Waves of colorful sea creatures and mermaids flooded the Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, N.Y., this summer for the annual Mermaid Parade. Just months earlier, in the very same spot, Hurricane Sandy with her massive waves stormed ashore but not in such a festive mood. After the storm retreated, leaving the beach a mess, it seemed the parade - which draws thousands of costumed participants each year - would not return.