Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Tampa Bay to announce the allocation of $1 million through the Florida Disaster Fund. These funds will aid Hope Florida partners in assisting Floridians recovering from recent storms. The financial support is designated for nonprofit organizations providing essential services such as meals, immediate disaster relief for mothers and children, and assistance for foster children, families, individuals with unique abilities, and seniors.
The list of recipient organizations includes Family Initiative, Operation BBQ Relief, Mercy Chefs, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, All Faiths Food Bank, Our Daily Bread of Bradenton, Better Together, Greater Than The Storm, Clothes to Kids, A Door of Hope, Mothers Helping Mothers, Dream Center of Tampa, Bridge A Life, Twig, Family Support Services of SunCoast, Children’s Network of Hillsborough, Safe Children Coalition, Area Agency on Aging Pasco-Pinellas, Senior Connection Center serving Hendry County and others.
In Sarasota, Governor DeSantis also announced a $100,000 award from the Florida Disaster Fund directed at education foundations in five counties affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton: Hillsborough County, Manatee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County and Sarasota County. This funding aims to provide resources for teachers and create new learning opportunities for students.
“Today I was pleased to make awards from the Florida Disaster Fund totaling $1.5 million to nonprofits that are serving Floridians who were hurt by the storms and to education organizations helping to ensure that our schools are back in session,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Just one week after Hurricane Milton made landfall all schools are open power is restored and communities are well on the road to recovery.”
Secretary Shevaun Harris commented on the state’s response efforts: “Through the leadership of Governor and First Lady DeSantis our state has been able to aide individuals impacted by the recent storms and get Floridians back on their feet.”
Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. noted: “Florida has worked with Superintendents to meet their critical needs following Hurricane Milton and get all Florida students back in class just one week after the storm made landfall.”
The Activate Hope expansion initiative involves deploying Hope Buses and Navigators to disaster-affected areas like those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These efforts aim to distribute supplies and provide recovery resources.
Hope Florida Buses have served over 25 thousand residents at various resource sites across Tampa Bay and Big Bend regions since these hurricanes occurred.
Floridians seeking support can connect with Hope Florida online or via phone. Donations can be made through text or visiting relevant websites.
Additionally today Governor DeSantis issued an executive order amending previous emergency management directives extending similar election operation considerations for counties affected by Hurricane Milton as those previously impacted by Hurricane Helene.