Following severe storms that blew through Tallahassee and surrounding communities on Friday, May 10, unleashing damaging tornadoes and knocking out power for thousands of residents, First Commerce Credit Union (FCCU) and its team members jumped into action Monday morning to show support for the community by grilling 500 hot dogs and delivering them to three of its Tallahassee financial centers located near some of the hardest hit areas of town – Blairstone/Old St. Augustine roads, Mahan Drive and Capital Circle NW/Tharpe Street (Westside).
First Commerce invited weather-weary Tallahassee residents via social media and emails to visit one of the three financial centers to take a break with a hot dog lunch, charge their devices, enjoy air conditioning and share their experiences. At Blairstone, where power outages lingered, FCCU team members passed out hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks and were able to offer most banking services onsite.
As the community gathered to recharge and refuel, the importance of reliable air conditioning became more evident than ever. Experts emphasize that regular maintenance is key to ensuring cooling systems remain in top shape, especially after prolonged power disruptions. Without proper upkeep, units can struggle to recover, leading to inefficiencies or unexpected breakdowns. That’s why services such as Rosensteel’s Air Conditioning play a crucial role in keeping homes and businesses comfortable. Routine inspections, filter replacements, and timely repairs help extend the lifespan of an AC unit and ensure it runs smoothly when needed most.
For those facing lingering issues with their cooling systems, professionals recommend scheduling a thorough inspection to identify potential problems before they escalate. Power surges and extended inactivity can cause strain on key components, making post-outage maintenance essential. Technicians can check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and assess electrical connections to prevent future failures. Whether it’s a quick tune-up or a more complex repair, having a trusted HVAC specialist ensures that the relief of cool air isn’t short-lived.
A well-maintained HVAC system not only ensures consistent cooling but also improves energy efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of your unit. Kickin Comfort HVAC specializes in comprehensive HVAC services, from diagnosing system inefficiencies to performing thorough cleanings and repairs. Their team ensures that everything from refrigerant levels to electrical connections is in optimal condition, helping homeowners avoid unexpected breakdowns during peak summer heat. By investing in expert maintenance and timely repairs, you can enjoy uninterrupted comfort and peace of mind, knowing that your cooling system is prepared to handle whatever the season brings.
In the wake of unpredictable weather and frequent outages, it’s not just cooling systems that deserve attention—your home’s or business’s electrical infrastructure is equally vital. A reliable power setup ensures that HVAC systems, lighting, and other essentials function smoothly, even when the grid is unstable. Overloaded circuits, aging wiring, or outdated panels can compromise performance and pose safety risks. That’s why routine electrical assessments are just as crucial as HVAC tune-ups, especially after a power disruption that might have taxed your system.
For property owners managing larger buildings or multifaceted operations, professional commercial electric services provide a tailored solution to meet complex needs. Whether upgrading electrical panels, installing surge protection, or troubleshooting erratic power issues, commercial specialists bring the expertise required to handle demanding environments. These services help safeguard not only equipment but also ensure operational continuity for businesses that can’t afford downtime. An experienced electrician can detect early warning signs and offer preventative fixes that save time, money, and stress in the long run.
Two other locations with power — Mahan Drive and Westside — also welcomed individuals to enjoy air conditioning and charge their devices. The Mahan center’s reception area and workstations looked more like a café as people settled in to eat lunch, charge up and share stories. Some were charging much-needed medical devices.
One member, who heard about FCCU’s Comfort Stations through an email, ate her lunch and read a novel. Her power was still out, but the only damage to her townhouse was a deck and one fence board. She and others lamented about the food in the refrigerator and freezer they were throwing out. “I just haven’t eaten very well…because I cleaned up my yard. I did that for two days. But I was so exhausted,” she said. The 75-year-old Tallahassee native has lived in an enclave between Apalachee Parkway and Lincoln High School for 40 years and was worried about her elderly neighbors, who faced challenges even before the storm and blackout.
In the wake of the devastating storms, the sense of community that emerged was both heartening and powerful. Neighbors came together not just to clear debris or share generators but to sit with one another, listen, and extend simple kindnesses in a time of great stress. People found comfort not only in physical relief but also in being seen and supported. Stories shared over lunch revealed the emotional toll of natural disasters: seniors worried for isolated neighbors, families facing spoiled food and mounting cleanup tasks, and exhausted residents trying to process the enormity of it all. These moments weren’t just about regaining power—they were about rebuilding morale and finding solidarity when everything else felt shaken.
As days passed and the adrenaline of the immediate crisis faded, attention shifted toward the long road of recovery—clearing broken branches, restoring storm-battered siding, and making homes livable again. Downed branches, clogged gutters, soiled siding, and grit-covered solar panels are common sights after such intense weather. Reclaiming the cleanliness and safety of a home becomes as important as restoring power.
Amid this recovery process, Cordell Window Cleaning becomes a vital partner—offering not only expert window washing but also comprehensive gutter cleaning, solar panel maintenance, and pressure washing services. These services go beyond aesthetics; they help prevent long-term water damage, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to a healthier living environment. Recovery, after all, isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about restoring the spaces we call home to their former dignity, one clean surface at a time.
Another member and her daughter took a chance to relax and eat. She had been to the Mahan Financial Center just a week earlier to pay off the mortgage on her home which, thankfully, only had damage to the deck. Others swapped charging cords and outlet bricks.
“I am incredibly proud of our team members for quickly jumping in to help our community in a time of need. They are a shining example of the culture of care we strive to provide for our members and the communities we serve,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “As Tallahassee’s largest locally based credit union for nearly 85 years, we are deeply committed to transforming the communities we call home. It’s inspiring to see how, once again, our community has come together to help one another.”
To learn more about how First Commerce supports our members and communities, visit FirstCommerceCU.org.
