Effects of Hurricane Dennis in Florida

Infobox Hurricane Impact
Name=Hurricane Dennis
Type=hurricane
Year=2005
Basin=Atl
Image location=Hurricane Dennis 10 july 2005 1615Z.jpg


Date=July 10, 2005
1-min winds=98
Gusts=121
Da

Inflated=2
Fatalities=2 direct, 12 indirect
Areas=Florida
Rainfall=convert|7.01|in|mm
Hurricane season=2005 Atlantic hurricane seasonThe effects of Hurricane Dennis in Florida included two direct deaths and $1.5 billion (2005 USD) in damage. The tropical wave that became Hurricane Dennis formed on June 29, 2005, and proceeded westward across the Atlantic Ocean. It became a tropical depression on July 4, a tropical storm on July 5, and a hurricane on July 7. Dennis rapidly intensified to attain Category 4 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, and made landfall in Cuba where it weakened to Category 1 status, before re-emerging in the Gulf of Mexico and re–intensifying. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Santa Rosa Island on July 10.

As Dennis was impacting Cuba, the outer rainbands affected the Florida Keys causing moderate wind gusts peaking at convert|87|mph|km/h|abbr=on|lk=on on Sombrero Key. In central Florida, Dennis produced numerous tornadoes, one severely damaging a house. In Punta Gorda, three people were found dead in a car submerged in a ditch flooded by heavy rain. Dennis made landfall in the Florida Panhandle, causing moderate damage, although not as severe as previously predicted. Wind gusts peaked at convert|121|mph|km/h|abbr=on|lk=on, and maximum rainfall reached convert|7.08|in|mm. Storm surge of convert|6-9|ft|m|abbr=on|lk=on inundated parts of St. Marks and nearby locations. During the height of the storm, approximately 236,000 customers in the Florida Panhandle were without electric power.

Preparations

On July 7, a tropical storm watch was issued for Florida's Gulf coast from BonitaBeach southward, and for Florida's Atlantic coast from Golden Beach to Ocean Reef. Later that day, a hurricane watch was issued for the Florida Keys and Florida Bay. By 2100 UTC, the hurricane watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning for the Florida Keys. Subsequently, a tropical storm watch was issued for Florida's west coast north of BonitaBeach to Longboat Key which was discontinued at 2100 UTC. At the same time, a hurricane watch was issued for Steinhatchee River, Florida to the mouth of the Pearl River. By 0900 UTC on July 9, the hurricane watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning just prior to the discontinuing of the hurricane watch for the Florida Keys. At 2100 UTC on July 9, the tropical storm warning was lifted for Florida's coast from Golden Beach to Flamingo, and for the Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge eastward. By July 10, all advisories for the Keys were discontinued and the hurricane warning was downgraded to a tropical storm warning for Florida's coast east of the
Ochlockonee River to the Steinhatchee River. By July 11, all advisories were discontinued.

About 50,000 tourists in the Keys were forced to evacuate by July 8.cite web|author=ABBY GOODNOUGH|title=Residents in Storm Path Face More Tough Choices |year=2005|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503E5DF153DF93AA35754C0A9639C8B63] Governor Jeb Bush declared a statewide emergency, and evacuations started in the Florida Keys, a highly exposed chain of islands connected to the mainland by a single road and a series of bridges, stating that people "should have enough water, enough food, non-perishable food, batteries of course for 72 hours so people could safely weather the storm".cite web|author=Michael Rowland|title=Hurricane Dennis forces evacuations in Cuba and Florida
year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-14|url=http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2005/s1410514.htm] Residents of the Florida Keys who did not evacuate were advised to remain indoors due to dangerous weather conditions that were predicted.cite web|author=ABC News Online|title=Evacuations ordered as hurricane heads for coast|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-14|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200507/s1410720.htm]

