Dear Partners,
We know the last several days have been horrific to say the least, and many of you have lost much. We hope you and your families are all safe. Our most precious assets are those we love; the rest can and will be repaired. We are a resilient community, and we will rebuild.
Your Visitor’s Bureau is standing by to help in any way. As resources and assistance become available, we will forward the information directly via this newsletter, and post in our Facebook group.
When you are ready to re-open your business, please drop us an email, a quick text, or even an old-fashioned phone call and we’ll be there, shooting video and telling your story to the world. We are also working on a Hurricane Recovery Marketing Program to help you let everyone know when you are open again. More details will follow.
You are all in our prayers as Florida’s Adventure Coast rises and steadies itself after Helene. Below are listings of all the resources currently available. |
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FloridaCommerce Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $15 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Today, FloridaCommerce 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 Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Businesses in the following 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, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene. Interested applicants can apply now through November 24, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.
Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.
Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.
FloridaCommerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.
Visit //FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the November 24, 2024 deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time. |
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Business Damage Assessment Survey
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's recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu. |
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Emergency Building Permits
Effective Friday, September 27, 2024, emergency building permit forms will be available on the Hernando County Government website by visiting www.HernandoCounty.us. Applications must be complete and notarized, if applicable. Please submit completed applications for emergency permitting due to Hurricane Helene using the following email: EmergencyPermits@HernandoCounty.us
On the website you will find the following information:
• Emergency Building Permit Application
• Electric Meter Request (Owner)
• Electric Meter Request (Contractor)
• Hernando County Storm Damage Guidelines
Visit the Hernando County Emergency Management website at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM for all storm-related notices. |
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Residents can now apply for FEMA
Hernando County received the FEMA Federal Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance and Individual Assistance from Hurricane Helene.
To apply for Federal Assistance:
Call FEMA’s hotline at 800-621-3362
Visit FEMA Website
www.DisasterAssistance.gov
www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program
Download the FEMA app (Available from the App Store or Google Play) |
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Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center is open daily from 9am-5pm at the Weeki Wachee Area Club at 7442 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34607. This center will be open daily throughout the week.
This is a one-stop place for individuals looking for information, supplies, resources, or meals.
Online Damage Reporting
Hernando County has launched the Online Hurricane Helene Property Damage Reporting Form, which should be completed by any private property OR business owner who has sustained any property damage.
Hurricane Helene Damage Reporting Form: https://hernandocounty.jotform.com/242174517553962
QUICK TIPS:
Fill out the form as accurately and thoroughly as possible
Upload pictures to show accurate damage
Take a Hot Shower
For those affected by Hurricane Helene and who need access to personal hygiene care, showers, restrooms, and laundry services, personal hygiene trailers will be temporarily available at 4054 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach, FL, 64607, beginning today, Sunday, September 29, 2024 and will remain open until further notice. For reference, this is where the old R Beach restaurant was located. Must bring your own soap, towels, laundry detergent, etc. |
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