An Entire Town Still Off the Grid After Irma

FROSTPROOF, FL (970 WFLA) -- Most of you have electricity now, so think about the small town of Frostproof, in the far southeast corner of Polk County. 

The whole town went dark during Irma and power isn't expected to return until Sunday. Frostproof mayor Rodney Cannon says at least they have running water in the city, but people living outside the city limits are left high and dry, because they have well water, and pumps need power.

Volunteers have been pulling together, delivering food and water to those who need it. Local businesses have donated front end loaders to clear the roads, and forklifts to handle pallets full of supplies from FEMA. 

"They have nothing else to do," Cannon says. "What are we going to do, sit in our homes and wait for the power to come on? We can't do that." 

Frostproof has stayed powerless for so long, because the Duke Energy substations that supply the city suffered damage during the storm. There are no linemen on the street in Frostproof because they can't begin repair work until Duke gets the substations going again.

Cannon expresses pride in the way his city has pulled together. "No one has it better than anyone else. Attitudes have been set aside and we are all working together to do the best we can." Residents have organized food distribution, including free barbecue meals Saturday and Sunday at the community center. The city is showing movies at city hall, which has generator power. 

"(Thursday) night we had (volunteers) giving away food and water till after 10 p.m.," Cannon said. He adds that there are many retirees who can't help themselves, which motivates residents to do all they can. 

Cannon says he's been told power should come back sometime Sunday. 




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