Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
By News Service Florida and WFTV Staff
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Hurricane Debby caused up to $263.2 million in estimated losses to crops and farm animals when the Category 1 rainmaker swept through North Florida last month.
Preliminary findings by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, known as UF/IFAS, could mean the agricultural damages from Debby were close to losses from Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm that roared across the same rural region nearly a year earlier.
“There always are impacts to agriculture of these types of events,” Christa Court, UF/IFAS economic impact analysis program director, said Thursday during a call with reporters. “Hurricane Debby was not quite as intense as Hurricane Idalia, which might still be somewhat fresh on people’s minds. But it’s still a reminder that there’s a lot of production of agriculture out in Florida.”
UF/IFAS found Debby affected more than 2.2 million acres of agricultural land in the state, with two-thirds of the land used for livestock grazing. It resulted in an estimated $93.7 million to $263.2 million in losses, with the loss amount expected to be narrowed in the coming months.
About $3.1 billion in annual agricultural production occurs in the areas, and Court said it could take several years before long-term impacts from Idalia and Debby are understood.
The Debby estimates are mostly tied to the current growing season and don’t include damage to items such as fertilizer and feed or repairs for damaged and destroyed infrastructure.
Debby came ashore near Steinhatchee in Taylor County on Aug. 5 with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.
The hurricane produced tropical storm-force winds and rains over more than 30 counties as far south as Lee County. The rural North Florida counties of Suwannee, Lafayette and Dixie each received more than 15 inches of rain between Aug. 2 and Aug. 8.
The storm resulted in between $41.1 million and $98.5 million in losses to farm animals in the state, ranging from stressed and injured beef and dairy cattle to salinity issues that affected shellfish aquaculture.
Flooding caused field crops to suffer between $19.3 million and $53.1 million in damage. Greenhouses and nurseries had up to $53.6 million in losses, including from power outages that hindered necessary cooling and irrigation.
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Buildings sit along the coast line as the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Christy Hatcher checks on her neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Florida National Guard vehicles drive through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Surf crashes against a dock a high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Buildings sit along the coast line as the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: In an aerial view, people look out onto a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Christy Hatcher checks on her neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person looks on at a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CHIEFLAND, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Wind and rain kicked up by Hurricane Debby blow through a street on August 05, 2024 in Chiefland, Florida. Hurricane Debby is bringing rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: People walk through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: People walk through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A street is flooded as the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Joey Larsen checks on his neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person looks on at a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person walks through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Christy Hatcher checks on her neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Joey Larsen checks on his neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person walks through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Jaiden Skinner (L) and Nani Hicks check on their neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person looks on at a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CHIEFLAND, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Wind and rain kicked up by Hurricane Debby blow through a hotel parking lot on August 05, 2024 in Chiefland, Florida. Hurricane Debby is bringing rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: In an aerial view, a Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street from the rain and storm surge caused by Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: In an aerial view, a Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street from the rain and storm surge caused by Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: In an aerial view, a person walks next to a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby makes landfall in northern Florida as Category 1 storm A man takes photos of the surf pushed by winds from Tropical Storm Debby as they break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Storm Debby The surf pushed by winds from then Tropical Storm Debby break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Coast Guard rescues boaters after sailboat damaged during Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby Lee County deputies are patrolling roads during Tropical Storm Debby. (Lee County Sheriff's Office/Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Tropical Storm Debby Lee County deputies are patrolling roads during Tropical Storm Debby. (Lee County Sheriff's Office/Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Sarasota County Government shuts down North Casey Key Road during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby The docks at Indian Mound Park are underwater. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Manasota Key Road near Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Sarasota County closes the road leading into Caspersen Beach due to erosion. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Manasota Key Road near Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road on Siesta Key is covered during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Manasota Key Road near Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Crews reported that most roads in Siesta Key are underwater. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Manasota Key Road near Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road on Siesta Key is covered during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Sarasota County Government shuts down North Casey Key Road during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Crews reported that most roads in Siesta Key are underwater. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Crews reported that most roads in Siesta Key are underwater. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Sarasota County Government shuts down North Casey Key Road during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Lee County deputies are patrolling roads during Tropical Storm Debby. (Lee County Sheriff's Office/Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Lee County deputies are patrolling roads during Tropical Storm Debby. (Lee County Sheriff's Office/Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Seminole County Tropical Storm Debby Longwood neighborhood Shadowbay is seeing standing water. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Debby interrupted the planting schedule for vegetables, melons and potatoes and resulted in $12.1 million to $32.1 million in anticipated losses.
“They’re just now planting, or just now getting ready to plant, so had the storm happened one to three weeks later than it did, it would be a very different story,” Court said.
Flooding and winds are estimated to have caused $3 million to $12.9 million in impacts to non-citrus fruit and tree nuts.
The citrus industry didn’t report significant or widespread losses from Debby, but rain could result in up to $13 million in losses, the UF/IFAS report said.
By comparison, Idalia, which made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, affected 3.5 million acres and caused production losses of $276 million. Beef cattle, dairy cattle, poultry and aquaculture accounted for $157.6 million in estimated losses from Idalia.
When damaged infrastructure and losses suffered by the timber industry are included, a state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimate put damages from Idalia at $447 million.
Forestry-related losses are assessed by the Florida Forest Service, which is part of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The department hasn’t produced a similar report for Debby.
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