Storm Impact Business News
$60 million available through Emergency Bridge Loan Program to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene
FloridaCommerce announced the availability of $60 million to support local governments recovering from Hurricane Helene through the local government emergency bridge loan program. In the 2024 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature passed SB 1420, which was then signed into law by Governor DeSantis, extending the repayment term to 10 years. This thoughtful change by the…
Read MoreTown of Fort Myers Beach permitting, what you don’t need a permit for
The Town of Fort Myers Beach is working hard to ensure the permitting process is smooth for our residents and business owners. Please see below for a list of items you do NOT need a permit for: Floor covering such as tile or carpet Minor cabinetry which does not include any electrical or plumbing fixtures…
Read MoreDirect Relief makes $74 million in medical aid to communities impacted by Helene
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, Direct Relief has made available $74 million in medicines and medical supplies and $250,000 in financial assistance to community health centers, free and charitable clinics, and other healthcare partners in affected areas. With emergency response teams on the ground in impacted states, Direct Relief is working in collaboration with…
Read MoreCareerSource mobile units helping with Hurricane Helene assistance on Oct. 3 & 4
CareerSource Southwest Florida is providing assistance to Charlotte and Lee County residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Receive help with Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and other business and employee resources October 3 and 4 from 10 a.m-.3 p.m. each day. No appointment is necessary. CareerSource Southwest Florida center at…
Read MoreLee Board of County Commissioners provided update on efforts following Hurricane Helene
Lee County staff updated the Lee Board of County Commissioners on efforts following Hurricane Helene during Tuesday’s regularly scheduled board meeting. The 33-minute update can be viewed here:  https://youtu.be/rtq7LG1pzVU After an overview from Lee County Manager Dave Harner, the following Administrative Team members provided updates: Assistant County Manager Christine Brady – updated efforts for Public Safety,…
Read MoreFloridaCommerce awards more than $2.2 million through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.1 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. To date, 55 businesses have been approved to receive these funds to bridge the gap while they wait on other funding, such as insurance, with more applications being approved daily.…
Read MorePermitting steps following Hurricane Helene
The Town of Fort Myers Beach began their damage assessment process following Hurricane Helene and would like to remind residents that it is illegal to do work without a permit. “As we assess the homes and businesses on the Island, please be smart and call our permitting staff at (239) 765-0202 or email us at…
Read MoreFlorida DBPR issues emergency order to streamline Hurricane Helene recovery efforts
On Sept. 29, at the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation filed Emergency Order 2024-08 to streamline Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and remove barriers for businesses impacted by the storm. DBPR Emergency Order 2024-08 provides the following: Certified and Registered Contractors Suspends certain provisions of section 489.113(3), Florida Statutes,…
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