The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Important hurricane relief information for business owners and those impacted by Ian.
We hope all of you and your families are safe. Hurricane Ian left behind mass destruction and loss of life. As emergency operations turn to clean-up efforts and the rebuilding begins, there will be many questions. We included information below that will be a great place to start with some of those questions. Much of the information we included is about state-run programs and support, which is the most useful during this period. However, as things progress, the private sector will start taking the lead role. As that transition occurs, we are here to help answer questions and work with you to ensure your clients get what they need.
Also, please spread the word to your friends and family to beware of scams and to make ensure hired contractors and workers are properly covered by insurance. Unfortunately, all those that show up to help aren’t good people and are using this catastrophic event to take advantage of people.
Licenses can be verified on the Florida DBPR website.
Criminals don’t have to look like this.
Criminals can also look like this.
State Programs and Updates
Opening of First Disaster Recovery Center in Fort Myers
The Disaster Recovery Center is Located at Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919, and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are being established by FEMA and FDEM and will be announced in the coming days. Locations will be updated in real-time at www.floridadisaster.org.
Florida Response to Hurricane Ian Continues
This is an extensive list of actions that are underway in the areas of Search and Rescue, Florida Division of Emergency Management, Power, Health and Human Services, Infrastructure, Road and Bridges, Airports, Transit and Rail, Freight Rail, Mass Care, Law Enforcement, Private Sector Support, Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Telecommunications, Licensing, Insurance, Resource Management, and more.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $50 Million Available
“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.
Free Temporary Roofing
Army Corps – Operation Blue Roof
Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of Operation Blue Roof is to provide 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. 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.
More information here on Operation Blue Roof