Taylor County residents voice concern about hurricane recovery, mill closures to state lawmakers

TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) - From destructive hurricanes to major employers closing their doors, it has been a trying two years for Taylor County.

State Representative Jason Shoaf brought his listening tour to Taylor County on Thursday, allowing residents to express their concerns.

Residents said they fear Taylor County could be left behind if lawmakers do not take action to invest in the county.

The Foley Mill, once a major employer in the county, closed after Hurricane Idalia in 2023. A year later, the West Fraser Mill closed.

In September, Hurricane Helene left entire neighborhoods in tatters.

Dozens came to the Legislative Delegation meeting with Representative Shoaf Thursday evening to communicate their biggest concerns facing the community.

“It’s been very frustrating, so you know the finger pointing, the kicking the can around we’re not getting anywhere,” Taylor County resident Spyridon Aibejeris said.

Aibejeris is one of many residents who spoke at the meeting to ask Shoaf and Simon for help with a list of ongoing issues.

“And so we’re still at square one. I’m not back in business so now I’ve lost a lot of revenue and that hurts the county. This county has been through two major hurricanes, we’re hurting,” he said.

After the closure of the two mills, devastating damage from back-to-back hurricanes, months of permit issues, insurance delays and unanswered questions, residents are pleading for someone to help them.

“The amount of applicants that are saying ‘I’ve no assistance from FEMA, I’ve got no assistance from anyone, I’m homeless living in camper’ no septic, no electrical, no heat and its like we’re how many months past this? It’s just crazy that we’re still at that level of need,” Resident Haley Blanco said.

Shoaf and Simon listened through public comments on the topics of concern and said they plan to facilitate the proper steps to try to get answers and reshape Taylor County’s road to recovery.

WCTV spoke with Senator Simon after the meeting, and he said they intend to do whatever they can to help the residents in Taylor County.

He said the issues residents presented are concerning and important. One big priority for state officials is relieving residents who are without homes and essential needs like electricity, and septic tanks.

“Representative Shoaf and I are insistent on getting everyone in the same room,” he said. “FEMA, with our local county officials, and us and as well as the folks and getting their input on what are the next steps that they can take to get things moving in the right direction.”

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