Floridians Sheltered from Matthew Give Thanks
Flagler County, FL — Millions of Floridians are breathing a collective sigh of relief, acknowledging the damage from Hurricane Matthew could have been much worse.
More than a million people have lost power, and many sought refuge at area shelters and are still there.
Bunnell Elementary School served more than 1500 meals within the first 24 hours operating as a converted shelter.
A portion of the school was also used to provide shelter for animals, including dogs, cats, and pet birds.
Vickie Wheatley, a 22 year resident of Flagler County, told CBN News she was grateful to have a place where she and her 16-year-old Dachshund, Gracie, could ride out the storm.
Wheatley also thanked county and school officials and law enforcement for helping the men, women, and children who sought shelter at Bunnell schools stay safe and calm.
Local authorities pulled together regional resources to assist those displaced by the storm.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office deployed a team of ten deputies who served in Bunnell.
Most of the damage included downed power lines and traffic signals and fallen trees and branches. At least two of the four statewide confirmed deaths were blamed on fallen trees.
In nearby Flagler Beach, parts of state highway A1A were washed out by the storm surge leaving residents stranded.
