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See how Big Bends cities are hit by storms within a year

Posted on by Vanessa
See how Big Bends cities are hit by storms within a year

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Three hurricanes in just over a year. Will Florida's Big Bend finally catch a break?

Since Hurricane Idalia struck in August 2023, Taylor County residents have suffered significant damage to their cities from multiple hurricanes over the year.

In a special update from the National Hurricane Center, they said Hurricane Helene made landfall east of the mouth of the Aucilla River just before midnight Thursday. There was a severe Category 4 storm with a life-threatening storm surge of 10 to 20 feet above the ground forecast for the area. Rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches are expected, with isolated amounts of around 20 inches.

What is Florida's Big Bend Region?

Florida's “Big Bend” lies in the curve of the Florida Peninsula around the Gulf of Mexico and includes Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie and Levy counties.

The area “offers some of Florida’s best wilderness destinations. “Big Bend is a lush mix of salt marshes, tidal marshes, deep forests and the occasional stretch of sandy beach,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Perry: Hurricane Helene made landfall here

According to the city's website, Perry is in Taylor County, the only incorporated city in Florida County. It was founded in 1903 and adopted its city charter on May 12, 1981. The population was estimated at 7,017 in 2010.

Named after Florida's fourth governor, Madison Stark Perry, the city is “proudly considered the Tree Capital of the South” and hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the “World's Largest Free Fish Fry.”

Helene made landfall in the city as a Category 4 hurricane at 11:10 p.m. on Thursday, September 26. So far, storm surge, damaging winds and flash floods have caused significant damage in the region.

Approximate Distance to Major Florida Cities:

  • Tallahassee – 50 miles
  • Miami – 416 miles
  • Orlando – 172 miles
  • Tampa – 164 miles
  • Jacksonville – 116 miles
  • Pensacola – 218 miles

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Steinhatchee: Hurricane Debby made landfall here

Steinhatchee is located in Taylor County, approximately 70 miles west of Gainesville. It has a population of 514 and is known as a rural fishing village on the Gulf of Mexico that Visit Florida calls “Florida's best-kept secret.”

Hurricane Debby made landfall last month on August 5 as a Category 1 with winds of 80 mph in or near Steinhatchee. According to NOAA, residents along Florida's Gulf Coast experienced significant storm surges of up to 10 feet, causing severe damage in the area.

Approximate Distance to Major Florida Cities:

  • Tallahassee – 76 miles
  • Miami – 332 miles
  • Orlando – 144 miles
  • Tampa – 131 miles
  • Jacksonville – 112 miles
  • Pensacola – 236 miles

Keaton Beach: This is where Hurricane Idalia made landfall

Keaton Beach is located on Florida's Gulf Coast in the southern part of Taylor County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2021 American Community Survey, it has a population of 13,032.

Keaton Beach is Taylor County's main beach area with a local pier, the county's main boat ramp, and a children's playground called Hodges Park. Most of all it is probably known for its fishing and scallops.

Hurricane Idalia struck Keaton Beach at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2023, as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 115 miles per hour. According to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the storm's estimated damage was $3.6 billion, mostly within the Big Bend.

Distance to major cities in Florida:

  • Tallahassee – 59 miles
  • Miami – 349 miles
  • Orlando – 161 miles
  • Tampa – 147 miles
  • Jacksonville – 121 miles
  • Pensacola – 220 miles

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