Hurricane Heroes: People neighbors say went above and beyond to help

In times of crisis, a quote from Mr. Rogers often comes to mind.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” he famously said.

In these pages, after so much devastation, we wanted to bring you the stories of the helpers, told by those they helped. We hope they inspire you the way they inspired us, and make you proud to be a member of this community.

But first, we want to start it off with a thank you to our sister paper the Northwest Florida Daily News, who were our heroes after the storm.

When the News Herald lost connection to the outside world, the news team there took over within 10 minutes to make sure, no matter what, there would be a newspaper and the website would have up-to-date information for those who could access it. For days the team there went above and beyond to take care of both the News Herald staff and this community.

They did such a good job, that I truly don’t know everything they did. But I do know that Editor Jason Blakeney handled brutal press deadlines, coordinating help from other GateHouse Media papers and last minute changes; Managing Editor Wendy Victoria made sure everything was being covered; Online Editor Del Stone kept our website continuously updated; and reporter Heather Osbourne stepped up to the plate in a big way. The entire staff in Fort Walton Beach worked hard and worked overtime to take care of this paper, writing stories, taking dictations, and even sending over a package with supplies, including reporter’s notebooks, battery packs and plastic for our own staff to start repairing their homes.

A big shout out also has to be made to photographers Devon Ravine and Mike Synder, who three weeks after the storm when the Daily News team easily could have said “do it yourself,” were still braving the traffic to come over here and take photos.

The team at The Daily News were our hurricane heroes, and without further ado here are yours.

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On the third day of being trapped by 21 downed trees along our driveway, a couple of guys from FEMA and a member of the Mormon Church made their way in on foot to check on us. The following day, a group from a church in Florence, Mississippi showed up with a couple of chainsaws and cleared enough for us to drive under the trees that had snapped and were resting at a 45 degree angle in order to reach our neighbor’s yard, where we could cut across to their driveway. As a search for ice was paramount by that time, those volunteers were truly a godsend. — Steve Hough, Southport

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In my mind, the heroes are the ones who showed up to feed us! Many corporations, including Denny's, Taco Bell, Chick Fil A, and Burger king provided free food for the community and we're forever grateful! My heroes though are the many churches whose members served us hot food, ice water, and a smile. I don't know their names, what churches they belong to, or even what city they came from. I just know they showed up to do God's work, and we'll never forget the many warm, smiling faces. Thank you. — Gail Beckham, The Cove

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In the past 25 days my husband Eddie Walker had worked tirelessly to help others in every corner of Bay County to chainsaw trees off homes, move debris, create shelters for others, checked constantly on family, co-workers, and neighbors, his children, and myself. He has been kind, level-headed, self-sacrificing, and not stopped working, with the heart of a servant,since this storm hit. He was out with a chainsaw to cut our neighbors from their homes before the rain subsided on October 10th. His goodness and charisma have been a shield to our family, who lost a great deal, in moments where laughter didn't seem possible. He's never tired and never forgotten to give thanks to the good Lord for all He's done for us. My husband is my hero, and he looks mighty fine covered in "Panama City Snowflakes" (aka wood dust). That is all he will care that I said about him. Thank you. — Amanda Walker

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Fatty Patty on Thomas Dr. They feed the community for free. It was heart/stomach warming to have a hot meal in the morning. - Dave Rich

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I had two heroes - my husband James Davis and my son Jay Davis. They worked diligently. First, cutting a path for us to get out of the driveway, then making sure everyone around us was safe and their homes were secured. Working tirelessly cutting trees from our roof, neighbor's roofs, taking care of getting everyone's generators up and running. Taking turns driving out in search of gas, supplies and a working phone to contact loved ones for everyone. Taking supplies and coffee daily to the church where several families had taken shelter. Then, insisting on getting back to work supplying what few stores were open had chips to sell. Going out before daylight working where they could and coming back home to more cutting, putting up tarps, taking care of generators for us and others who had to leave for whatever reason. We still have a lot of work to do and they are still going hard at it. Taking care of us and doing what they can for those around us. I am well aware that many others are out there doing the same things in their neighborhoods, but I am blessed beyond measure to have them. - Gail Davis

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My sister Diane Smith came down with food, gas, and water. Enough I shared with friends. She stayed three days and helped with clean up - Terry Smith

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My neighbor, who ran out in the eye of the storm to check on us after our roof flew off. Forever family - Diana Hancock

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My friend Jeff Stone for hooking up my water pump to my generator so we didn’t have to move to hotel. My neighbor Mr. Bob 

and Ms. Julie Sombathy for bringing me gas and ice when we got back to the house and, last but not least, Mr. Marty for putting tarp on my roof out of kindness. Of course many thanks to the linemen that restored power in Northshore Road area. And the people that cleared my driveway off of like four big ‘ole trees. - Ami Shingho Rashi

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Carly Kiser Sostheim. She’s been so selfless through this last few weeks. She’s a superhero, hands down. She’s fed the community, provided supplies to those in need, and works everyday to find housing for people who need it. She hasn’t asked for anything for her family but has given so much to others! - Kelsey Kay Paulk

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My hurricane hero, as well as my everyday hero, is my husband Chris. He has been waking up at 3:30 a.m. and not getting home until 9 p.m. every day since October 11th helping restore power to those in Marianna. I am thankful for him and every other lineman risking their lives so we are able to have the luxury of power. -Danielle Boobyer

