One year later, citizens of Mexico Beach and the surrounding areas of the Florida Panhandle are still dealing with massive cleanup endeavors, rebuilding homes and reopening businesses, waiting for insurance claims to go through, and working hard to get area schools ready to resume—but they have hope for the future.

The Never Forgotten Coast campaign and the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association today announced nine microgrants that will immediately help businesses in the community hardest hit by Hurricane Michael last year.

’Tis the season for giving—and for holiday parties! The VIE magazine and The Idea Boutique team decided to celebrate both, along with our neighbors, with the first-ever Logan Lane Holiday Block Party fund-raiser event on December 6, 2018.

As the Florida panhandle begins the rebuilding and recovery process from one of the most devastating storms to hit on record, The Alys Foundation, a non- profit entity of Alys Beach and EBSCO Industries, has pledged $250,000 in donations for immediate relief efforts.

Grayton Beer Company will host a free fund-raising concert with Panama City native Will Thompson, on Friday, November 9, 2018, from 6–9 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase six-packs of the Rebound American Lager and merchandise whose sales will directly aid Hurricane Michael relief efforts.

To give back, Coast Hippie recently launched a new “Panhandle Strong” T-shirt to raise awareness. They will donate 100 percent of all profits from the sale of the Panhandle Strong shirt toward the hurricane relief through the newly formed VIE Foundation.

Hurricane Michael strengthened quickly and made landfall on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, in Mexico Beach as a Category 4 storm, decimating parts of Florida's northwest Gulf Coast and inland areas. Please read more to find out how you can help with relief efforts.