Four hurricanes in eight years on Florida's Big Bend coast

Hermine, 2016: the end of an 11-year gap

Hermine was the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida since Wilma in 2005. It came ashore on the Big Bend coast just east of St. Marks at 0530 UTC on September 2, 2016 with 70 kt winds. NHC's analysis suggests sustained hurricane-force winds likely reached the Taylor County coast, east of the center, and surge plus tide put 4 to 7 ft of water above ground along the Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie and Levy shorelines. FEMA's DR-4280 included both Taylor and Dixie counties.

Idalia, 2023: Keaton Beach

Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach around 1145 UTC on August 30, 2023 with estimated winds of 100 kt, which NHC ranks as the third strongest landfalling hurricane in modern history for the region. Its report puts inundation of 8 to 12 ft above ground from Keaton Beach to Steinhatchee and 6 to 9 ft from there to the Suwannee River, where Horseshoe Beach took waves on top of the surge. The highest reported gust was 74 kt in Perry, near the landfall point.

In NOAA's Storm Events Database, about 97 percent of Taylor County residents lost power, as did about 88 percent of Dixie County customers. FEMA's DR-4734 covered both counties.

Debby, 2024: just west of Steinhatchee

Debby followed eleven months later, coming ashore just west of Steinhatchee at 1100 UTC on August 5, 2024 as a 70 kt hurricane. Measured water levels suggest peak inundation of 4 to 5 ft, and NHC's hindcast raises that to as much as 6 ft between Keaton Beach and Cedar Key. A state survey team found high water marks of about 3 ft in Horseshoe Beach. The major disaster declaration was DR-4806.

Helene, 2024: the strongest on record here

Less than two months after Debby, Helene made landfall about 10 n mi southwest of Perry around 0310 UTC on September 27, 2024 as a category 4 hurricane, the strongest to strike the Big Bend since reliable records began around 1900. NHC notes it was moving extremely quickly, at 27 kt, and storm surge inundation reached 12 to 16 ft above ground from just west of Keaton Beach through Steinhatchee.

County reports in NOAA's database show what that meant on the ground. Taylor County Emergency Management estimated that 80 percent of Keaton Beach was destroyed, and a separate entry says nearly 80 percent of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee was destroyed by a combination of wind and surge. In Dixie County, 70 percent of Horseshoe Beach was destroyed. FEMA's DR-4828 covered both counties.

What repeat landfalls mean when you re-roof

Florida law already folds wind-resistance work into the roofing trade. The statutory definition of a roofing contractor includes the evaluation and enhancement of roof-to-wall connections on wood-deck homes, done together with a roof covering replacement or repair, so it is fair to ask any roofer quoting a replacement whether that work is included. DBPR also requires roofers to complete one hour of wind mitigation methodology within the 14 hours of continuing education due each renewal cycle.

Hurricanes are not the only threat. NOAA's Storm Events Database records 70 thunderstorm wind events in Taylor County and 42 in Dixie County from 2016 through 2025, including 80 to 90 mph straight-line winds east of Perry in May 2022 that damaged a roof and destroyed a shed.

Finding a roofer in Taylor and Dixie counties

FRSA's affiliate council page has no Big Bend chapter; the closest listed group, the North Central Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association, gives a Gainesville address. Search FRSA's member directory by Taylor or Dixie county instead, then confirm the license on the state's licensee search by typing Perry, Cross City or Steinhatchee into the city field.

The National Roofing Directory's statewide list of Florida roofing contractors covers the whole state, and its Florida storm center carries live warnings.

Frequently asked questions

Which hurricanes have made landfall on the Big Bend since 2016?

Four: Hermine in 2016, Idalia in 2023, and Debby and Helene in 2024.

How high did Helene's surge reach at Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee?

NHC analyzed 12 to 16 ft of inundation above ground along that stretch, and Taylor County's preliminary estimate in NOAA's database was a surge of more than 15 ft at Keaton Beach.

Is there an FRSA chapter near Perry or Cross City?

Not by name. The nearest group on FRSA's affiliate list lists a Gainesville address, so use the county search in FRSA's member directory and check every license with DBPR.

Can my roofer strengthen the roof-to-wall connections during a re-roof?

Yes. Florida's definition of a roofing contractor includes evaluating and enhancing roof-to-wall connections on homes with wood roof decks when the work is done alongside a roof covering replacement or repair. The National Roofing Directory's Florida licensing page covers the license side.