At Cape Canaveral, the space shuttle "Discovery" was considered to be safe on its launching pad after concerns of unfavorable weather, and NASA re-scheduled a liftoff the week after. Although, shuttle managers eventually decided to begin moving "Discovery" from the launching pad to ride out the storm.cite web|author=Mitch Stacy|title=Tourist evacuations ordered in Florida Keys|year=2005|publisher=SignOnSanDiego|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20050707-1754-tropicalweather-us.html] In Miami, the Booker T. Washington Senior High School opened as a voluntary evacuation shelter for all pre-registered special needs residents.cite web|author=|title=Developments Regarding Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=NBC6|accessdate=2008-03-19|url=http://wtvj.weatherplus.com/weathernews/4699368/detail.html] Also, the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa evacuated its aircraft to McConnell Air Force Base near Wichita.cite web|author=|title=Developments Regarding Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=NBC6|accessdate=2008-03-19|url=http://wtvj.weatherplus.com/weathernews/4699368/detail.html]

In the Florida Panhandle, Governor Jeb Bush warned "This is serious. This is a very dangerous storm."cite web|author=ABC News Online|title=Evacuations ordered as hurricane heads for coast|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-14|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200507/s1410720.htm] As Bush announced that hundreds of tractor-trailers would be carrying ice, water and generators to staging areas in north central Florida, he stated "Here we go again", referring to the large number of storms which had threatened Florida in the years prior to Dennis.cite web|author=Gannett News Service|title=Savvy Florida residents brace for another hurricane|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-14|url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=37671] cite web|author=Copyright AFX|title=Hurricane Dennis strengthens, threatens Cuba, Florida |year=2005|publisher=Forbes|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2005/07/08/afx2129758.html] 700,000 people in the Florida panhandle were evacuated in the days prior to Dennis, 100,000 of them in Escambia County alone.cite web|author=Alan Gomez|title=700,000 Panhandle residents flee this time|year=2005|publisher=Palm Beach Post|accessdate=2008-03-14|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/local_news/epaper/2005/07/10/a21a_panhandle_0710.html] As a result of the large evacuations, more than 200 truckloads provided about 1.8 million gallons of gasoline.cite web|author=Ken Kaye and Linda Kleindienst|title=Hurricane Dennis grazes South Florida, sets dangerous course for Gulf Coast|year=2005|publisher=South Florida Sun-Sentinel|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=29461&archive=true] The Red Cross put dozens of volunteers on standby to go into regions affected by the storm, and open shelters.cite web|author=Heather Burke and Chris Dolmetsch|title=Florida Braces for Hurricane Dennis's 135 Mph Winds|year=2005|publisher=Bloomberg Television|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aGUrk8mEjapg&refer=us] The Red Cross also moved 60 mobile canteens capable of serving 30,000 hot meals each a day to the staging points of Hattiesburg and Jackson.cite web|author=|title=Thousands flee as Hurricane Dennis sets sights on Gulf Coast|year=2005|publisher="Daily Journal"|accessdate=2008-03-19|url=http://www.djournal.com/pages/archive.asp?ID=197106] National guardsmen were mobilized, and four emergency medical teams, each capable of setting up a small field hospital, were on standby.cite web|author=Gannett News Service|title=Savvy Florida residents brace for another hurricane|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-14|url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=37671] Also, at Eglin Air Force Base, about 20,000 military personnel were evacuated, and at Hurlburt Field, home to Air Force's 16^th Special Operations Wing, a mandatory evacuation was ordered for all 15,000 airmen and their families.cite web|author=Associated Press
title=Florida Panhandle Military Evacuation|year=2005|publisher=WTVY News|accessdate=2008-03-19|url=http://www.wtvynews4.com/home/headlines/1678482.html]

Impact

outh Florida and Florida Keys

In southern Florida, damage was mostly limited to moderate wind gusts; in Miami-Dade County, gusty winds knocked out several traffic lights along U.S. 1, the only route to and from the Florida Keys.Cite web|author=Michael Wilson|title=Hurricane Dennis Nears, on a Familiar Path |year=2005|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/10/national/10dennis.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin] A man died in Ft. Lauderdale when he stepped on a downed electrical wire and was electrocuted.cite web|author=Roger Roy, Wes Smith and Jason Garcia|title=Florida’s Gulf Coast finds damage from Hurricane Dennis less than anticipated|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=29466&archive=true] Also, 100,000 homes in Miami Dade County were without electric power.

