by Teresa Eubanks, CLJNews.com
BRISTOL, FL – The impact of the massive storm system that blew through the south this morning is still being assessed but Calhoun and Liberty counties appear to have emerged with no serious damage while neighboring Bay and Jackson counties are just starting to assess the aftermath.
“We had just a few downed trees and power lines, and some tin came off some roofs,” according to Jamie Norris, Coordinator of the Calhoun County Emergency Management Office. She delivered tarps to one home and the only other damage she found was fallen limbs here and there.
Norris, who is the sole employee for the office, remained in contact with Calhoun County Commission Chairman Darryl O’Brien, Vice-Chairman Gene Bailey and the Forestry Office Monday and Tuesday while keeping her list of emergency volunteers nearby as reports came in on the storm’s local impact.
“Everything went very smoothly,” said Norris. “We didn’t open a shelter. Everybody hunkered down at home.” She added, “The impact here was minor compared to other communities.”
Just one or two families showed up when Liberty County Emergency Management Director Rhonda Lewis opened up the shelter at the high school in Bristol around 9:30 p.m. Monday. “Tuesday morning is when everybody came in,” she said, with around 54 people taking shelter as they waited to see what would happen with the storm. With predictions of possible 70 mph winds, she said that “A lot of folks just didn’t feel comfortable staying at home.” She added that the county has had much more damage from less storm activity in the past.
Despite the rough weather, the county fared well. “We had a few trees down and a power outage for a little bit on Hoecake Road,” she said, noting that Alvin Foran with Florida Public Utilities “had the power back up pretty quick.” She said Talquin Electric had some sporadic outages but nothing long lasting.
The damage is just beginning to be assessed in surrounding counties. “Marianna’s got a mess,” she said, noting that Arrowhead Campground was torn apart in the storm, with campers rolled over and buildings damaged. She said Fire and Rescue workers were called out to help get a Marianna family out of their home.
But there could be more to come. “We’re looking at another storm system that may come in by the weekend,” she said, but noted “we’re just watching it right now.”
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