HUDSON, Fla. -- Dozens of people with special needs have found shelter in the Bay Area after Hurricane Michael ripped through the panhandle and knocked out electricity.
"I just picked up a bunch of elderly jewels,” said one driver after he dropped off a busload of evacuees in Hudson.
These folks have no idea how long they’ll be at the Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter in Hudson.
Charlotte Messer isn’t sure how she’ll get her things from her apartment in Panama City.
"You should see the building the top two floors have blown out, you can see the furniture teeter-totter,” she said.
Messer is a retired nurse of 22 years and says she takes things one step at a time.
"Stress will take you out quicker than cancer,” she said.
"You wouldn’t believe what I’ve seen. I don’t feel sorry for myself anymore, that’s for sure,” said Patricia Underwood, who got word her house is still standing in Lynn Haven.
She knows others aren’t so fortunate, but is confident things will get better.
"Something kicks in and helps them get through these things and start all over again,” she said.
Messer plans on doing that because Panama City is where her heart is.
"I’ve lived here since I was 19, don’t know any other place, this is home to me,” she said.
The shelter could be open for months - officials say it will depend on how long the need is there. The folks at the shelter will take care of the patients for as long as it takes.
