Hurricane Irma evacuee in Apex trying to get back to Florida

APEX, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Sommer Brocuglio, her boyfriend and their pit bull, Jax, have been staying in Apex with a friend since they evacuated Florida almost two weeks ago, due to Hurricane Irma.

But they're still trying to get back home to St. Pete Beach.

"At this point, I can't get home," Brocuglio said. "I've lost two weeks of work. My phone is going to be shut off. My electric is most likely going to be shut off. I don't have gas money to get home."

They evacuated in a car and it took them about 20 hours to get to North Carolina. They dealt with traffic delays, while evacuees rushed to leave affected areas. They also encountered long lines, just to get gas. The tires on the car are now worn out.

The journey home is proving to be even more difficult.

"It's just simple stuff like you take for granted just being able to get in your car and go home," she said, adding that most of her friends in Florida have also been affected by the hurricane and can't help her.

She said she doesn't know what to expect when she returns.

"I've already lost one job because I'm not able to get to it," she said.

Sommer's friends reached out to ABC11 via Facebook, asking for help to get her home.

They also reached out to local businesses. Brocuglio said Big Mike's Brew n Que in Apex contacted her, saying they'd like to help. An employee there tells ABC11 they also want to help other hurricane victims.

They're selling two pounds of barbecue for $25 and all proceeds will go to hurricane victims, the employee said.

Big Mike's Brew n Que in Apex located at 2045 Creekside Landing Drive.

Friends are also asking for any money to be sent to Sommer's PayPal at 1133summerb@gmail.com