WEDNESDAY UPDATE
by Teresa Eubanks, CLJNews.com
MARIANNA, FL – During a news conference at the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center this afternoon, Jackson County Fire Chief Charlie Bruner announced that no fatalities have been reported following yesterday’s storm damage that destroyed many homes throughout the community.
“We’ve seen the circulation of injury and fatality numbers on social media… we’re relieved to report that although there have been only 11 injuries, only two of those were critical and thankfully, we still have no fatalities from this storm,” he said.
“Our teams, along with the National Weather Service and the Florida Dept. of Emergency Management, are conducting through damage assessments which we expect to complete by Thursday. This will give us a clearer picture of the impact by Friday,” he said, and noted, “Fortunately, most of our infrastructure remains intact.”
He urged everyone to exercise caution, stating, “There is a lot of of utility restoration going on in different neighborhoods as well as along state roads.” He asked that everyone avoid congested area where crews are working and reminded them to “treat every downed powerline as active and avoid using generators in a way that might backfeed electricity into where linemen and utility crews are working so hard to restore power.”
“The resilience of Jackson County has been tested once again,” said Jackson County Commission Chairman Paul Donofro. “We were tested several years ago by Hurricane Michael and yesterday, we were again tested. Our spirit remains unshaken. In times like these, our community’s unity and our collective strength become our greatest assets.”
Donofro pointed out, “Over the last two days, we have witnessed the remarkable courage, unwavering commitment from our county emergency responders, from our disaster relief teams and staff, and our supporting agencies. Their hard work during this ordeal has been nothing short of exemplary.”
“I want to take this opportunity to brag on our citizens,” said Jackson County Sheriff Donald Edenfield. “Yesterday, when this happened, you had business owners and farmers alike gathering their equipment to come and help people – not to get paid, but because they love these people and they’re their neighbors. That’s why most people love Jackson County.”
He added, “We’re going to move forward and we’re going to overcome this.”
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