November 12, 2023
Case Construction Equipment
, Racine, Wis., and dealers Tidewater Equipment and Case Power & Equipment of Florida provided equipment and support for a Team Rubicon operation in response to Hurricane Idalia. Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization serving global communities before, during and after disasters and crises.
In Taylor County, the destruction left by the high winds, rain and storm surge from the hurricane was severe. Roads across the county were blocked by trees and other debris while power was out in large portions of the county. After Taylor County’s emergency manager requested help, Team Rubicon, with the help of Case machinery from Tidewater Equipment and Case Power & Equipment of Florida, launched its first Idalia response on Sept. 1.
“Our continued partnership with Case allows Team Rubicon to assist more communities in need before and after disasters strike,” said William Porter, director of operations support, Team Rubicon. “We were able to quickly clear roads within hours of Hurricane Idalia making landfall in Florida and have continued to support the community with Case machines from Tidewater Equipment Co. The commitment of Case fuels this work and increases our capacity to assist survivors.”
In the first week following landfall, volunteers brought their relief operation to completion, clearing 298 obstructions across multiple counties in Florida, moving more than 490 dump truck loads of debris and allowing thousands of survivors to regain access to emergency and essential services. Throughout the operation, which continued for months after the storm’s initial impact, Case dealers were in it for the long haul, supporting Team Rubicon volunteers with critical equipment to help get the job done as quickly as possible.
“Despite all the destruction left by Idalia, we felt privileged to be in a position to help with the powerful equipment Team Rubicon needed,” said Jeff Heinemann, director, Case Power & Equipment, Florida. “Supporting each other in good times and bad is what we’re all about, and we’re proud to be part of a network of Case that shares those values.”
