News

Residential trade permit fees waived, extended through Dec. 31 in Fort Myers Beach

11/14/2024

On Oct. 14, 2024, the Town of Fort Myers Beach announced that residential trade permit fees, for drywall and additional minor repairs, for Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton damage would be waived from Oct. 15 – Nov. 14. The Town has now extended the waiving of fees until December 31, 2024. Per FEMA regulations, even…

Current FEMA updates for hurricane recovery

11/12/2024

Key Messages Today, Nov. 12, is the last day for Hurricane Debby survivors to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA is providing multiple temporary housing options to meet Floridians’ individual needs. More than 17,000 households are checked in to Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels and motels. The first step to receiving housing assistance is applying with FEMA. Florida residents…

Lee County Government garners a win for residents of apartments, condominiums and trailer parks impacted by Hurricane Milton

11/11/2024

Lee County Government has garnered a win for residents in unincorporated areas with commercial properties impacted by Hurricane Milton. The county until now was prevented from collecting storm debris from commercial property sites such as apartments, condominiums and trailer parks. Federal Emergency Management Agency rules state that those property owners are expected to work with…

Disaster Recovery Centers closed for Veterans Day holiday

11/08/2024

All Disaster Recovery Centers in Florida will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Centers will resume their normal hours Tuesday, Nov. 12. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Homeowners and renters are…

Housing Authority receives nearly $37 million in funding from Lee County

11/07/2024

The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers has received nearly $37 million in funding from Lee County through the CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery) fund. The $36,530,877 in funds will support two of the HACFM’s affordable housing projects: Phase II of Southward Village and Lafayette Square. Lee County awarded a total…

Collier Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel recognizes 2024 International Fraud Awareness Week as Fraud Week Ambassador

11/06/2024

Collier County Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel has been recognized as Fraud Week Ambassador for taking the initiative in promoting fraud awareness and community education for this year’s International Fraud Awareness Week from November 17-23, 2024. This annual effort is led by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier…

FEMA assistance available for self-employed Floridians

11/05/2024

FEMA assistance can help people who are self-employed, including artists, musicians and mechanics. Independent contractors are considered self-employed. To be considered for FEMA assistance, you must be a resident of or work in a county designated for FEMA Individual Assistance following Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby. You must also have had damage or losses as a result of the…

Elysia Dawn appointed to Florida Council on Arts and Culture

11/04/2024

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo officially appointed Elysia Dawn, Executive Director of United Arts Collier, to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The council is comprised of 15 members who have been appointed to advise the Secretary of State regarding cultural grant funding and on matters pertaining to arts and culture in Florida. Appointments to…

Charlotte County Mobile Disaster Recovery Center reopens in new location

11/04/2024

The mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Charlotte County is open at the Tringali Community Center to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Survivors of Hurricane Debby can also be served by the center. Charlotte County Tringali Community Center 3460 N. Access Road Englewood, FL 34224 Hours: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Sunday Survivors do not need…

PLC Closets opens new showroom

11/04/2024

PLC Closets has announced the opening of its new 7,500 square-foot showroom at 12871 Trade Way Drive, Unit 10, in Bonita Springs. The showroom features 2,000 square feet of fully functional displays, including five closets, two offices and one pantry – all designed, manufactured and installed by PLC. The space also includes an open-concept collaboration…