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Gary Harrelson of Wewahitchka. He, with the help of his sons, cleared an uncountable amount of roads and driveways with chainsaws and his tractor clearing way for so many residents to get out of their own yards and make their way out for help - Stephen Helms

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My brother, Cody Alexander Vick, is my Hurricane Michael hero. He drove his truck all the way from Birmingham to evacuate my husband, me and all 4 of our dogs. While we were in Birmingham he gave us food and a place to sleep and even drove us back to check on our families and property, and took us back to Birmingham until it was safe to return home. We stayed with there for 2 weeks and when it was time to come back, he drove us home once again. I honestly don't know what I would have done without him and he made this experience as bearable as could have possibly been. - Kayleigh Cosson

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My husband held the front door shut for hours while the rain and wind came in around him. Also after the hurricane turning into a nurse, hooking up oxygen tanks for elderly and carving a way to Stanford Road with his chainsaw for free. - Victoria Coatney

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Pastor Ricky Wade and his wife Kristy from Morristown, Tenn. who just showed up one day and cut down a tree that was across the backyard and another that was leaning in the front. Strangers to us at first but friends when they left. - Linda Skeen

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My personal Hurricane Michael hero is Lennon Thiel from Mexico Beach. She couldn’t leave her parents behind, so they weathered the storm only a few blocks from the beach. As soon as she was able to get out and about, she was checking on people throughout the community. Once my parents were able to get to Overstreet, Lennon made sure they knew where to go for daily help with meals. She made sure they had at least one hot meal a day, took them gas for the generator she lent them, and even helped get others to their place to clear the driveway to the house. She is my Hurricane Michael hero and a true representation of the selflessness of folks along the Forgotten Coast. - Christina H Borden

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After the hurricane there was 10 of us in an extremely damaged home. We had been without food and water for two days. I heard a woman on the radio offer to bring items to anyone in need. She brought us more than I imagined and we had our first hot meal in a week because of her. Her name was Alicia and she teaches at Waller Elementary School. She is an angel and I hope she knows how much my family appreciates what she did for us. - Ki Lane

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It was three weeks since the hurricane hit and I still had not heard from my grandparents. Constantly I went onto Panama City Facebook pages looking for someone anyone to help me check on my grandmother when Ang Chapman emerged. Despite her dealing with her home being destroyed she took time out to go to their house. My phone rang and it was Ang telling me my grandma was standing right there and wanted to talk to me. I was so overjoyed and relieved they were okay, and I would have never known if it was not for Ang. - Elizabeth Roddey

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Without question, Cricket Wireless, is a hero for me. I was the worried Mother/Grandmother over here in Jacksonville while my family rode it out in Callaway. We talked before, during and after the storm came through. My son never lost cell service! We were able to help another worried family trying to reach a neighbor. I was able to talk to my family and friends to relay the latest information that I could find for them. So, hats off to Cricket Wireless for making a huge difference in our lives. — Patti Greenlee, Jacksonville FL

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Our neighbors, being mostly complete strangers, gathered the able bodies, trucks and tools that were left. They banded together to clear the debris from the roads, ward off looters, and help each other with food and supplies. An hour after our SOS sign went up after 2 days in, no roof, no gas, no water, no power, no contact with the outside world, and very little food, my cousin Richard Trapp with FWBPD came through (off duty) to rescue my man, my dog, and myself from our neighborhood — Shareen Davis

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Opie, Brittany and Scott from Beachy Beach Realty! They were strangers that showed up with smiles and chainsaws and worked tirelessly cutting up trees for 6 straight hours!! The kindness and compassion shown to us that day will never be forgotten and we will pay it forward! - Arlene Clements Christo

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Christian Burch and Rebecca Oakes Burch for organizing a school supply drive in Virginia. True heroes! - Julie Ann Nolan Sombathy

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My friend Katie Sue and her boyfriend who let my boyfriend, our dog, and I evacuate with them. - Meghan Coy

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12- year old Dylan Praeger. He and his family evacuated Tyndall to our house. Once safe they continued their journey north but Dylan left one thing behind. His personal working AT&T phone. He left it for 12 different Cove families to share until Verizon pulled their ... ya know. He's a very special young man to many people in our neighborhood. - Lonney CJ Johnson

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William Harrison. His posts were the best source of information. His efforts were incredible. I also want to nominate Alyssa Yarbrough and Ben Hazelkorn for driving all over dangerous roads, and sometimes having to walk inaccessible neighborhoods to check on coworkers and for checking on Julie’s office for us when we couldn’t get there. Can’t thank them enough.- Bob Sombathy

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Easy. Margo Deal Anderson. Lynn Haven has never had it better! - Scott Baker

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Neighbors were great. Particularly Tony and Ray, who chainsawed a path out for us. But the angels from the outside were quite remarkable, from Mercy Chefs who fed so many to the deputies and officers from Gulfport and Long Beach MS who cut the huge oak off our sidewalk to all those in between — hats off! - Duane Gorey

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Kelly Payne is my hurricane Michael hero. He drove from Bonifay Florida to Donaldsonville GA on his motorcycle to pick me up after my work team went on to Tennessee with our patients. He did this the morning after the hurricane. - Rhonda Lewis

