The federal government approved a request for a major disaster declaration following Hurricane Hermine, which swept through Florida and left millions of dollars in damage earlier this month.
Gov. Rick Scott requested the major disaster declaration a little over a week ago, citing the large amounts of damage to communities in the northern part of the state. By declaring a presidential disaster, Florida can get federal help putting the region back together again.
According to the White House, the action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding also is available to state eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Hermine.
Hermine was the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida in over a decade, and while it brought rain and some flooding to Central Florida, it hammered the Big Bend area significantly and left parts of Northern Florida flooded and without power. Trees were also knocked over by hurricane-force winds when the storm passed over the state.
The Tallahassee area was particularly devastated by the storm, with a majority of the city losing power. Some residents did not have power for nearly a week after Hurricane Hermine swept through the state's capital city.
“Hurricane Hermine was the first hurricane to hit our state in over a decade and following the storm, I met with many businesses and families who were severely impacted," said Gov. Scott. "While the state immediately stepped in to provide resources and assistance to families, this funding will help our local communities rebuild.”
FEMA is continuing to assess the full damage of the storm and other counties may receive federal funding after the investigation wraps up.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
