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| Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Helene Resources | ||||
| Dear Fellow Floridian, As Florida begins our recovery from Hurricane Helene, my office is committed to making sure Floridians have access to the tools and federal resources necessary to rebuild. To see a list of county-specific resources, check HERE. This was a major storm, and it demands a well-coordinated response and recovery effort. Just as I have for the past week, I am continuing to be in constant communication with our mayors, law enforcement, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), utilities, business and community leaders and state and local officials to make sure we are getting them the help they need to assist families. While I know from my experience with previous hurricanes that FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) damage assessments take time, I am urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the U.S. Senate when those assessments are completed so that we can pass the clean supplemental disaster funding bill and other disaster relief legislation, like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, needed to ensure the full recovery of families in all impacted communities. While we wait for this critical information, I will keep fighting to make sure that FEMA, the SBA, and the entire federal government are working in total collaboration with state and local officials so we continue to get resources and aid deployed quickly. Read more HERE. This week, I led a bipartisan group of my Florida delegation colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting the State of Florida’s request to issue a Disaster Declaration for Florida’s counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. We are urging the secretary to make assistance available immediately in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida’s farmers and agricultural producers as they recover from the destructive impacts of the storm. Read more HERE. Thousands of Floridians are still without power, and many who evacuated their homes have sadly returned to uninhabitable or destroyed homes. Housing for Floridians displaced by Helene must be top priority. That's why I sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting that FEMA coordinate closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on housing recovery. Read more HERE. If you need assistance with housing, please register for BOTH State and FEMA housing assistance through the below links:
As I always say, you can rebuild your home, but you can’t rebuild your life. I urge families to continue following the directions of local authorities and staying safe. This week, I stopped by Punta Gorda in Charlotte County to receive a briefing from Congressman Greg Steube, Sheriff Bill Prummell and other local leaders. I also stopped by Venice in Sarasota County and met with Sheriff Kurt Hoffman for an aerial tour of damage from Hurricane Helene. Over the weekend, I stopped by Fort Myers Beach in Lee County, where I met with Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Cedar Key in Levy County to meet with Sheriff Bobby McCallum, and Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to meet with Sheriff Rick Wells. In these communities, I spoke with local law enforcement and emergency management officials to check in and assess the damage left behind by Hurricane Helene. Since Wednesday, I have also visited Hillsborough, Bay, Franklin, Taylor, Levy, Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties, and I will continue to travel throughout the Gulf Coast to meet with emergency management officials and assess damage. My offices around the state are here to help Floridians every step of the way. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal issue or agency, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. If there is one thing I know, it is that Floridians are resilient and we will get through this together. See more about the resources available to you and your family below or click HERE. Sincerely,  Senator Rick Scott United States Senator — To be the first to find out about Senator Scott's actions and statements, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. — Mientras Florida comienza nuestra recuperación del huracán Helene, mi oficina está comprometida a garantizar que los floridanos tengan acceso a las herramientas y los recursos federales necesarios para reconstruir. Para ver una lista de recursos específicos para cada condado, consulte AQUÍ. Esta fue una tormenta mayor y exige una respuesta y un esfuerzo de recuperación bien coordinados. Tal como lo he hecho durante esta semana, sigo en constante comunicación con nuestros alcaldes, los sheriffs, la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA), las empresas de servicios públicos, los líderes empresariales y comunitarios y los funcionarios estatales y locales para asegurarme de que les estamos brindando la ayuda que necesitan para asistir a las familias. Si bien sé por mi experiencia con huracanes anteriores que las evaluaciones de daños de FEMA y la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA) toman tiempo, insto al líder de la mayoría del senado Chuck Schumer a que vuelva a convocar de inmediato al Senado de los EE. UU. cuando se completen esas evaluaciones para que podamos aprobar el proyecto de ley de financiación suplementaria para desastres y otros proyectos de ley de ayuda en caso de desastres, como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, necesarios para garantizar la recuperación total de las familias en todas las comunidades afectadas. Mientras esperamos esta información crítica, seguiré luchando para asegurarme de que FEMA, la SBA y todo el gobierno federal trabajen en total colaboración con los funcionarios estatales y locales para que sigamos desplegando recursos y ayuda rápidamente. Lea más AQUÍ. Esta semana, lideré un grupo bipartidista de mis colegas de la delegación de Florida en una carta al Secretario