Helping Historic Globe and Miami Recover After Catastrophic Flooding

The historic mining communities of Globe and Miami, Arizona, were struck by devastating flash floods on September 25-27, 2025. In less than two hours, more than two inches of rain – with some areas receiving three to four inches total – transformed quiet downtown streets into raging torrents that swept away lives, livelihoods, and irreplaceable pieces of Arizona's heritage.

The Human Cost

Our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the tragic loss of at least four lives in this disaster. Dozens more were rescued from rising waters, and several people remain unaccounted for as search and recovery efforts continue. Students at Gila Community College's Miami Regional Training Center watched helplessly as their cars floated in the parking lot during the storm. The scope of this tragedy extends far beyond property damage – families have lost loved ones, neighbors, and the sense of security that comes from calling a place home.

Historic Properties in Peril

The flooding has dealt a crushing blow to the historic downtowns that define Globe and Miami's character and sense of place. These communities have long been treasured for their authentic mining-era architecture and small-town charm – qualities that are increasingly rare in Arizona and essential to the state's cultural identity.

The Lyric Cafe, a cornerstone of Miami's historic downtown, suffered catastrophic damage when winds exceeding 60 mph tore off part of its roof "like the top of a sardine can," according to owner Joanna Lee TwentyThree. The cafe and its neighboring historic buildings – Thee Skidoo and Miami Art Works gallery – were all flooded. These properties carry the additional burden of having no insurance coverage after being dropped by their carrier following previous fire and flood damage.

On Sullivan Street in Miami, Bill Clemmens lost the entire storefront of a historic all-concrete building next to his Wild Horse Saloon – one of the first concrete structures built on the street. Despite its sturdy construction and strong foundation, the building was no match for the deluge, which filled it with debris and floodwaters.

Economic Lifelines at Risk

These historic buildings are not museum pieces – they are the economic engines of their communities. The Lyric Cafe announced it will be "closed for a while," though staff are encouraging takeout orders to keep the business alive. Historic downtown Globe, where more than 50 vehicles were swept away and buildings sustained significant structural damage, remains closed to the public as authorities assess safety concerns. "We've never seen anything like it in our community," said Globe Mayor Al Gameros. "We feel the pain of our business people who have lost their livelihoods, their investments, and it hurts us all."

Why Preservation Matters Now More Than Ever

Globe and Miami's historic downtowns are more than charming backdrops – they are Arizona's living connection to its mining heritage, architectural legacy, and the resilient spirit of the communities that built the state. These towns have survived boom-and-bust cycles, economic hardships, and natural disasters before. But each time we lose a historic building or see a small business close its doors forever, we lose something irreplaceable.

Tourism, quality of life, and economic vitality in these communities are inextricably linked to their historic character. People visit Globe and Miami because they offer something authentic – a window into Arizona's past and a genuine small-town experience. Without these historic properties, these communities lose not just buildings, but much of their identity and the foundation of their economic future.

The Path Forward

The response from the community has been extraordinary. More than 150 volunteers from agencies across the state are working on search, rescue, and recovery. Shelters have been established at Lee Kornegay Intermediate School in Miami and High Desert Middle School in Globe. The United Fund of Globe Miami is reopening its recovery fund for both residents and business owners. The Globe Miami Chamber of Commerce is creating volunteer lists for when it's safe to help.

But immediate relief is only the first step. True recovery means long-term revitalization – supporting local businesses as they rebuild, protecting historic properties from demolition, and investing in the cultural landmarks that make Globe and Miami worth preserving for future generations.

How You Can Help

Along with many others, the Arizona Preservation Foundation and Arizona State Historic Preservation Office are committed to supporting the recovery and revitalization of these historic communities. Discussions are being held between our organizations and friends and colleagues in both Globe and Miami about possible state and federal grant resources, along with support available through national organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Below are immediate ways to help. We will regularly update this list as new information is received. If you have information, please drop us a note at info@azpreservation.org.

1, Donate to Recovery Funds

• Globe Historic Downtown Business District Relief Fund

  • Support Local Flood Relief Through the United Fund of Globe-Miami

  • GoFundMe – Globe Downtown Association (funds will be distributed directly to business owners and property owners impacted in the historic district)

• Miami Community Recovery

  • The Miami Flood Relief Fund – Hearts Of Miami Engaged (HOME)

  • Help Rebuild the Meading of the Minds Meadery

  • Help Rebuild the Lyric Soda Fountain & Miami Art Works

• Salvation Army Globe-Miami Fund. Donate online or text “GLOBE” to 51555. Monetary donations allow flexibility to meet urgent needs.

2. Provide Supplies. The Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce (1360 N. Broad Street, Globe) is accepting donations of: Shovels, gloves, brooms, mops, fans, squeegees

3. Volunteer. If you’re able to volunteer, call 928-425-4495 or 928-719-9334, or stop by the Chamber office in Globe for assignments.

4. Spread the Word. Even if you cannot give directly, you can help by sharing these fundraisers and resources through social media, email, and word-of-mouth. Awareness fuels recovery.

Looking Ahead

Floodwaters may have damaged Globe and Miami’s historic downtowns, but they have not washed away the spirit of these communities. With support from across Arizona and beyond, Globe and Miami will rebuild, revitalize, and once again welcome visitors to their historic streets.

As the Globe Downtown Association wrote: “We are a community that is resilient and look forward to coming back better than ever. Thank you for all of the love.”

Note: Thanks to AZ Family, Fox 10 News, and Globe-Miami Times for their comprehensive news coverage helpful in pulling together this blog post.