Hurricane Helene

Sarasota County’s Resilient SRQ program has released its draft action plan for public review, outlining proposed uses for $210 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. These funds will support long-term recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Individuals impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Red Cross. The Red Cross is providing financial assistance to Floridians whose homes suffered major damage or were destroyed by the hurricanes and who still face obstacles in their recovery. Red Cross financial assistance is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.

A deadline is fast approaching to get money to pay for damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Small Business Administration — SBA — is offering loans to businesses and people who had losses in the storms.

2024 had a series of weather extremes and once in a lifetime events. Here is a look back at the top weather events of 2024.

Nearly 3 months after Helene, survivors face bleak conditions in western North Carolina as the holidays rapidly approach

The season, which ends Nov. 30, produced 18 named storms, including 11 turbocharged hurricanes along with Helene and Milton, which devastated the Tampa Bay area.

Federal agencies hope to replenish funds for disaster recovery, which will certainly affect Florida.

SBA disaster loan applications for damage caused by Hurricane Helene need to be in by Nov. 27. Loans help fill the gap between what insurance and FEMA has paid and what people need to rebuild.

"All of those people came together because they knew how important it was to get the kids back on the island and back in their school. So, I just feel really, really grateful,” said Principal Katie Fradley.