While our beach towns are no strangers to the gales and storms that batter, Hurricane Helene arrived with a “perfect” timing of tides. An 8-foot storm surge submerged much of this authentic and charming part of Florida’s “Big Bend”. In Cedar Key, residents are struggling to recognize their town which is still recovering from two major storms already this year.

This will be a long recovery, much like the other areas that were impacted in late September. Fortunately roads, though damaged, are now passable and recovery is beginning.

So here are some links - remember a small donation goes a long way in a small town!

We will keep adding links here as we find them, but these are the links we have to date.

Major National & Regional Organizations that are active in the region.

U nited Way: When our community faces disaster, United Way of the Big Bend plays a key role in helping our neighbors in the counties we serve: Leon, Taylor, Madison, Jefferson, Wakulla, Franklin, Gadsden and Liberty counties.
Donations are being accepted to assist impacted residents, and through this fund, they will be used to meet short-term storm-related needs and support the long-term recovery efforts in the hardest hit areas of the counties we serve, today and moving forward.
Samaritan’s Purse: With their home base in Boone, NC, Samaritain’s Purse is active in five site locations. They are bringing supplies as well as bringing in their medical services. They will also help with rebuilding.
Convoy of Hope: A faith-based organization that serves in disaster relief.
Mercy Chefs: Mercy Chefs is a faith-based, non-profit disaster and humanitarian relief organization. They exist to provide professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers and first responders in natural disasters and emergencies. Their mission is to “Just go feed people”.
All Hands and Hearts: This volunteer-based organization works alongside local residents to help by rebuilding schools, homes and other community infrastructure.
GoFundMe: This site has collected vetted donation opportunities that are directly associated with the Hurricane. These run from families to businesses to rebuilding downtowns, and specializing in livestock and pets.

Photo: J. Capistran

Photo: Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post

Locally Organized Donation Links

Local governments are now directing and organizing a lot of these efforts. As you might imagine they have not been able to communicate without power. We will be adding their direct links here.

IF YOU HAVE LINKS FOR US - EMAIL THEM HERE and we will include them.

Cedar Key