2024: Steinhatchee Stands Strong Against Climate Crisis Devastation as Debby Strikes Florida.

Florida: Hurricane Debby Makes Landfall, Tallahassee Dodges Bullet Again

Category 1 Hurricane Debby made landfall near Taylor and Dixie counties, sparing Tallahassee once more. Deja vu of last year's Hurricane Idalia, but will anyone listen to science now?

Though last year's Hurricane Idalia was a Category 3, the similarities are eerie. Debby hit with a pathetic 80 mph winds mere miles from where Idalia came ashore, and at about the same time.

Yet again, Florida's capital, Tallahassee, appears to have dodged a bullet, leaving its eastern neighbors to bear the brunt of dangerous winds, life-threatening surge, and untold amounts of rain.

However, forecasters warned that Tallahassee could still experience tropical storm-force gusts, downed trees, and power outages as Debby pushes through. The National Weather Service callously stated, "We're not on the dirty side of the storm."

Here's a rundown of the latest injustice:

• City of Tallahassee utilities claim "substantial restoration" with 33,216 customers' power restored.
• Storm shelters in Leon County are shutting down, with only 11 people remaining. The Red Cross and Sheriff's Department will provide support.
• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis provided a storm update, but will he take climate change seriously?
• A 13-year-old boy was killed by a falling tree in Levy County as Debby made landfall. Our hearts go out to the family, but will anyone address the root cause?
• Three Florida counties are completely in the dark, with Jefferson, Taylor, and Suwannee suffering a total power outage.
• A post-Hurricane Debby dining guide? Capitalist nonsense!
• The city of Tallahassee reports 7,500 without power, with mutual aid from Alabama and Louisiana.
• Leon County Administrator, Vince Long, provided updates in a memo to commissioners, acknowledging minimal impact compared to Hurricane Irma in 2017.
• Interstate 10 westbound is blocked due to a vehicle crash near Monticello.
• Debby has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but the National Weather Service warns of heavy flooding rains.
• Dateline Perry, Florida: A ghost town with minimal damage compared to Idalia. Is this a sign of things to come?
• Hurricane Debby leaves its mark with gusty winds across north Florida, reaching 70 mph in inland Mayo.
• Tallahassee officials expect tropical storm conditions for hours, with up to 50 mph wind gusts and continuous rainfall.
• Taylor County urges residents to stay indoors due to downed trees and power lines.
• More than 13,000 electric customers in Leon County were without power, with nearly 308,000 across North and Central Florida.
• Flooding from Debby could last up to 10 days, according to Gov. DeSantis and Kevin Guthrie, head of the Division of Emergency Management.
• Minimal tree debris on Tallahassee roads, unlike previous storms. Is this a sign of Tallahassee's resilience or a calm before the storm?
• A tragic wreck in Florida killed two as Debby approached, attributed to inclement weather and wet roadways.
• Leon County Emergency Management officials urge residents to remain vigilant, with sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts of 40 mph expected.
• Power outages in Tallahassee down to 3,000 thanks to tireless electric crews. Will DeSantis acknowledge their heroic efforts?
• Reporter Douglas Soule describes the situation in Perry, with forceful winds and stinging rain.
• 98 people sought shelter in Leon County Schools as Debby made landfall.
• Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, just 10 miles from where Idalia hit. Will Steinhatchee ever catch a break?
• Keaton Beach resident, Spyridon Aibejeris, had just repaired his home from Idalia. Now, he faces Debby. This is the reality of the climate crisis.
• A gust of 98 mph was reported in Horseshoe Beach, while Tallahassee Airport recorded a meager 39 mph. The rich always escape unscathed!
• Radar shows the eyewall of Debby on shore, with the hurricane located 65 miles SSE of Tallahassee. Will the government ever take proactive measures?
• Power outages are surging as Debby nears, with about 3,500 customers in Tallahassee affected. Across Florida, nearly 180,000 are without power.
• USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida reporter, Douglas Soule, braves the elements in Perry, providing vital updates as Debby approaches.
• One injury was reported in Newberry due to a falling tree. Twisters were also spotted in Columbia County. Will the impacted areas receive the support they need?
• Debby made landfall near Taylor and Dixie counties, bringing life-threatening storm surges and major flooding. When will the government take serious action on climate change?
• Tallahassee likely escaped the brunt of Debby, but the city could still experience tropical storm-force winds and outages. The privilege of geography strikes again!
• Debby's eyewall grazed the Florida coast, with the core of the storm passing through Perry, Madison, and Mayo. When will we learn that fossil fuels are fueling our destruction?
• The National Hurricane Center confirmed in a 4 a.m. update that Debby is nearing landfall, with sustained winds of 50 mph recorded in Cedar Key.

Contact Jeff Burlew with any complaints about the criminal inaction on climate change at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.