A Different Perspective on Labor Day

Less than a year ago, the southwest region of Florida was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian. This not only impacted millions of people along the Paradise Coast but also many dedicated FPTA volunteers, outfitters, businesses, and paddle club members. The resiliency and determination of the Paradise Coast is one that deserves a standing ovation!

Today, 11 months and 9 days later, our volunteers and members in the Big Bend, and points south, from Yankeetown to Tampa Bay, were hit hard and are now facing similar challenges.

FPTA’s thoughts and prayers go out to our volunteers and members impacted by Hurricane Idalia. You know your local community needs, so we encourage everyone to support each other, whether it’s boots on the ground or financially.

“Watching Hurricane Idalia’s recovery efforts has given me a different perspective on Labor Day this year. I’ve paddled the affected areas and connected to the Big Bend communities and special people I have met along the way. They will come back, just as strong as the Paradise Coast has. It will be important for our state-wide paddling community to support local businesses, during and especially after their recovery.”

Dorsey DeMaster, FPTA President

“With the exception of the Ten Thousand Islands/Everglades segment, this is the remotest segment of the CT, featuring long stretches of unspoiled shoreline, marsh expanses, and sea islands.”

Trail Guide, 8th Edition, Segment 6, Big Bend

Closures on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trails (CT).

• Due to the impacts of Hurricane Idalia, please avoid most of FL CT Segment 6 until damage assessments can be made in the coastal towns. Also, the FWC has closed camping reservations along the Big Bend Coast until further notice: https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/big-bend/paddling-trail/. 

• Use this link for the latest information on any impacts on state parks along rivers, including the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail https://www.floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates.

• FPTA Region Directors for Segment 7 (Nature Coast) also suggest delaying any plans in this area until primitive campsites can be surveyed, and cleanup activities are completed.

FPTA and FL DEP/OGT will send updates on Segment 6 & Segment 7 as soon as they are received.

Look What the Cat (or Idalia) Dragged In…

If there is any silver lining to Hurricane Idalia, it would be the gift of flamingo sightings!

Postscript

By Dorsey DeMaster, President, Florida Paddling Trails Association

Many of our newsletter subscribers don’t follow social media. This is a personal choice, for a variety of reasons, which I respect. I have been a Facebook user for many years and enjoy the ability to connect with family, friends, and paddle buddies.

Another uplifting post-Hurricane Idalia story I am observing is how social media has helped impacted communities connect. Loved ones can check on family and friends. Important information like FEMA, electricity, water, etc. is being communicated. Announcements about meals for weary residents and volunteers are posted.

But right now, my biggest takeaway from watching social media is watching the communities come together and work hard to recover from this disaster. In this day and age where we seem so divided, it lifts my spirit to see everyone setting these differences aside to help each other out.

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