Gulf Coast Dispatch

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.

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.

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.

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

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis, Major General John D. Haas of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Purdue provided updates on preparedness efforts ahead of 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 and higher gusts. The hurricane is expected to strengthen further and reach the Florida Big Bend coast tonight as a major hurricane.

The recreational harvest season for snook will begin on October 1 in the Charlotte Harbor and Southwest management regions. The season will remain open through November 30, covering all Florida state and inland waters within these areas.

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis attended the Central Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast in Plant City, Florida, where they discussed their administration's focus on faith, family, and life. The event was organized by All Pro Pastors, a nonprofit founded in 2007 to support and foster fellowship among pastors.

The Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 has announced operational status updates for its facilities in response to Tropical Storm Helene. The updates are effective as of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-209, amending the previous Executive Order 24-208 to increase the number of counties under a state of emergency in Florida. This decision comes as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine approaches, prompting concerns about its potential development into a major hurricane.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-209, amending the previous Executive Order 24-208, to increase the number of Florida counties under a state of emergency to 61 due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine.

At 9:30 AM today, Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), held a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on Tropical Storm Helene. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This order allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.

At 9:30 AM today, Governor Ron DeSantis and Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), held a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on Tropical Storm Helene. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This declaration allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of potential storm impacts.

At 9:30 AM today, Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), held a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on Tropical Storm Helene. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This declaration allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-208, Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, declaring a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties ahead of the storm. The weather is expected to strengthen and cover a large area, affecting regions beyond its center into Florida. There is a considerable risk of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, as well as damaging winds. Preparation is critical to staying safe and minimizing severe weather impacts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)...