SUWANNEE, FL (352today.com) – Many communities were hit by the heartbreaking hurricane known as Idalia. While much of the media attention has been on the Big Bend and Cedar Key, there is one town that doesn’t want to be overlooked.

“We are glad you’re here. Everyone is in Cedar Key and forgot about Suwannee,” said one of the Dixie County town’s residents when they realized I was a reporter.

A boat knocked askew on its lift by Hurricane Idalia in Suwannee, Fl.
Aldean shows me a jet ski high and dry in Suwannee, FL.
A flooded yard in Suwannee, FL.
Roads in Suwanee, FL, look more like canals.
The parking lot of the Suwannee Marina remained underwater a day after Hurricane Idalia hit the fishing village.
This buckled dock demonstrates Hurricane Idalia’s destructive force in Suwannee, FL.

The residents of the small fishing village face the big task of cleaning up from Hurricane Idalia’s destruction.

Homes destroyed.

Boats battered.

Docks displaced.

Roads swamped.

Imagine returning after evacuating to find everything in shambles.

There’s only one way in and out of Suwannee. State Road 349 which dead ends into the Salt Creek. People who live here or who own weekend fish camps like it that way. Secluded. Isolated.

Suwannee’s narrow streets are a meandering maze along canals. As of Thursday, many were still flooded and hard to maneuver.

Marsh mud cakes the parking lot at the Salt Creek Baptist Church – a deposit from Idalia’s storm surge. Everywhere you look there’s visible evidence of the fury Idalia unleashed… high-water Hell and the torment of the storm’s evil winds.

Fishing is a religion here. The pristine waters of the Suwannee River which flow into the Gulf of Mexico are an angler’s heaven. They provide excellent habitat for Sturgeon, Redfish, Trout, Spanish Mackerel and Shark.

But instead of casting their lines this Labor Day weekend, Suwannee homeowners will be discarding debris.

There’s no doubt Sunday services at Salt Creek Baptist will include prayers recovery will come quickly. And, just as there’s salt in the air, the congregation will have faith that there will be plenty of fishing stories to tell in the future.

Hurricane Idalia’s high winds toppled a large Live Oak tree in Suwannee, FL.
A storm-battered boat in Suwannee, FL.
Damage and debris in Suwannee, FL.
Damage from Hurricane Idalia in Suwannee, FL.
Mud and muck in a carport in Suwannee, FL.
A power pole leans precariously over the road in Suwannee, FL. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today
Cars navigate the flooded roads in Suwannee, FL.

HELP FOR RESIDENTS
Local, state and federal officials are coming to the aid of Suwannee residents on their road to recovery. According to Dixie County Fire Rescue (DCFR), Dixie County was approved for disaster assistance to residents impacted by Idalia.

DCFR also announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has employees going throughout the city to help residents apply for federal assistance.

The Salvation Army also opened feeding sites Friday, Sept. 1. DCFR says both locations will serve 200 hot meals daily until no longer needed. Bottled water will also provided. Lunch will be served at noon and dinner at 5 p.m.

They are serving at two locations:

  • Old Town Elementary, 221 S.E. 136th Avenue, Old Town
  • Roy Ward Sports Complex 4, N.E. 241 Street, Cross City