In the Florida Keys, Dennis passed to the west as a Category 2 hurricane producing winds of convert|59|mph|km/h on Carysfort Reef Light. Rainfall peaked at convert|1.5|in|mm in the Monroe County Upper Keys. Damage in the Keys totaled $100,000 (2005 USD), mostly to landscape and electric utility equipment.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event report for Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~569064] During the height of the storm, 211,000 customers were without electric power in South Florida and the Keys.cite web|author=Coralie Carlson|title=Hurricane Dennis swipes Florida Keys, threatening Gulf states |publisher=SignOnSanSiego|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20050709-1027-hurricanedennis-us.html]

Sand Key reported sustained winds of convert|62|mph|km/h with a gust to convert|78|mph|km/h at 0820 UTC on July 9, while the "C-MAN" station atSombrero Key reported sustained winds of convert|74|mph|km/h with a gust ofconvert|87|mph|km/h at 0800 UTC on July 9 . These strong winds pushed a vintage DC-3 plane about 300 yards (1000 ft) down the tarmac at the Key West airport, which was closed during the storm.cite web|author=Coralie Carlson|title=Hurricane Dennis swipes Florida Keys, threatening Gulf states |publisher=SignOnSanSiego|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20050709-1027-hurricanedennis-us.html] Maximum storm surge topped out at convert|5|ft|m. In addition, a man drowned in a rip current off of Hollywood Beach.Cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event report for Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~569063]

One beneficial effect of Hurricane Dennis was the rolling of the former USS "Spiegel Grove".cite web|author=FloridaKeys.com|title=A Fascinating Dive Opportunity Takes a Turn for the Better|publisher=FloridaKeys.com|accessmonthday=December 10 |accessyear=2005|url=http://www.fla-keys.com/spiegelgrove/] "Spiegel Grove" was sunk in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in an attempt to create an artificial reef. However, the ship turned over and landed on the bottom upside down. Efforts to roll the ship were partially successful, bringing it onto its starboard side, but Hurricane Dennis completed the roll, bringing "Spiegel Grove" into its intended upright position.cite web|author=FloridaKeys.com|title=A Fascinating Dive Opportunity Takes a Turn for the Better|publisher=FloridaKeys.com|accessmonthday=December 10 |accessyear=2005|url=http://www.fla-keys.com/spiegelgrove/]

Central Florida

Damage was mostly minor and limited to outer rainbands and tornadoes in Central Florida. In the Tampa Bay area, several tornadoes were reported to have touched down causing minor damage such as downed trees and power lines.cite web|author=Coralie Carlson|title=Hurricane Dennis swipes Florida Keys, threatening Gulf states |publisher=SignOnSanSiego|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20050709-1027-hurricanedennis-us.html] On July 8, five tornadoes were officially reported, three of which caused damage. The most notable one left a path of damage one-half mile wide, severely damaging a house.cite web|author=Storm Prediction Center|title=Storm reports for July 8, 2005|year=2005|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/050708_rpts.html] That same day, a wind gust of convert|60|mph|km/h was reported at Pinellas.cite web|author=Storm Prediction Center|title=Storm reports for July 8, 2005|year=2005|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/050708_rpts.html] On July 9, four tornadoes officially touched down, with the most notable one downing numerous trees and some powerlines.cite web|author=Storm Prediction Center|title=Storm reportd for July 9, 2005|year=2005|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/050709_rpts.html] In Punta Gorda, three people were found dead in a car submerged in a ditch flooded by heavy rain. The road was covered with 6 inches (150 mm) of water and caused the vehicle to hydroplane into a ditch where it flipped upside down. The victims were still wearing their seat belts when found.

