As Hurricane Idalia reached Florida’s Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on August 30, the brave members of the U. S. Coast Guard launched into action, demonstrating unwavering dedication to their mission of saving lives and securing the region’s ports and waterways.

“We have a long way ahead…it’s all about saving lives, that’s what we do,” said Rear Admiral Douglas Schofield, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard 7th District, in an interview with MSNBC, the day after the storm made landfall.

Admiral Schofield reported that Coast Guard members in the 7th District conducted 17 search and rescue sorties, assisting 12 people to safety. Crews remained focused on helping those in need, including those near inland waterways prone to flooding. They also assessed port conditions and reset critical aids to navigation so ports could safely reopen to commerce and transportation.

For many Coast Guard members, Hurricane Idalia’s impact was personal, as they live in the same communities that suffered residential flooding and severe damage from the storm’s powerful winds.

One grant applicant wrote, “I want to express my gratitude for your thoughtful consideration and for offering this support. With limited financial resources, this grant will significantly alleviate the challenges my family has endured because of Hurricane Idalia.”

Help for Coast Guard Members Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
Currently, the Coast Guard Foundation is assisting impacted members and families through our emergency disaster relief program. Help is available for emergency travel expenses, home repairs, replacement of household goods, and insurance deductibles.

To help Coast Guard members in Florida and future natural disaster responses, donate now.

Cover photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Santiago Gomez.