Hurricane Milton is currently expected to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall on Florida’s west coast on Oct. 9. It will likely impact a large portion of the state. Florida citrus growers are strongly advised to make storm preparations now.
In anticipation of the hurricane and its aftermath, Florida Citrus Mutual has canceled its crop estimate luncheon that was scheduled for Oct. 11 in Zolfo Springs.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis amended an executive order, declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced it has suspended the size and weight restrictions for divisible loads on any vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agricultural food commodities, including avocados, citrus, corn, sod and tomatoes.
The vehicles described in the FDOT Emergency Road Use permit may travel all days at all hours. The permit is set to expire Oct. 21 or in the rescission of Executive Orders 24-208.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has provided resources for assisting agricultural workers and vehicles with critical access to agriculture facilities:
- Memo from FDACS requesting law enforcement to assist agricultural service vehicles and farm employees in obtaining access.
- Memo from FDACS requesting county emergency management offices to assist agricultural service vehicles and farm employees in obtaining access.
- Template letter requesting access to be completed on official company letterhead for farm employees. This documentation can be distributed to farm employees in impacted areas.
These memos only request support and do not guarantee access to an area should law enforcement need to restrict it due to hazardous or dangerous conditions.
Growers who experience crop losses due to Hurricane Milton may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Before starting any cleanup or repair activities, producers intending to apply for USDA assistance must report farm damage to their local USDA Service Center. To report damage or loss, email the Farm Service Agency (FSA) disaster group inbox at SM.FPAC.FSA.FLFSA.Disaster@USDA.GOV. Indicate the county of loss in the subject line.
It is critical that producers keep accurate records to document damage or loss, including photos with the date and time, and to report losses to their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible. Await authorization to begin cleanup activities.
Learn more about USDA disaster assistance programs here.
Additional resources:
- See the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Hurricane Preparedness For Citrus Groves document.
- Review the FSA producer checklist for pre-storm and post-storm preparedness and emergency programs administered by FSA.
- Access information on Hurricane Milton from the Florida Department of Emergency Management at FloridaDisaster.org.
- Ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are turned “on” in your mobile device settings.
- For real-time traffic information throughout the state, visit FL511.com.
Source: Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
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