Florida Panhandle

Hurricane Dennis made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Santa Rosa Island on July 10. At Navarre Beach, sustained winds of convert|98|mph|km/h were reported with a peak gust of convert|121|mph|km/h, while a tower at the Pensacola Airport reported sustained winds of convert|82|mph|km/h and a peak gust of convert|96|mph|km/h.cite web|author=Jack Beven|title=Hurricane Dennis Tropical Cyclone Report|year=2005|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-03-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL042005_Dennis.pdf] At the Pensacola Airport, a minimum pressure reading of 956.3 mb was recorded and at Navarre, a pressure reading of 965.2 mb was seen. Additionally, an unofficial storm chaser reported a minimum pressure of 942 mb at Pace, Florida. The most severe property damage occurred from Walton County to Wakulla County, where 1,000 homes were destroyed. Numerous boats were ripped from the dock and either floated out to sea, or were washed ashore.cite web|author=Herald Tribune|title=Hurricane Dennis pounds Alabama-Florida coast|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/07/11/america/web.0711dennis.php] In Mcdavid, the tin roof of the recreation center for Ray's Chapel was ripped off as about 12 people stood in the hallway.cite web|author=John Pacenti, Christina DeNardo, Dara Kam, Robert P. King|title=Category 3 storm floods, cuts power|year=2005|publisher=Palm Beach Post|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/state/epaper/2005/07/11/m1a_Dennis_0711.html] Also, several historic sites were damaged or destroyed by Dennis; Angelo's on Ochlockonee Bay, a landmark restaurant, was completely washed away. Beach front cottages on St. Teresa were either damaged or destroyed and several beach dunes on St. George Island were washed away by the pounding surf.cite web|author=Dara Kam|title=Dozens of historic homes and businesses on Florida's "Forgotten Coast" were damaged or washed away like leaves in the rain during Hurricane Dennis last week.|year=2005|publisher=Palm Beach Post|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/local_news/epaper/2005/07/17/m1a_oldfla_0717.html] On Holiday Island, several houses and apartment buildings were severely damaged.cite web|author=BBC News|title=Southern US mops up after Dennis|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4667307.stm]

On Santa Rosa Island, the hurricane produced a storm surge of convert|7|ft|m, over washing parts of the low-lying island on the eastern and western shores. In Apalachee Bay, storm surge of convert|6-9|ft|m inundated parts of St. Marks and nearby locations, which was higher than previously anticipated and was thought to be enhanced by an oceanic trapped shelf wave thatpropagated northward along Florida's west coast.cite web|author=ScienceDaily|title='Traped wave' causes unexpected surge, scientists say|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061010022518.html] As a result, sea water washed ashore up to eight blocks inland.cite web|author=IrelandOnLine|title=Relief as Hurricane Dennis weakens
year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-12|url=http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/?c=ireland&jp=cwkfkfkfeyql] The surge, in combination with the high surf, caused moderate beach erosion and wiped out 80 percent of the sea turtle's nests.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event report for Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~569071] Along the coast, severe beach erosion occurred as a result of the storm, mostly in Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties. As a result of the pounding surf, the Navarre pier was ripped apart in two places.
Milton received convert|7.08|in|mm of rain, which is the highest reported rainfall total in Florida caused by Dennis.cite web|author=USGS|title=Hydrological impacts of Hurricane Dennis on Florida Panhandle|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2005/09/fieldwork3.html] Rainfall across the Florida Panhandle ranged from convert|3|in|mm to convert|7|in|mm, while rainfall across the central and southern portions of the state ranged from convert|1|in|mm to convert|5|in|mm near Tampa.cite web|author=David Roth|title=Rainfall summary of Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/dennis2005.html] In southern Leon County, flooding was reported with several areas under convert|3-4|ft|m of water. At St. George Island, convert|5|mi|km of road and numerous buildings were damaged or destroyed. Parts of U.S. Route 98 were washed out by flood waters.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event report for Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~569066]

As a result of the storm, over 236,000 customers in the Florida Panhandle were without electric power.Cite web|author=Larry Copeland|title=Fla. residents keep Dennis in perspective|year=2005|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.usatoday.com/weather/stormcenter/2005-07-11-dennis-residents_x.htm] An indirect death occurred when a three-year old boy was accidentally crushed to death when his father ran him over with a car as the family was evacuating.cite web|author=New York Times|title=Effects of Hurricane Dennis still being felt in United States|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/11/national/11cnd-dennis.html] Two more people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Escambia county.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event report for Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~569066] In all, two people were directly killed while several others were killed indirectly, and total damage amounted to $1.5 billion (2005 USD).cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event report for Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~569066] Directly after the storm, Bay, Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Taylor, Wakulla and Walton counties were declared federal disaster areas.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event Report for Hurricane Dennis|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~569082]

