Sunshine Sentinel

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On September 22, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted ongoing recovery resources available to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Idalia. State agencies continue to deploy resources to the Big Bend region and provide assistance to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Idalia. More information on these resources can be found on the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s (Division) website FloridaDisaster.org/updates.

Non-Congregate Sheltering

Florida’s state-led sheltering program is avaliable through FloridaRecovers.org in partnership with the American Red Cross. The program provides temporary sheltering options — such as travel trailers and hotel rooms — for households whose homes may be uninhabitable as a result of damage from Hurricane Idalia. Individuals in need of State sheltering assistance must register for FEMA Individual Assistance before completing an application. Hurricane Idalia survivors can apply for FEMA assistance and continuously update their applications

Resources for Workers and Businesses

FloridaCommerce will host a job fair and establish a One-Stop Business Resource Center on Friday, September 22, from 12 to 6 p.m., and Saturday September 23, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the southeast corner of Forest Capital Museum State Park, located at 203 Forest Park Drive, Perry, FL 32348 at the Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Event Space. FloridaCommerce will have personnel on the ground to help connect residents with jobs actively hiring in addition to assistance with Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Emergency Bridge Loan applications and more.

Florida Commerce is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from residents and businesses in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee, and Taylor counties. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia are encouraged to submit a claim at www.FloridaJobs.org.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been activated to bridge the gap between the time of the disaster and when a business is able to secure long-term resources. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit www.FloridaDisasterLoan.org.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has activated the Business Physical & Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help small businesses following Hurricane Idalia. For information about eligibility and how to apply, visit FloridaSBDC.org/Idalia.

For more information about USDA disaster resources please visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery. USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development.

Owners of meat and poultry producing businesses may call 877-FSIS-HELP (877-374-7435), email infosource@fsis.usda.gov, or visit fsis.usda.gov/inspection/compliance-guidance/small-very-small-plant-guidance/small-plant-help-desk.

The American Red Cross has initiated their Financial Assistance Program. Residents can sign-up for appointments on their website: www.redcross.org/idalia or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Reporting Fraud and Abuse

Watch and report any suspicious activity to the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline. Call 1-866-966-7226, download the NO SCAM App, or visit www.MyFloridaLegal.com.

Report unlicensed contracting to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Always verify a professional’s license online at www.MyFloridaLicense.com, by calling (850) 487-1395, or by using the DBPR mobile app.

Unmet Needs

Survivors who have critical unmet needs may complete a voluntary survey and visit Unite Florida for a coordinated care network consisting of healthcare, government, nonprofit, and other organizations.

Food Assistance

D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Children and Families will implement D-SNAP beginning September 25, 2023, for individuals who live or work in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties. Find out more and pre-register at www.myflfamilies.com/DSNAP.

FEMA Individual Assistance

To apply for FEMA Assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call (800) 621-3362, use the FEMA app or visit one of more than 17 open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).

Residents in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee & Taylor counties can apply for FEMA individual assistance, including:

• Lodging Expense Reimbursement
• Home Repair/Replacement Assistance for disaster losses not already covered by another source.
• Rental Assistance for alternative housing if you can no longer occupy your primary residence due to disaster-related damage.
• Funeral Assistance related to a death attributed directly or indirectly as a result of the hurricane.
• Medical and Dental Assistance for uninsured medical and dental needs or losses caused by Hurricane Idalia.

To be considered for the following types of assistance, if you received a referral to apply for an SBA Disaster Loan, you must have submitted the application and received a denial.

Personal Property Assistance to repair or replace essential, uninsured

personal property damaged by Hurricane Idalia.

Transportation Assistance for primary vehicles damaged by the disaster.

Residents have 60 days from the disaster declaration to apply for Individual Assistance and are encouraged to continue to update applications to avoid an “ineligible” determination.

To file an appeal for an ineligible determination, submit your appeal in writing in a signed and dated letter explaining the reason(s) for your appeal. Your appeal letter should also include:

• Your full name
• Disaster number (DR-4734)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Your current phone number and address
• Your FEMA registration number on each page of your documentation

Debris Removal from Waterways

• The FWC has set up a hotline (888-404-3922) to report vessels lost, displaced or rendered derelict as a result of the storm.
• Any damaged, displaced or destroyed waterway marker, sign or buoy should be reported by telephone to 866-405-BUOY (2869) or at myfwc.com/boating/waterway/markers/damaged-or-missing/report-form

For further information on these resources and more, visit FloridaDisaster.org/updates.

Original source can be found here.