In this Oct. 23, 2018 photo, Ronald Lauricella cradles a kitten in his front yard in Bay County, Fla.,. The rural Bay County resident says some on the outskirts of the cities aren't getting needed services like electricity as fast as the populated areas. (AP Photo/Tamara Lush)

Folks in rural part of Panhandle ask: Where's the help?

October 26, 2018 - 1:03 am

The Associated Press

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (AP) — More than two weeks after the powerful eyewall of Hurricane Michael passed over Bay County, Florida, some people in rural communities are feeling left behind.

Although electric, water and sewer service were restored Wednesday to Panama City residents, people who live in rural parts of Bay County still lack basic services.

One resident, Mark Ward, says, "We've been living out of coolers. We've been grilling out." His neighbors are staying with him in his mobile home after theirs was destroyed.

County spokeswoman Valerie Sale says it's been challenging to reach some parts of the county with help. She says the Red Cross has roving emergency response vehicles, and a fire station in nearby Bayou George is a distribution point where groups have been dropping household items, food and tarps.

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