Home Depot Foundation , Inspiritus team up ahead of Ian anniversary

The Home Depot Foundation, in partnership with Inspiritus, worked to repair and rebuild several homes in the Harlem Heights neighborhood that were badly damaged during Hurricane Ian. Local veteran Leon, and his wife Julia rode out the storm in their home before being rescued by a boat after 3.5 feet of water flooded their house. They have been displaced from their home ever since, having to rent while repairs are completed. Just…

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A year after Ian, Southwest Florida recovering with help of UF/IFAS Extension

In the year since Hurricane Ian unleashed its fury on Southwest Florida, UF/IFAS Extension agents have helped communities in their long road to recovery. Left in the path of the hurricane’s 150 mph winds and flooding rain: damaged crops, eroded beaches, downed trees and power lines, property marred or made unlivable and more. In the…

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FloridaCommerce Announces Approval of State of Florida’s Action Plan for $910 Million in Hurricane Ian Recovery Funding

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, FloridaCommerce announced the approval of the State of Florida’s Action Plan for Hurricane Ian Recovery from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Action Plan outlines the administration of over $910 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program funding for long-term recovery efforts for 20 Hurricane Ian-impacted…

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Recovery Task Force to launch online survey for resident feedback on draft Initiative Profiles in ResilientLee Recovery and Resilience Plan

Fort Myers, FL, – The Lee County Recovery Task Force (RTF) is launching an online survey for public engagement to provide residents an opportunity to review and comment on draft Initiative Profiles for the ResilientLee Recovery and Resilience Plan. The draft Initiative Profiles will be published at www.resilientlee.com during the week of Nov. 27 and remain available…

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The Salvation Army, Fort Myers Area Command Awarded $2.5 Million Bezos Day 1 Families Fund Grant to Help Fort Myers Families Find Safe Shelter, Housing and Stability

FORT MYERS, Fla.: The Salvation Army, Fort Myers Area Command, which has provided assistance to those in need in our community since 1951, today announced that it has received a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund—the largest gift in the organization’s history. This is the sixth round of annual Day 1…

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Town contracts with outside company for building services

Town of Fort Myers Beach, FL – To increase service delivery to property owners who are rebuilding after Hurricane Ian, the Town has contracted with Jacobs Project Management Company for permitting, inspections, and building plan reviews. “Contracting these services brings more personnel in-house to help raise the bar to give the community what it needs…

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Market trends: After Ian, expect tougher building codes, increased resiliency

When it comes to once-in-a-generation hurricanes and Florida’s real estate market, one thing is clear: change is afoot.  Consider Hurricane Andrew. More than three decades ago, that deadly 1992 storm led to the consolidation of more than 400 different building codes into a single statewide standard. The statewide code also established high-velocity hurricane zones –…

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Collier Community Foundation to work in conjunction with Everglades City Mayor and Council to raise several homes to prevent future flood damage

Naples, FL ( As part of ongoing Hurricane Ian recovery efforts, the Collier Community Foundation continues its long-standing support of Everglades City by committing at least $1.6 million to raise several homes to mitigate damage from future hurricanes. After Hurricane Irma, the Collier Community Foundation funded the raising of two homes, which later sustained no…

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Lee Commissioners accept nearly $4.5 million in HUD grants to aid individuals with low to moderate incomes

Fort Myers, FL, – The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to accept nearly $4.5 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant funds for the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. This annual funding is used for planning, homeless services, community development and various housing programs administered by Lee County’s Department of…

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