Florida's Forgotten Coast
Federal aid struggles to meet demand in the wake of Florida's devastating storms
In October, the Florida panhandle was devastated by the most powerful storm to hit the area in history. Thousands remain homeless, waiting on federal aid – but help is very slow to come.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for rehousing those whose homes were destroyed, but efforts seem sub-standard. “People feel like FEMA doesn’t help them”, says Bay County Commissioner Philip Griffiths. Demand for assistance far outstrips supply and cumbersome bureaucracy is slowing the whole process. “They want us to relocate but this is where we live”, says hurricane survivor James Boutcher. “This is our home.”
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