Mission accomplished! Rebuilding Together Greater Florida (RTGFL), in collaboration with Farm Share, Sunshine Health, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, successfully hosted a large-scale drive-thru hurricane preparedness event on Saturday, June 7th at Raymond James Stadium. Despite the early start, a steady stream of vehicles lined up, demonstrating the community’s eagerness to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season.
The collaborative effort proved to be a resounding success, with hundreds of families receiving free hurricane preparedness kits. Each kit contained essential items designed to help residents navigate the initial aftermath of a storm, including nonperishable food, flashlights with batteries, phone chargers, portable fans, and sturdy reusable bags to carry supplies.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive response from the community,” said Jose Garcia, CEO of RTGFL. “Seeing so many families take proactive steps to prepare for hurricane season underscores the importance of events like these. We are incredibly grateful to our partners, Farm Share, Sunshine Health, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for their invaluable support in making this a reality.”
Volunteers from all participating organizations worked tirelessly throughout the morning, efficiently distributing the kits with smiles and helpful information. The atmosphere was one of community spirit and shared responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of Tampa Bay residents.
The event directly aligns with RTGFL’s ongoing commitment to building safer and more resilient communities, particularly for those most vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters. With forecasts predicting an active hurricane season in 2025, having basic emergency supplies readily available can significantly impact a family’s ability to cope during and after a storm.
While supplies were substantial, they were in high demand, and the distribution continued until all kits were given out. The success of this event serves as a powerful reminder of the community’s need for preparedness resources and the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing those needs.
RTGFL and its partners are proud to have played a role in helping Tampa Bay residents take crucial steps towards hurricane preparedness. As the 2025 hurricane season progresses, the knowledge and supplies gained at this event will undoubtedly contribute to a more resilient and prepared community.
