FORT MYERS, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis was in Fort Myers on Thursday to provide an update on recovery efforts in Southwest Florida from Hurricane Ian.
Governor DeSantis announced that he has directed the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to utilize $13.8 million in grant funding to support and expand mental health resources for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian. The Governor also awarded $1 million through the Florida Disaster Fund to help teachers and other school employees who suffered impacts from Hurricane Ian.
Governor DeSantis says it's been 112 days since the storm and he said in the press conference that the state is working to push through red tape and get people what they need quicker.
“The funding we awarded today is an important part of the recovery process,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are committed to cutting red tape and getting temporary housing trailers delivered to these communities as fast as possible so they can accelerate the rebuilding process. We will continue to fund programs and fill the gaps for Floridians as they recover after Hurricane Ian.”
A focus is housing options for those in need of trailers and temporary housing as repairs to their permanent homes are made.
He was joined by Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Gov. DeSantis Provides an Update on Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida https://t.co/5tGceAFNTq
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 19, 2023
The $1 million awarded through the Florida Disaster Fund will be awarded to support organizations of school districts in five of the hardest-hit counties to support teachers and other school employees who were impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Support organizations in the following counties will receive awards:
- Lee County ($250,000)
- Collier County ($250,000)
- Sarasota County ($200,000)
- Hardee County ($150,000)
- DeSoto County ($150,000)