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The lady walking down our street talking on a phone! We shouted at her from our balcony if we could use her phone.. She was our angel. She had AT&T. My phone had went dead talking to my daughter when the worst of Hurricane Michael was hitting. I hadn’t been able to contact her to let her know we were ok and not to come back yet because they weren’t letting anyone back into Bay County.I don’t remember her name but she was from Bay Point and her home had sustained substantial damage too but she was out checking on friends and loaning her phone out to strangers. Whoever you are, thank you! - Deb Thacker

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Team A Respiratory Therapy Department during the storm at Bay Medical. They literally risked their lives to relocate critical patients from the ICU's in the new tower down to the recovery room at the height of the storm. - Allyson McKay

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Pike Electric out of Austin, Texas. The had/have an unbelievable number of trucks in the area. All their guys worked non-stop, replacing poles and all the wires in our subdivision. They always had a smile and wave for everyone. Our electric was back by the time they estimated it would be. They're a fantastic company with highly professional employees.. - Mike Seiler

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Our son, Jeff Hutchinson came from Bay Minette, Al. to our house in Chipley the day after. We didn’t know he was coming since we had no phone service. We had no power. We had trees down in our yard. He showed up with food, chainsaw, generator, and 5 gallon gas cans for chain saw. He stayed with us from Thursday until Sunday. He kept the generator going day and night. He would get up at 2 a.m. to put gas in it. He worked on the downed trees while he was with us. He was a Godsend. - June Elenburg Hutchinson

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Definitely has to be our neighbor Randy Gould and his wife Sarah Stewart for the compassion they had toward all his neighbors, having a cookout and a having a movie night for the whole trailer park. And of course putting together a trunk-a-treat for the kids on Halloween. Not including trapping people house for free and lending help to help with trees and debris they definitely diamonds in the rough. Definitely the type of people you want by your side. Ones who gives the meaning of help the neighbor and spreading love and compassion to everyone he meets and see. Randy and Sarah I'm so glad I got to meet you both.- Shreen Richardson Loring

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My hero is my wife - Vickie Martin. She has been and is my inspiration. She helped tarp roofs, cut trees so people could get out of their homes, deliver food, deliver supplies and live with no power, no shower and only her phone for communication. She put all this before getting our home back in order. She helped people she worked with get assistance they might have not gotten otherwise. She is a woman with grit. — Marty Martin

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Our Hurricane Michael hero was my special needs granddaughter's bus driver 757 Cliff Hendricks. As soon as his son came and he had a phone he called to check on the girls. When I told him we had a generator but it would only run the freezer, he loaded up his generator and enough gas to last us the 18 days we were without electric and brought it to us. And to see his girls as he calls them. To us, he was our hero because we was wondering what we were going to do. We wouldn't be able to stay in our residence with the girls. — Mary Love

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Mrs. Dana Hutchinson from Fountain is our hero. She came day after day with water for my daughters and gas to keep our generator going. If it wasn’t for her we would of had to relocate. Also brought us food to keep our bellies full and a window unit to keep my daughter from getting to hot and having seizures Definitely god sent. — Kimberli Kromer

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On the afternoon of Hurricane Michael I was with my co-workers and 108 residents. The windows and doors blew out on the north side so we began moving the residents to the south side of the building. Our Administrator, Marianne Martin was in constant motion running back and forth making sure we all were safe. She was doing a headcount of residents and employees. She kept saying"everyone stay safe and I'm not letting anybody get hurt". She kept us all as calm as she could and we hugged and huddled over our residents as the wind and rain came in. She never left until the last resident was safely evacuated. — Denise Espinosa

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Alan Smith has driven from Chipley from 4:30 in the morning every day and is up until about 11:30 at night working on donations for the hurricane victims. Alan drove from Mexico Beach to Panama City to bring me ice and a grill. Alan had been hit by another car while in his truck. .Alan's truck was completely out of line, but he drove it until it would go no more. Alan has used his other car to transport supplies to the victims and he has worn it out also. I don't know of anyone who's ever done so much so selflessly while his own home has been under devastation as the rest of us have. — Margie Sappington,

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Jessica Gyllenskog of Eufaula helped my daughter get the life sustaining medical supplies that she needed. My daughter's regular shipment of supplies was supposed to arrive on 10/10, but due to the hurricane, it was sent back to the supplier. Jessica found out about the need and drove to Columbus where she coordinated with Hospice Prog. at the local hospital. She was able to get the exact latex free supplies needed. She drove them to our home in Lynn Haven on 10/19. This was a lifesaver as my daughter's regular supplies didn't arrive until 10/31. We are truly grateful to Jessica and Theresa for getting these Rx supplies when no one locally could provide them.

Vickii Kaye and Ashlen McWhorter

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Carly Kiser Sostheim is my hero! Carly and her husband contacted me immediately after the storm. Carly went above and beyond to locate me once she had heard that my home and the majority of my belongings were destroyed. Carly knew that being a single school teacher with a Great Dane and small cat that I was facing a major challenge trying to find a home after the storm. She so selflessly offered me a safe condo for free to stay in for six weeks with my fur babies while I look for a more permanent home. I’m eternally thankful I’ve been able to return to my job, teaching, due to having a condo to live in right now. - Jenny Christo