Aftermath

In the aftermath of the hurricane, president George W. Bush declared 13 counties–Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Monroe, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington– in Florida as federal disaster areas.cite web|author=Lesly C. Simmons|title=Gulf Coast Begins Clean Up After Dennis Moves On|year=2005|publisher=Red Cross|accessdate=2008-03-15|url=http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_4339,00.html] Applicants, including units of local government, in 19 counties became eligible for Public Assistance funds for emergency services and debris removal and to help restore or rebuild essential public facilities.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Individual Assistance For Dennis Victims Passes $18 Million Mark|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-15|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18301] On July 10, President Bush ordered the release of federal disaster funds and emergency resources for Florida to aid people effected by Dennis.cite web|author=FEMA|title=President Orders Disaster Aid For Florida Hurricane Victims|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-15|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=17976] One day after the storm made landfall, four disaster recovery centers were opened by disaster officials, two in Escambia County, and two in Santa Rosa County.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Disaster Officials Move Quickly To Open Four Disaster Recovery Centers|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-15|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18006] Supplies of food, water and ice were supplied from staging areas to distribution centers throughout the Florida Panhandle. The American Red Cross and other voluntary agencies assisted with food and water distribution as well as emergency needs and housing.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Federal and State Assistance Flows into Panhandle|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-15|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18010] Subsequently, an additional disaster relief center was opened in Santa Rosa County.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Additional Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Santa Rosa County|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-15|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18017] Just days after the storm, six additional counties became eligible for federal disaster aid.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Additional Assistance Available to Six Florida Counties|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-15|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18026]

Voluntary agencies such as AmeriCorps, the Christian Contractors Association and the United Way provided assistance to residents who have temporary roofing and repair needs.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Hurricane Dennis: Relief Efforts Continue to Help Floridians|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18033] Shortly after, three additional disaster relief centers opened on July 16, with one being in Franklin County, one in Okaloosa County, and another in Wakulla County.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Three Additional Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18042] Within a week, over 2,100 individuals visited the Disaster Recovery Centers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.Cite web|author=FEMA|title=Hurricane Dennis: Relief Efforts Continue to Help Floridians|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18043] Another disaster recovery center opened in Franklin County on July 7,cite web|author=FEMA|title=Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Carrabelle|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18046] and by July 18, over $3 million (2005 USD) in individual assistance applications for rental, housing and other needs assistance were approved.cite web|author=FEMA|title=More Than $3 Million Approved for Individual Assistance Applicants in Panhandle|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18047] On July 23, Dixie and Levy counties became eligible federal funds under its Public Assistance program for damages.Cite web|author=FEMA|title=Dixie And Levy Counties Receive Public Assistance|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18126] By July 28, all disaster recovery centers ceased operations on Sundays,cite web|author=FEMA|title=Disaster Recovery Centers To Cease Sunday Operations|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18164] although on August 4, Gadsden County became eligible for Public Assistance funding.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Gadsden County To Receive Public Assistance|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18239] Two more disaster recovery centers opened on August 4, one in Dixie County and one in Taylor County.cite web|author=FEMA|title=Dixie And Taylor County Disaster Recovery Centers To Open|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18243] By August 18, over $24 million (2005 USD) in individual assistance funds were collected for victims of Hurricane Dennis.Cite web|author=FEMA|title=Individual Assistance For Dennis Victims Approaches $24 Million Mark|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18344] On October 13, the last disaster recovery centers ceased operations, although individual assistance funds were still being collected.Cite web|author=FEMA|title=Milton Disaster Recovery Center To Close On Friday|year=2005|publisher=|accessdate=2008-03-16|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=19685]

ee also

*List of Florida hurricanes (2000-present)
*Effects of Hurricane Dennis in Alabama
*Effects of Hurricane Dennis in Georgia
*Effects of Hurricane Dennis in Mississippi

References

External links

wikinewshas|related news
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* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL042005_Dennis.pdf Tropical cyclone report]
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2005/DENNIS.shtml? Advisory archives]
* [http://www.fema.gov/news/eventnews.fema?id=4588 Hurricane Dennis aftermath]
* [http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/storm/2005/atlantic/dennis/news.html Palm Beach Post archive]