TAMPA—As Hurricane Milton continued on its ominous path toward Florida’s Gulf Coast Wednesday, credit unions in the Tampa area were monitoring the situation closely, many shutting their doors on Tuesday.
Yet, despite Category 4 Milton and its 145-mph winds, and authorities urging people to evacuate, some CU offices were still attempting to serve their members Wednesday, according to their websites.
Tampa Bay FCU Wednesday morning stated on its website the organization will “continue to monitor the storm to determine if any closures are needed. The credit union’s primary focus is the safety of our member-owners and team members. Please continue to check this page for any important updates or information related to operations.”
Grow Financial FCU shared a similar message on its site saying it is monitoring “Hurricane Milton closely. Visit growfinancial.org/alerts for the latest updates about Grow store hours and additional information. Please stay safe and follow local guidance. Like you, we’re hoping for the best, but we’ve prepared to serve you through the worst.”
Suncoast CU shared on its website Tuesday that it had closed all operations in preparation for Milton.
Heavy Rain Falling
Bands of heavy rain from Milton Wednesday morning were already spreading across parts of the state, well in advance of the storm’s expected Wednesday night landfall.
LSCU President Samantha Beeler, in a previous CUToday.info report, shared her concerns about Milton, saying the warning being issued by Tampa authorities is very concerning.
“They are using pretty extreme language, some of the strongest we've heard in recent days, telling folks they must get out…the flooding looks to be worse than what we had with Helene,” Beeler told CUToday.info.
Beeler, prior to Helene hitting Florida, was concerned about that storm hitting during the night, which makes it harder for first responders and support teams to do their jobs. The same situation is occurring with Milton.
NCUA Urges CUs To Take Precautions
NCUA is advising credit unions in the path of Milton to take precautions, including measures to protect their staff and secure their operations.
NCUA reminded it maintains a hurricane and disaster information page on its website as well as on MyCreditUnion.gov. The National Hurricane Center has regular updates on the storm as it approaches landfall, and the Department of Homeland Security has additional information on being prepared for hurricanes.
As Milton prepared to slam into Florida, credit unions continued to work to keep relief funds available for CUs and their members in several states. Recently, United FCU pledged $85,000 for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in western North Carolina.
Beeler, in a previous report, said the league’s foundation has grant dollars heading out to CUs post Helene, and is looking for help to replenish those funds.
Credit unions wishing to donate to disaster relief funds:
- National CU Foundation’s CUAid
- Carolina’s CU Foundations Disaster Relief Fund
- Southeastern CU Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund
- Tennessee Credit Union League Aid