Help is on its way from the Treasure Coast to the Panhandle, where thousands of families are still rebuilding from Hurricane Michael.
Tony DiFrancesco, the owner of Tri-County Enterprises in Fort Pierce, knew he had a unique tool that could help those struggling families -- semis.
For almost a week, the community helped collect supplies for DiFrancesco’s team to haul to areas like Bay and Jackson counties.
“I just see it as giving back to our community, our state,” DiFrancesco said. “You know, once we get there, start helping people, we might do this once a month.”
The goal is to help at least 772 families to represent the Treasure Coast.
Drivers are hauling food, blankets and kids toys, with the priority going first to law enforcement families who have lost everything.
“They’re there to help us. They’re there to protect everyone who doesn’t have a home, even though their homes are no longer there either. They’re still there protecting everybody,” DiFrancesco said.
St. Lucie County deputy Gregg Hayford says it makes his job more meaningful, escorting the semi-trucks to the areas that need help.
“For the most part, a lot of them have lost everything. The actual sheriff’s office is gone. So, it’s hard. Our job is hard enough as it is under the best conditions. So, you add in this turmoil, I mean they have families,” Hayford said.
Law enforcement officers in those counties know the help is coming, and less than a day away,
“You don’t think things are going to change, no one's going to help you. So, it’s heartwarming to be able to roll into town with what they need,” Hayford said.
The convoy hits the road again Wednesday morning, aiming to begin delivering supplies by the late morning.
