On March 14, 2025, a flood struck Sesto Fiorentino, a town on the outskirts of Florence. The Rimaggio stream overflowed its banks and reached Piazza del Mercato, in the very heart of the center. Streets turned into muddy canals, cars were stranded, and many businesses suffered sudden and severe damage.

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In the days that followed, however, the town did not stand still. Volunteers, shopkeepers, students, and families came together to shovel mud, clear basements, assist the elderly, and bring life back to public spaces. Piazza del Mercato, flooded only hours before, became a gathering point for handing out shovels, boots, supplies, and words of encouragement.