At last state officials can promise hope to the people of the Apalachicola Bay region. Florida has received a $2.7 million federal grant that will give about 200 dislocated oystermen temporary work in reshelling distressed bay waters.
The region has been economically devastated by a decline in the harvesting conditions, and many there who fish for a living are unaccustomed to seeking assistance. Citizen drives around Florida have sprung up to help stock food banks and supply other essentials.
The $2.7 million National Emergency Grant was awarded as a result of Florida's request for help from the U.S. Department of Labor because of Tropical Storm Debby. It will be overseen by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and the local Seafood Workers Association -- with the money used entirely to reshell the bay with live and dead oyster material from unaffected areas of the bay.
In October I met with families in Franklin County and saw their frustration and desire to return to the jobs they love, Scott stated in a release.
Apalachicola Bay is home to some of the best fisheries and oysters in the world, and were committed to getting much-needed support to the area. This funding will provide desperately needed employment and paychecks to those hard-working families who have been impacted. This support will also help put families back to work and begin the road to recovery.
Florida has been working for months with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to devisea long-term plan to address the needs of Franklin County.
Besides the impact from the June storm that swept across northern Florida, the bay has been hindered by severe drought, a reduction in fresh water and also self-inflicted wounds from the harvesting of immature oysters in recent, difficult times.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putman has also placed some of the blame on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for restricting upstream water flow, which has reduced the amount of fresh water vital for the growth of oysters in the bay.
The reshelling project is to be in place through June 30, 2013.
Under Governor Scotts direction, DEO coordinated with our fellow state agencies, Franklin County and the local workforce board to develop the most effective plan to respond to this disaster and get the necessary resources and supplies to those affected, stated Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Hunting Deutsch in a release. Im proud of the assistance weve been able to provide to the region and I look forward to continuing to assist Franklin County and its residents going forward.
Other forms of assistance the state has helped direct toward the region:
Training
The Gulf Coast Workforce Board developed an initiative, Franklin Works, to serve displaced seafood workers. It is comprised of three initiatives: classroom training, worksite-based training and GED training for those who wish to earn their high school equivalency.
Clean up Employment
Florida received $256,953 in federal funding to support the hiring of 15 temporary workers to work for Franklin County and help complete the cleanup and restoration work in the region.
Long-Term Economic Diversification
DEO is currently working with Franklin County leaders to develop a long-term economic diversification strategy for the area. This effort includes profiling the community and inventorying valuable assets including vacant lands, natural resources, maritime and inland infrastructure, recreational and educational opportunities, as well as other resources. This information gathered will be analyzed based on economic trends, strengths, barriers and opportunities. Based on the outcome of the study, DEO will work with the county to develop goals and objectives, along with an action plan, to move the community toward economic diversification.
Food Drive
Thousands of pounds of food were delivered to Franklins Promise Coalition in October through the efforts of state agencies, local organizations and particularly Joan Jefferson, coordinator of Florida Main Street, who first called attention to the plight of Apalachicola's fishing families and mounted a campaign of food deliveries among state employees.
Resource Fairs
Three Resource Fairs were held with approximately 1,200 total attendees. More than 150 individuals were assisted with filing and processing food stamp applications. More than 200 people signed up for assistance through workforce programs while approximately 300 families have applied for emergency assistance.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889. Nancy Smith contributed to this story.
