American Import Auto doing tire repair, free brake pads, and is looking at the flooding in vehicles: please call 941-484-1340.
Samaritans Purse: Staging at 75 Pine ST. Englewood, 941-290-8527.
Helping with the removal of flooded furniture, mud, and drywall removal.
Goodwill is distributing gift cards as well as Goodwill vouchers to the individuals and families served by the more than 70 existing partners of Goodwill’s emergency assistance voucher program. The gift cards can be redeemed at Publix, Walmart and Wawa for food and gas; the Goodwill Manasota vouchers can be redeemed at area Goodwill retail stores for clothing, household items, and furniture. Goodwill Manasota’s Community Resource Center locations, where these gift cards and vouchers will be distributed to referred individuals/families, will include its Corporate Campus (2715 51st Ave. E., Bradenton), Rialto (676 S. Tamiami Tr., Venice), Arcadia (1701 E. Oak St.) and North Port (14879 Tamiami Tr.).
Goodwill also help with job search/resume building.
FEMA RESOURCES
The City of North Port is advising homeowners to document any damage to their homes sustained as a result of Hurricane Ian, including photos, estimates for repair and receipts for repair work or the purchase of supplies used to protect or repair their homes.
Documentation will be necessary to submit a federal assistance claim to FEMA. Residents can begin the application process at disasterassistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA app online. If you don't have access to internet, you can also apply by phone: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
The City is finalizing a plan to set up a resource center to provide in-person assistance with FEMA applications and other services. For the latest updates, visit NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts, follow the City of North Port’s verified accounts on Facebook and Twitter or text NPStrong to 888777.
Operation Blue Roof coming to North Port
North Port homeowners and other Sarasota County residents who suffered damage to their roofs from Hurricane Ian may now be eligible for Operation Blue Roof, a federal program that provides fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.
Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.
Residents are encouraged to sign up and check the status of their applications through the online portal available at BlueRoof.us. The online process takes 5 minutes or less to complete. Residents can call the toll-free number at 888-766-3258 to speak to a live operator and apply, but you should expect the process to take up to 20 minutes. Hours of operation for the phone line are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To qualify for the Blue Roof program:
The home must be the primary residence of the person or household requesting the emergency roof covering; AND
The residence has NO more than 50 percent of the roof framing damaged. The framing must support the plastic sheeting as a temporary repair, and be able to provide safe shelter once contractors install the tarp; AND
The resident certifies that he or she is the owner of the residence requested to be covered OR is a renter that has obtained legal permission to continue occupying the residence until more permanent repairs are made; AND
The resident certifies that they will shelter in the residence that they have requested to be covered; AND
The roof must be standard roof shingles, or a similar material that will allow contractors to nail the tarp in place. Contractors will consider repairs to metal roofs and mobile homes on a case-by-case basis and will install the cover if possible. Contractors cannot cover roofs made of materials such as slate, asbestos or clay tile, or other material which would be exceptionally difficult to repair, or would likely be damaged during tarp installation.
For more information, visit BlueRoof.us.
From the Office of Governor Ron Desantis:
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Support for Ian-Impacted Homeowners Insurance Deductibles
Funding will Close the Financial Gap to Recovery for Families, Seniors
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is awarding $5 million to local housing partners to help Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian pay their home insurance deductibles in the six hardest hit counties. Funding assistance is available to individuals, families, and seniors living in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties who apply and qualify through Florida Housing’s local housing partners. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their local SHIP office directly for more information: Local Government Information (floridahousing.org).
As the state’s housing finance agency, Florida Housing annually receives funding from the Legislature for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, of which $5 million is set aside to be used in the event of a natural disaster. This year, the disaster funds have been allocated to assist Floridians who are low to moderate income, live in one of the six counties hardest hit by Hurricane Ian and cannot afford to pay their insurance deductibles.
“Following the impacts of Hurricane Ian, it was really important to us to make sure people were able to get back into their homes and rebuild as quickly as possible – today’s announcement will help do just that,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We know a lot of homeowners had coverage for the storm, however insurance deductibles are expensive and often a gap not covered by other support. These funds will immediately help families and seniors with limited means get closer to recovery.”
“We know there are many hardworking families and senior citizens on a fixed income that live in the areas impacted by Hurricane Ian,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “Hurricane deductibles are larger than typical deductibles for home damages, and many people impacted aren’t prepared to put up tens of thousands of dollars to begin the work of rebuilding their homes. By providing the necessary financial assistance to help these families pay their insurance deductibles we hope this will ease some of the burden that comes after a major storm and allow the focus to remain on recovery. We’re grateful for the leadership from Governor DeSantis and the state Legislature as we all work together to continue providing Southwest Florida with the support needed to help their communities rebuild.”
