CBSN Originals documentary 'Puerto Rico, The Exodus: After Hurricane Maria' is the top streamed series

The latest CBSN Originals documentary, examining the mass exodus from Puerto Rico a year after Hurricane Maria, is the most-watched CBSN Originals premiere to date. CBSN has now streamed 25 Originals' documentaries, and the series has driven more than nine million streams. The new documentary is also airing on CBS affiliates across the country beginning today, and is the first in the series to do so.

In “Puerto Rico, The Exodus: After Hurricane Maria,” which debuted live on CBSN on Sept. 23, CBS News correspondent David Begnaud took viewers back to Puerto Rico a year after Hurricane Maria to examine how the storm’s devastation turned a years-long economic crisis and migration from the island into a full-blown exodus.

Begnaud has delivered extensive, award-winning coverage of the plight of Puerto Rico since the storm first struck. In this CBSN Originals documentary, he explores whether Puerto Rico will ever fully recover from Hurricane Maria as it continues to lose its most vital resource: its people.

If you haven't seen it, then you should. You can watch “Puerto Rico, the Exodus: After Hurricane Maria” on CBSN: cbsnews.com/puertorico. And of course, catch up on the entire slate of CBSN Originals at https://www.cbsnews.com/cbsn-originals/.

CBSN, CBS News’ streaming news service, is available live, 24/7 via CBSNews.com/live and on all CBS News mobile apps. Stream CBSN anytime, anywhere on your phone, tablet or connected device for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.

You can also follow CBS News correspondent David Begnaud on Facebook as David Begnaud, Twitter as David Begnaud @DavidBegnaud, and Instagram davidbegnaud. He has some incredible videos, reports, photos on his social media especially on his Facebook account.

My sincerest congratulations and thank you to David Begnaud, his colleagues, staff, producers, CBS, everyone involved for their devoted commitment, and unconditional love since Hurricane Maria to Puerto Rico, its people not only in Puerto Rico but also in the mainland. Like Marc Anthony says, "Esto sigue."

Source: CBS News

Flashback to Hurricane Irma - Part I The Wait is on

It's almost a year since Hurricane Irma visited Florida. Living in Tampa for 31 years, hurricanes are not new to me since I've experienced them prior in my birth town Meriden, CT. It was Hurricane Gloria that paid us a visit back in 1985 at a category 2. Already accustomed to numerous hurricane warnings in the sunshine state, some have missed Tampa luckily, others have hit us as tropical storms. All have given us a few scares here and there, but Hurricane Irma was an indecisive hurricane for me - stay or go.

We had been looking forward to my first nephew and mom's first grandson marrying the love of his life. This wasn't just any wedding. It was a very special wedding as we've been an integral part of his life. The big day was September 16, 2017 not in Florida but in St. Peters, MO. Yup in Missouri. A day we had been very excited and preparing for.

Then Hurricane Irma started brewing August 30 in the Atlantic Ocean so I had to keep not one but two eyes and ears out for it to see what its track would be. Well, Irma wanted to pay Florida a visit after all. Therefore, once the warnings started so did the preparations for Hurricane Irma - more sandbags, cash, and gasoline. As for food and water, thankfully we are always stocked up. 

On September 6, it was official Tampa was under a state of emergency, and mandatory evacuations started for flood prone areas. Lucky for us we had a majority of our wedding trip packing done way in advance. What a way to kick off Labor Day week in 2017.

By mid week, I was concerned that if Irma took a toll on Tampa and depending on the outcome, would we be able to leave Tampa to attend my nephew's wedding. Our original plan was to leave Tampa Wednesday, September 13 for the 16 or so hour drive to St. Peters, MO. I was the worried one, mom was so sure Irma wasn't coming and if she did it wasn't going to be bad. To make matters a little more worrisome, mom's right upper shoulder started acting up Friday evening. Not only was Hurricane Irma a concern, but also mom's shoulder and her well-being if we lost electricity at home.

Per news and social media, traffic on major highways heading out of Tampa was already a nightmare. I had discussed with mom once again the what ifs of Hurricane Irma preventing us from leaving Tampa for the wedding and what if she needed medical attention. It was very important for me that mom witness her grandson getting married in addition that she had medical accessibility if needed. And even with my nephew's future wife and my nephew talking to mom Friday night September 8, she was sure everything was going to be fine.

