News

United Way of West Florida raises more than $200,000 for local recovery efforts and partners with Cat Country 98.7 and WEAR ABC 3 for an all-day fundraiser.

Since Hurricane Isaias made landfall on October 9, 211 Northwest Florida has experienced a 437% increase in call volume as residents seek help with housing, utilities, food and other essential needs. United Way of West Florida (UWWF) continues to connect residents with available resources while coordinating community support for the storm’s ongoing impact in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

Federal disaster assistance does not begin automatically after a storm. Here are details about how programs are activated and where to find reliable updates.

Know What Is Currently Available

A common rumor after a disaster is that FEMA Individual Assistance and D-SNAP are already active locally.

Q: Can you tell us about your role as Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator and what a typical day looks like?

June is Hurricane Preparedness Month, a timely reminder for residents across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to prepare before a storm threatens our area. While hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, experts agree that the best time to prepare is before a storm is even on the radar.

Why Volunteering Matters in West Florida

As of September 30, 2025, a major change in the way Americans receive federal payments has officially taken effect. The IRS and the U.S. Treasury have stopped issuing paper checks for tax refunds and most other federal disbursements. This change comes from Executive Order 14247, titled “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account,” signed earlier this year in March 2025.