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Floridians received a "one-two punch" this hurricane season. On the heels of Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances wreaked further havoc on the state on the days leading up to and through Labor Day weekend. President Bush met with relief workers in Fort Pierce and hurricane specialists in Miami, Sept. 8, while discussing a $2 billion disaster relief package for victims of both Frances and Charley. Congress rushed to approve the emergency money a day earlier. The funding would provide direct aid for families, debris removal, repairs and emergency food and shelter, which has been a critical need for residents returning to battered homes.
On the agricultural front, approximately $225 million in direct assistance for citrus growers was made available after Hurricane Charley hit. The government has not yet announced how much aid will be forthcoming for producers now that Hurricane Frances has further overwhelmed the state.
In August, Karnes County Farm Bureau President Roger Wehman issued a challenge to other Dist. 12 County Farm Bureaus to "meet or beat" Karnes CFB's $500 donation to victims of Hurricane Charley. The Karnes CFB gave $250 each for hard hit Hardee and DeSoto counties in Florida. Twenty-five counties were declared disaster areas within the peninsular portion of the state following Charley. Damage assessments and search and recovery efforts are ongoing.
Other CFBs in the state interested in participating can do so in a variety of ways. The needs are even greater with the destruction caused by Frances, and the area has been broadened. Here are some suggestions for ways to help and organizations likely to have more information on the specific needs and contacts for Hurricane Frances victims:
—Donate to the American Red Cross:
• Charlotte County Chapter, American Red Cross, 1300-D Enterprise Drive, Port Charlotte, FL 33953; 941/629-4345; http://sunline.net/redcross.
• Southwest Florida Chapter, American Red Cross (Sarasota and DeSoto counties) 2001 Cantu Court, Sarasota, FL 34232; 941/379-9300; http://southwestflorida.redcross.org.
• Polk County Chapter, American Red Cross (Polk and Highlands counties) 147 Avenue A, N. W., Winter Haven, FL 33881; 863/294-5941; http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org.
• Manatee County Chapter, American Red Cross (Manatee and Hardee counties) 2905 59th St., West Bradenton, FL 34209; 941/792-8686; http://manateeredcross.org.
—Donate to RCMA, a 501c(3) organization that serves the needs of poor rural families and migrant farmworkers.
Hurricane Charley damaged many of RCMA's centers in DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties. Assistance is needed to make the centers safe for the children. To make a donation, or offer other assistance, please contact Ernie Reid at ernie@rcma.org; 1-800-282-6540 or visit http://rcma.org.
Links to hurricane resources and agency bulletins have been added to the Florida Farm Bureau website: http://www.floridafarmbureau.org/charley.htm.
