Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Lee, Sarasota Counties

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA have opened two additional state-led Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Lee and Sarasota counties.

LEE COUNTY
Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

SARASOTA COUNTY
Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289

Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

Another center is operating at:

LEE COUNTY
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance – YouTube.

For more information about Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.