Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused more than $27 million in damages to clubs in Florida, according to a study recently released by a club industry group.
The Florida Chapter of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) conducted the survey of 79 clubs in cooperation with the Club Benchmarking consulting firm and the National Club Association. The findings were based on reports from the clubs as well as insurance claims.
An estimated $9.5 million of the damage was to golf courses, the survey indicated. And it found the storm affected 5,855 employees.
Hurricane Irma, which struck Florida in September 2017, caused an estimated $50 billion in damage across the state, making it the costliest hurricane in Florida history.
Beth Sargent, executive director of the Florida CMAA chapter, said this study is the first time such a disaster has been documented within the club industry.
“This publication and the supporting documents will be used to provide managers the knowledge necessary when these events occur in the future,” Sargent said. “Not only in Florida, but with club managers throughout the United States.”
Club Benchmarking CEO Jim Butler said the report – “Hurricane Irma 2017: The Economic, Human and Social Impact on Florida Clubs” – can help improve understanding about the importance of preparedness and response planning going forward.
The report includes details about insurance claims, club facility closures and club responses. It also outlines best practices to help with natural disaster readiness and recovery.
Additional information is available by contacting Sargent at 561-373-0919 or emailing md@flcmaa.org.