“Just a little more than a week ago, Governor DeSantis and I sat with business owners in Lee County, and we consistently heard the very real, urgent challenges that residents need help with to recover. Insurance deductibles were definitely one of the consistent points raised,” said Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. “Today, with the Governor’s leadership, we’re again turning the feedback of Southwest Florida residents into action, and we look forward to meeting with Florida Housing’s local partners to spread the word and further identify ways to support housing needs.”
Florida Housing is also working to compile information on disaster relief resources. The following are possible resources for families affected by Hurricane Ian:
Individuals that have been displaced from their homes are encouraged to visit www.FloridaHousingSearch.org. This free, statewide search platform is constantly being updated to ensure all listings are accurate and can help quickly locate an affordable rental property. If you do not have Internet access, you may also call the following toll-free number for assistance in conducting a search: 1-877-428-8844.
If your home sustained damage as a result of the storm, your local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program office may have recovery assistance available to help with temporary relocation, rental assistance, debris removal and/or home repairs. Please contact your local SHIP office directly for more information: Local Government Information (floridahousing.org)
Florida residents can apply for federal assistance to help with disaster-related expenses, including temporary lodging. For more information please visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or use the FEMA App.
Residents who used Florida Housing’s Homeownership Loan Program (HLP) may be eligible for Disaster Relief Assistance through US Bank. Please visit their website for more information: Disaster relief assistance | Here for you | U.S. Bank (usbank.com)
Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Federal Housing Administration loans (FHA) back the majority of U.S. mortgages – and each has some kind of program to help homeowners struggling to pay their monthly mortgage payment after a disaster. Disaster relief options are offered to homeowners in declared major disaster areas. However, even homeowners outside those areas may have options if their home incurred a disaster-related loss that impacts their ability to make a mortgage payment. Foreclosure and other legal proceedings are also suspended while homeowners are on a forbearance plan. Click here to learn more.
Operation Blue Roof: Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.
If you own a private business that has been impacted, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz/.
For more information about Florida Housing Finance Corporation and disaster relief resources, please visit Disaster Relief Resources and Information (floridahousing.org).
From the Office of Governor Ron Desantis:
Governor Ron DeSantis Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $50 Million Available – At Least $10 Million of Which Must Go to Assist Agricultural Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Ian Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties are eligible to apply.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available — at least $10 million of which must go to small businesses that are agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Ian in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. Small businesses in the most impacted counties — Charlotte, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota — will be escalated and prioritized as they are received. The program, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian. Interested applicants can apply now through December 2, 2022, or until all available funds are expended. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ strong, decisive leadership, we will ensure that communities across the state are able to recover quickly from Hurricane Ian’s devastation," said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “Florida’s small business owners in need of assistance can now apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program at www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL.” Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant. DEO administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation. Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, as well as to view the lending guidelines and required documentation and to complete an application by the December 2, 2022, deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
From the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation:
Hurricane Ian Updates and Resources If you or your loved ones have been impacted by Hurricane Ian, our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is here to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. We encourage you to read the information below and share it with colleagues, friends, and family who may need it. DBPR UPDATES Avoid the most common traps and threats created by unlicensed frauds:
Utilize the Emergency Page on our DBPR website for Hurricane Ian information regarding DBPR Emergency Orders, rescheduled board meetings, temporary licensure, and resources for homeowners, contractors, and more.
The DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants field staff is performing post-storm assessments to support public lodging and public food service establishments in storm-impacted counties. The Division’s goal is to see each impacted establishment re-open as soon as is safely possible.
DBPR encourages Florida business owners and homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian to be alert and reject fraudulent and illegal offers to perform work on their homes by using only properly state-licensed professionals.
Taking a deposit but not performing the work, or performing substandard work resulting in an extensive loss in home value, financial cost to the homeowners, and potential dangers to occupants and guests
A lack of proper permitting or proof of work performed resulting in difficulty or inability to sell the home
Non-compliance with building codes may leave defects, or the inability for the home to withstand future storms
A lack of necessary insurance, creating possible liability for the homeowner for injuries on their property or for shoddy work performed
Unknown criminal backgrounds allowing potentially dangerous people access to the home and near loved ones
A lack of education and/or qualifications endangering the safety of homeowners, their loved ones and their property
Verify the license of any prospective contractor by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com, or downloading the DBPR mobile app on iTunes and GooglePlay.
