The cleanup process is now underway in Volusia County after Hurricane Matthew ripped through the county yesterday.
- Residents, business owners picking up the pieces
- FEMA help available for homeowners with damaged homes
- Need Disaster assistance? Visit FEMA.gov for resources, info
Residents and business owners are picking up the pieces left behind from Hurricane Matthew.
The owner of Beach Street's Dancing Avocado Kitchen, Mario Stemberger, opened his doors for business on Saturday, ready to take a step towards getting back to normal.
"We have had some decorative architectural foam come off a building, but there is an awning from the metaphysical store and we also see some of the architectural trim," said Stemberger.
As he picked up part of a roof from his property, he spoke about how his family made sure they were ready for the hurricane. That involved not only preparing their home, but also boarding up the windows and doors to their family business.
On Saturday, those boards came down.
"I do see power lines down, I see a lot of branches, but I do not see people's roofs ripped up," said Stemberger. "I just told everyone this morning, 'hey we are alive.'"
Stemberger hopes the traumatic experience will make the community stronger, and neighbors will come together to help each other during this cleanup process.
"It doesn't matter where you are from or what you believe or who you're voting for," said Stemberger. "Let's just be kind to everybody that is how we are going to get through this."
County officials said if your home was damaged, you can contact FEMA for help.