Support Restore Cedar Key Fund
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, unleashed catastrophic destruction on Cedar Key, Florida, and the surrounding Big Bend region. With waves crashing as high as rooftops and debris smashing into homes and businesses, Helene’s immense strength left widespread devastation in its wake. Homes and businesses were severely damaged or destroyed, forcing the community into a daunting recovery process. Many residents, feeling overlooked, faced immense challenges as they began rebuilding their lives. Helene’s landfall set a record as the strongest hurricane to ever strike this region, surpassing all previous storms in both intensity and destruction.
Amid this unprecedented crisis, Scott Larsen, owner of the Low-Key Hideaway Tiki Bar, stepped into a leadership role, channeling his resources and energy to guide Cedar Key through both recovery and preparation for the future. To restore hope in the community, Scott organized the removal of damaged contents from homes and businesses, personally hiring tractors and dump trucks to clear debris from properties and transport it to the streets. In response to the growing frustration with the slow progress of debris removal and the city’s delays in making critical decisions to address the crisis, Scott took matters into his own hands, assisting in clearing the streets and hauling the waste off the island entirely. Determined to make a lasting impact, he extended his efforts beyond cleanup by helping residents and business owners rebuild with a focus on resilience and growth. His vision is not only to support immediate recovery but also to ensure Cedar Key emerges stronger and better prepared for future storms.
The storm’s impact was staggering—local landmarks like Low-Key Hideaway Tiki Bar were submerged under 13 feet of water, leaving the community in dire need of support. Recognizing the urgency, Scott turned to social media, posting a heartfelt plea for help on the Low-Key Hideaway Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/lowkeyhideaway). The response was overwhelming, with the post reaching over 1.2 million views and mobilizing a wave of volunteers who brought hope and manpower to the devastated community.
The first critical task was clearing waterlogged debris from homes and businesses, an enormous undertaking requiring significant manpower. Mold began spreading within days, heightening the need for swift action. Scott not only organized volunteers but also personally hired tractors and dump trailers to accelerate debris removal. For homes beyond repair, demolition became essential. When contractors began charging exorbitant rates, Scott hired larger equipment at fair prices, protecting his neighbors from further financial strain.
As funds dwindled, Scott reached out for donations to sustain these efforts. The community’s generosity allowed him to move forward with rebuilding homes and reopening businesses, accelerating the path to recovery. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in television production, Scott expertly managed the chaos, turning devastation into an opportunity to build a stronger future for Cedar Key.
Through this experience, Scott discovered a new purpose: helping communities recover from natural disasters. What began as a mission for Cedar Key has evolved into a calling. His vision is to create a framework for rapid recovery that can be implemented in other communities, ensuring that what was accomplished in Cedar Key serves as a model for resilience and renewal.
By donating to the “Restore Cedar Key Town” initiative, you’re supporting a smarter, more resilient recovery for Cedar Key and beyond. While restoring Cedar Key remains the immediate focus, our long-term goal is to expand efforts to help small communities along the East Coast of the United States affected by natural disasters, ensuring they too have the resources and support needed to rebuild and thrive. Your generosity will not only help preserve Cedar Key’s historic charm but also extend hope and resilience to countless communities in need.