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Local FPL crews head to North Florida to help with power restoration as Hurricane Michael approaches

Posted at 11:37 AM, Oct 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-10 12:41:52-04

Help is on the way for families in North Florida in the path of "potentially catastrophic" Hurricane Michael. 

Ten Florida Power and light crews left service station in Jupiter Wednesday morning to help restore power to families impacted by the storm.

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More than a dozen linemen from our area are headed to Daytona Beach where they will stay clear of the storm until it is safe to start repairs.

FPL Deputy Incident Commander Steven Benyard, who is the leading crews, said linemen are well prepared.

“We’re gonna knock it out as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Benyard.

He said his biggest concern is vegetation on Florida's Panhandle.

“We’re going to be clearing that stuff out to make sure we can get the lines up as fast as possible,” said Benyard. 

Local crews will be joining more than 1,300 other crews that are already prepositioned to help restore power for FPL customers. 

Benyard said saying goodbye to his family is the toughest part of the job but he is humbled to help. 

“I have three small kids and a wife and it’s always tough, but it teaches them to help other people,” said Benyard. 

FPL spokesman Tyler Mauldin said as long as wind speed stay below 35 mph, crews will be out working to restore power.