PORT NECHES — Fall is Juanita McMains’ favorite time of year. She’d love to have her hands all over sunflowers and mums, instead of moldy carpet.

Ike changed her plans at The Flower Shop in downtown Port Neches. She evacuated for Gustav and Ike with arrangements for her nephew’s wedding. She returned to find standing water in her flower and antique shop. The family hauled everything out back and McMains is determined to open as soon as she can.

She said she hopes to be back in time to work with evergreens and holly for the Christmas season.

Debbie Plaia, executive director for the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce, said a few businesses got knocked out, but all seem to be ready to get back to work.

“We’re a giving community. We pick up the pieces,” she said.

Robin Cochran said Ike peeled off her roof so that it resembles a sardine can. You Wear it Well Boutique on Magnolia Avenue is at a temporary site on Dallas Street.

“This is a small inconvenience for me to have to relocate. I consider myself lucky. I want to reopen as soon as possible because my little business was just beginning to take off and do well and I want to have something in the community for the holidays,” she said.

Bette Davidson, Stage Farm Insurance agent, is going through the same Ike troubles as her clients.

“We just got our phones back on. It’s been a challenge,” she said.

She said she’s up and running in a rented office just across the street from her downtown office that got Ike damage.

“Not only are we going to survive, we’re going to thrive,” she said.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.