COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- Carl Stalvey says his chickens are more than farm animals. They are his friends. "Just like some people have their dogs, and baby their animals. I baby them," he said.
But Carl was one of dozens of homeowners left stranded after Tropical Strom Debby left several feet of water. It flooded the area including the only dirt road that lead them out.
"A lot of my birds when they got wet were heavy and just drowned," said Stalvey.
After 11-days with no access to food or fresh water, he lost more than 150 chickens. "We drank our water, but me and my wife got sick. We didn't drink anymore," he said.
County officials have since fixed the road, but storm victims like Carl are looking to federal aid to repair the rest. "We have already contacted FEMA, and my wife has already contacted our insurance company."
The damage in Columbia County is expected to go well into the millions, and families are already in flooding FEMA's disaster center to get help.
"Federal disaster assistance is based on need, and that is what we are trying to do. We want to figure out what they need," said FEMA spokesperson, Mary Walker.
County officials say more than 400 homes were damaged in the storm. If you are one of them, you can go to the disaster center at 484 SW Commerce Drive in Lake City. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week.
