PALMETTO, Fla. (WWSB) – Today, Anna Wheeler celebrates turning on her light switch and seeing her living room fill with brightness. This is something she has been waiting for for 19 days.

“I feel good and I’m excited to get my lights back,” Wheeler said.

When Hurricane Milton hit Suncoast, it caused a lot of damage in the Colonial Mobile Manor community of Wheeler. The wrath of the storm toppled and destroyed his meter box, as well as those of his two neighbors.

For two weeks, residents struggled in the dark. Wheeler, developing rashes and falling when the sun went down, decided she couldn’t take it anymore. She wanted help, and quickly. So she called ABC7.

In the 10 days since that call, progress has been made. Palmetto City Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant introduced herself to residents, offered support and appealed to the Red Cross. Strangers from all over the Suncoast donate food, water, supplies, cook them meals and even give them money. All this help allowed residents to continue living.

“Without the help of other people, I don’t know what I would have done,” Wheeler said.

At first, property management wouldn’t talk with ABC7. They told us not to do this story. But two days later, they let ABC7 know they had changed electricians and hired a new one, paying double, to get the job done faster.

On Friday, the electrician was on site to repair the three destroyed meters. On Monday at 6:47 p.m., an FPL employee showed up at Wheeler’s door with good news. After the repairs were inspected and approved, power was restored.

So now Anna turns her switch on and off, smiling.

“I’m glad it’s over, but not happy I won’t see Sophia Vitello anymore, she became my friend,” Wheeler said.

If you or someone you know is still in the dark after Milton, email ABC7 reporter Sophia Vitello, [email protected].

The first step is to check your lease or prospectus. Who owns the land? Is it in writing that the “resident” or “owner” is responsible for repairs and damage to utilities?

Send all this necessary information first and she will respond to you.

Copyright 2024 WWSB. All rights reserved.