TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Recovery from a May 10 tornado outbreak has cost Florida’s capital city $50 million so far, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said Friday.
Florida officials have requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency declare a major disaster, which could make local government and individuals eligible for federal assistance. FEMA has not yet approved such a declaration.
Dailey told local news outlets that the city is working with President Joe Biden’s administration and FEMA so it can be reimbursed for storm response and individuals can get aid.
“That’s where we can be the most impactful as a community and a government, is working with FEMA,” Dailey told WTXL-TV.
Dailey said the total cost to the city will increase as city workers continue cleaning up debris.
The National Weather Service says six tornadoes struck the Florida Panhandle and Alabama on May 10, including three that hit parts of Tallahassee. Officials say that by some measures, the damage is worse than recent hurricanes in the area.
Two people died in the storms from injuries caused by falling trees, a 47-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl.
The storm damaged Florida A&M University, Florida State University and other schools.
Volunteers continue to help residents clear debris and make repairs. Members of the Tallahassee Rotary Club on Saturday helped remove a tree from the roof of one home and cover the hole with a tarp.
“She had a limb straight through, like an 8-foot limb straight through her roof and we were able to pull that out,” Alasdair Roe, a member of the Rotary Club, told WTXL-TV.
Leon County commissioners voted to distribute $1 million in aid to help people and businesses in areas of the county outside Tallahassee who were affected by the storms and not covered by insurance. The program is providing up to $3,500 per household and up to $10,000 per business.
However, leaders have rejected a proposal by a Leon County commissioner to give $300 rebates on electric bills from Tallahassee’s city utility and the Talquin Electric cooperative to people who experienced lengthy power outages. They told WCTV-TV that such a move wouldn’t be legal.
The city of Springfield is reeling from the aftermath of the devastating tornadoes that struck on May 10, causing widespread destruction and leaving many residents displaced. The cost of the damage has now exceeded $50 million, according to Mayor Johnson, who is urgently seeking federal aid to help with recovery efforts.
The tornadoes, which tore through several neighborhoods in the city, left a trail of destruction in their wake. Homes were destroyed, businesses were damaged, and infrastructure was severely impacted. The cleanup and rebuilding efforts are expected to be extensive and costly, with estimates now surpassing $50 million.
Mayor Johnson has been working tirelessly to secure federal assistance for the city in the wake of this disaster. He has reached out to state and federal officials, as well as emergency management agencies, to request funding and resources to help with the recovery efforts. The mayor has emphasized the urgent need for assistance, as the city is facing a daunting task in rebuilding and restoring normalcy for its residents.
In addition to seeking financial aid, Mayor Johnson is also calling on volunteers and community organizations to come together to support those affected by the tornadoes. The outpouring of support from the community has been heartwarming, with many individuals and groups stepping up to help with cleanup efforts, provide shelter for displaced residents, and offer assistance in any way they can.
The city is facing a long road ahead in recovering from the devastating tornadoes, but with the support of the community and the assistance of federal aid, Mayor Johnson is confident that Springfield will be able to rebuild and emerge stronger than ever. The mayor is committed to working tirelessly to ensure that all residents are taken care of and that the city can recover from this disaster as quickly and efficiently as possible.
As the city continues to assess the damage and plan for the future, Mayor Johnson is urging residents to stay informed and stay safe. He is encouraging everyone to follow any evacuation orders or safety guidelines issued by local authorities, and to reach out for help if needed. The city is resilient, and with the support of its residents and the assistance of federal aid, Springfield will overcome this tragedy and rebuild stronger than ever before.
