Your support of Small Business Saturday® made all the difference.

For each transaction made at a qualifying U.S. small business using an eligible American Express® Card on Small Business Saturday, Nov 30, American Express contributed $1 to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support recovery efforts for small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.* The total amounted to over $5M.

American Express, in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will provide another round of $5,000 grants to 1,000 eligible small businesses* impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton – and the funds can be used to support their recovery.

Applications are now open – and close January 3, 2025. Terms apply.

Apply Now  |  Learn More

To be eligible, your small business must:

• Have at least one physical location or an online presence.
• Have 1-25 employees located in a U.S. Small Business Administration's disaster-declared county of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia.
• Be financially harmed and cannot cover costs.
• Not be a previous recipient of a grant from the Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program.

Be sure to review the Program Terms for complete details, including additional eligibility restrictions and requirements.

Check Your Eligibility

Have any questions?
Explore FAQs.

SOURCE: American Express

Are you a small business owner looking to recover and rebuild after the recent Florida hurricanes? Join the U.S. Small Business Administration's Miami and Jacksonville offices for an essential information session about Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
 
What You'll Learn:
- How EIDL can help your business recover from economic injury
- Step-by-step guidance on the application process
- Tips for a successful application
- Direct access to SBA representatives who can answer your questions
 
Why Attend?
Learn how to access low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million to help your small business meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
 
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, December 12
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Format: Virtual Event
Registration: Disaster Recovery after Florida Hurricanes Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Join us to discover how the SBA can support your business's recovery and growth!
 
Presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration - Miami and Jacksonville District Offices
 
Space is limited - secure your spot today! Please share with anyone who can benefit from this EIDL Session  
 
Julie Garrett
Public Affairs Specialist
Field Operations Center - East
Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience
U.S. Small Business Administration
Cell: (202) 579-5946 – currently deployed in Florida
[email protected]


Home Page | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | Email Alerts
FL Hurricane Milton Declaration: https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=FL-20015
 
FL Hurricane Helene Declaration: https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=FL-20012
 
SBA staff are available to assist survivors one-on-one at all FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. Center locator tool: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
 
Make a disaster loan appointment with SBA staff using this tool: https://appointment.sba.gov/

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State of Florida, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FEMA are coordinating one-day Farm Recovery Centers in Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Polk and Suwannee counties. These events have been organized to provide support for farmers affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. The Farm Recovery Centers will help Florida’s agriculture and aquaculture producers learn about disaster recovery assistance available after the hurricanes.

USDA, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration, Florida Commerce and other agencies will be onsite to answer questions about grants, loans and other resources available to support farm recovery.

The centers will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following dates and locations:
▪  Hamilton County on Dec. 3: The Ernest Courtoy Civic Center, 1129 NW 4th Street in Jasper
▪Suwannee County on Dec. 5: UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension Building, 1302 11th Street SW in Live Oak
▪  Lafayette County on Dec. 5: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Circle in Mayo
▪ Levy County on Dec. 6: Levy County Government Center Cafeteria, 310 School Street in Bronson
▪  Polk County on Dec. 9: W.H. Stuart Center, 1710 U.S. — 17S in Bartow

Additional Farm Recovery Centers are being planned. Dates and locations will be shared once these centers are confirmed.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

The Disaster Recovery Centers in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Hernando, Polk and Suwannee counties will be closed on Sundays starting Sunday, Nov. 17.

​Center locations:
Citrus County
West Citrus Community Center
8940 W. Veterans Drive
Homosassa, FL 34448
Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Columbia County
Lake City Reporter
180 E. Duval St.
Lake City, FL 32055
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Dixie County
Old Town Education Center
841 SE 349 Highway
Old Town, FL 32680
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Hernando County
West Hernando Branch Library
6335 Blackbird Ave.
Brooksville, FL 34613
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
 
Polk County
UF/IFAS Extension Office-W.H. Stuart Center
1710 US-17 S
Bartow, FL 33830
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
 
Suwannee County
Hale Park
215 Duval St. NE
Live Oak, FL 32064
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

To find other 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 encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

As of November 14, 2024, hurricane debris haulers, Ashbritt, LLC, have collected 384,560 total cubic yards of debris from Hurricane Milton.
 
“Polk County spans more than 2,000 square miles, so there’s a lot of ground to cover,” said Michel Teate, Polk County’s Roads and Drainage Manager. “We urge residents to have hurricane debris curbside, by Dec. 1. Otherwise, debris may not be picked up.”
 
Polk County residents must have hurricane debris separated into categories and placed curbside no later than Sunday, Dec. 1. Residents should separate debris into the following categories: Vegetative debris, construction and demolition, appliances and white goods, electronics and household hazardous waste.
 
Residents may continue utilizing drop-off sites through Dec. 1; after that they will close. Additionally, the North Central Transfer Station will no longer accept hurricane-related debris at no cost after close of business on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12:30 p.m. For locations and hours please visit: www.polk-county.net/news/hurricane-milton-debris-pickup-and-dropoff-options/.
 
“I know residents are anxious to have their debris removed, but there are still parts of the county that Hurricane Milton left inaccessible.” said John Bohde, Deputy County Manager.
 
