Hurricane

Tropical Storm Idalia was officially named by the National Hurricane Center at 11:15 a.m. PHOTO/TROPICAL TIDBITS

Tropical Storm Idalia was officially named by the National Hurricane Center at 11:15 a.m. PHOTO/TROPICAL TIDBITS

NHC UPDATE: TD 10 upgraded to Tropical Storm Idalia

Ken Jackson
Sunday, August 27, 2023
At 11:15 a.m., the National Hurricane Center reported that observations from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicated Tropical Depression Ten has strengthened into Tropical Storm Idalia. The maximum winds are estimated to be 40 mph.
With the possibility of something brewing in the Caribbean, headed toward the Gulf of Mexico with Florida possibly in its sights, retailers hope Floridians will stock up on storm supplies — they won't pay sales tax on most of it.

With the possibility of something brewing in the Caribbean, headed toward the Gulf of Mexico with Florida possibly in its sights, retailers hope Floridians will stock up on storm supplies — they won't pay sales tax on most of it.

Second disaster-prep ‘tax holiday’ starts Saturday — just in time?

Ken Jackson
Friday, August 25, 2023
Just like at the start of the hurricane season back in June, the state of Florida is offering a sales tax holiday on supplies needed to ride out or recover from a storm.
The GFS model of the Atlantic ocean shows Subtropical Storm Don spinning in the central Atlantic. It's the only significant development expected in the basin for at least the next week or so. GRAPHIC/cyclonicwx.com

The GFS model of the Atlantic ocean shows Subtropical Storm Don spinning in the central Atlantic. It's the only significant development expected in the basin for at least the next week or so. GRAPHIC/cyclonicwx.com

Subtropical Storm Don — interesting, but not important

News Staff
Friday, July 14, 2023
Friday morning, Subtropical Storm Don formed in the Central Atlantic, per the National Hurricane Center, in the central Atlantic Ocean.
Second Harvest Food Back reminds everyone that there is a rainbow of hope at the end of every storm. Photo/Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Back reminds everyone that there is a rainbow of hope at the end of every storm. Photo/Second Harvest Food Bank

Storm prep is critical for Florida’s food banks

Derrick Chubbs
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
For most people, “storm preparedness” means gathering bottled water and essentials, topping off the gas tank, and keeping one eye on the news. But what does it mean for the local food bank?
The contents of a typical hurricane survival kit. Photo/UF-IFAS Extension Services

The contents of a typical hurricane survival kit. Photo/UF-IFAS Extension Services

Five tips to help save on hurricane preparedness expenses

Lourdes Mederos
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
By Lourdes Mederos UF-IFAS Extension Services The Florida Department of Revenue has set two separate two-week storm supply sales tax holiday periods this year. The second period runs Aug. 26 through Sept. 8.
Deer can benefit from strong winds that knock up earth. This brings fresh grasses, shrubs, and roots to the surface for them to eat. / SUBMITTED PHOTO

Deer can benefit from strong winds that knock up earth. This brings fresh grasses, shrubs, and roots to the surface for them to eat. / SUBMITTED PHOTO

Wildlife — unintended storm victims

Krista Stump
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
By Krista Stump UF- IFAS Extension Osceola County Many animals can sense changes in air pressure and temperature that signal an approaching storm. They may instinctively seek shelter or move to safer areas, away from the path of the hurricane.
A fallen Sand Pine with Slash Pine standing beside it. Photo/Sandi Switek

A fallen Sand Pine with Slash Pine standing beside it. Photo/Sandi Switek

Preparing trees and landscape for a storm

Sandi Switek
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
By Sandi Switek UF-IFAS Osceola Extension Services As much as we would prefer not to think about it, the time to plan for a hurricane is now. Besides getting a supply of water, batteries, and food that won’t spoil, we need to think about preparing our landscape as well.
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