Attorney General Ashley Moody is advising Floridians to be cautious of price gouging, disaster scams, and fraud following Hurricane Helene. The hurricane struck Florida’s Big Bend region last Thursday, causing significant damage with storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rain affecting millions. Communities have been devastated, homes destroyed, and the death toll is rising. As residents seek essential services like food, shelter, debris removal, or home repairs, the Price Gouging Hotline remains active for reporting extreme price increases and recovery-related scams.

FloridaCommerce has announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is aimed at those whose employment or self-employment was disrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits.

Governor Ron DeSantis has initiated Operation Blue Ridge to aid North Carolina and Tennessee in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. This multi-state agency response includes efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Florida Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a dedicated Law Enforcement Strike Team.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has released a report detailing the financial and social costs of incarcerating Black children in Florida. According to Delvin Davis, senior policy analyst at SPLC and the report’s author, "The legal system in Florida fails Black youth, trapping them in cycles of trauma and punishment, and at great expense to state taxpayers-$130,520 per child." Davis advocates for a shift from punitive measures to community-based alternatives and policy reforms that would protect future generations.

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the launch of Operation Blue Ridge, a multi-state agency response to aid North Carolina and Tennessee in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. The operation involves several Florida agencies, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Florida Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a dedicated Law Enforcement Strike Team.

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has initiated a Hurricane Helene Relief Fund to support caregivers working in the association's member nursing centers and assisted living facilities. This fund aims to assist employees impacted by the hurricane and aid in their recovery efforts.

The Florida Department of Education, led by Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., will distribute free hot meals to families affected by Hurricane Helene. The event is scheduled for Monday, September 30, 2024, in Jefferson County. Lunch will be served at 12 p.m., followed by dinner at 4 p.m., with snacks available throughout the day.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is deploying recovery assistance to North Carolina and Tennessee in response to Hurricane Helene through Operation Blue Ridge. This initiative involves multiple state agencies, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and a Law Enforcement Strike Team.

FloridaCommerce has announced the extension of application deadlines for several grant programs due to Hurricane Helene. The new deadline for the Florida Defense Infrastructure Grant (DIG) and Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant (DRG) programs is October 18, 2024. The deadline for the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has been extended to October 31, 2024.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is deploying recovery assistance to North Carolina and Tennessee in response to Hurricane Helene. The initiative, named Operation Blue Ridge, involves multiple state agencies including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, a Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a Law Enforcement Strike Team.

FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the program. Businesses in various counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin,Gadsden,Gilchrist Glades,Gulf,Hamilton Hardee,Hendry Hernando Highlands...

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund is part of the Volunteer Florida Foundation and supports recovery initiatives including Activate Hope.

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis have announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The fund is part of the Volunteer Florida Foundation and aids recovery initiatives, including Activate Hope.

Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.

Amazon has announced a pay increase for its front-line team members that brings the average total compensation for workers to $29, affecting the 52,000 jobs held by workers across the state of Florida. The wage increases totaled an additional $2.2 billion of investment nationwide.

FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have launched the Business Damage Assessment Survey to address the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This survey allows business owners to report both physical and economic damages caused by the hurricane.

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced the launch of a new Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program aimed at supporting Florida farmers affected by Hurricane Helene. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to those who have suffered losses due to the hurricane.

Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has announced the launch of an interest-free loan program aimed at aiding farmers, ranchers, and growers affected by Hurricane Helene. The Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program will offer financial assistance to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property such as fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings. The loans can also be used for removing vegetative debris.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Uber will offer free rides to shelters in counties affected by the declared state of emergency due to the potential impact of Hurricane Helene. This initiative aims to assist residents in the 61 counties under a state of emergency.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Major General John D. Haas and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Purdue, provided updates on the state's preparedness for Hurricane Helene at the State Emergency Operations Center. As of 8:00 am ET, Hurricane Helene has intensified to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. The hurricane is expected to strengthen further and reach the Florida Big Bend coast tonight.