Chamber members hear about Hurricane fact-finding trip to Mississippi …………

by Kathy Foster

Members of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity Thursday to learn more about the fact-finding trip taken by Panhandle leaders to learn about the long range after effects a hurricane can have on communities.

Among those taking the trip to Mississippi, which was hosted by Gulf Power Company, were Chipley Mayor Tracy Andrews, Opportunity Florida Director Richard Williams, Washington County Administrator Jeff Massey, Chamber of Commerce President Nicole Barefield, and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ted Everett.

Both Massey and Williams were on hand at Thursday’s Chamber luncheon and talked about what they learned on their visit to Mississippi.

Massey said a meeting has already been set for next week to begin development of an economic plan for the long range recovery from last year’s Hurricane Michael that devastated a wide portion of the Florida Panhandle.   The Washington County Administrator said he will be working with Opportuntiy Florida in recovery efforts and said everyone needs to work together.

All of those making the Mississippi trip have voiced concern that more than 200 days have passed since Hurricane Michael struck this area and there has been no Federal funds made available for disaster recovery relief ; however, they noted that all damage has been carefully documented and they do expect a response from the Federal Government.

Opportunity Florida Executive Director Richard Williams included the following on his list of lessons learned from the recent trip:

•  Move Now – Do Not Wait.
•  Keep asking for help.
•  Continue documenting everything done  in the recovery efforts.
•  Get the community involved and start working now.
•  Start a planning process.
•  Make use of existing programs.
•  Dream – Plan big for what you want the community to be when recovery efforts are complete.
• Do not underestimate the volume of work that is needed.
•  Look at what is needed as an opportunity for the county to improve facilities, infrastructure, and “quality of place”.
•  Mental hearth needs to be a consideration for everyone – elected officials, business people, and community residents.
• And, alway remember that Recovery Takes Time.

Williams noted that everyone can walk away from the experience as a better person and have a better community.

Closing the luncheon meeting, Ted Everett said the Washington County Chamber of Commerce will bring elected officials from throughout the county together to start gathering ideas on how recovery efforts should be directed.