Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) commemorates the one-year anniversary since Hurricane Idalia made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida as a strong Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane Idalia was the first major hurricane on record to hit this part of the Big Bend region. The storm brought a devastating storm surge of 7-12 feet above normally dry ground to the coastline in Levy, Dixie, and Taylor counties.
“Hurricane Idalia was a storm that brought unique challenges and helped us better optimize our response and recovery efforts in areas like the Big Bend, and thanks to the Governor’s leadership, we continue to support impacted communities in rebuilding resiliently,” said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “FDEM is committed to assisting in ongoing recovery efforts and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant as we approach the peak of this year's hurricane season.”
The state mobilized resources before Hurricane Idalia made landfall, deploying nearly 30,000 linemen, more than 5,300 National Guardsmen, and 2,400 high-mobility and high-water vehicles for immediate response efforts. Additionally, the State Emergency Response Team staged over 55,000 meals and over 450,000 liters of bottled water for distribution to impacted areas.
To date, the state has secured and distributed over $21 million in FEMA Public Assistance program funding for projects such as renovations and repairs for impacted communities. Madison and Taylor County School Districts also received state funding for critical repairs totaling over $10.6 million to supplement gaps in FEMA funding that would have delayed students returning to school post-storm.
More than 300 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications have been submitted for projects in areas damaged by Hurricane Idalia. After review and approval, these projects will assist public buildings and residences in increasing overall community resiliency. Projects include demolition of damaged buildings as well as rebuilding and raising structures to better withstand flooding and storm surge.
The Big Bend region was also affected by Hurricane Debby on August 5, 2024, with recovery efforts still ongoing. Residents needing disaster assistance can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or find more information on recovery resources at FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season began on June 1 and lasts until November 30, with September historically being the peak month for activity. For planning and preparedness resources visit FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare.
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