FEMA

FEMA held a press conference in Punta Gorda to discuss disaster relief assistance for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Officials emphasized the importance of registering for aid, addressed concerns about the Disaster Relief Fund, and announced an extended grace period for residents with lapsed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies.

Those affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for FEMA assistance to take care of critical needs.FEMA may provide financial help to assist you with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). You may also qualify for help with childcare, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.

FEMA will be opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Manatee County beginning tomorrow to help Florida storm survivors.The Disaster Recovery Center will open Saturday, Aug. 17 from 1 – 7 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library (16410 Rangeland Pkwy, Bradenton, FL., 34211). The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily after that.

Only NFIP policy holders in Sanibel and the city of Fort Myers are in good standing. Others at risk of losing steep discounts.Lee County and Fort Myers Beach officials are hoping they can help calm fears those federal notices may bring.

With peak hurricane season quickly approaching in mid-September, FEMA is urging residents to understand their flood risk and to act now.

Tens of thousands of federal flood insurance policy holders in Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, Estero and unincorporated Lee County will continue to get steep discounts on its premiums, government leaders announced Friday.

The FEMA decision will impact a majority of federal flood insurance policy holders in Lee County.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency helps people financially after disasters, but some disaster survivors say the agency is not clear on deadlines they need to meet for their recovery assistance.

Lee County originally received a 30-day extension to provide documents to FEMA by May 9. A new extension the county received Friday puts June 10 as the new deadline for document submittal.

Lee municipalities are hoping additional time to gather paperwork on rebuilding efforts post-Hurricane Ian will put them in the good graces of the federal government