TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Toledo Blade Elementary in North Port on the first day back in session following Hurricane Ian. While there, the Governor announced over $200 million in awards through the School Recognition Program to 1,400 schools across the state that have demonstrated student growth and teaching excellence. In Southwest Florida, 96 schools received $13 million from this program. To watch the Governor’s full remarks, click here.
Yesterday, Governor DeSantis was in Flagler County to receive a briefing from local officials and survey areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. Since Hurricane Ian, the state has supported recovery efforts in Flagler County by working with the Florida National Guard to provide high-water vehicles for search and rescue efforts, delivering 20 septic pump trucks to remove wastewater and providing safety signage for water on roadways. The Governor also announced the approval of Florida’s Dislocated Worker Grant Request.
Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted the Florida Disaster Fund and the support it has received from private entities across the nation. The Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $45 million since activation. To read more, click here. To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.
Additionally, the First Lady has worked with the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator, Sara Newhouse, to compile a webpage of resources to help first responders navigate resources for mental health needs post hurricane. To visit the site, click here. Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. Floridians’ health and well-being are a top priority, and the Department of Children and Families is reminding individuals that they are not alone. All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.
Additional programs that have been put into place to aid communities include the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, the initiation of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof, and FDOT’s diligent work to construct temporary bridges into areas that are cut off from motorists. First Lady Casey DeSantis, Volunteer Florida and Tervis have created a design with Florida imagery for a new tumbler product. With every sale of this tumbler, all proceeds will go to the Florida Disaster Fund. Products are available for purchase on the Tervis website HERE and will soon be available in stores for purchase.
If you are an Xfinity customer experiencing internet connectivity issues and you live in a predominately restored location and find that after restarting your modem your services are still not working, the lines delivering service to your home may be damaged. Please go to the Status Center to troubleshoot or use your Xfinity App to chat with a representative or call 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489) to report your service interruption.