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My Mom JoAnne Tyran and My Aunt Judi Lundmark. Mom was on the phone as soon as the storm was over to check on everyone. Once she determined everyone that she could find was good she was asking who needs what. By that Saturday she had a generator and was doing what she could to help everyone she could. She also purchased a chainsaw. Once she realized stores on the Beach were open she got shopping lists from everyone and purchased what she was asked to, never asking to be reimbursed. My Aunt walked about two miles the morning after the Hurricane thru streets blocked by trees and downed wires and no street signs to get to her son that nobody had heard from. She picked up everyones dirty clothes and drove to Destin and washed and dried and folded clothes for at least nine people. And didn't ask for a penny in return. The Ladies are a shining example of kindness and generosity. I want to be them when I grow up, but the reality is I can never match them. — BobbiJo Whoolery

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Sam’s Club. The store was open the day after the storm for cash only essentials like ice, bread, water and can goods. The following day the store was processing credit cards and opened the gas station even with a gaping hole in the roof. This was the sole source of generators, food and gas after the storm on this side of the bridge. I think the management at that store was amazing and the support will never be forgotten. — Tom Benak, Panama City

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Scott and Carrie Buchaan. Having just purchased are home in Feb. this year we were in Indiana. Scott and Carrie had evacuated. Upon coming back to their own problems, they immediately removed a major tree top that had penetrated through our bedroom roof, with their own shingles to avert major water damage. This is how I learned the true meaning of the southern life, these people. - Betsy Lane.

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My heroes were my neighbors, Ty and Diane Aldridge. My husband is at Clifford Chester Sims nursing home, so after riding out the storm alone, these two heroes took me under their wing. Every morning Diane brought me over a cup of coffee to start the day, they had AT&T, so they shared their phones with all of us that had Verizon and they having a generator, they hosted dinners for me and some of the other neighbors as well! Ty is afraid of heights, but still both of them went up and tarped my roof! They drove me to the nursing home so I could see him. I am so grateful for everything they did but even more than that for the friendship and moral support they have given me - Jen Morris

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The day after the storm hit, our street was blocked by large trees lying across the roads. About mid-day, our first set of heroes came in the form of the Sheriff’s Department with a chainsaw. Although they had the determination and their efforts were valiant, they made little progress, as their chainsaw, was a tad to small for enormous trees. Suddenly, out of nowhere, came this guy driving one of those small Bobcat vehicles. Using the fork lifts, he was able to move the giant trees in no time. Once the way was cleared, he disappeared. Our true hero. - Chris Christian

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My Hurricane Michael heroes are the Team A staff of Ortho/Surgical and the rest of Bay Medical! We took care of patients as a team with limited resources while damage was occurring to our hospital and our community. Team A stayed until our patients were safely evacuated to other hospitals by the amazing EMS personnel that came from all over. We appreciate the hospitals that took in our patients and continue to care for them while we rebuild our hospital. We survived the scariest moments, together! #BayMedStrong — Brittney Reynolds, CN

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On the morning the storm, Carlena Lungstrum fled Bay County and made her way to Montgomery where she stayed while coordinating with friends in Pensacola to begin collecting donations. Shedrove to Pensacola to pick up donations to then travel to Bay County but was not able to fit the donations in her small car. She immediately when to a local car dealership and traded her paid off vehicle for a 4-wheel drive with towing capabilities. Carlena ran a neighborhood point of distribution out of a garage. The neighborhood she lives in has a high number of military families that were mandatory evacuated from Bay County and could not immediately return home. She coordinated with another resident of Cherokee Heights and together began contacting the families that could not return home to place tarps on roofs with heavy damage. Carlena made 3 more trips to Pensacola and back to run donations back to Bay County. - John Paul Oliver

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My hero was my son's sister, Melinda Wofford. She has shown so much strength through this, going out every day make sure everyone has everything we needed. She had damage to her place but that didn't take her down. She's had to struggle with her insurance company, but she is showing so much strength she has been amazing through all of this I don't think I could had made it through this like she has. — BJ Franks

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A selfless former Firefighter from Mississippi named Robby Freeman stayed through the storm at his parents' home so they could evacuate to Alabama. After the storm he helped everyone in the neighborhood for almost two weeks. He helped tarp our roof and did tree removal where needed without being asked. Robby is the epitome of a caring and selfless man. He will always be my hero. Without his help we would not have gotten power as soon as we did. — Anonymous

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Mark Deaton has done so much in this town. He has cut more trees and cleared property for people for free. Just to help people with no help. They had no idea where to turn or who to ask. Some didn't even want to ask. But he has been a champ. I'm glad to call the man friend since we were in the 3rd grade. Thank you Mark Deaton, you are the man. — Jimmie Lawson

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On Saturday, I went outside to try to work in the yard. My neighbor came over to tell me they were leaving town. They gave me two cans of gas, 2 cases of water, bread, and told me they had extra propane in the garage if I needed it. They gave me a key to their house and said if there was anything I needed go in their house and get it. What a blessing!

