A fast-moving storm cut across central Florida in the pre-dawn hours, killing 14 and leaving at least 20,000 people without electricity. Damage in hardest-hit Lake County is focused on a retirement village and a mobile home park. The families in these communities may face significant financial barriers to recovery. The area affected is also home to a significant population of migrant and seasonal farm workers, that experienced significant losses in the 2004 hurricane season.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been in contact with Central Florida Presbytery Executive, Paige McRight, to offer One Great Hour of Sharing funds, members of the National Response Team, and other support needed to help in the relief efforts. An assessment of the damage and the possible need for assistance is still in process. The North Lake Presbyterian Church in Lady Lake has been set up as a shelter for survivors displaced by the storm.

Please lift up in prayer the communities and people that have been impacted by this disaster. Your prayers will uphold those affected by these storms and support those who are developing response programs.

PDA will post information on the need for volunteer workteams on this Web site. This information will not be available until a report on the assessment is received.