LEE COUNTY, Fla. — The State of Florida will appeal a rejection from the Federal Emergency Management Administration for grant money intended to help residents of the January 16 tornado outbreak that struck Southwest Florida counties.
Community Director Samantha Bequer from the Florida Division of Emergency Management said Tuesday that Federal Aid was denied by FEMA.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Florida Division of Emergency Management surveyed the neighborhoods affected by the tornadoes last month.
A statement from FEMA [PDF] said they have determined that the damage from Jan. 16 is "not beyond the capabilities of state, local government, and volunteer agencies," so the supplemental federal assistance is said to not be necessary.
“While we begin the decision appeal process, I want to reassure Floridians that the Division is committed to supporting recovery efforts, We’ll continue to work with our local and federal partners to provide relief to impacted residents and ensure all types of disaster assistance is made available.”
During a series of severe storms early morning January 16, a confirmed EF-1 tornado touched down in Charlotte County. Soon after, a confirmed EF-2 tornado touched down in Lee County.
FDEM says the victims of this disaster represent a significant elderly population, with 84 percent of the impacted population receiving Social Security Income. At the time of the request, power and water were still being restored to impacted areas and many households were unable to have utilities reconnected due to broken pipes.
Lee County is working closely with FEMA and other agencies like the Florida Division of Emergency Management on long-term recovery assistance for the people impacted.
Governor Ron Desantis signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Lee and Charlotte Counties.
