Some of the visiting power company workers were treated to a Florida delicacy Thursday in Hillsborough County.
About 100 linemen from Missouri and Oklahoma enjoyed fried gator tail at the Venue by the Lake in Thonotosassa. Mash potatoes, beans and ham were also on the menu.
State Rep. Neil Combee (R) Lakeland and local gator trapper Julie Harter said they put together the dinner to show their appreciation for the hard-working out-of-state crews.
"We're just so thankful," Harter said. "It could have really been more devastating than it was and granted we all had some kind of damage but some people lost their homes some lost members of their families and loved ones.
"We had a couple days of heat and sticky weather and a lot of yard work to do."
The electric company workers were equally appreciative.
"We've been down here since (last) Thursday," said Codey Hale with Capitol Electric. "We don't know when we're going home. (We'll be here as long as it takes."