Florida communities still recovering from a string of hurricanes will receive more than $89 million in new federal funding, FEMA announced June 16, with money aimed at both rebuilding damaged infrastructure and preparing for future storms.<\/p>\n
A news release said the funding will support more than 70 projects across the state tied to Hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton and earlier disasters, with a mix of reimbursements for past costs and investments designed to reduce future damage.<\/p>\n
A key piece of the funding, or more than $14 million, will go toward hazard mitigation efforts, including Florida\u2019s Elevate Florida program. The initiative will provide $12 million to help 35 homeowners statewide raise or retrofit their homes to better withstand flooding, a growing concern in coastal and low-lying areas.<\/p>\n
The largest share of the funding \u2013 more than $69 million \u2013 comes through FEMA\u2019s Public Assistance program, which reimburses state and local agencies for disaster response and recovery work.<\/p>\n
That includes $40.8 million to the Florida Division of Emergency Management and other state agencies for debris cleanup, emergency measures and repairs to state parks and beaches damaged by multiple storms.<\/p>\n
Another $7.1 million will reimburse the Lee County School District for temporary facilities used by an elementary school displaced by Hurricane Ian.<\/p>\n
Additional funding will support $2.5 million in beach and dune restoration in Charlotte County following Hurricane Milton, as well as nearly $665,000 for infrastructure repairs in Sarasota County\u2019s West Villages Improvement District.<\/p>\n
The package also includes $5 million for disaster unemployment assistance and case management services, administered in part through Volunteer Florida and local nonprofit groups that help residents navigate recovery and access aid.<\/p>\n