Posted on 4/28/2020

COVID-19 First Responder Giveaway Winners

Recently the Great Ocean team was inspired to give back to those serving on the front lines during these extraordinary times. We asked our past guests to help us support COVID-19 First Responders by nominating the everyday heroes in their lives for a free 7-day vacation in New Smyrna Beach. Our vacation rental management company works with so many amazing property owners that were more than willing to donate their beach condos and homes for our giveaway. We feel so honored to work with such generous, kind-hearted people! It didnât take long before our New Smyrna Beach vacation giveaway had received HUNDREDS of nominees from all over the country. Not only were we floored by the incredible response, but our heartsâ were moved by the selfless stories that flooded our inbox.

Though headlines seem to bring only discouraging news, we hope that the below stories remind you of the good thatâs still in this world. People are still kind. People are still brave. People are still fighting for you and your community. We are beyond thankful for these everyday heroes and cannot wait for them to enjoy a well-deserved beach vacation. Grab a tissue and get ready to meet the people fighting daily for our health and safety.

Meet Your Everyday Heroesâ¦

Mitch and Charlotte O. | Firefighter/paramedic & ICU Nurse

This power couple has faithfully been serving patients in their community as they BOTH are COVID-19 first responders. Mitch is a firefighter/paramedic, a rescue diver, and an Emergency Room technician. Charlotte is an ICU nurse at the hospital and also works in the emergency room treating critical patients. As if they werenât already serving their community well, they both work TWO jobs that center on patient-care. We canât thank Mitch and Charlotte enough for their work - They certainly deserve a vacation in #NSB!

Chelsea R. | RN Nurse

This RN nurse has become a comforting presence to so many who are diagnosed and alone in the hospital. As visitors arenât allowed right now, Chelsea has gone above and beyond in patient-care by trying to raise their spirits, let them know theyâre not alone, and often sits with them to hold their hand through the suffering. This RNâs heart has greatly affected us (and weâre sure so many others!). Thank you for all you do Chelsea. Youâre truly a hero.

Jonathan and Heidi W. | Respiratory Therapist & RN Nurse

Jon and Heidi are another dynamic couple that are faithfully serving on the frontlines. Both have been in the medical field for well-over 20 years and have found themselves especially busy during this time. As a Respiratory Therapist, Jon has been working everywhere from the ER to the ventilators in the ICU. Heidi works as an RN and has been working night shifts cross-training in the ICU, checking temperatures in the ER, and helping in the COVID-19 units. Even after long hours and new challenges, the couple still prioritizes their family and strives to work the same shift so they can both come home to their two teenagers. We are so grateful for the amazing work they do. Thank you Jon and Heidi, you and your family more than deserve time together in NSB!

Nick C. | Firefighter / Paramedic

Nick shows up early and without hesitation every shift as a firefighter/paramedic in Central Florida. Although he had just recovered from a difficult time being ill, Nick immediately jumped back in to help as COVID-19 cases began to increase. His shifts are 24 hours (sometimes 48 hours!) long and are filled with calls that require patient care and contact. Thank you SO much Nick for all the sleepless nights, tireless dedication, and on-call care that youâve given to your community. We canât wait to see you and your family enjoying some much needed R&R in New Smyrna Beach.