Several posts sustained heavy damage from the early October storm.
When Hurricane Isaias formed Oct. 8 as the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, it tied a 121-year-old record for the latest date of the formation of the first hurricane of the season.
Despite the late start to the hurricane season, The American Legion Family in Florida was ready to go when the storm made landfall near Destin in the state’s panhandle on Oct. 9.
At least nine people were killed as a result of the hurricane, including six in Florida, two in Alabama and one in South Carolina. Isaias also caused damage and power outages across the Southeast.
At least 10 Florida Legion posts reported damage from the hurricane. Norman A. Garrett Post 78 in Milton, Hanniton Watts Post 93 in Pensacola, and Post 382 in Navarre all sustained heavy damage to their post buildings, while Edeker-Du Bose Post 121 in Jay reported heavy damage to its ball field while many post members were left without power.
Posts and districts across the state have been collecting cleaning supplies, canned goods and toiletries, as well as a few generators, said Department of Florida Disaster Prep Chair Joe Humet.
Cash donations have also been made to the affected posts, and the department’s Disaster Fund.
“The donated items have been transported to a central location in Hawthorne, Fla. (Post 230) and are being taken to the disaster area to be distributed to the posts in need,” Humet said.
For more information about Florida’s Disaster Preparedness: https://www.floridalegion.org/resources/hurricane-relief/.
National Emergency Fund
Through The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund (NEF), grants of up to $3,000 for Legionnaires and SAL members, and $10,000 for Legion posts impacted by the flooding and tornadoes are available. Individuals must have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage from a declared natural disaster. Post grants must derive from a declared natural disaster causing damage to the post building and restricting use of the facility for programs.
NEF does not provide for repairs or replacement of lost or damaged items in the primary home of residence. If the destroyed property is owned by the member, but he/she does not physically live there, that is not covered. Vehicles or outbuildings are not covered. If the home is rented, renters insurance paperwork should be provided, if any.
For American Legion posts, the only things covered are for post programs that might sustain losses pertaining to the intent of the four pillars of The American Legion. Losses from the social quarters and/or restaurant of the post are not covered. A copy of the most recent Consolidated Post Report (CPR) needs to be attached.
NEF grants are not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet the most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster. They also do not cover insurance compensation or monetary losses from a business, structures on your property (barns, tool sheds, etc.,) equipment or vehicles.
To request NEF assistance, click here. To donate to the National Emergency Fund, click here.
- Emergency