del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA), Tom Vilsack, en apoyo a la solicitud del Estado de Florida de emitir una Declaración de Desastre para los condados de Florida que se vieron afectados por el huracán Helene. Instamos al secretario a que ponga a disposición asistencia de inmediato en forma de subvenciones estatales en bloque para acelerar el apoyo a los agricultores de Florida mientras se recuperan de los impactos destructivos de la tormenta. Lea más AQUÍ. Miles de floridanos siguen sin electricidad y muchos de los que evacuaron sus hogares lamentablemente han regresado a casas inhabitables o destruidas. La vivienda para los floridanos desplazados por Helene debe ser la máxima prioridad. Por eso envié una carta a la administradora de FEMA, Deanne Criswell, solicitando que FEMA coordine con la División de Gestión de Emergencias de Florida (FDEM) la recuperación de viviendas. Lea más AQUÍ. Si necesita ayuda con la vivienda, regístrese para obtener asistencia tanto del estado como de FEMA a través de los siguientes enlaces:
Como siempre digo, se puede reconstruir un hogar, pero no una vida. Insto a las familias a que sigan las instrucciones de las autoridades locales y se mantengan a salvo. Esta semana, visité Punta Gorda en el condado de Charlotte para recibir información del congresista Greg Steube, el sheriff Bill Prummell y otros líderes locales. También visité Venice, en el condado de Sarasota, y me reuní con el sheriff Kurt Hoffman para realizar un recorrido aéreo para ver los daños causados por el huracán Helene. Durante el fin de semana, pasé por Fort Myers Beach, en el condado de Lee, donde me reuní con el sheriff del condado de Lee, Carmine Marceno, Cedar Key, en el condado de Levy, para reunirme con el sheriff Bobby McCallum, y Anna Maria Island, en el condado de Manatee, para reunirme con el sheriff Rick Wells. En ambas comunidades hablé con las autoridades locales y los funcionarios de gestión de emergencias para ver y evaluar los daños que dejó el huracán Helene. Desde el miércoles, también he visitado Hillsborough, Bay, Franklin, Taylor, Levy, Pasco, Pinellas y Hernando, y seguiré viajando por toda la Costa del Golfo para reunirme con funcionarios de gestión de emergencias y evaluar los daños. Mis oficinas en todo el estado están aquí para ayudar a los floridanos en cada paso del camino. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita ayuda con un problema o agencia federal, no dude en comunicarse con nosotros. Si hay algo que sé, es que los floridanos somos resilientes y que juntos superaremos esto.Vea más sobre los recursos disponibles para usted y su familia AQUÍ. — |
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| Housing Any Floridian in need assistance with housing, please register for BOTH State and FEMA housing assistance through the below. 1.To apply for State Housing Program: Hope Florida (hopeflorida.com) Activate Hope Disaster Assistance Form Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can complete this form or call 1-833-GET-HOPE. 2. To apply for FEMA Housing Program FEMA Assistance: Including Housing Assistance People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated IA counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. There are three ways apply for FEMA assistance:
— Federal Emergency Management Agency The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on September 24th that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning September 23rd and continuing. For the latest information about Florida’s Hurricane Helene recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema. FEMA recommends homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Helene take the following actions:
   Major Disaster Declaration Individual Assistance (IA): Individuals and households in these designated counties are eligible to apply for financial and direct services. Apply for assistance, or learn more about the Individual Assistance program. IA-Designated Counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Public Assistance (PA): State, local, tribal and territorial governments and certain private-non-profit organizations in these designated counties are eligible for assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Learn more about the Public Assistance program. PA-Designated Counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance. Hazard Mitigation (HM): Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards HM-Designated Areas: All areas in the State of Florida are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. OTHER: Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. Individuals in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties can apply with FEMA the following ways:
Disaster Recovery Centers Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Disaster survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Homeowners and renters in IA designated counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties can apply. If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby and have additional damage from Hurricane Helene, you will need to apply separately for Helene and provide the dates of your most recent damage. Apply for either storm online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. What You’ll Need When You Apply:
Small Business Administration SBA Disaster Loan Assistance is available in the Florida counties of: Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla; for economic injury only in the contiguous Florida counties of: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Collier, Desoto, Gadsden, Glades, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Liberty, Marion, Polk, Sumter, Union What Types of Disaster Loans are Available?
SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) are open to assist businesses complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status. These Centers are open to assist survivors from both Hurricanes Helene and Debby. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SBA Business Recovery Center in advance.
