JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. — More than 24 hours after Hurricane Michael’s landfall, the sheriff in Jackson County said there may still be people trapped in homes damaged by the storm.
“I’ve raised my children, my grandchildren, great-grandchildren right here. Everyone, one of them raised right here,” said Maxine Wester, who lost her home.
A home is more than just a building when you’ve lived there nearly 60 years.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Wester said.
PHOTOS: Aftermath of Hurricane Michael: photos, video
Everywhere you look in Wester’s small town, there’s devastation: trees smashed into homes, power lines and trees blocking roads.
Downtown, the front came off two buildings, leaving piles of bricks. Down the road, dozens of people waited in line for groceries, the first time they’ve been able to buy food since the hurricane.
Two people were inside this home when five trees smashed into it. #Mariannafl #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/0p6D7YUVzR
— Amber Krycka (@AmberANjax) October 12, 2018
“Yes, thank God,” Dawn Baggett who waited in line, said.
Friday afternoon, Gov. Rick Scott met with Jackson County leaders and looked at the damage in the county. The sheriff said three people have died from the storm, and there could be more people out there who need help.
“Stay safe as you can, we’re going to come get you,” said a county leader.
As for Wester, she lost her home, but not her hope.
“It’s going to be hard, but like I said, the Lord will make a way,” said Wester.
Homes like this everywhere in Marianna.
— Amber Krycka (@AmberANjax) October 12, 2018
Sheriff says there are still people trapped. pic.twitter.com/85brFGG1Le
Cox Media Group