Irma Update Good afternoon!
My hope and prayer is that you are able to read this update and that you and your loved ones came through this horrific storm as safe and whole as possible. What a wild ride. The Hurner Clan is good and I learned something new................ Yes, water can come through a concrete wall if it is flying fast enough!
I have been told today that Highlands County is the second hardest hit county in Florida behind Monroe (the Keys). I believe it.
I want to let you know about a few things and ask for your help.
First of all, the UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County office is closed until further notice. Our office is used as a special needs shelter and those folks need to remain there until it is safe to go home. We are working out of a board room at the government center and it is working out just fine. My faculty and I have been collecting damage reports and need your help.
Please spread the word. DO NOT OPEN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS TO ANYONE YOU DO NOT KNOW. People are already out there trying to steal from us. They are impersonating FEMA and patrol officers. Be careful!
Please feel free to share with me your agriculture damage. Percentages, pictures, dollar figures. All of it helps us help you. UF is working with state and local government to get all of Florida agriculture the help it needs.
Please remember a few things if you have damage: - document, document, document
- camera's have phones, those pictures will work fine
- Keep receipts
- for pre storm and
- for post storm purchases
- Keep track of your home expenses as well, it will help you later with FEMA
There are a lot of rumors and misinformation floating around. FEMA, The Red Cross and other agencies are working to get to us. It takes time and unfortunately any "well oiled " machine needs a little prep.
Loss estimates for Highlands County's citrus industry are staggering. Some other counties citrus groves are flooded but we lost a tremendous amount of fruit. Plant nurseries were damaged greatly and the caladiums are all under water.
All of these losses are devastating but please please pray for our dairymen. Many dairies are still without power and every day the cow death toll rises. Their workers are working as fast as they can and most (just like us) do not have running water or power.
Please share with anyone that you feel will benefit and please let me know of anything that I can do for you!
God Bless each of you, God Bless Florida and Go Gators!
Regards Laurie |
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