Parts of North Central Florida have been designated as natural disaster areas. The labels aren't the result of recent flooding, but tied to this past winter.

At the end of February Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In it he requested that 24 counties receive disaster designations because of agricultural losses due to freezing temperatures during the end of January and beginning of February. One month later he received a response and it's good news for farmers. Designated disaster counties in North Central Florida include Alachua, Columbia, and Putnam. Gilchrist, Levy, and Marion counties can also receive help.

Assistance includes Farm Service Agency emergency loans, and eligibility for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program approved as part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Those affected by the freezes should get in contact with their local Farm Service Agency. They can then fill out an application describing their losses and see what kind of help they can receive.