Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Tampa Bay today to announce $1,000,000 in awards through the Florida Disaster Fund to assist nonprofits working on storm recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton.
The funds will go to organizations providing essential services, including hot meals, immediate disaster relief for mothers and children, and support for foster families, seniors, and individuals with unique abilities.
READ: Gov. DeSantis Provides Key Updates On Florida’s Ongoing Hurricane Milton Recovery Efforts”
The nonprofits receiving funds include:
- 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, Tampa, Glades, and Hardee County)
- Area Agency on Aging Palm Beach/Treasure Coast
Additionally, during a visit to Sarasota, Governor DeSantis announced a further $100,000 in awards to education foundations in five counties—Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota—most affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. These funds will help provide teachers with additional resources, create new learning opportunities for students, and support the broader recovery efforts in these communities.
READ: Hurricane Helene Insured Losses Climb To $1.3 Billion In Florida
“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. Thank you to the linemen, volunteers, educators, and many others who helped make this feat possible.”
“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,” said Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. “School is the best place for students after a storm, and I am grateful to the Governor for his leadership and support in Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.”
READ: Tennessee Man Gets 6 Years For Fentanyl Distribution Resulting In Montana Man’s Death
The state’s Activate Hope expansion, which deploys Hope Buses and Navigators to disaster-impacted areas, has been instrumental in delivering supplies and resources to residents and businesses recovering from both Hurricanes Milton and Helene. These mobile resources, along with volunteers, have already assisted more than 25,000 Floridians since the storms hit.
Floridians in need of support or interested in donating can visit www.HopeFlorida.com or call the Hope Line at 833-GET-HOPE. Those wishing to contribute to the Florida Disaster Fund can text DISASTER to 20222 or visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.