Hurricane Michael

An organization that represents forest landowners says in Florida, many are still recovering from Hurricane Michael. So the association is asking Congress to pass legislation that would help Panhandle residents recover their lands and losses.

Preparations are underway for the grand opening of the Calhoun County airport after its terminal and hangars were damaged during Hurricane Michael. Local officials hope the repairs and upgrades will attract more industry to the area.

More dollars are gradually becoming available to aid communities recovering from Hurricane Michael.

Florida Forest Service Director Erin Albury says Hurricane Michael destroyed about 2.8 million acres of trees, and the leftover debris is creating a serious threat of wildland fire to certain panhandle communities.

Most of the county's reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will cover the costs of emergency erosion prevention measures taken following Hurricane Michael.

Housing remains one of the greatest long-term recovery needs in Calhoun and Jackson Counties more than two years after Hurricane Michael.

The senior center is the first major city-owned building to come back online since the Category 5 storm made landfall less than 30 miles away.

A major overhaul of an airport terminal in Calhoun County is underway. The new facility will be about 3,600 square feet, much bigger than the old 400 square-foot terminal.

It’s now been two years since the Category 5 storm made landfall, bringing dangerous 155 miles per hour winds, devastating property and people’s livelihoods. Dozens were killed by the storm.

It’s been two years since the Florida Panhandle town of Mexico Beach was leveled by Category 5 Hurricane Michael. “There’s nothing we could’ve done for Michael. No matter how many windows we boarded up, you can’t prepare for that,” says Al Cathey, the town’s mayor of 14 years.