Yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis released $187 million in federal and state funds to help Northwest Florida recover from Hurricane Sally – which struck our area nearly three years ago.
BUT: You won’t find a city, county or business complaining about our receiving two-thirds of the funds, but I can’t help but wonder what took so long.
- In the press release, DeSantis said, “My administration has prioritized supporting businesses and communities impacted by hurricanes while they get back on their feet.” Three years is prioritizing?
Dig Deeper: In reviewing federal and state websites, the release of federal funds took several hearings and required the city and counties to submit plans.HUD designated Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) areas.
In October 2021, HUD announced that the state of Florida would receive Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to support long-term recovery and mitigation efforts following Hurricane Sally – $113 million – and then added an additional $5 million a year later.
The state added funds to Rebuild Florida pot. Cities and counties submitted their projects, and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity toured the area in June.
What do local officials say: Find out on WCOA this morning from 7-8:30 a.m. My guests will ECAT director Rodriquez Kimbrough, Commissioners Lumon May and Steven Barry, and Mayor D.C. Reeves.
Preaching Patience
Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking Florida homeowners to be patient and give the measures passed by the Florida Legislature to take effect.
Why this matters: This week, Farmers Insurance announced it was pulling out of Florida. Last year, seven insurance carriers announced insolvencies.
Dig Deeper: Florida House Speaker Paul Renner is in the DeSantis choir singing: “While our reforms will take time to take effect, we put the right systems in place to strengthen our insurance market and provide Floridians with the access to coverage and peace of mind they need for their property.”
A hurricane striking Florida blows up all their insurance dreams.
Photo credit: IrinaK/Shutterstock
Food & Backpack Giveaway
Once again, Farm Share and local politicians will be distributing food in the Cantonment area. This time the event will be held at the Gonzalez Methodist Church, 2026 Pauline Street, starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 22. Cars can start lining up at 7:30 a.m.
- The giveaway will continue until 11 a.m. while supplies last – a minimum of 300 families.
The backpacks are proved by Ascend Cares, State Farm Tyler Kercher, Kevin Stephens, and Jubilee Church.
Why this matters: State Rep. Michelle Salzman said, “We understand that going back to school is a struggle for many families. Along with our food distribution, we want our families to get a good start for the new school year.”