On my way to put the bread, etc. away, two vehicles pulled into my driveway that I did not recognize. Someone got out of the first vehicle and called my name... to my surprise it was my nephew (a pastor) from New Port Richey, FL. He and another man from his church had come to help us with the clean up. They stayed for three days and managed to remove all the trees and debris from my front yard and remove one tree in the backyard and clean up a lot of debris in the backyard. They also put a tarp over the side of our house where we lost the siding and water came in and tarped multiple places on the roof. - Kim Goebert

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I would like to thank Mark Deaton and Stephen Smith. These two guys have gone far and beyond. They don't take money from anyone. They are doing this from the compassion of their hearts. This is their contribution to the county they were raised in. I can't say enough about them. Mark told me about an elderly man who thought that someone had stole his car and trash can. Mark and Stephen started clearing the trees and debris from his yard. His car was covered up in the debris. When they showed the man that the car and trash can was still there, the man face lit up. Mark said this is why we do this. Helping others is our reward. —Valerie Mincey

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I have always been a proud Mom of my two sons but here is my chance to let the rest of the world know just how great they truly are. After the storm, Brad Bonewit and Chad Bonewit could have gathered their families and a few things and evacuated this "war-torn" area, but instead they rolled up their sleeves and dug in to help others dig out. Brad rode around all day delivering supplies to those that couldn't get out and were unprepared, while at dusk he set up a generator at our apartment so people could charge their devices and get on his internet to let people know that they were ok. He then would start grilling food given to him by evacuees, just to give neighbors and workers a warm meal to get them through the long, dark nights. Chad found his journey taking him across the bridge, as his apartment took a direct hit and was unliveable. Rather than worrying about what all he just lost, he went out from dawn to dusk with chainsaws and tarps and other supplies. He wasn't looking for the people willing to pay for the help, he went looking for the ones who could not pay a dime. - Debi Bonewit

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The morning after the hurricane, Our daughter, Pamela Bailey and her boyfriend, Rodney Gilmore found themselves trapped on their property by many fallen trees across their quarter mile lane to the house. They had to saw, chop and haul trees to get out. They immediately came to check on us. As her daddy, Buddy Earl Somnitz, is very ill and practically bedridden, they came over every single day, so I could stay to take care of Buddy, bringing gas, water and food. Many times they had to wait in long lines for gas. Pam and Rodney also cut trees off our truck and house, and even build a frame and tarp over the generator in case of rain. Had they not provided the gas to keep the generator going, day and night, for fans to keep Buddy cool and refrigeration to keep his insulin cold, I don't think he would have survived, nor I. Pam and Rodney are our heros. —Earl "Buddy" & Martha Somnitz

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A few days after the storm,we needed boxes to pack up our possessions. I went by the UHaul on 15 Street, the were closed but the two guys working in the back opened the store and gave us boxes. They said they had no way to accept payment and asked us to come back one day and pay. They saved the day for us. — Fred Engle, Lynn Haven

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Although I know many nurses worked the storm in the hospitals or facilities, I am very familiar with one group of dedicated staff at Community Health and Rehab. All staff at the facility kept their residents safe from falling glass while windows blew out, ceiling and rain coming into the building, caring for elderly residents on mattresses in closets or bathrooms to keep them safe without any running water or electricity. Staying awake for 72 hours straight without any sleep to make sure their residents were safely evacuated after the storm, sending them out in hopes that others would care for them like the family they are. All the while, not knowing about their own homes or family and friends. Most found their homes gone when they finally got home. But, no elderly person died during their watch. And, with tears in their eyes, they have visited their residents (family members) in their new homes a distance away. — Sarah Hutchinson

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Even though an 80 foot tree went through the roof of the house, we are so thankful for living in The Cove.

Our wonderful neighbor, David Norton, came to check on us during the eye of the storm. Our neighbors, Shay and Pat Mullins, generously ran a line and shared their generator with us, so I could continue to have an oxygen supply. Russ, working in the dark, installed an air conditioner to ease my discomfort from the heat and humidity. Brenda Smallwood being communications central at all hours of the day and night.

And, there was Amos, blue tarping neighbors’ roofs while his own roof was open to the sky.

I’m sure there are others, but these are our Heroes of Cherry Street. —Gayle Woody, Linda White

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Dara Strickland had severe damage to her farm in Bayou George but after making sure her family and animals were safe and secure (her parents lost their home in the storm) she immediately started mobilizing her friends outside of the area to bring in necessary supplies for not just her but for all of the people in Bay County who had livestock. She also teamed up with two vets to get much needed medical attention for animals injured during the storm as well as took in horses that needed help. That is the kind of person she is, she gives her time and energy to help those who need it and never asks for anything in return. What she did ask for was help for the roof of her barn, not because that's her livelihood but so she could bring in more injured animals that needed help. She is definitely a hurricane hero. —Tracy Czerwonky

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Jeff and Melanie Payne of Cherokee Heights have been the real heroes of this neighborhood. Before even finishing their house's repairs, they helped many tarp up their roofs, rip out carpets, and protect this neighborhood. Afterwards, they have given my wife and I so much insight into what we need to do, they helped in airing out my house until I could come home, organized a list of trustworthy contractors, assisted in some street clean-up and even coordinated a Halloween block party to help all of us feel at ease. We owe them a ton for helping out this neighborhood. — Tyler Deeds

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I am on oxygen 24/7 and when the power went out, Bill and Lea Hill literally saved my life. They pulled up in my driveway, packed up my oxygen equipment and other supplies and told me to get in their car, they were taking me to their house and they would run the generator for as long as needed to keep me breathing. I knew an angel was in our presence. Every 2 hours for several days, Bill was outside filling up the generator with gas ... never really getting any sleep, total concern for my well-being. He and a crew of friends and family showed up with equipment, cutting huge trees that laid along a 1-1/2 mile dirt road to get me out. There are no words I can say to express my love and gratitude for these neighbors. They were a Godsend and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. — Dan

