Florida, Hardee County not getting much help at all. Volunteers needed.

[madfloridian]

I notice that any mention of FEMA is missing, and very little mention of Red Cross. Red Cross just says send money, not things.

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=9536
Wachula, Florida - Hurricane Charley blew through the Village at Charlie Creek outside Wauchula, but residents like Pam Jayne say that’s the last outside visitor they’ve seen.

PAM JAYNE:
“Nobody’s been out with water we haven’t seen anybody.”

Many of the people who live in Jayne’s neighborhood are disabled, elderly, poor and don’t drive.

Jayne is upset that the people in her rural neighborhood aren’t getting the same help as the people in town.

JAYNE:
"I feel people need to know we’re important too. That’s Friday Saturday, Sunday, and Monday you haven’t seen anyone? Nothing, nothing that’s it.”

In Wauchula it is a different story where volunteers are handing out water and ice to people who drive through the Winn Dixie parking lot. Barbara Criss is one of the volunteers.

BARBARA CRISS:
“I like helping people, I’m thankful I’m alive. I’m more fortunate than others.”

Criss says she understand the frustrations those in the rural neighborhoods feel. Criss lives in a rural mobile home park and her home was destroyed. She is trying to keep a positive attitude.

CRISS:
“I feel good helping others. I may not be able to help myself, but I can help others.”

Meantime back at the Village at Charlie Creek neighborhood many like Vicki Rodriguez are frustrated and scared.

VICKI RODRIGUEZ:
“If they do total my home I don’t know where I’ll go. I don’t have any money. My husband works in the fields and he’s been out of work almost four weeks. All I have is 7 dollars to my name.”

Those in the rural areas are hoping county officials will come and help them soon. Meantime those in the city are keeping a good attitude, but that could change quickly if water and electricity aren’t restored soon."
Video available at the site.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[xray s]

1. Where's the National Guard?

oh...yeah...nevermind.

[madfloridian]

2. More from another paper.

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040817/NEWS/408170390/1004

Residents Need Help, Supplies
Group of volunteers from Lakeland area aiding neighbors.

By Tom Palmer
The Ledger
[e-mail]

WAUCHULA -- Residents in neighboring Hardee County need help cleaning up from the aftermath of Hurricane Charley.

Supplies of ice, gas and food would not hurt, either.

Some help came Monday as a group of 50 volunteers from the Lakeland area arrived to aid with relief efforts.

"A lot of people who want to volunteer can fill the car up with groceries and water and come down," said state Rep. John Stargel, R-Lakeland, who was helping to organize volunteers...."

[SW FL Dem]

3. I just got home from my local Costco

They were collecting donations for Hardee County. They handed out a list of needed items to shoppers as they entered the store. Most people bought at least one 1 to donate, the semi truck was already loaded with pallets of food, water, diapers, batteries, etc. Hopefully, the supplies will get there later tonight.

[Hubert Flottz]

4. The two Tommies are there now to save Florida!

I guess they think the Hurricane was a Terra-ist, so they sent the Homeland Security guy down for a photo op!