State releases Hurricane Milton & Helene recovery update

Highlights: As of Sept. 15, more than 500 FEMA staff are on the ground in Florida to help survivors recover from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. FEMA continues to process applications, receive and manage appeals, conduct inspections and assist applicants and local officials with questions and information about recovery programs. FEMA may call Floridians who applied…

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Lee County launches new resource website ‘Flooding Facts’

Lee County launched a new resource website, “Flooding Facts,” to offer information about the various types of flooding seen in Lee County in the past 10 years, explain the causes of flooding, outline Lee County Government’s efforts to mitigate the impacts and demonstrate why storm flooding can vary dramatically. The website, www.leegov.com/flooding, outlines the difference between…

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Resources available for Floridians recovering from hurricanes

Local, state, federal and voluntary agencies are helping Floridians affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. In many cases, one or more resources may be able to fill in gaps for disaster survivors. State Assistance Information Line: This call center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can answer questions on Hurricanes Milton…

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BBB Warning: Price gouging is illegal in Florida

People often find that the cost of high-demand items and services skyrocket after a hurricane.  Better Business Bureau has received reports about price gouging after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Florida Attorney General’s Office has initiated state price-gouging laws, which automatically go into effect during a declared state of emergency to prevent businesses from overcharging customers. Price…

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Information on Hurricane Milton’s FEMA Individual Assistance Program

Collier County residents who experienced property damage from Hurricane Milton are encouraged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA or www.disasterassistance.gov. The Individual Assistance program assists with the repair and replacement of damaged homes and businesses and provides temporary housing, food, and other essential services to impacted residents. Please note:  If your…

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Mental health resources for Floridians

Florida residents have experienced three hurricanes in a short period. Here are some resources that may help you cope with stress. SAMSHA Distress Helpline Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support to survivors experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. SAMSHA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Call 800-985-5990, visit samhsa.gov/ or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Mental Health Warmline Call to have a conversation with someone who can provide…

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Resources for Hurricane Milton recovery

We’re sending our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by Hurricane Milton. Our community is resilient, and it’s important to remember in these trying times that support is available. Here are vital local resources to help those in need: United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades: Available 24/7, United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline connects you with local…

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Hurricane Milton will be approaching Florida mid-week

Milton is currently a Tropical Storm located in the lower Caribbean in the Bay of Campeche traveling East/ Northeast into the Gulf of Mexico. The system will encounter very favorable conditions to develop over the next 24 – 48 hours, most likely becoming a major hurricane in the Gulf by Tuesday. The various models are…

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