I had such a hard time falling asleep as Irma's hurricane category was like a seesaw...

Flashback to Hurricane Irma - Part II The Decision (click the link)

Flashback to Hurricane Irma - Part II The Decision

Flashback to Hurricane Irma - Part I The Wait is on (click the link to read)

Weighing the pros and cons, I had to go with my instincts. Saturday morning, September 9, I told mom, "We are leaving today for Missouri..." She gave me that are you serious look. I had already checked for another alternate route. Although we had no hotel reserved until mid week of the wedding date, we would deal with that later. The final packing was done as quickly as possible that we even left behind a few things including mom's wedding blouse.

My car was packed by 7 p.m. and  around 7:30 p.m. we were on our way. I'll admit, I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect on the drive taking a different route, what was going to become of Hurricane Irma while we were away from home, and would we be able to make it back into Florida. I prayed for guidance, serenity, healing, protection not only for mom and I but for everyone in Hurricane Irma's path.

As planned, I avoided interstate 75N. Route 41N was my road - a lonely route indeed. Mostly two lanes - southbound and northbound. The towns we drove through were like ghost towns. Everything was closed - gas stations, stores, restaurants... A lot of what ifs playing in my head that I had to keep to myself so I wouldn't worry mom.

An hour or so into the drive, there was a small gas station open. I stopped, thinking I'd put more gas in my car although I had left Tampa with a full tank of gas. Well, there was no gas at all. At least we stretched our legs, and used the restroom. Wasting no time, we were back on the road. I saw a few I-75N signs along the route but it was just too soon to take the highway. I didn't want to encounter traffic jams at all. Almost another 1.5 hours driving, I started thinking and hoping there was a gas station selling gasoline somewhere along the route, and that I was ready to get on the highway with hopes traffic wasn't bad.

Around 10:30 p.m., we were driving through Williston, FL when we saw flashing emergency lights ahead of us. Mom and I thought it was an emergency. As we got closer, it was policemen directing traffic in and out of a gas station. I slowed down, rolled down my window and asked the officer if there was gasoline. Thankfully, I was able to put more gas in my car. One less worry off my head. Gas tank was full and I was ready to get on the highway. Little did I know that within 30 minutes I would come across an I-75 sign in Alachua County. It was perfect. I didn't want to continue on the lonely and dark route any longer.

Traffic wasn't bad at all but there were many cars and trucks parked in rest stops and the gas stations along the highway had long lines of cars. Thankfully we had no reason to stop just yet. There was not much traffic heading southbound. What was visible on our ride all the way to Missouri were emergency vehicles heading south.

I had mixed feelings once we were out of Florida. All I could do was just pray for the best. Mom's shoulder was still hurting. It was already Sunday, September 10. Around 4 a.m. I was getting sleepy. At least mom was able to sleep on and off, but I knew she was uncomfortable and in pain. Finding vacancy at a hotel in Georgia was not good at all. We had no idea Georgia was under hurricane alert as well.

I drove a few more miles before I made a stop at another hotel - Sleep Inn in Cartersville, GA with no luck at all. I asked the front desk clerk, Brook Stephens, if we found an empty parking spot could we park and try to rest. Mom was able to doze off, but I wasn't so fortunate. At least I rested some. The sounds of cars and trucks leaving the hotel kept me from falling asleep. Once I felt mom wake up, we went back into the hotel to thank Brook and wash up. She was very kind in telling us to help ourselves to breakfast and coffee.

Before getting on the highway again, I made sure the gas tank was full. I also thanked a few men heading to Florida to assist in the hurricane clean up efforts. I was ready for another 3 to 4 hour drive before we took our next break.  

A quick lunch stop at Wendy's, gas, and ice for mom's shoulder. I broke down as I was watching the hurricane news report from Tampa. Hurricane Irma was entering Tampa...

Flashback to Hurricane Irma - Part III The Finale (click the link)

Flashback to Hurricane Irma - Part III The Finale

Flashback to Hurricane Irma - Part I The Wait is on (click the link to read)

Flashback to Hurricane Irma - Part II The Decision (click the link to read)

Thankfully we reached our destination safe and sound. We were both totally exhausted after being on the road for almost 24 hours. At least we didn't have to worry about a hotel since my nephew and our future family, the Nevels, were able to accommodate us for a few days. 