American Red Cross If you're searching for a family member affected by the storm, please complete the form at this link for the state where they live: https://rdcrss.org/3TSmO6K.  Shelters are open in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. To locate shelters near you, text "SHELTER" & your zip to 43362. You can also visit http://redcross.org/shelters.  — Internal Revenue Services Find information on the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations in Florida HERE. See FAQs for disaster victims for information about the definition of an affected taxpayer. To learn more about Internal Revenue Services (IRS) updates following Hurricane Helene, visit HERE. — Florida Division of Emergency Management The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has outlined all available resources for Floridians and will continue to update as resources become available. Having a stocked disaster supply kit is vital during Hurricane Season, which runs until November 30th. If you're recovering from Hurricane Helene, please take advantage of the over 30+ Points of Distributions open in impacted counties! Check locations here: http://arcg.is/0ff050. Visit HERE for more information. Crisis Cleanup If you need help with damages caused by Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup: 844-965-1386. Volunteer Resources
Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can complete this form or call 1-833-GET-HOPE. — Florida Commerce The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that 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. Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant. Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan. — Florida Agriculture Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have launched the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans. Find out more or apply HERE. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has also requested a USDA Disaster Declaration to support Florida farmers, ranchers and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott and members of the Florida delegation wrote to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting this request and urging him to make assistance available immediately in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida’s farmers and agricultural producers as they recover from the destructive impacts of the storm. The USDA has staff deployed to the affected states supporting FEMA and other response and recovery efforts. The agency has approved Florida’s request for waivers for food assistance programs to Florida and is standing by to render additional flexibilities and assistance as requested by the states. Find more from USDA’s Disaster Resource Center HERE. — Florida Department of Children and Families Current SNAP recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Helene can apply for food replacement. To learn more, visit http://myflfamilies.com/Helene. — Feeding Tampa Bay In partnership with the Tampa Bay area Emergency Operations Centers, Feeding Tampa Bay works directly with local emergency management operations to provide food, water and hygiene items to their service area, state and neighboring states during crisis situations. For more information about the resources Feeding Tampa Bay is offering following Hurricane Helene, visit HERE. If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene and need additional assistance, please call Feeding Tampa Bay's Neighbor Services helpline: 813-710-9003. — Second Harvest of the Big Bend Second Harvest of the Big Bend is working around the clock to provide food, water and essential supplies to those affected by the storm. For more information on the resources available, visit HERE. — Need Assistance?
After a Storm
Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites
Helpful Accounts on Twitter
Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-season-resources for federal resources. See the latest from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT on Twitter. — |
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Senator Scott in Bay County  Senator Rick Scott visited the Bay County Emergency Operations Center to receive briefings from local law enforcement and emergency management officials as Florida braced for the landfall of Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott was joined by Bay County Emergency Services Chief Matt Lindewirth, Florida State Senator Jay Trumbull, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford and Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Scott in Franklin County  Senator Scott visited the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to receive briefings from local law enforcement and emergency management officials as Florida braced for the landfall of Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott was joined by Franklin County Sheriff AJ Smith, Franklin County Commissioner Ricky Jones and Franklin County Commissioner Cheryl Sanders. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Scott in Taylor County  Senator Scott visited the Taylor County Emergency Operations Center to receive briefings from local law enforcement and emergency management officials as Florida braced for the landfall of Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott was joined by Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett and Florida State Senator Corey Simon. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Scott in Levy County  Senator Rick Scott visited the Levy County Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing from Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum and Emergency Management Director John MacDonald as Florida braced for the landfall of category 4 Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Scott in Pasco County  Senator Rick Scott visited Pasco County Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing from Sheriff Chris Nocco, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott in Pinellas County  Senator Rick Scott visited Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing on Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts and survey damage with Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott in Hernando County  Senator Rick Scott visited the Hernando County Emergency Operations Center to receive a briefing on Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts from Sheriff Al Nienhuis, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott in Levy County  Senator Rick Scott visited Cedar Key to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing from Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Cedar Key Mayor Sue Colson and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott in Hillsborough County  Senator Rick Scott stopped by Feeding Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County and met the incredible volunteers going above and beyond to help Florida families after Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott in Manatee County .jpg) Senator Rick Scott visited Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing from Sheriff Rick Wells and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott in Lee County  Senator Rick Scott visited Fort Myers Beach in Lee County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing from Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers, City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson, Congressman Byron Donalds and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott in Sarasota County  Senator Rick Scott visited Venice in Sarasota County and joined Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman for an aerial tour of damage from Hurricane Helene. In addition to the aerial tour of damage in Sarasota County, Senator Scott received a briefing from Sheriff Hoffman and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott in Charlotte County  Senator Rick Scott visited Punta Gorda in Charlotte County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing from Congressman Greg Steube, Sheriff Bill Prummell, Charlotte County Emergency Management Director Patrick Fuller, and other local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott's Team in Taylor County .jpg) Senator Scott's Team distributed food in Taylor County with Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Cajun Navy Ground Force, Walmart and Tyson Foods. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott's Team in Lee County  Senator Rick Scott's Team hosted Mobile Office Hours in the Town of Fort Myers Beach to assist resident with issues related to Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE. — Senator Scott's Team in Leon County  Senator Rick Scott's team joined Operation BBQ Relief in Tallahassee to serve meals to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE. — |
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