Panama City police are sending officers to assist victims of Hurricane Milton

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Nearly a week after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, law enforcement agencies from across the state are responding to help communities devastated by the storm. While Bay County was spared, its residents are no strangers to the devastation caused by hurricanes, and local officials have been quick to offer assistance to their neighbors.

Panama City police have sent a team of 10 officers to Holmes Beach, one of the areas hardest hit by the storm. Chief Mark Smith confirmed the group had endured a grueling 12-hour journey on Thursday morning due to heavy traffic.

Like much of the surrounding area, Holmes Beach was evacuated ahead of the storm. Still, every home and business in the community was damaged. One of the biggest challenges for the residents is the sand, which causes dunes to rise up to three meters high.

“Our officers are working around the clock to clear roads, prepare meals and assist residents with FEMA documentation,” said Chief Smith. “All of our disaster relief equipment is deployed and helping to get the community back on its feet.”

Smith emphasized that Hurricane Milton has increased ongoing cleanup efforts following Hurricane Helene, which left significant debris strewn across the streets. “People had their furniture – sofas, chairs – piled up on the side of the road waiting to be picked up. It wasn’t collected before Hurricane Milton hit and now it’s scattered everywhere,” Smith explained. “Our officers are out there helping with the monumental task of cleaning everything up.”

The team is prepared to stay in Holmes Beach for at least another week and can stay longer if necessary.

The department’s disaster relief equipment has been purchased with forfeiture funds over the past three years. This initiative followed lessons learned from Hurricane Michael, which exposed gaps in the department’s preparedness.

“As a community that has faced this type of destruction before, we understand the need for help and are committed to staying as long as we are needed,” Smith said.

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