Miami, Arizona – A catastrophic storm system unleashed a fury of high winds and torrential rain across Miami and Globe, Arizona, in late September 2025, leaving a trail of devastation that includes significant damage to three cherished art and music businesses. Miami Art Works, the Lyric Soda Fountain, and Thee 23 Skidoo, vital cultural hubs for local artists and musicians, are now grappling with costly cleanups and extensive repairs after the severe weather event.
The Storm’s Fury Unleashed
The destructive weather began on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with a microburst that battered the region. This powerful downdraft, accompanied by winds exceeding 60 miles per hour, tore a significant portion of the roof off the Lyric Soda Fountain and Thee 23 Skidoo buildings, which are adjoined. The owner of Miami Art Works, Joanna TwentyThree, described the damage to the roof as if “the top of a sardine can” had been pulled off. This initial onslaught was followed by relentless rainfall on Friday, September 26, exacerbating the damage and leading to widespread flash flooding.
Devastation for Arts and Music Venues
The damage to Miami Art Works was particularly heartbreaking for the local arts community. The wash located directly behind the building overflowed, forcing water and mud to surge through the gallery space via the back entrance and exit through the front. This inundation wreaked havoc on a significant collection of artwork and archives, some dating back decades from art hubs previously curated by Joanna and her late husband, Michael TwentyThree, in Phoenix. The Lyric Soda Fountain and Thee 23 Skidoo, which provide essential spaces for artists to showcase their work and for live music performances, also suffered extensive water damage. Tragically, Joanna TwentyThree also lost her cat, Herman, during the flood at Miami Art Works.
The businesses had no insurance coverage for such events, as their insurer had dropped them following a previous fire and flood incident, leaving them exceptionally vulnerable.
Broader Impact on Miami and Neighboring Communities
The storm’s impact extended far beyond these three businesses, affecting the entire Miami and Globe area. Streets were submerged, with water reaching car bumpers, and thick mud coated roads like West Sullivan Street. Debris, including rocks, dirt, tires, and trash, was carried by the powerful floodwaters, clogging drainage systems and adding to the destruction.
The severe weather system caused at least four fatalities across Arizona, with three reported in Globe and one in Scottsdale, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Businesses like the Wild Horses Saloon in Miami also sustained severe damage, with an entire storefront wall collapsing. Even a local Walmart was forced to close temporarily due to flooding within the store. U.S. 60, a vital transportation artery, was shut down in both directions due to the extensive debris and flood damage, disrupting travel and recovery efforts.
Roots of Vulnerability
Residents and officials noted that the region’s susceptibility to severe flooding is exacerbated by past wildfires. The loss of vegetation from fires, such as the Telegraph Fire in 2021, significantly reduces the land’s ability to absorb rainfall, leading to increased runoff and more potent flash floods. Furthermore, drainage culverts in Miami, while installed to mitigate flooding, have reportedly not been adequately maintained and are filled with debris, further hindering water flow.
Community Rallies for Recovery
In the wake of the disaster, the close-knit community of Miami has come together to support affected businesses and residents. A GoFundMe campaign was established to aid Miami Art Works, the Lyric Soda Fountain, and Thee 23 Skidoo. Initially aiming for $23,000, the estimated repair costs are significantly higher, projected to be two to three times that amount. As of early October 2025, the campaign had raised over $13,000, with community members contributing what they can.
Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency for Gila County and allocated $200,000 in state resources to assist with rescue and recovery operations. Hundreds of volunteers from across Arizona have descended upon Globe and Miami to help clear debris and begin the arduous cleanup process. The Arizona National Guard has also been deployed to assist with the ongoing efforts.
Moving Forward
The catastrophic flooding has presented immense challenges for the businesses and residents of Miami, Arizona. While the immediate focus is on cleanup and restoration, the long-term recovery will require sustained support and potential infrastructure improvements to mitigate future risks. The spirit of resilience, however, is evident as the community works together to rebuild and restore their beloved town and its cultural heart.
