Hurricane Helene has caused widespread damage and devastation from Florida to Virginia, and many communities are in need of help and resources. We recognize that this storm has affected many of us personally, and some of you may have family, friends, or loved ones in impacted areas. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Whether you are directly affected or simply wish to help, there are several ways to support recovery.
Our neighbors in Cedar Key, just 60 miles west of Gainesville, are currently in need of labor to help cleanup homes and businesses and they have an organized system in place to accept volunteers. Savanna Barry, Florida Sea Grant Agent for Florida’s Big Bend region, and Mike Allen, director of the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, have shared ways you can support Cedar Key specifically. We also have provided information on how to assist other affected areas.
Volunteer Your Time
Cedar Key is now open to the public and taking volunteers between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day. If you would like to help, check in at the City of Cedar Key City Hall (809 6th St, Cedar Key, FL 32625) to receive a wristband and location orders. You will be matched to a business or homeowner in need. There are many!
- Note: Many places are still without power, and the entire town is without water and sewage until further notice. There are mobile restrooms and handwashing stations throughout the city, and food/water and supply tents at the First Baptist Church at 717 2nd St, Cedar Key.
- Safety: Parking and navigating the city is difficult and in some unsafe areas will be blocked to access. Please dress to protect yourself from the elements and debris, wear sturdy shoes/boots as surfaces are slippery with mud and there are nails, broken glass, and other hazards everywhere. Thank you all, and stay safe!
- GroupMe for Carpools: If you have a car and are willing to bring others to Cedar Key this week, we have started a GroupMe for ride facilitation. Feel free to join this GroupMe to both advertise if you have a car with seats and are planning to go, or to look to see if others have space. At this time, we are unable to organize a Gulf Scholars sponsored trip to the area, but hopefully this will facilitate coordination should any of you want to go.
- Safety Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, protective clothing, and work gloves as there is significant debris and mud. Some parts of the city are still without power, water, or sewage services, and mobile restrooms and supply tents are set up throughout the area. Be sure to bring plenty of water to drink and a lunch/snacks.
Donate Money
General monetary donations with no overhead fees (in contrast to GoFundMe) are being accepted and dispersed by the First Baptist Church and the Cedar Key Food Pantry.
- First Baptist Church Fund:
- Give online – Visit the following link and select Hurricane Relief fund: https://www.cedarkeybaptist.com/give
- Mail a check to: FBC Cedar Key, Attn: Hurricane Relief, PO Box 328, Cedar Key, FL 32625
- Cedar Key Food Pantry:
- Mail a check to: PO Box 25, Cedar Key, FL 32625 -OR-
- Any Seacoast Bank branch can accept donations to the Cedar Key Food Pantry disaster relief fund.
- Donate to recovery efforts at UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station by visiting https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/020407-nature-coast-biological-station/
Donate Supplies
The First Baptist Church is accepting supply donations through Amazon or In-Person
- Send supplies via Amazon
- Bring supplies in person to First Baptist Church Cedar Key, FL
Priority items:
- cleaning supplies, vinegar, dish gloves, push brooms, squeegees, paper towels, tubs/buckets
- work gloves, shovels, metal rakes, box fans, tarps, wheelbarrows
- generators, gas cans
- non-perishable food items, drinking water, ice
- personal hygiene items
Share this information!
If you are not able to do any of the above, please consider sharing this information with others. Every little bit helps!
Support for Other Affected Communities
While Cedar Key has an organized system in place for immediate volunteer efforts, many other communities affected by Hurricane Helene are also in need of support. This New York Times article outlines some ways to provide monetary support to other communities, and there are various mutual aid organizations in each state that are also accepting donations.
In times like these, coming together is crucial, and every small action can make a big difference. We encourage each of you to step out of your comfort zone, lend a hand, and help our neighbors recover. Whether you volunteer, donate, or share, your support is greatly appreciated as we work together to help those in need.