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September 21, 2018 was my first challenge, I was on the table of the operation room at Bay Medical, for seven hours undergoing triple bypass. I was released 5 days later to go home, my wife Nancy took care of me, all the needs a person can have she took care of. Then two weeks later that monster approached Panama City, we want to bed like many people did thinking this was only a category 3. At 5:30 a.m. my wife’s cell phone was receiving text from her brother, a Captain with the Panama City Fire Department, telling us this was going to hit us at a Cat 4 or higher. Too late to leave, especially in my condition, so we waited, thought we were prepared, WRONG. The first thing that happen was our back French doors that are in our dining room blew completely open busting the frame of the door and busting out glass in our china cabinet, My wife ran to the door, I begged her not to because I could do not anything to help. She held those doors slipping on the wet tile floor, getting blown backward on her buttocks several times, for 2 and a half hours until that beast was finally over. Her arms, hips, knees, and shoulders were so bruised for the next week. I ask her why, she told me, that she had to or we would have lost the roof and everything we have ever worked for, and she was not going to let that happen with me in the house. That is why she is MY HERO, I truly do not know how she did it, by the grace of God and adrenaline.

We are 63 and 60 years old, but she is my lifesaver in every way and always will be. — Danny Webb

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When hurricane Michael tore through the fifty mobile homes here in Greenwood Acres no one was spared. Many of the resources other storm struck communities utilize were not available to the seniors at Greenwood Acres. We have no Facebook page, no community online presence; and our residents are not smart phone or multi-media savvy. Therefore, old-fashioned, word of mouth and door to door outreach has been the key to recovery.

A week after the storm it became evident that we needed to have neighborhood community breakfast where the residents could simply sit and share. The local Walmart family helped out with old-fashioned assistance. We want to thank David Henry, the Panama City Beach Walmart Store Manager. It wasn’t just your generosity; it was graciousness that Walmart ladies showed while helping get the order processed. They genuinely cared. Thank you also for allowing me to come before the store opened.

On behalf of the entire Greenwood Acres Retirement Community, thank you. — Mike and Christi Klema

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The Haid’s family home only had minor damages and they opened their door to numerous families in the area whose homes were unhabitable. They provided food and shelter to all. John and his electric crew also worked tirelessly to provide electrical service and repair to area residents and to Bay Medical. It’s a great pleasure to have such a wonderful neighbor. Thank you Haid family. — Rob Schroeder, Misty Lane

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The hero in the Venetian Villa section of town is Matt Weathers! He lives on Torino Way. Matt is the owner of Weathers Concrete Company and he had a fairly large front end loader. As soon as the storm was over he got that front end loader out and started clearing Venetian Way so all of us residents could get in and out of our neighborhood. Venetian Way is the only road into our neighborhood and without Matt’s help we would have all been trapped. — Charles Funk

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I would like to nominate Mark Deaton as a Hurricane Michael hero. Mark has spent every day since the storm helping friends, strangers and anyone he possibly can. He won't take any money, not even for supplies. Mr. Deaton has his own Communications business that he has put on hold so that he can help the citizens of our community. Thank You. — .Mike Purvis

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My brother sent me a text message after Michael turned into a Cat 4 advising me to get my animals and evacuate. Also receiving alerts on my phone stating I had one hour. I was prepared to stay but this was not in the plan. In a rush I left my phone and drove to Mobile 12 hrs. later I was in a hotel. Without my phone, I was lost. I started seeing the damage Michael left behind on the news and it showed a clip of the new boat storage building half gone. My brother lives down the road from there, so I feared the worst. Finally after 3 days I made it back to the unknown. I learned he was safe and he had helped people in his building during the storm and after. He made sure I was going to be safe and for that. He's my hero. Ironically his name is Michael. — Amy Thomas

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Mark Deaton! Is the most selfless person and has gone above and beyond for his neighbors , friends and strangers alike! He is my hero! — Kara Wheeler

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We evacuated to Tuscaloosa, AL. My husband was still recovering from open-heart surgery just 3 ½ weeks prior to Michael’s landfall. Our heroes are Panama City Beach residents, Steve and Rhonda Hoeckley, who headed over to our house the day after the hurricane. For 3 days, (in our absence), in the heat, and with no water or electricity in the house, they went above and beyond by replacing damaged plywood and beams to close the hole in the roof, putting roofing felt and tarps on the roof, covering broken windows, ripping up carpet, throwing out wet furniture, linens, couches, etc., and picking up and bagging a mess of fallen insulation, ceiling, glass, and drywall. We can’t thank these angels enough—especially considering the doctor’s orders that my husband not do any manual labor upon our return. — Steve and Lori Hunt

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A short time after Hurricane Michael, Chef Erica Reynolds of An Intricate Chef really stepped up and became one of many heroes for the people of Panama City. Although Chef Reynolds herself faced damages to her own home from Hurricane Michael, she saw a need in her community and took action. Having access to a commercial kitchen with power, she made 100 hot meals and delivered them to families in Glenwood, St.Andrews and the surrounding areas. In a time where she was in need, Chef Reynolds still did what she could to help. - CeCe Cudd

