FEMA help for Flagler County residents not guaranteed

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — It’s still unclear if the hardest hit part of Flagler County during Hurricane Matthew will get help from federal officials.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials visited Flagler County on Thursday and focused their assessment on properties along A1A, which was almost completely washed away.

Teams from local emergency management, state officials and FEMA will work together to collect information on damage.

Officials don’t know how long assessments will take but pointed out it doesn’t guarantee federal assistance.

“We’ve seen wind damage. Some people have flood damage, and some people may not have insurance for flood damage,” said John Mills, of FEMA.

FEMA officials also stopped by Surfside Estates, one ot the hardest hit mobile home parks in Flagler County.

Debris remains piled on people’s driveways.

“Everybody is just helping each other. That’s what we need,” said resident Diane Koprowski. “We’re all from somewhere else. A lot of us don’t have family down here, so we all band together.”

The Department of Transportation said it could cost at least $35 million to repair A1A.

Cox Media Group