Florida Gov. DeSantis Joined Business Owners In Cape Coral On Recovery Efforts

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by business owners impacted by Hurricane Ian in Cape Coral to hold a discussion on recovery efforts.

Business owners discussed ways to reopen safely to get customers back in the door. Additionally, Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Secretary Dane Eagle highlighted resources that have been made available, including activating the Emergency Bridge Loan program.

More than $4.8 million has already been awarded to 106 businesses that were impacted by the storm.

Additionally, Governor DeSantis highlighted the resources available at Disaster Recovery Centers for businesses. Florida is awaiting federal approval on a $30 million request for the Dislocated Worker Grant Program.

This program will provide disaster relief employment through temporary jobs to Floridians who were impacted by Hurricane Ian. Businesses in southwest Florida have continued to go out of their way to help their employees, and the state of Florida will continue to find ways to assist them.

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There are currently 18,396 reported power outages. In Lee and Collier counties, there are fewer than 500 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.

There are currently 13 fueling depot stations open statewide, and a mobile fuel truck has been deployed to Arcadia to support residents without access to fuel.

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $40 million since activation. To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

Additionally, the First Lady has worked with the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator, Sara Newhouse, to compile a webpage of resources to help first responders navigate resources for mental health needs post-hurricane.

Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. Floridians’ health and well-being are a top priority, and the Department of Children and Families is reminding individuals that they are not alone. All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.

Safe and found persons can be reported safe at http://safe.fl.gov.

Additional programs that have been put into place to aid communities include the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, the initiation of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof, and FDOT’s diligent work to construct temporary bridges into areas that are cut off from motorists.

First Lady Casey DeSantis, Volunteer Florida and Tervis have created a design with Florida imagery for a new tumbler product. With every sale of this tumbler, all proceeds will go to the Florida Disaster Fund. Products are available for purchase on the Tervis website HERE and will soon be available in stores for purchase.

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