Verizon donates $250,000 in support of small business recovery in wake of hurricane

Verizon today announces a $250,000 donation to support small businesses affected by Hurricane Ian. Verizon is partnering with Collaboratory, a local non-profit community-problem solving organization in Southwest Florida, and Florida TaxWatch, a trusted non-profit organization that serves as the ‘eyes and ears’ of Florida taxpayers and promotes economic development across the state, to create $10,000 grants to…

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Press Release/Interviews – American Lung Association Warns of Dangerous Health Effects from Aftermath of Storm Surge

As Southwest Florida Residents Return Home Following Hurricane Ian’s Destruction, American Lung Association Warns of Dangerous Health Effects from Aftermath of Storm Surge The destruction of homes and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian is tragic, and the cleanup itself creates the potential for serious and long-lasting threats to health, the American Lung Association…

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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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