Eye on the Tropics

Hurricane Irma: Brevard County continues to recover from the storm

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Hurricane Irma packed a punch Sunday night into Monday morning in Brevard County and by Tuesday more than half the county's residents remained without power.

There are several reports of downed trees, flooding and debris everywhere.

The Florida National Guard was out in force in Brevard County Tuesday, handing out hundreds of cases of water to residents in need.

Resident Katy Elkins said the water distribution was a godsend for people in the community.

"We take a lot for granted, you know, that it's rough when we have to give it up," she said.

While the water situation is dire, the lack of electricity was even worse and resident Vincent Fulginiti said he hasn't seen a lot of progress in getting the lights back on.

"I haven't see the trucks out, coming up and down the street," he said. "You know, everybody's tired. I probably got about five hours of sleep in three days."

Officials with Florida Power & Light said the company has been working to strengthen the power grid for the past 12 years.

The progress in restoring power in Brevard County shows that the upgrades have made a difference, FP&L spokesman Chris McGrath said.

"What we're seeing after one full day of restoration is proof that all the investments we've made on behalf of customers is helping us get the lights back on faster," he said.

Fulginiti's neighborhood, though, still has elevated lines with wooden poles and he wondered by they haven't been buried or strengthened by concrete.

Work continues on the upgrades and will progress into neighborhoods eventually, FP&L officials said.

The city of Cocoa announced Tuesday that the Florida National Guard will be setting up four bottled water distribution points Wednesday for customers affected by the loss of water pressure from Hurricane Irma.

The following sites will be providing one case of bottled water per vehicle starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday and continuing until supplies are depleted:

• City of Cocoa, 801 Dixon Blvd., Cocoa, FL 32922 (Entrance South bound lane of U.S. 1)

• Cocoa Beach, 1500 Minuteman Blvd., Cocoa Beach, FL 32932 (Minuteman Causeway at A1A)

• Cape Canaveral, 8550 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (Northbound lane of Astronaut Boulevard)

• Merritt Island, 785 East Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island, FL 32952 (South Sykes Creek Boulevard)