Report unlicensed contractors and other unlicensed activity to 866-532-1440 or on the DBPR mobile app or MyFloridaLicense.com. For more information visit the DBPR Unlicensed Activity web page.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
To scale up recovery efforts, recovery teams will be hiring many local individuals. Find more details at DisasterRecovery.EmployFlorida.com/
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is updating FloridaDisaster.biz with real-time information for business owners, their families, and employees for Hurricane Ian.
DEO and the Division of Emergency Management have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to gather information about how Hurricane Ian is impacting local businesses. This survey will assess and inform recovery resources needed in impacted communities. Take the Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments.
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been activated to assist small businesses that have been impacted by Hurricane Ian with short-term, zero-interest loans to meet the businesses’ immediate financial needs and “bridge the gap” until longer term funding sources become available. Small businesses in the most impacted counties will be escalated and prioritized as they are received. Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more.
Enterprise Florida activated its Disaster Assistance page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
CareerSource Florida is working with DEO to support recovery efforts and help connect affected residents with temporary employment and other recovery assistance. All career centers are open statewide except CareerSource Southwest Florida’s centers in Port Charlotte. To find your local career center, visit Find Your Local Team or Career Center Directory.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has several Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) to assist Floridians applying for SBA disaster loan assistance for losses due to Hurricane Ian that began September 23, 2022.
All BRCs will operate as indicated below until further notice from the SBA:
SBA Business Recovery Center Collier County The Naples Players 701 5th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 Hours: Monday, 9 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am. to 5 pm
SBA Mobile Business Recovery Center Collier County Museum of the Everglades 105 Broadway Avenue W Everglades City, FL 34139 Hours: Saturday – Monday, Oct. 8 – 10, 9 am – 6 pm
SBA Business Recovery Center Hillsborough County Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center 1907 E. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, FL 33610 Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
SBA Business Recovery Center Lee County Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral 360 Santa Barbara Blvd. S. Cape Coral FL 33991 Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 4 pm Closed: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
SBA Business Recovery Center Lee County The Hub at SWFL, Inc. 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
SBA Business Recovery Center Seminole County Sanford Information Center 230 E. First St. Sanford, FL 32771 Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm
SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available as indicated above to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and safety of the public. All visitors to the BRCs are encouraged to wear a face mask. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 17644. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS The state currently has 10 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) operated by DEO, in conjunction with DBPR and more than 10 other state and federal agencies, to provide a one-stop shop for individuals or businesses that need help recovering from the storm. Hours of operation are 9 am-6 pm daily, seven days a week. Lee County currently has extended hours from 7 am-7 pm, daily. Disaster Recovery Centers are located at: Charlotte County Mobile DRC – Home Depot 12621 S. McCall Rd. Port Charlotte, FL 33981 Collier County Veterans Community Park 1895 Veterans Drive Naples, FL 34109 Hardee County Wauchula Civic Center 515 Civic Center Dr. Wauchula, FL 33873 Lee County Joseph P.D Alessandro Office Complex 2295 Victoria Ave. Fort Myers, FL 33901 Lakes Regional Library 15290 Bass Road Fort Myers, FL 33919 Orange County Barnett Park 4801 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32808 Osceola County Hart Memorial Central Library 211 E. Dakin Ave. Kissimmee, FL 34741 Polk County W.H. Stuart Center 1702 S. Holland Pkwy. Bartow, FL 33830 Sarasota County Shannon Staub Library 4675 Career Lane North Port, FL 34289 Seminole County Seminole State College Automotive Center 100 Welden Blvd. Sanford, FL 32773 MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.
UTILITY & BRIDGE UPDATES
There are currently 19,362 reported power outages. In Lee and Collier counties, there are only 1,000 accounts on the mainland that remain without power that can receive it. More than 42,000 linemen have already restored power to over 2.6 million accounts across the state, representing over 99% of accounts restored since the peak.
Tuesday, October 11, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that temporary repairs to the Sanibel Causeway will allow a one-time convoy of power restoration equipment, supplies, and crews to access Sanibel Island and continue restoration efforts. Once crews are on the island, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will resume repairs to restore access to the island for residents, which is expected to be complete by the end of this month.
Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that bridge repairs were completed in record time to restore access to Pine Island.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised nearly $40 million since activation. To read more info, click here. To contribute, please visit FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.
Find volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Florida’s Volunteer Connect at VolunteerFlorida.org.
If you have any questions about your license, please reach out to our Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395. Together, we will come back stronger than ever.
Sincerely,
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation