Urgent Update: Hurricane Milton Aftermath and Relief Efforts in St. Lucie & Okeechobee Counties
ST. LUCIE & OKEECHOBEE COUNTIES, FL – October 10, 2024 — In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee continues to respond to the urgent needs of our communities. Our President and CEO, Thom Epsky, has been in constant communication with state and county officials, and we have the following updates to share:
Tragically, we confirm four deaths in St. Lucie County, and families are actively reaching out to law enforcement regarding missing relatives in both St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway. The storm produced 116 tornado warnings across Florida, with officials estimating between 6 to 12 high-strength tornadoes impacting St. Lucie County and two in Okeechobee. Notably, Governor DeSantis has stated that St. Lucie County experienced the most tornado damage in the state. Approximately 50,000 residents in St. Lucie and 5,700 residents in Okeechobee were or currently are without power.
Significant damage has been reported, particularly in the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village and surrounding areas. While initial assessments are still coming in for Okeechobee, it is clear that recovery will be a challenging journey for everyone in our communities.
In response, United Way is actively collaborating with our partners to support hurricane relief efforts, with an extra focus on supporting our local shelters and feeding those in need. We are appealing to everyone for support through our Hurricane Relief Fund. Your donations will directly benefit those affected in our local community.
To contribute, please click here or text STORMRELIEF to 269-89. This will send you a link to our donation fund, as well as resources for those in need. We urge you to share this information widely with anyone who may be able to help or who requires access to essential resources.
“As we begin the recovery process, our priority is to support our community,” stated Epsky. “We are committed to being there not just during the storm but also as we rebuild. Together, we can ensure no one faces these challenges alone.”
For additional resources, updates, and volunteer opportunities, please visit our website at https://uwslo.org. Your support and solidarity mean everything to us during this difficult time.
Thank you for your continued support. Please stay safe, and let’s take care of one another.
About United Way:
United Way of St. Lucie & Okeechobee is dedicated to ensuring all members of our community thrive. Our focus areas include fostering a healthy community, expanding youth opportunities, ensuring financial security, and building community resiliency. We connect individuals, non-profits, and volunteers, creating a robust network of support that strengthens and unites our community.