We are tracking Hurricane Idalia.
Hurricane Debby: Florida agricultural production losses top $93M, UF economists estimate (9/19/2024) - The UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program rapidly assesses the impacts to Florida agriculture following extreme weather events. The preliminary report for Hurricane Debby is newly released. The report estimates a credible range of losses between $93.7 million and $263.2 million. This range will be narrowed in a final report released in the coming months. The… more
Post-Idalia adaptations help Nature Coast Biological Station weather subsequent storms (8/26/2024) - One year ago this week, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region. In addition to contributing to the deaths of 12 people, the Category 4 hurricane generated storm surge as high as 12 feet and winds as strong as 125 mph. Foundations flooded, and roofs toppled. At the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station… more
Cantore’s live reports from a UF/IFAS building delivered powerful lesson on storm surge danger (6/26/2024) - It was University of Florida IFAS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Professor Mike Allen who handed a key to veteran Weather Channel Meteorologist Jim Cantore with the following instructions: Once Cantore and his camera crew entered the building, they could not leave until given the all clear. That key was to the UF/IFAS North Coast Biological… more
Florida Land Steward Update, May 31, 2024 (5/31/2024) - GULF COASTAL PLAIN ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP (GCPEP) LONGLEAF PINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The GCPEP Longleaf Assistance Program includes incentives for longleaf establishment, stand improvement, and prescribed fire. It is available to landowners within the GCPEP project area. This includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Holmes Counties west of the Choctawhatchee River in Florida; and Baldwin, Escambia,… more
Florida Land Steward Update, January 19, 2024 (1/19/2024) - USDA NRCS ANNOUNCES CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNTIES TO FLORIDA LANDOWNERS Apply by February 20, 2024 Florida landowners interested in aligning their land uses with conservation values and practices are encouraged to apply for conservation easements and/or land management practice assistance in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service… more
A 2023 hurricane season success story: Cedar Key’s living shorelines bolster resilient community (11/29/2023) - Living shorelines use natural solutions – installed plants and habitat structures – to strengthen beaches against erosion. Three living shorelines projects out of the Cedar Key-based UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS) were installed after Hurricane Hermine brought a then-record storm surge to the coastal town in 2016. When that record was topped by Hurricane… more
Hurricane Idalia: Florida agricultural production losses top $78M, UF economists estimate (9/21/2023) - The UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program assesses impacts to Florida agriculture following extreme weather events. The preliminary report for Hurricane Idalia is newly released. The report estimates a credible range of losses from $78.8 million to $370.9 million. This range will be narrowed in a final report in the coming months. The estimate does not… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 18, 2023 (9/18/2023) - FWC ISSUES NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER OUTLINING NEW HUNTING REGULATIONS FOR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE MANAGEMENT ZONE Following confirmation of a positive test sample for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Holmes County in June 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have implemented management actions to… more
Survey now open: Florida agricultural producers encouraged to share Hurricane Idalia impacts (9/7/2023) - GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Hurricane Idalia made landfall the morning of Aug. 30 near Keaton Beach, Florida, but the Category 3 storm’s northeastern route brought rain and high winds to coastal regions along the western peninsula and inland agricultural counties. The UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) uses surveys after natural disasters, seeking information on observed… more
After the Storm Passes: What to Do (9/1/2023) - I hope that you and your loved ones are safe from harm. Early Wednesday morning, Hurricane Idalia made landfall along Florida's West Central Coast as a Category 3 storm. As of Friday, many areas of North Florida are without power, and there has been widespread damage from high winds and storm surge. UF/IFAS Extension faculty… more
Hurricane Preparation and Recovery (8/29/2023) - HURRICANE IDALIA PREPARATION AND RECOVERY As we brace for Hurricane Idalia to arrive in north Florida we anticipate potential impacts to our forests, natural resources, and agricultural operations. Below are some resources that may be helpful as you make final preparations and recover from the storm. First and foremost, make sure you and your family… more
UPDATE: Preparing for Hurricane Idalia (8/28/2023) - August 29, 11:15 AM -- The National Hurricane Center has released its latest advisory for Hurricane Idalia: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Idalia. Idalia is expected to make landfall early Wednesday morning as a Category 3 hurricane along Florida's Big Bend coastal area. Idalia will bring life-threatening storm surge, high winds, heavy rains and flooding to the West Coast of… more
Polk County Extension Updates: Idalia (8/27/2023) - As Idalia leaves our area, see the following storm-related updates from our office. You’ll find extension program and event updates, storm prep and recovery resources, and local resources here. Stay tuned to your local news channels and Polk County Emergency Management for updates. This page was last updated: Wednesday, August 30 at 4:15 PM and will not… more
Prepare su kit de suministros para huracanes (8/24/2023) - Creado por Nelly Nelson, agente de Extensión del departamento de ciencias del consumidor y la familia de UF/IFAS. La temporada de huracanes en el Atlántico comienza el 1 de junio y se extiende hasta el 30 de noviembre, por lo que es importante tener a mano un kit de suministros para huracanes en caso de… more
Serie de ahorro para el consumidor: cinco consejos para ahorrar en la compra de suministros para huracanes (6/1/2023) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para UF/IFAS. En esta serie: El aumento de los costos preocupa a los consumidores. El efecto de la pandemia de COVID todavía repercute en la economía mundial, desde los estantes en los supermercados hasta las gasolineras. Al ajustado presupuesto se le deberá también añadir la compra… more
Post Storm Landscape Tips (10/6/2022) - Post Storm Landscape Tips Hurricane Idalia just brushed us, thankfully leaving Manatee County with limited damage. In many ways, our parched landscapes are thankful for the rain, but stressed by the sudden changes. See the tips below to help your landscape recover. If you have a specific concern not addressed below please contact me at… more