These Orlando-area crews are helping the Panhandle recover after Hurricane Michael

Central Florida first responders lend helping hand to Florida communities

Each week on News 6 at Nine, News 6 likes to share some good news about Orlando-area first responders.

This week, Central Florida agencies are being honored for the work they're doing to help with recovery efforts after Hurricane Michael left Florida's Panhandle in shambles.

Deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office shared pictures on Twitter during their trip to Bay County showing the devastation left behind by the storm. They said they were there to help however they could because they knew Bay County officials would do the same for Volusia County residents.

Lake County Emergency Management officials were also making a difference after the storm by working with Lake County deputies and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to provide assessments to local and state agencies, according to their Twitter. 

It's not just the people of the Panhandle left in need after the storm. Animals in the area also need to be cared for, and Seminole County deputies are making sure to do just that. A picture tweeted by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office showed a deputy holding two 4-week-old puppies rescued in Calhoun County. Damage could be seen in the background of the photo, but the puppies and deputy look relieved.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office sent an 11-member response team to the Panhandle Sunday to provide any law enforcement services needed after the hurricane. The crew could be seen in front of its mobile command center, ready to respond.

You could call this rescue nuts, considering how excited a squirrel was to see Orange County rescuers conducting searches in Mexico Beach, the area hit hardest by Michael. Orange County Fire Rescue officials said it quickly made friends with the crew and made itself comfortable on a few shoulders as crews continued their search.

Thank you all for your dedication to protecting Florida's communities, especially in the hardest of times.

For more on these feel-good stories and to see other stories that highlight the good news in Central Florida, watch News 6 at Nine Wednesdays starting at 9 a.m. 


Recommended Videos