8/30/2024

Florida Division of Emergency Management Commemorates One-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Idalia Landfall

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — 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 became the first major hurricane on record to hit this part of the Big Bend region. Idalia brought 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 to prepare resources before Hurricane Idalia made landfall, which were deployed immediately following the storm. This included 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 in preparation for distribution to impacted areas.

To date, the state has successfully secured and distributed over $21 million in FEMA Public Assistance program funding, which supports vital projects like renovations and repairs for impacted communities.

Madison and Taylor County School Districts also received state funding for critical repairs totaling over $10.6 million which supplemented the gap in FEMA funding that would have stalled students returning to school post-storm.

Additionally, 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 to increase overall community resiliency. Projects include demolition of damaged buildings as well as rebuilding and raising buildings to better weather flooding and storm surge.

The Big Bend region was also impacted by Hurricane Debby on August 5, 2024, and is still actively recovering. Residents in need of disaster assistance can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov and 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 the historical peak of activity in September. For planning and preparedness resources visit FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow FDEM on Instagram, Facebook and X.

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