Mom's shoulder wasn't any better; therefore, Monday morning September 11 on her birthday we headed to a nearby urgent care center. After a check up, mom was referred to a bone specialist, Advanced Bone & Joint, nearby. We tried to get her shoulder pain  resolved the same day, but encountered insurance issues at the latter. In addition, they were fully booked. An arm sling, pain killer, and ice were a temporary relief until Tuesday morning. Not how I wanted mom to spend her birthday in Missouri, but we made the best of it.

Unfortunately the x-rays revealed mom had a severe case of calcific tendonitis. The doctor told us to return the next day for treatment, but I didn't hesitate to tell him what we had gone through and the reason we were in Missouri. He immediately had a change of heart and injected her shoulder with cortisone so she would feel better by wedding day. What a painful injection. I couldn't help in crying as mom screamed during the process.

I prayed the injection worked quickly. In the meantime, we had to try to be at ease and enjoy the time with our family before checking into our hotel. By Wednesday morning, mom was feeling better, and we were on our way to the hotel. She was happy that she would be able to comply with her cooking for the wedding rehearsal dinner. I, of course, helped in the food preparation knowing she was still recovering.

In between all of this, we were aware of Hurricane Irma's trajectory. Irma indeed passed through Tampa as a category 1 hurricane. We were grateful nothing dramatic happened besides losing electricity for a few days, lots of fallen branches, and damaged trees. It all boiled down to, that by the time we headed back to Florida, September 18, we would have no problem on the drive back especially driving through wherever Irma had passed.

Wedding rehearsal dinner was delicious. Mom successfully fulfilled her part of the menu - pulled pork 'Boricua style,' arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and potato salad.

By wedding day, September 16, mom was much better. A big relief that she was able to bless her first grandson before he wed, I captured some amazing shots, and we both witnessed our Josh marry his love, Megan.

               

Before we knew it, we were packing Sunday to hit the road back home Monday morning. Once again, we kept informed via social media how things were at least in Tampa. But I had faith that it would be a smooth ride, and yes it was!

     

What an emotional roller coaster in all respects. Obstacles that unexpectedly emerged forcing me to make quick decisions, and or resolve immediately. And to remember, I followed my instincts. Mom had immediate medical care that probably wouldn't have been possible if we stayed in Tampa, and I didn't have to worry of her breathing with loss of electricity at home. By the way, we had electricity when we arrived.

Dori Hermosa shared a post.

September 13, 2017 at 4:00 PM · 

Update: Mama is slowly getting better, and I'm at ease that she is, it has been a lil rough, and I've tried to stay strong but God willing all will fall back in place. Just grateful I went with my instincts because if we were back home her shoulder treatment probably would have been delayed, she would have panicked with no electricity, and not breathe well, my instincts never fail me. Have a blessed day mi gente hermosa xoxo

Dori Hermosa is with Megan Kay Irizarry and Joshua Irizarry.

September 12, 2017 at 10:35 PM · Saint Peters, MO

How hurting when your mom is in excruciating pain on your way out of harms way, run from doctor to doctor with health insurance cards left behind and then to be diagnosed with calcium build up well a clump in her shoulder. But worse is to hear her screams and cries as her shoulder is being injected with cortisone to the point you cry with her. The doctor wanted it done today so she'd be feeling better for wedding day. Thank you to the doctors and nurses that helped, accommodated, and comforted us at Advanced Bone & Joint and Mercy Urgent Care the last two days. Thank you Lord for the angels we've dealt with since we left Tampa and praying mom is at least 99% healed so we all can have a memorable and great wedding ♥>! Ready to write a book - Hermosa's Irma/Wedding ventures ;)

A year later, I'm still grateful to many people - all the emergency and non-emergency personnel that traveled to Florida and the affected areas by Hurricane Irma, the medical personnel that tended to mom in St. Peters, the Nevels for their hospitality, Brook Stephens at Sleep Inn in Cartersville, GA, and last but not least my nephew Joshua and his wife Megan who will be celebrating their one year anniversary September 16.

Happy Anniversary Megan & Joshua Irizarry
September 16, 2017

An Escape to Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

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I wrote this back in 1998 during a beautiful and unforgettable travel press trip I had the honors to participate in, originally posted at my website Con Sabor A...

