Oct. 13 Communication from Lee County and the Economic Development Office on Recovery and Procurement Resources

October 13, 2022 As recovery continues, Lee County as well as the state of Florida, have compiled workforce recovery resources for individuals as well as employers.  In our bi-weekly email below, you’ll find opportunities for displaced and employment-seeking Floridians. Businesses are encouraged to hire local. Please be sure to reference the Florida Department of Economic…

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FEMA Jumpstarts Floridians’ Recoveries, Provides $327 Million for Ian Relief

WASHINGTON — In two weeks, FEMA has approved more than $327 million in federal disaster assistance for over 182,500 individuals and households to help jumpstart their recoveries.  How FEMA is Helping Floridians FEMA has made individual assistance available to 24 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee,…

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Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Warns Hospitality Industry After Ian: “Price Gouging Will Not Be Tolerated”

TALLAHASSEE – As Florida and its residents continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today issued a stern message for the hospitality industry: there is absolutely no tolerance for price gouging. “Florida is known for having such a wonderful and accommodating hospitality industry,” said Carol…

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Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Host Roundtable with Southwest Florida Businesses to Discuss Next Steps for Hurricane Ian Recovery

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) hosted a roundtable with more than a dozen Southwest Florida businesses. The roundtable discussion included representatives across industry sectors who shared their unique perspectives, needs, and obstacles for regaining economic self-sufficiency. This discussion will inform the state’s immediate and long-term…

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Hurricane Business/Personal: FEMA Expands Disaster Aid to Additional Counties, Helps More Communities Recover from Severe Loss

WASHINGTON — Homeowners in Brevard, Hendry, Monroe and Okeechobee counties are now eligible to apply for FEMA individual assistance. More than $268 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for over 178,000 individuals and households to help jumpstart their recoveries.  How FEMA is Helping Floridians ·         FEMA has made individual assistance available to 24 counties…

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Hurricane Ian Business/Personal: USPS Resumes Operations at Saint James City & Bokeelia Post Offices -Reminder: COA Filing Is Critical

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — The Postal Service continues its efforts to restore service as quickly as we can safely do so.  Below is information on additional offices which are resuming operations following temporary suspensions, due to Hurricane Ian. Customers affected by Hurricane Ian, especially in heavily damaged areas such as Sanibel & Captiva Islands and Fort…

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Hurricane Ian Business: Business Recovery Center Locations

At a BRC, small business owners will have access to SBDC and SBA folks to assist them with filing for their emergency bridge loans, SBA EIDL, and SBA Physical Disaster loans.    While DRCs mainly focus on individuals and homeowners, BRCs focus exclusively on business owners.    The Network’s website has locations, FAQs, and information…

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Hurricane Ian Business: It’s Important to Submit an SBA Loan Application

TALLAHASSEE – FEMA may refer survivors of Hurricane Ian to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information on how to apply for a disaster loan. Homeowners, renters, business owners and certain nonprofits may be eligible. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you are not…

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Hurricane Ian Business: Emergency Business Funding

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) at SWFL Inc. at 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, and Lee County has opened a Multi-Agency Resource Center at Lakes Regional Library at 15290 Bass Road, Fort…

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Hurricane Ian Business: DBPR Issues Emergency Order For Contractors To Assist With Roofing Repair

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued an emergency order allowing certified or registered general, building, or residential contractors to install and repair roofs in 44 counties affected by the storm. Charlotte, Collier, and Lee are included. A certified or registered general, building, or residential contractor is not required to subcontract roofing work for the…

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