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Kelly Elrod is the captain of Team RWB, a military support group. She coordinated the chainsaw warriors that worked for 25 days, cutting trees off of home or removing debris from the elderly. She utilized her home to gather gasoline, tarps, water and personal hygiene items for anyone in need. All the supplies were donated by Team RWB members from in State and out of state chapters. Her team gave away tarps and gas for generators. Team RWB All this was done even though her home was gutted by rain, wind and water! Kelly worried more about others more than her own needs. Thus, Kelly is our hero! — Joe Edgecombe

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Our Hurricane Michael heroes are my daughter and son in law, Mike and Cam Lindemann. Every other day they made the drive from Pensacola to Panama City Beach to bring supplies to family and friends that couldn’t get what they needed. They tirelessly helped family and friends clean up their yards from all the debris and brought medicine and clothing to a few families that were in desperate need of these items. We are very thankful for their love and help during this devastating time! — Millie West

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“I have a bad feeling.” These were the words spoken to my husband October 9, after finding out the hurricane headed for our home was projected to “possibly a Cat. 3.” We discussed evacuating, but with three young children and three dogs, finding a hotel was near impossible. Then we ran across an ad from Native Downs Kennel in Ocala. Having lived in Florida all their lives, they pleaded with Panhandle residents to bring them their pets… for free. Without hesitation they provided sanctuary to our three beloved dogs, and after the storm when the scope of damage became clear they called and offered to keep our three dogs free of charge however long we needed, no questions asked. They are the reason we evacuated, and took a huge burden off our shoulders when dealing with the aftermath. The staff at Native Downs Kennel are our Hurricane Michael heroes. — Amanda Dorris

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Our Hurricane Michael heroes are Mark and Yolanda Salas. While my husband dug one of our employees out of their driveway, I made an order of chainsaws from Birmingham where I had evacuated with our boys. Mark & Yolanda happened to be driving through Tallahassee where we could pick up saws, so they bought a trailer and hauled the delivery to our shop at Sea Breeze Small Engine for the clean up crews and residents desperate to dig out only 2 days after the storm! Can't find better friends than that! - Crystal Chaillou

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When Megin Brooks heard about the devastation from Hurricane Michael, she immediately began fundraising. She rented a truck and brought chainsaws, gas, supplies, water, etc. from Fort Lauderdale. We were given names of families in need in Altha, Blountstown, and other areas. So we took diapers, food, water, etc. to these people. After we ran out of supplies, she went and bought lots of toys, games and crafts with her own money and we then went to pods and loaded up day after day and took supplies to those who couldn’t get out. She is my Hurricane Michael Hero.

Of course the big heroes are all of the linemen, first responders, those who cooked food and donated supplies and manned the pods!! The Panhandle is forever grateful! Thank you all so very much! - Susan Brooks

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After nearly a month of no help from anyone but my parents and grandma I saw a video on Facebook of the fine folks at Newbys making Christmas baskets for children. I emailed to see how I could get a couple for my kiddos because it didn't look like Christmas would be very giving this year. I received a response (which is rare for anyone to respond to anything I ask it seems). The GM and her husband, who probably doesn't know much about me and my boys, decided to help make Christmas great for my family. The amount of effort this woman has put into our Christmas happiness is extraordinary. If it wasn't for Mrs. Lindsey my children wouldn't have anything to open on Christmas. Not only did she help with Christmas coming up she also made sure they had back to school clothes and fully loaded backpacks. Thank you all for restoring my faith in humanity and the positive stories that help the healing!!!! God's speed. - Anna Day

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In troubling times, I was extremely fortunate to have two groups assist with tree removal and debris clean-up. I also received help inside my home with water-damaged areas. The two groups were the Latter Day Saints and Days of Hope. The crews were positive, cheerful and showed compassion. They thanked me for allowing them to help! Although faith-based, neither group attempted to gain patronage. Instead, they offered a brief, uplifting, message/prayer.

Thanks to these two wonderful groups, the road to recover seems much more plausible! Thank you! — Lois McGill, Panama City

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When our oak tree in the front yard was uprooted during Hurricane Michael, the main water line to to our house was broken. We did not realize it at the time because the corroded pipe looked like the roots of the tree. As with so many residents, we were without water since the day of the hurricane. On October 18th, technicians from Key Largo Aqueduct came to investigate a water leak at our house at the meter. They fixed the broken meter and turned the water on only to discover water gushing from the roots of the oak tree. This is when the broken water main was discovered. The technicians from Key Largo Aqueduct could have turned the water off at the meter and left us without water, since it was our responsibility to hire a plumber to get it fixed. Instead, they took the time to put a temporary fix on the broken pipes so that we would have water in our house. Our heroes are the technicians from Key Largo Aqueduct who took the extra time to make our lives easier. — Mark and Diane Bates

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Erik White of Seaside Ground Maintenance and crew arrived at my home to remove trees from my driveway and homes in our Deer Point Lake neighborhood. These ‘tree angel’ men worked days to accomplish this unending task while sleeping in their trucks each night and were a true gift to us all in our neighborhood. — Pat Varner

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Our street Parker Drive was blocked with trees and debris after the storm. Our neighbor Gustavo used his equipment & friends to clear the street so my wife could evacuate. He's our hero. — Jerry Hicks

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My hero(s) are all of the out-of-state linemen/power-line technicians who worked tirelessly to restore area electrical power.Their 24/7 restless and efficient skills went a tremendous way to lessen residents hardships. — Fred Apple