An escape to a Caribbean Island a flight away would be ideal. My bags were packed to enjoy a few days at Westin Rio Mar Beach in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico located northeast of the island.

With many friends and family located throughout the island, I decided I wanted some time alone. Have easy access to the beach, pool, and away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Taxis, private cars, buses wait at the airport to transport visitors to their destination. I immediately spotted my well-groomed and well-dressed chauffer who held a welcome sign including my name and destination. Gazing out the car window, the greenery was breathtaking. The mountain views and houses located on top of the mountains were astonishing. Ricky Martin billboards greeting visitors and its locals with a smile. On Highway 3 to Rio Grande, Belz Factory Outlet Mall is under construction in Canóvanas. The typical fast food American franchises are all around. Strips of kiosks – open-air restaurants – with aromas of typical island food. The Roberto Clemente Stadium is being built in honor of the Puerto Rican baseball player Roberto Clemente.

The welcome to Ocean Villas was quite impressive. The entrance is a top of a hill with a beautiful scenic view of the 58 one-, two-, three- bedroom luxury villas on the 500-acre Westin Rio Mar Beach and sister to Westin Rio Mar Resort – lodging for the Miss Universe candidates, shops for your shopping pleasures, casino, entertainment. I arrived during Three Kings celebration; therefore, I was able to enjoy ‘las parrandas’ in the lobby. Two eighteen hole golf courses for the golf lovers. To the right the mountains and the Caribbean National Forest, El Yunque are visible. Tropical flowers and trees adorned the pathway to the Ocean Villas. I was greeted with a refreshing mango juice.

The spacious and elegant villa made me feel right at home. Terracotta floor tiles, crown moldings, and casually elegant furnishings filled the interiors of my villa. The fully equipped kitchen remained untouched. Actually, the microwave was only used. The heavenly bed (made with tall people in mind) was heavenly to put my mind and body to rest. I relaxed in comfort on the ocean front balcony awaiting the sunrise and or sunset as I listened to the pounding of the waves and the singing of the coquíes - Puerto Rico’s one-inch singing tree frog.

Ocean Villa bedroom

I had a choice of twelve restaurants and lounges to satisfy my hunger. The delectables ranged from classical northern specialties, sushi and Asian favorites, seafood, and steaks, southwestern cuisine, buffets… The desserts were out of this world. Since my taste buds are very Puertoricanized, I preferred my well-seasoned traditional Puerto Rican food. I was fond to Sandy’s Sea Food Restaurant & Steak House in Luquillo’s Plaza and the Antojitos Puertorriqueños (Puerto Rican Cravings) located at the corner of Westin Rio Mar Blvd and Highway 3.

My last stroll through the villas I encountered a ripened coconut. All the coconuts were still green. Great to drink the coconut water with rum added to it. This drink isn’t for me. The ripened coconut was hollering my name, “Doris take me home with you.” Without hesitation, I took the coconut back to my villa. “How am I going to crack the coconut open?” I asked myself. To my rescue were two employees. They didn’t have a machete; therefore, they took the coconut to the restaurant’s kitchen. Within a few minutes, not only was the ripened coconut returned to me cracked open but also a green coconut filled with coconut water to drink. I poured the coconut water into an empty water bottle. As for the ripened coconut insides, I stored in a plastic bag to make rice with coconut and dried gandules (pigeon peas) once I was home.

The beach lined with coconut palm trees was a few steps away. A hammock to swing in while I read a few pages of “El Regalo De Tiempo” (“The Gift Of Time”). Although I preferred the beach to the available pools, I didn’t swim too much since the water was a little cold for me but I was able to catch a few of the islands sunrays. My last day on the island I was blessed with warmer water temperatures; therefore, I took a quick swim. Before getting out of the water, I exercised my traditional three dips with my back to the ocean. As beautiful as the ocean was, I didn’t look back as to leave any bad luck behind.

It’s my last hasta luego (until next time) to the sandy beach, the pondering waves, the eye-catching greenery, the joyful coquíes… My chauffeur fulfilled my last request of mango juice before departing to the airport. The drive to the airport was through the picturesque back roads to avoid the afternoon rush hour. The Atlantic Ocean was still visible with the surfing waves active, a soap opera being filmed, strips of kiosks, coconut trees, Old San Juan… I will be back Puerto Rico.

View more photos here and here.

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