POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Folks in some parts of Polk County will not be spending Thanksgiving in their own homes after a tornado ripped through the area more than a month ago.
Don Boutwell’s house is usually filled with family and food on Thanksgiving. However, this year, it's nearly empty after a tornado caused several thousands of dollars worth of damage.
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"The garage ceiling went, and one bedroom back here got it, the living room got it," Boutwell said.
Boutwell spent his morning alone checking on his house. Checking on all the damage left behind after the October tornado.
He does not have insurance and the repairs that will cost him about $40,000 have not even started.
"We’re staying with my aunt and my daughter," Boutwell said. “We’re having Thanksgiving dinner over at my aunts and my kids all will come over."
Boutwell said he was thankful that nobody was hurt.
"You gotta be grateful for that. You can’t put a price on that," Boutwell said.
He said even though he might not have a house, at least he still had his family to celebrate Thanksgiving.
"If you’re lucky enough to have friends and relatives to help you out that’s the main thing," Boutwell said.
