IRENE: Pamlico food distributions continue as electric power restoration nearly complete

BAYBORO — Although power has been restored to all but about 600 homes and businesses in Pamlico County from Hurricane Irene, hot food and water will continue to be given away at six points of distribution throughout the county.

“We are going to feed until further notice,” said Tim Buck, the county manager.

Progress Energy reported all its 4,000-plus electric customers were restored. Buck said this morning that the 600 customers were Tideland Electric users.

“In their numbers, they are counting customers that are out because of the storm who may not come back — damaged homes and things like that,” he said.

 The county has rescinded both the low pressure water advisory which encouraged boiling water for human consumption and also the mandatory water conservation order. He said sufficient water pressure had returned to cancel the notices.

“The good news is I think our citizens fared well as far in terms of we didn’t have any fatalities or serious injuries as result of the storm,” Buck said. “I think we initially got through it well. We’ve got a lot of folks who are going to be affected by the storm — lot of flood damage in our eastern part of the county. And, the recovery process is going to be long and slow.”

Water and food are being distributed at volunteer fire stations — Southeast, Florence, Lowland, Vandemere and Reelsboro — along with the Goose Creek Island Community Center. The Triangle volunteer department held its last public feeding today.

“One thing we have requested, but haven’t received in great quantities, is cleaning kits,” he said. That includes Clorox, mops and brooms for cleanup of homes that were flooded.

A Samaritan’s Purse has opened in the county at the Bayboro Baptist Church.

It operates every day except Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers said storm victims needing immediate assistance can stop by and fill out an application. Also, volunteers are needed to assist in cleanup and repair. Stop by the center for orientation.

Food donations are being accepted for Loves and Fishes at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church on White Farm Road in Oriental.

Oriental Town Manager Bob Maxbauer said he had not had any reports of anyone in the town of 900 people still without power, except for those with damaged structures that will need repair before electricity can safely be reconnected.

As the power has returned this week, so have many businesses that were closed, along with restaurants.

Keith Smith and Melinda Penkava of towndock.net report that Provision Company on Hodges Street reopened this morning and the Tiki Bar was scheduled for an afternoon opening.

Restaurants that are open again include The Silos, Village Food Emporium, The Broad Street Grill and Brantleys.

M&M’s Cafe flooded and is under repair, with a target opening by Sunday or Monday.

Towndock.net also reported that The Toucan Grill would reopen at noon today.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com