Hurricane Helene unleashed unexpected devastation across the Southeast on Sept. 26, carving a path of destruction over 500 miles and striking inland communities unaccustomed to the impacts of tropical storms. Hurricane Milton followed on Oct. 9, just two weeks later. In response to both storms, the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida exemplified God’s call to love and serve our neighbors as clergy and laity alike joined together to bring hope and tangible relief to those affected.
The Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez, rector of Christ the King and vicar of Jesús de Nazaret, both in Orlando, explained that the greatest impact in Central Florida during Helene and Milton was economic. Not only did many families experience flooding to their homes, but the loss of power, insurance deductibles and the need for ongoing repairs create untold financial strain, particularly among underserved communities. In a podcast interview, Rodríguez explained, “A lot of these families are dependent on churches and community-based organizations in order to lift themselves up and make ends meet and make their lives right.”
That’s exactly what his parish did as parishioners distributed more than 500 hot servings of chicken paella on Friday, Oct. 11, in partnership with the United Way.
“Gallons of Grace,” St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce | PHOTOS: Canon Ellis Brust
At least 41 tornadoes touched down in Florida during Hurricane Milton, including one in Fort Pierce that traveled nearly 21 miles and killed six people. St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce, along with its St. Andrew’s Academy, gathered supplies to fill one-gallon ziplock bags called “Gallons of Grace.” These were distributed to people who lost their homes or suffered property damage during the storms. Over 300 bags were filled and delivered, helping to deliver some of the most basic and immediate needs to survivors.
Just two days after moving to a new state and a new parish, a former Diocese of Central Florida priest, the Rev. Dr. Porter Taylor, called in a favor with his central Florida colleagues when Hurricane Helene ravaged his community in Augusta, Georgia. He and the Ven. Julie Altenbach hatched a plan to gather and deliver supplies to Georgia from churches in Central Florida. After just one email and a Facebook post requesting specific items, churches from across the diocese delivered supplies to three locations: Christ Church, Suntree-Viera; St. Andrew’s, Ft. Pierce; and the diocesan office in Orlando. Within 48 hours, Taylor filled a 16-foot truck loaded with supplies and over $25,000 to distribute in Augusta.
(L) Damage from Hurricane Milton at St. Edward’s, Mt. Dora (R) Father Porter Taylor and Archdeacon Julie Altenbach with some of the relief supplies donated by the Diocese of Central Florida for Augusta, Georgia | PHOTOS: The Rev. Mark Lafler
The Ven. John Motis, co-archdeacon and diocesan disaster relief coordinator, explained that several parishes in the diocese sustained varying levels of damage during the storms. St. Richard’s, Winter Park, sustained flood damage, and St. Francis of Assisi, Lake Placid, had damage to its steeple, both from Hurricane Milton. There was also roof damage from Milton at All Saints, Enterprise; St. Mark’s, Haines City; St. John the Baptist, Orlando; St. Gabriel’s, Titusville; and Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden.
St. Anne’s, Crystal River, experienced flooding during Hurricane Helene and again during Milton. While remediation is underway, flood damage has made worshipping in the nave temporarily impossible. However, the parish has joyfully held services in the parish hall weekly, announcing on Facebook, “Flood waters may enter our doors, but can not prevent us giving Him thanks!”
Motis encourages ongoing support. “Now that we’re at the end of hurricane season, it’s very easy to forget about the storms until next year when hurricane season begins again,” he said. “It’s important to remember that there are people out there still trying to work through the damages.”
He also explained that Central Florida’s neighboring Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida was severely hit with the back-to-back storms. The five Florida dioceses have uniquely collaborative relationships, and one way the Diocese of Central Florida fosters that is by supporting its sister dioceses when crisis hits.
Post-Helene flood damage at St. Anne’s, Crystal River | PHOTOS: St. Anne’s, Crystal River
One of the best ways to support churches and individuals who are struggling to recover, both in Central and Southwest Florida, is by contributing to the Bishop’s Disaster Relief Fund. Checks can be mailed to the diocesan office with “Disaster Relief” in the memo:
Diocese of Central Florida
1017 E. Robinson Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Donors may also give through the diocesan website using the following steps:
- Click here to donate online.
- Click the “Select a fund” dropdown menu.
- Select “Disaster Relief.”
- Fill in the amount and your email address.
- Click the “Continue” button and follow the prompts.