Sanford, once devastated by the catastrophic 2020 dam failures and flooding, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Five years after the disaster, the town has not only rebuilt but revitalized itself, symbolized by its new baseball fields where community life thrives once again.
The flood destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure, forcing more than 10,000 people to evacuate. However, in its aftermath, residents rallied under the motto “Sanford Strong,” drawing on state, federal and community support to recover and rebuild.
READ: How Sanford rebuilt itself after catastrophic 2020 dam failure
Led by Village President Dolores Porte, Sanford leveraged grants and aid for essential repairs and new developments. Projects include storm sewer improvements, bridge replacement and recreational upgrades like a kayak launch and bicycle pump track. The town has also welcomed new businesses—coffee shops, a winery, food trucks, and an EV charging station—alongside returning staples that survived the flood.
Though some residents relocated, most stayed, rebuilding their lives and contributing to Sanford’s revival. The trauma of the flood lingers, but so does a strengthened sense of community and resilience. With better infrastructure and vigilance, Sanford stands as a story of redemption and renewal.
READ: 5 years after dam failures, mid-Michigan residents are still rebuilding their homes, lives
This was all visible when I traveled to the small town, just north of Midland, along with MLive photojournalist Kaytie Boomer, earlier this month.
Among those we spoke with was Julie Vezina, who still isn’t living in her once flooded home.
Vezina, a nurse who bought her home as a retirement retreat, has relied on personal savings to fund the slow reconstruction, living with family in the meantime. Despite hardship, she finds hope in nature’s resilience and the gradual recovery of the lake.
READ: Michigan’s 2020 flood: A timeline of events and recovery progress
Rebecca Yancer, who also bought her “forever home” shortly before the flood, managed to rebuild with help from family, volunteers, and financial support from the Rebuild Project. She now teaches fitness classes, volunteers, and works alongside her husband in their nonprofit. She sees the experience as one that strengthened her emotionally and spiritually.
Meanwhile, those like Robin Anquetil, whose family owns lots near the lake, is burdened by new special assessments intended to fund dam repairs. These assessments, upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court, are financially straining for many property owners who now question whether the lake’s return will be worth the cost.
VIDEO: See the 5-year difference after massive Sanford flood in 2020
The stories of Vezina, Yancer and Anquetil illustrate the long-term impact of the flood—some are still displaced, some rebuilt, and others feel penalized for having property near the lakes. Yet through it all, the Sanford community remains unified with shared hope for the lake’s return and a better future.
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Until next time,
Cheers, Bay City
Joey Oliver covers Bay City for MLive/The Bay City Times. He joined the Bay City team after covering crime in Flint. He is married and has two daughters. He can be reached at joliver@mlive.com.
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