By Vaughn Wilson
(Mega Ace Media)
Following the greatest tornado damage in Leon County since 1945, Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban put forth a proposal to the Leon County Commission to utilize $1 million to afford to assist in disaster relief. At the time the proposal was made, much of the county was still reeling from the effects of what was reported to be up to three twisters that decimated areas of Tallahassee. The quick thinking and expeditious action by the county staff has been a breath of fresh air for many.
Areas like Railroad Square, Florida State, Florida A&M, Woodville, and Capital City Country Club will never look the same as snapped and uprooted trees littered the south side of Tallahassee. Caban, who serves District 2 which was greatly affected by the storm, acted quickly understanding that residents needed help from somewhere to return to some level of normalcy.
“I am aware that FEMA support would step in at some point, but it was important that we understand the needs and challenges of our residents. Our residents need help now. It’s in our legal purview to do that,” Caban said.
The Targeted Emergency Assistance Microgrant (TEAM) program is open for applications and will help those in the unincorporated areas of Leon County. The program even caught the attention of national news agencies who commended the county on its quick resolution for its residents.
“I am really proud of what we did working together. It’s a testament to the commission’s collegiality to work together and serve our community well. I am extremely impressed that staff turned around this implementation in short order. The meeting was last Tuesday night and we’re already accepting applications for the resources,” Caban said.
Caban felt Leon County residents, in particular his district, needed some support after the storm’s immense damage. “I am never one to put districts against one another, but all three tornadoes affected our district. As I attend relief distribution events and talk to residents, some have lost everything or most of what they have,” he said.
While it was not a unanimous vote, it passed by a 6-1 margin. Some have expressed a concern that it might diminish FEMA assistance. The TEAM initiative is aimed at supporting things that might not normally be covered by insurance.
Small businesses as well as individuals can apply for assistance. The resources are meant to be a non-traditional grant that would be vetted by the application process, but quickly get funds in the hands of those in need of assistance to recuperate.
While some wonder if it will have adverse effects, those in need have no time to wait on what could be coming. I applaud Caban, the Leon County Commission, and the Leon County staff for rushing to the aid of those who elected them. While at the polls, you often think about who is there for you and what did they do to help you in your time of need. Residents needed help and Leon County stepped in to provide some assistance. While it is not meant to solve the disaster relief of Leon County in its entirety, that amount of support could keep some households functional and some small businesses doors open.
Vaughn Wilson Mega Ace Media, LLC./HBCU Gameday Tallahassee, Florida 32303, (850) 694-0277
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