction.

READ: Hurricane Idalia unleashes Hell and high water in Suwannee

One of their friends owns the Salt Creek Shellfish Co Restaurant – the main eating establishment.

Salt Creek Shellfish Co. restaurant catered to its clientele. The menu offered ‘U Catch. U Clean. We Cook.’ Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today

The place where people once filled their bellies, was now filled with mud. The owner was joined by others working to clean up the muck that Idalia deposited where diners used to enjoy a bowl of Suwannee Grouper Gumbo.

Suwannee is a small town with big fish stories. Most of them true.

Water where it’s not supposed to be in front of the Waterfront Market grocery store in Suwannee. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today

“Here’s the Suwannee store,” said Ramsey. “This is the only grocery store and it’s just flooded. It’s just gone. People are trying to help save it.” From snack food to fishing lures, Idalia soaked Suwannee’s convenience store.

The parking lot at the Waterfront Market looked like it was for vehicles that float not ones on four wheels.

Aldean says the store’s owner is one of the nicest people he’s ever met. He says after a hot day, he and his friends always stopped by the store to get a cold water and sometimes the H2O was “on the house.”

What Suwannee lacks in businesses, it makes up in beauty. Salt marsh for miles. Live Oaks, Cedars, and Cypress. Idalia tested their strength.

Damage to Jack Ramsey’s dock after Hurricane Idalia hit Suwannee, FL. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today

Despite all of the damage, Aldean and Ramsey remain in high spirits. Buoyed by the resolve of their friends and neighbors.

Something tells me, I don’t need to command Suwannee to keep smiling.