Hurricane Ian Resources Update
No one comes together after an emergency the way Florida’s hospitality industry comes together. We have been so moved by the outpouring of food, housing, supplies, money, and time from FRLA Members and others throughout the industry in the wake of Hurricane Ian and the devastation caused in Southwest Florida and across the state. Thank you to everyone who continues to organize and respond. This week, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis announced a partnership with Tervis to raise funds through the sale of special tumbler, and we could not say it better than the cup does: Together, we shine! See the tumbler here. As FRLA remains operational with the State Emergency Operations Center and on the ground again in Southwest Florida, we will be here for you and connecting you with the very latest news and resources to help you, your teams, and your businesses teams recover.
Sharing a few key resources for you today:
1. For any displaced hospitality employees or other residents, the following counties are now available for FEMA Individual Assistance: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia. Impacted residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app for smartphones, or by calling 800-621-3362. Note: Individuals must register by November 28.
2. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in several counties and are a one-stop shop at a physical location for individual and household assistance. More information and locations can be found here.
3. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, and Seminole counties to assist Floridians in applying for SBA Disaster Loans in response to Hurricane Ian damages. More details can be found here.
4. Don’t forget to complete your Business Damage Assessment Survey here.
5. If you are a lodging operator not already participating in the FEMA Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) program, please consider enrolling your property here.
TOGETHER WE SHINE: HOSPITALITY STRONG
IN THE NEWS:
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces FEMA Approval to Include Brevard, Orange, and Osceola Counties in Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance
Yesterday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Florida’s request to amend the Major Disaster Declaration issued on September 29, to assist with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. The amendment extends the declaration to Brevard, Orange, and Osceola counties to get assistance to all counties in need. A Major Disaster Declaration provides a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals, as well as funds for both emergency and permanent work and public infrastructure.
Additionally, these counties are now eligible for different categories of the Public Assistance program, including debris removal and permanent work categories. For a period of 60 days from the start of the incident period, FEMA is authorized to provide federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, at 100 percent of the total eligible costs. The Public Assistance categories by county include:
- Individual Assistance: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia Counties.
- Public Assistance Debris (Category A): Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia.
- Public Assistance Emergency Protective Measures, including direct federal assistance (Category B): All 67 Counties, the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
- Public Assistance Permanent Work (Categories C-G): Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia Counties.
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: All municipalities in the State of Florida are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Federal funding also is available to state and local governments, eligible nonprofit organizations, and tribal governments on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal in the counties listed. Damage assessments are being conducted in other areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to determine if assistance is needed in any additional areas.
Read the full release here.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
For FRLA Members and Stakeholders
FRLA news, resources, updates: https://frla.org/hurricane-resources/
For Personal and Business Emergency Planning
State Division of Emergency Management planning tools: https://apps.floridadisaster.org/getaplan/
For All
Evacuation zones – know your zone, know your home – find your address here.
For All Businesses
Before and after emergencies, dedicated two-way communication channel with State EOC – register, get State EOC news, and report your needs or offers of assistance: https://floridadisaster.biz/
Businesses located in Florida are also encouraged to review the Business Re-Entry Procedures and ensure that employees have the required documentation prior to the storm’s arrival.
For Restaurant-specific Preparation – Always Ready Guide from the National Restaurant Association can be found here
For Lodging Operators – participate in FEMA-paid lodging for survivors – Learn more and sign up here.
Price Gouging:
Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated the price gouging hotline statewide. Floridians can now report instances of severe price increases on essential commodities needed to prepare for the storm to the Attorney General’s Office. Florida’s price gouging law only applies to commodities and services essential to preparing for or recovering from a storm during a declared state of emergency. Report price gouging at 1-866-9NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).
The team at FRLA remains vigilant in watching Ian and will continue to get you the latest information as we have it. Please also watch our website and Twitter account for the most recent updates from emergency officials.
