Myakka Rancher Fights Back: Rebuilding After Hurricane Milton's Fury

Myakka City, Florida, USA - Hurricane season is knocking at Florida’s door again, and local residents are gearing up for what could be another tumultuous few months. Jim Strickland, a dedicated rancher from Myakka City, has experienced firsthand the aftermath of last year’s storms and is prepared for the challenges ahead. Strickland reported waves reaching 6 to 8 feet from Hurricane Milton, significantly impacting his property, which sits more than 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. With two ranches, including the expansive 1,300-acre „Lost Girl Prairie,“ the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Last year’s hurricane season left Strickland’s ranch reeling from damage, with around 600 trees down and dikes leading to bodies of water eroded. „It’s not just about our livelihood; these repairs are vital to protect the community from flooding,“ Strickland noted. He has recently started repair work funded by a federal grant, tackling the daunting task of restoring nearly four miles of dikes, with three miles already fixed using a clay-dirt mixture. The repairs may be patchy, a visible reminder of the storm’s toll, but Strickland’s commitment to revitalizing his ranch shows great perseverance.

Hurricane Milton’s Impact

Hurricane Milton was no small affair; it wreaked havoc across Manatee County with over $250 million in damages. According to Herald Tribune, the preliminary damage assessments revealed a staggering $251.4 million loss, affecting homes and businesses across the region. The hurricane destroyed 70 residences and left 3,480 with major damage, alongside significant destruction to commercial properties. Local authorities are swiftly responding to this catastrophe by establishing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Center in Bradenton to support residents in need of financial assistance.

Debris removal has become a top priority as local beaches remain closed. Manatee County has launched an aggressive program and has already disposed of over 4,500 tons of debris, creating a less hazardous environment for recovering residents. As a helpful touch, free gas is available at two locations in Bradenton, ensuring that citizens can refuel without added financial stress.

Resources for Recovery

For those navigating the recovery process, there are crucial resources available. Residents can reach out to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center operating from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at GT Bray Park, or access assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA App. The Small Business Administration is also stepping in with a Business Recovery Center at the Rocky Bluff Branch Library on weekdays.

In an innovative push towards comprehensive recovery, the Florida Housing Coalition has introduced interactive disaster housing dashboards that provide vital data on the impact of disasters like Hurricane Milton. As highlighted by Florida Housing Coalition, this tool offers real-time updates on damage across counties and zip codes, allowing for better targeting of resources. Understanding local needs, such as housing damage and social vulnerabilities, is essential for post-disaster recovery.

As our community looks ahead to hurricane season, Strickland’s hardworking spirit is a reminder of the resilience that defines Florida’s ranchers and residents alike. With ongoing efforts in recovery and preparedness, we can all chip in to ensure our beloved Florida is well-equipped to face whatever the storm may bring.