By Caribbean News Global 
MIAMI, USA – On September 26 and October 9, 2024, Florida was devastated by the powerful hurricanes “Helene” and “Milton” respectively, resulting in several casualties and extensive financial damage. The Taiwanese government responded by donating of $300,000 USD to Florida for disaster relief, and recently the “Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in North America” (TCCNA) organized a fundraising campaign at its annual board meeting in Fort Lauderdale on November 12, 2024.
TCCNA president Arthur Chen led the initiative, encouraging members to support the reconstruction efforts.
Through the mediation of The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Miami, a donation ceremony was held on the afternoon of February 25, 2025 at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.
President Arthur Chen presented the $225,000 USD raised by TCCNA to the State of Florida government. Florida secretary of commerce Alex Kelly and Volunteer Florida executive director Josie Tamayo accepted the donation on behalf of the state.
The funds will be placed in the Florida Disaster Fund for coordinated use by the state.
Among the attendees were director-general Charles Chou of TECO in Miami, TCCNA supervisor chairperson Maggie Chang, Florida’s deputy secretary of commerce Jason Mahon, Florida Chamber of Commerce president Mark Wilson, alongside various local and senior overseas Taiwanese leaders.
Secretary Kelly, representing Governor Ron DeSantis, expressed the state’s gratitude for Taiwan’s solidarity and support. He reiterated that Taiwan is a key partner for Florida and the United States, sharing core values such as freedom and democracy.
Taiwan and Florida also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Economic and Trade Cooperation on January 8, 2025 to strengthen bilateral exchanges, promote industry information sharing, and expand economic and trade ties. President Chen extended his condolences and expressed sympathy for the hurricane’s devastating effects.
Director-General Charles Chou noted that Taiwan is frequently impacted by typhoons in the summer and fall, and as a result, Taiwan deeply empathizes with the significant damage caused by hurricanes.
Following the storms, president Lai Ching-te quickly expressed condolences and reiterated Taiwan’s willingness to assist. Foreign minister Lin Chia-Lung also conveyed Taiwan’s heartfelt sympathy to the American Institute in Taiwan’s office in Taipei. The Taiwanese government swiftly decided to donate $300,000 USD through TECO in Miami. It is heartening to see TCCNA join in this charitable effort, contributing to Florida’s recovery and reinforcing Taiwan’s role as a positive force in the global community, embodying the humanitarian spirit of “Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping.”
The two hurricanes made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region and the southern part of Tampa Bay, resulting in 53 fatalities and over 48 billion USD in damages. The affected areas faced severe flooding, extensive property damage, road disruptions, and power outages. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing, with cooperation from Florida’s state and local governments, alongside the assistance of NGOs.
In recent years, Taiwan and Florida have fostered close exchanges in trade, high technology, education, and culture, with Florida being a popular travel destination for Taiwanese citizens. The similarities in geography and climate between Taiwan and Florida offer opportunities for further discussion and cooperation in disaster prevention, response, and climate adaptation strategies. TECO Miami looks forward to continuing to facilitate conversations and collaboration efforts that enhance protections for both regions often affected by storms.
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