While most of Florida has moved past Hurricane Isaias, communities in the Panhandle are still in full recovery mode, and officials warn it could be more than a year before things feel normal again. Cell service remains spotty in places, some burglaries have been reported, and neighbors are leaning on each other to get by. One volunteer, Jerry, has been driving food to families who can’t reach distribution sites on their own.
That community spirit is being tested by scammers. Deputies say shady contractors are targeting storm victims, including one case where a woman was pressured into signing a contract at 11 p.m. that redirected her family’s entire insurance payment to a roofer. Under Florida law, contracts signed under duress can be canceled within 10 days, a protection every storm victim should know about.
Pensacola came through Isaias better than the areas closer to Panama City, but the road back is long everywhere in the region. Congressman Jimmy Patronis and local law enforcement are urging residents to stay cautious, verify contractors, and lean on official recovery resources. Do you know someone in the Panhandle still dealing with storm damage? Tell us how they’re doing in the comments.
