FAMU Recovery and Repairs Continue One Month After Tornado Strikes

A month after devastating tornadoes swept through Tallahassee, Florida A&M University (FAMU) has made important strides in recovering from the storm damage.

“There has been significant progress regarding the cleanup and recovery efforts since the tornadoes. All storm debris has been removed, and the repair and replacement of damaged fencing and hand railing have commenced,” said Kendall D. Jones, associate vice president of Facilities, Planning, Construction, and Safety, who has led the recovery efforts.

Buildings with significant roof damage have been temporarily repaired, with permanent repairs starting soon at critical locations such as the Grand Ballroom, the Efferson Student Union, Honor House, Tucker Hall, and the Tookes Recreation Center.  Scaffolding is in place for permanent roof repairs at Polkinghorne Villages.

“Other building-related repairs are being addressed as well. Our Facilities team continues to address isolated issues as the campus community reports them,” said Jones, who has seen a significant decrease in storm-related service calls.

 

The damage caused by the tornadoes is still being assessed, with initial estimates suggesting costs will be in the millions of dollars. This includes immediate repairs, equipment replacement, and ongoing recovery efforts. The University works closely with insurance providers and government agencies to secure the necessary funding.

“Funding the recovery effort remains a concern,” Jones said. “Our team has started working with the state insurance adjuster to hopefully recoup some of the recovery costs. We remain hopeful that there will be a federal emergency declaration for the university to qualify for FEMA reimbursements.”

On the morning of Friday, May 10, a weather system triggered several tornadoes that roared through Tallahassee. At least one tornado struck the campus, ripping off tree limbs, knocking out electricity, downing utility lines and poles, damaging roofs, and flattening fences.  

FAMU Emergency Management Director Ashley H. Davis praised the university’s rapid, coordinated response to the inclement weather.

“The quick decision to close the campus and activate the Emergency Operations Center by 8:30 a.m. was crucial in managing the situation,” Davis said.

Working with city, county, state, and federal partners, as well as the American Red Cross, was crucial in FAMU’s response and recovery, he said.

“Broad coordination with partners proved invaluable. Continuous monitoring and proactive responses to weather forecasts will remain essential to future strategies. These lessons will improve preparedness and response to future storms,” Davis added. Moving ahead, the focus includes enhancing the University’s infrastructure to withstand future storms.

“That requires careful planning and additional resources. These lessons will improve preparedness and response to future storms,” he said.