MARIANNA, Fla. (WTXL) - Even though about 40 percent of those living in Jackson County are still in the dark, students returned to class Monday, taking steps toward a new normal.
Workers who have been traveling to different rural towns for restoration efforts said the damage in Marianna is one of the worst areas they've seen from Hurricane Michael.
Downed trees and power lines, damage to homes and businesses, huge piles of debris, that's still the scene in Marianna nearly three weeks after the storm.
Tree and utility crews are all over town, working 16 hour days.
With students back to school Monday, leaders said they're happy the county is making strides toward recovery.
However for some, it's going to take months. Emergency Operations estimates at least 50 homes were destroyed in Jackson County.
"I can't think of a power line that was not affected. Most lines were down or torn down," said Commander Kevin Arnold with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. "So there's still debris on the side of the roadways or possibly in the roadways and there are crews that are clearing debris and also our linemen that are out working trying to get power restored to our citizens."
As of right now, restoration times for those still without power are unknown.
We know of at least one death in Jackson County from Hurricane Michael.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office confirms, John Arthur Jombos, of Alford, was hit by a fallen tree as he was trying to leave his house during the storm.
The 68-year-old was found inside by his front door where the tree fell on him.
