Kids to Know: Nola Schoos

In September 2024, many lives were forever changed by the unexpected and catastrophic effects of Hurricane Helene. Today, as much of Tampa Bay continues to recover and rebuild from back-to-back natural disasters, it’s promising to find so many families coming together to support one another.

From retelling stories of that fateful night and swapping referrals for insurance contacts and contractor leads, to distributing supplies and resources to neighbors along the way, the adult community has forged special bonds through shared experiences. Yet, there is another point of view that is just as important and noteworthy.

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For the perspective of a nature-loving, animal-saving and beach-going child that was also affected by recent events, please meet 7-year old Nola Schoos.

Tell us about yourself.

Nola Schoos: My name is Nola. I like to play, and to play with my kitties (Gilligan, MaryAnn, Mrs. Howell and Alex). I like unicorns and cats, and I like the beach. My favorite food is salmon (and candy!).

Can you share more about your experience on the Junior Color Guard.

Nola Schoos: I like Color Guard! I started in kindergarten, so this year will be my third year. My favorite part about Color Guard is the flags.

We all love the beach, but you have a very special relationship with it. Please explain what you do to clean our beaches, protect marine wildlife and who you partner with.

Nola Schoos: I go with Mama to beach cleanups. It makes me feel good to clean up the beach because turtles could eat the trash on the beach and get hurt. My favorite part about the beach is swimming and playing in the water, and cleaning up the beach helps the water stay clean. We love joining Trash Turtles for their clean-up events!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Nola Schoos: When I grow up, I want to work at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary and at Nachman’s Seafood because they’re both fun! I like the birds, especially Meatball (the spoonbill) at the Seabird Sanctuary. Nachman’s has yummy fish and they let me help out sometimes.

Living in Redington Shores means your home had some damage after the hurricanes. What happened to your family and your neighbors?

Nola Schoos: Some of our neighbors got water in their garages, and some of them of them got flooded a lot. My Nana’s house in Tampa got water in it—she showed me pictures. We got a lot of water in our house, but they’re going to make it brand new!

How is life different for you today after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton?

Nola Schoos: We live in an apartment right now and we’re up high. I kinda like living here (near downtown St. Pete), but I miss our neighbors. We don’t have a backyard right now, and I’m sharing a bedroom with mommy and daddy. I miss my room.

Many children will never know what it’s like to experience a hurricane. What is something you learned from it?

Nola Schoos: In a hurricane, sometimes your house can get flooded, and sometimes it won’t. It can make you feel sad.

When your house is ready to move back into, what will you be most excited to do first?

Nola Schoos: I’m most excited for my bedroom! Also, to have more space to play, our patio, and to play on the beach again.

What is your favorite thing to do in Tampa Bay with your parents?

Nola Schoos: My favorite things to do with mommy and daddy are going to Sky Zone, getting popsicles at Hyppo and playing on the playground at Redington Beach Town Park.

Originally published in the December 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.