Tropical storm Debby: Community rallies with ice, water, and food distribution post-storm

Columbia County residents receive

essential supplies

following

tropical storm Debby
Columbia County residents are receiving much-needed relief in the wake of Tropical Storm Debby, with ice, water, and food being distributed at the Winfield Community Center. This location, along with the Fort White Community Center, has been set up to help the community recover from the storm's impact.
James Wilson, a local resident, visited one of the county’s

ice distribution

stations shortly after his power was restored.

"I’m doing pretty good," Wilson said. "Just thanking the Lord that nobody got hurt, and we’ve just been holding on," News4jax quoted as saying.
Justin Brown, another resident, learned about the ice stations through Facebook. "Cooking has been pretty rough on everybody," Brown said, noting that propane supplies quickly ran out, and their generator couldn't keep up with the demand. As a result, many perishable items were lost. He expressed gratitude for the

relief supplies

, acknowledging the difficulty of replenishing groceries right after a storm.

John Wheeler, a volunteer from the Rotary Club of Lake City, mentioned that word about the available supplies was spreading gradually. "We’ve seen a good number of people, I would say somewhere in the range of 50, but we have a whole 18-wheeler full of ice that we need to get out to the community," Wheeler said.
Despite some residents having their power restored, the supplies are still critical as other areas of the county remain without electricity. Wheeler emphasized the importance of community support, especially for those still without power or essential items.

"It warms your heart whenever you can help somebody," Wheeler shared. "When they’re genuinely hungry or thirsty and need something cool to drink, you know you’ve blessed them, and that’s a good thing."
Wheeler also encouraged people to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly, and to assist them in obtaining supplies if needed. The Winfield Community Center and Deep Creek Community Center are open as shelters, offering a safe place for residents with medical needs that require steady power.
Distribution of supplies will continue on Wednesday, with updates provided on Columbia County’s Facebook page. Residents with non-emergency needs can also call 386-719-7530 for assistance.