Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Major General John D. Haas, Adjutant General of Florida, and Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly, visited Madeira Beach to provide updates on recovery efforts following the impact of Hurricane Helene on Florida’s Big Bend region and Gulf Coast.
As of this morning, approximately 20,112 Floridians remain without power, while the State of Florida has successfully restored power to 2,382,773 accounts.
Read: Biden Deploys 1,000 Troops To North Carolina For Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
The Florida Disaster Fund, overseen by Volunteer Florida, continues to play a key role in supporting recovery efforts. This private fund, in partnership with public, private, and non-governmental organizations, provides financial assistance to communities affected by emergencies and disasters. Contributions can be made at FloridaDisasterFund.org.
Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, expanding the state of emergency to 61 counties. Residents seeking more information about recovery efforts or county-specific resources can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide or check FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for emergency management contacts across all 67 counties.
Read: Hurricane Helene Insured Losses Soar Past $500 Million In Florida
Federal Disaster Relief Governor DeSantis also announced that Florida has secured a major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene. The declaration includes both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B).
- Individual Assistance, which provides aid to residents and households, is available in the following counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla.
- Public Assistance, for emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, is available in the same counties. This assistance covers debris removal, emergency protective measures, and direct federal support.
In addition, Florida has now secured Individual and Public Assistance for Columbia, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Leon, and Suwannee counties.
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