When Hurricane Michael made landfall in Mexico City Beach, FL on October 10 as the fourth strongest hurricane in U.S. history, it devastated the Florida Panhandle and left hundreds of residents without shelter and electricity. Neighborhoods, businesses, apartments and hotels throughout the area suffered catastrophic damage due to the extreme winds and storm surge. Overall, damages from Hurricane Michael were estimated at over $15 billion.
With our main headquarters in Tampa, FL, this storm hit close to home. Along with the entire state of FL, we had been anxiously watching Michael’s path and couldn’t help but think, this could have been us. The heartbreaking images and videos that followed in the aftermath were hard to watch. There was no doubt that help was needed as our friends in the Panhandle began the long road to rebuilding their homes and lives.
Our Florida team took action and immediately organized a small but dedicated group that would drive north to help our distributors, their employees and members of the surrounding communities.
APOC MidSouth Region District Sales Manager Frank Glasscock and Manufacturer Representative Bill White checked on our north Florida partners and scouted locations where we could make a difference. John Walker, our Field Systems Coordinator, loaded up the APOC trailer with freezers full of food and beverages and made his way north from Tampa.
During their visit, Team APOC provided over 1,000 breakfasts and lunches to roofers, distributors and local residents in need. They visited several affected areas including Panama City, FL setting up at Gulf Eagle Supply. In the following days, the APOC team served the Tallahassee community at Suncoast Roofers Supply and then the Marianna, FL community in coordination with the Welcome Assembly of God Church. This Florida Panhandle journey was the first of several planned as we provide more meals, a friendly smile and encouragement to those in need.
To donate to Hurricane Relief Efforts by the United Way of Northwest Florida, click here