Hurricane Idalia was the latest reminder to Floridians and student transporters in the state of the importance of preparation as well as providing aid in the days and weeks afterward.
The storm unleashed strong winds and high water levels that reached more than 9 feet in some parts of Florida. Many school districts around the state were closed, while others were used as shelters for citizens.
According to a local news report, Idalia had the fifth-highest water level ever recorded. Water levels were only slightly lower than those during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Irma in 2017. Idalia made landfall as a Category 4 on Aug. 30 on Florida’s Gulf Coast, roughly 75 miles east of the state capital of Tallahassee. At least 10,000 people were displaced, and four deaths were recorded.
Central Florida was severely impacted, particularly the Big Bend area on the Gulf Coast. According to PowerOutage.us, over 91,000 Floridians were left without electricity. Gov. Ron DeSantis stated that 30 of 52 school districts in the area closed due to the storm and four Manatee County schools were dismissed at noon on Aug. 28 to convert them for use as shelters.
Earlier this summer, first lady Casey DeSantis announced the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors support for “Hope Florida,” which aims to ensure that public resources are used effectively to help more Floridians and their families achieve economic stability and improve their quality of life.
“Hope Florida” also includes a “Hope Bus,” which the government will use to help individuals in need.
A week after Idalia hit the state, many families affected by the storm continued to endure hardships. The “Hope Bus” is being used to collect donations from different individuals and organizations to help those impacted by the hurricane.
In a statement, both Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady DeSantis stated that nearly $3 million in donations was raised to support communities impacted by the storm. Donations can be made online.
According to local news, the Hope Bus is set to hit the counties affected by Idalia and workers will hand out supplies within the next upcoming days.
As far as damage to school buildings and school buses is concerned, no reports were available at this report.
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