Forum Puts Spotlight On Recovery, Rebuilding After Hurricane Michael
Mayors from every town in
"You can't fix something if you're not willing to call it what it is. This was a Category 5 storm," said Anderson to applause.
Housing is a major concern.
"We've had a lot of development projects in the works and just because of this storm doesn't mean we're going to put them on the shelf or stop them," said Parker Mayor
Griffitts said "affordable housing fuels the workforce."
"Small business is what makes America go around. We have got to get employees a place to live so that businesses that are ready to open can fill their workforce," Griffitts said.
Municipalities and the county have had to pay for clean-up costs upfront themselves and are waiting on reimbursement from
"We need money. We're being asked for a
Henderson agreed and said advance funding from
Taxpayers shouldn't "pay the difference that
The community access to medical care and the concerns about Bay Medical's reduced presence were also a concern.
"Some of the county's challenges, I think, is the medical community," said Griffitts. "With the loss of both hospitals for a short time--we know
"Once we get debris off the streets, everyone's going to feel better," said Hammond. "It's one of the most expensive parts of the storm."
Anderson emphasized her belief in home rule and city officials being able to directly respond to citizens' needs, while Hammond said the best government is the smallest and most accessible. Mayors said no to the idea of smaller towns incorporating into the larger cities or county.
The school district is focusing on students' mental health and getting them back to a regular school schedule, said Husfelt.
"We're going to be stronger. We're going to be at capacity with the schools we have open," said Husfelt when asked how the district will do a year and two years after the storm. "In August of 2019 we'll have rezoned and our schools will be as close to full capacity as possible. I seriously believe by the middle of January I believe we'll have most of our students back that are coming back."
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