CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) — The new Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has said on several occasions that he’s committed to helping the “Carolina Community.” Those words are being backed up to help Hurricane Florence victims. Close to 80 staff members and players spent the beginning of the team’s off week packing relief boxes. That included David Tepper, himself, alongside Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly. The assembly line style effort produced 1,500 boxes. The plan is…

KINSTON, N.C. (WTVD) — it’s cleanup time for many businesses along the Neuse River in Kinston that were flooded by Hurricane Florence. Laura Pressly and her crew are hard at work cleaning up her children’s store. She’s owned La Petit Boutique for more than 35 years. Hurricanes Floyd, Matthew, and Florence have each wrecked her shop. “I’m still here. Ready to go again.” Pressly’s merchandise is in storage and will be back on display by…

School district employees affected by Florence shouldn’t have to worry about pay and students shouldn’t have to make-up instructional days, state leaders said Monday. Most public school students in North Carolina missed at least some school time because of the storm. Several southeastern North Carolina school systems were closed for a week or more after Florence hit. Some, including New Hanover and Robeson counties, closed school through the end of this week. State law requires…

By Amanda Lamb, WRAL reporter Wilmington, N.C. — More than 16,000 University of North Carolina at Wilmington students have been in limbo since Hurricane Florence hit their campus 10 days ago. The campus remains closed, although administrators said Monday that faculty and staff can return Wednesday and students will be welcomed back Saturday. There’s still no officials word on when classes will resume, although it could be as early as Oct. 1. Florence knocked down…

By Amanda Lamb, WRAL reporter Wilmington, N.C. — An untold number of renters find themselves homeless after Hurricane Florence damaged the homes or apartments where they lived. Candy Self and Steve Satterfield were forced from their Wilmington home after a tree came crashing through the roof, followed by a stream of rain. “We heard a big crash. The tree had come through, and a few minutes later, we heard gushing water coming through,” Self said….

The congregation that worships at Living Water Baptist Church in South Carolina has given extra meaning to the church’s name. Since Hurricane Florence hit South Carolina more than a week ago, they have been living with the water that has risen and flooded parts of their community in Longs, S.C. It has forced them to adjust their lives in many ways. For some, that meant taking a boat to church Sunday. Many neighborhoods and homes…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — North Carolina’s top insurance regulator is urging victims of Hurricane Florence to swiftly file their insurance claims to avoid being left in the back of a line that’s growing exponentially every day. “The message is – do not procrastinate,” Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey told the ABC11 I-Team. “We don’t know how many claims each insurance company may have to process.” Causey’s office at the North Carolina Department of Insurance is reporting…

Some colleges in Eastern North Carolina have yet to open their doors, 10 days after Hurricane Florence flooded large parts of the state. Community colleges in the region were beginning to get back on their feet. Wayne Community College will restart classes Tuesday, and Brunswick and Southeastern community colleges will hold classes Wednesday. Others are waiting until Oct. 1 to open to students, including Cape Fear, Pamlico and James Sprunt community colleges, and possibly campuses…

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) — Residents who lost their homes and valuables to Hurricane Florence are hoping to get relief right away. If you have insurance then you should first file a claim with your insurance company, whether that be homeowners, renters or flood insurance. You will not know if you qualify for FEMA assistance unless you apply for aid. When it comes to FEMA relief, the agency has already approved more than $20 million…