Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited Steinhatchee on Monday, alongside Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, Major General John D. Haas, Adjutant General of Florida, and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie S. Griffin, to update the public on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s impact on Florida’s Big Bend region and Gulf Coast.
As of this morning, approximately 86,696 Floridians remain without power, though the State of Florida has successfully restored power to 2,316,189 accounts since the storm hit.
Read: AccuWeather Increases Hurricane Helene Damage Estimate To $145-$160 Billion
The Florida Disaster Fund, managed by Volunteer Florida, continues to provide financial assistance to communities affected by the disaster. The fund supports response and recovery efforts in collaboration with public, private, and non-governmental organizations. To contribute, visit FloridaDisasterFund.org.
Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, amending EO 24-208, and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties in response to the hurricane.
Residents seeking more information can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide, and for county-specific resources and emergency management contacts, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties.
Federal Disaster Relief Governor DeSantis also announced that Florida has secured a major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Helene. This declaration includes Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B).
Read: AccuWeather Warns Of Tropical Threat That Could Affect Louisiana To Florida, Georgia, And Carolinas
Individual Assistance is available for residents and households in the following counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla.
Public Assistance for emergency work, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, is available for Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. This includes direct federal assistance for disaster-damaged facilities.
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