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Our class would like to thank the rescue workers, the National Guard, police officers, firemen and women for helping us find safety after the storm. We would also like to thank the Red Cross volunteers and Salvation Army volunteers for supplying us with food and water. Special thanks to all the electric linemen and women, our family members, service animals and of course Jesus for watching over us and protecting us. — Mrs. Miner’s Writing Class. New Horizons Learning Center

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Denise Whitehurst is my Hurricane Michael hero. She resides in Parker next to my mother where we rode out the hurricane. Denise had the only working phone in the neighborhood. She kept her phone plugged into her SUV leaving her garage open daily for the neighbors to have access to her AT&T phone. It was our only means of contacting family and insurance adjusters for many days! Denise was our life saver and even took texts and phone messages and each day walked the devastated neighborhood to relay those messages. We thank you Denise Whitehurst. — Raye Apple

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My Hurricane Michael hero is our Nephew Jim Ashby. He lives in Bradenton and had major damage from Hurricane Irene last year. His Uncle has Alzheimer's and broke his hip on Oct 11 when he fell while we were delivering a Generator to our daughters. Jim drove up here Saturday Nov.3 and cleared all the debris from our yard, checked areas that needed checked, and drove home Nov 4th. — Joyce Baumann

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I would like to thank Bay County Sheriff’s Deputy R. Willoughby and Pastor Cathy Crider of Fountain’s Victory Tabernacle. Deputy Willoughby patrols the Fountain, FL area. Almost a week after Hurricane Michael, Bay County had not provided any disaster relief for Fountain. Deputy Willoughby saw our great need and set out to get us some much needed help. He partnered with Pastor Cathy Crider and set up a disaster relief point of distribution. Fountain’s Victory Tabernacle meeting hall was destroyed by the storm. Pastor Cathy opened her sanctuary and allowed it to be used to store disaster relief supplies. Pastor Cathy’s home had sustained tremendous damaged as well. She left the needs of her own home and worked tirelessly to help our community. There are no words that could truly express our gratitude for Deputy Ryan Willoughby and Pastor Cathy Criders help. — Jackie Pope

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My hurricane hero is my dad. My dad Terry Barrett helped fix people’s houses. He hasn’t stopped yet, he’s probably out doing it now. He doesn’t just fix houses, he also builds them. He’s helped so many people after the hurricane. That is why he is my hurricane hero. — Hallie Barrett, 9

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My hurricane hero is me and my family because we donated clothes and then we helped at church. We would help find clothes and toys for the kids and hygiene products. I would also help old people walk around and hold stuff like bread. Me and my family love, love, love to help people. I love to help to help in anyway for anyone. The Foust family will always help. — Kate Foust, 9

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My hurricane hero is my dad, Ted Erdman, because he helped his coworkers in the Coast Guard tarp their houses. He also kept track of everyone he worked with. Also, Dad helped get stuff of their houses and get storage for the stuff. Then, he helped relocate his coworkers that lost their homes. That’s why my Dad is my hurricane hero. — Cole Erdman, 9

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My hero is the electric company because they came from all around the world to get us power. They also work hours trying to fix the power lines. I thought it would take one month, but it only took five days. I am thankful for those who came to fix our community. —Kaitlin Oros, 9

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My hurricane hero is Mrs. PipKorn because she helped the community. She sorted clothes by size for people who don’t have any homes or clothes. Mrs. PipKorn was so kind she bought stuff she didn’t have to donate. She went to Surfside to donate and give a man some shoes. But he needed work shoes and she didn’t have any so she went out and bought some. —Ella Pitt, 9

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My hurricane hero is my cousin Laine because he came out and helped. He fixed power lines, he saved people, and no matter what he wouldn’t take any money. I am proud to say that Laine Muserr is my cousin because he helped as good as he can so thank you Laine. — Vega Dogan

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My hurricane hero is my Uncle Scott because he is helping my house recover. For example the shingles are being replaced, our flooring is being replaced, and our backyard needs to be cleaned up a bit. He also helped get the tree off our roof! He is very kind to be doing this. Our house is getting so much done to it and we are not even able to live in yet, but with his help hopefully we will be able to live in it soon! — Emma Henson, 9

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My hurricane hero is my uncle Scott Dansby because he came down from Lowndesboro Alabama so he could clean up condos and hotels. He left his family to clean up Panama City Beach. He has been working a lot lately. Also, he’s been getting a lot done. I think he’s almost free to go back home. I’ve been waiting waiting waiting to talk to him while he’s working. — Jackson Ross, 9

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My hurricane hero is my family because they gave free food out. The free food was sausage, biscuits, muffins, orange juice and lemonade. We had people pull in and eat the free breakfast we cooked. Also my family helped me be safe all the way through the hurricane. — Jemma Smith, 9

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My hurricane hero is Carlyn Minke because she took us in when we had nowhere else to stay. She planned tons of fun stuff for us to do. Although there were only little kids, I still had a blast. I am very thankful for Carlyn. She was so nice about it and tried to take the horrible thoughts off our minds. There was a lot of damage where we live but we were so happy when our house wasn’t damaged. — Jackson Danbury, 9

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My Hurricane Michael heroes are my mom’s friend and my dad because my mom’s friend allowed us to stay in her condo while the hurricane hit PCB. The next two days my dad went back to PCB and helped out with some stuff at our house and then went to my grandparents house and helped there with the house and roof. Then he came back, and the next day we went back home and worked to fix the fences. — Max Leonard, 10