Residents are reminded that the hauling equipment that picks up the debris cannot navigate under overhead power lines, low-hanging tree branches or piles that are too close to mailboxes, tree trunks, fences or other permanent objects. If cars are parked in front of hurricane debris, haulers cannot collect your debris pile.
 
“We set an ambitious goal to have debris removal completed by November, and the reality is, it is looking more like December,” said Bohde. “As haulers continue collecting debris throughout the county, we ask for your patience. Please know that your hurricane debris will be collected.”
 
The Polk County Hurricane Milton Debris Removal Dashboard provides updated information about where crews are working in the county: https://tt-emi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/ac42fa5c4bfb475d966d19dbf575bf2f.In early December, the dashboard will transition and allow residents to see the areas where debris collection has been completed.

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 Florida hurricanes.
Eligible Occupational Tools

FEMA can help replace tools and equipment required for self-employment, or not provided by an employer but required for employment. Eligible tools may include:

• Computers
• Equipment such as power tools, art materials, musical instruments, tractors, utility vehicles, lawnmowers and ladders
• Uniforms

You may be reimbursed for these items if they were damaged by the disaster, you do not have another working piece of equipment or item, and the loss was not covered by insurance.

An inspection is required to review the damage to essential tools/materials. If you have damage to personal property or essential tools, include this information on your FEMA application and notify the inspector of damage at the time of inspection.

Required Documents
To be eligible for self-employment assistance, apply for FEMA assistance. When you apply, include:

• Documentation that proves you’re self-employed, such as a tax return
• Insurance documents for all potential coverages and benefits
• Itemized receipts or estimates for repairing or replacing the requested items
• A written statement that explains you need the items for self-employment

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters.Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

If you applied to FEMA after Hurricanes Debby or Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

The Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program began on October 31 and will distribute $5 million worth of grants to 1,000 small businesses (including chambers of commerce) within the impacted areas, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Click here to access full eligibility details and other frequently asked questions.

The deadline to apply is November 17 at 11:59 pm. Grants will not be awarded on a first-come-first served basis, but applying early is always a good idea.   
​
 Click here to begin your application (you will need your W-9 and a voided blank check or signed bank letter with your business account information to verify banking details). 

WHO: City of Lakeland and Lake Bonny Residents
WHAT:  Lake Bonny Public Meeting
WHY: To hear from Lake Bonny residents
WHEN: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
WHERE: City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 228 S. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801
 

The City of Lakeland will host a public meeting for Lake Bonny residents that have been impacted by flooding due to Hurricane Milton.  The meeting will take place November 6, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lakeland City Commission Chambers located at City Hall, 228 South Massachusetts Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to provide current information regarding the flooding situation and to hear from Lake Bonny residents who are still experiencing flood conditions.
 
There will be a presentation from City Manager, Shawn Sherrouse to start the meeting and then the floor will open for residents to voice concerns.  FEMA and other resource agencies will be on site. During Hurricane Milton, the Lakeland area experienced over 12 inches of rain in 24 hours taxing the City’s stormwater and natural drainage systems. 

To decrease the water levels at Lake Bonny, the City of Lakeland will be adding an additional pump as a TEST to see if it provides additional relief for Lake Bonny. 
 
Water levels are dropping faster in Lake Parker than Lake Bonny. This is causing the water level in the Canal Street conveyance ditch to lower in conjunction with Lake Parker. Lake Parker’s drop in water elevation has allowed the City pump to operate at maximum capacity.
 
The City has been granted permission to install a temporary pump that will add more water volume into the system to help increase flows from Lake Bonny into Lake Parker.  The secondary pump can move up to 4,500 gallons of water per minute.
 
The secondary pump will start at idle speed and ramp up slowly with supervision from the Southwest Florida Water Management (SWFWMD) and the City of Lakeland. The system will be monitored to make sure the conveyance ditch and underground plumbing can accommodate the additional outflow. Initial operation of the secondary pump will be a test.  If the operation of the pump is successful without any adverse impacts, pump capacity will be increased. However, if there are adverse conditions, the secondary pump will be taken offline.
 
On October 23, 2024, the Army Corps of Engineers began operating two pumps at Lake Bonny with a combined total output of 5,600 gallons per minute.  The strategy has closed a portion of Main Street to run above ground pipe from Lake Bonny to a stormwater outflow on North Gary Road. The stormwater system discharges to Lake Parker and flows to Lake Hancock before being discharged to the Peace River.  The SWFWMD oversees and manages water bodies that flow to the Peace River.  
 
With the installation of the new pump, there will now be four high-capacity industrial pumps moving water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker.

​At the request of the State of Florida and FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will continue to collect Right of Entry (ROE) forms for Operation Blue Roof through Thursday, Nov. 14, extending the original deadline by nine days. Homeowners impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign-up for this FREE service at BlueRoof.gov or by calling toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258).
 
The program provides a temporary solution that protects a homeowner’s property and allows them to remain in their home. Though commonly misreferred to as a “tarp,” this is fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting that is well-suited to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs.
 
To date the Army Corps has received 463 ROE forms from Polk County residents. Of those, 415 of those have been reviewed and approved, and 281 blue roofs have been installed.
 
Applying for the program requires a Right of Entry, or ROE, form, which allows USACE access to a homeowner’s property to their home's damage. The ROE also allows contracted crews to complete the Blue Roof installation.
 
Not all roof types qualify for the program. Check www.BlueRoof.gov for details.