Suwannee County has been awarded a $38 million state grant to support the development of a regional hurricane shelter, announced by Governor Ron DeSantis at a press conference last week. This funding is coming through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program which was created to assist counties impacted by hurricanes during 2023 and 2024. This grant will help Suwannee County take major steps to strengthen disaster preparedness for North Florida.

State emergency management officials have emphasized the importance of a regional shelter in North Florida. The storms of 2023 and 2024 highlighted the limitations of relying on schools for evacuation. Once constructed, the shelter will provide a centralized, purpose-built location for large scale evacuations.

The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners has secured 390 acres for this project, previously known as Project Summit. The facility will be on a property located near the I-10 and US Hwy 129 interchange positioning it to serve, not only Suwannee County, but also the surrounding region during major storm events. The site may also be used by the state to safely relocate residents from other parts of Florida when severe weather threatens in the future.

The County is currently in the planning and design phase with a professional firm. The regional shelter is being planned to accommodate a wide range of needs including special needs populations, and will be pet friendly, allowing families to evacuate safely without being separated from their animals. In addition, the facility may be utilized by the state to house evacuees from other areas of Florida when storms come.

While emergency shelter is the primary function, the facility is being planned as a multi-purpose structure. During non-emergency periods, it may serve the community year round as an indoor sports facility, conference center, and event venue – similar to regional shelters elsewhere in Florida that have successfully attracted athletic tournaments and large gatherings. This dual-use approach ensures the investment provides lasting value beyond emergency shelter.

Beyond public safety, the project is expected to act as a catalyst for future growth. Comparable facilities in other regions have spurred nearby development, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores creating long-term economic opportunities for the surrounding area.

We sincerely appreciate the support we have received from the Governor, Senator Corey Simon, Representative Jason Shoaf, Secretary of Florida Commerce Alex Kelly, Director of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie, and our Board of County Commissioners. This investment represents a significant step forward in strengthening regional resilience, protecting lives during emergencies, and supporting long-term community and economic development.