Local officials consider another $5,000 per household
Federal disaster money is on the way to help Broward County’s recent record flooding with a potential local supplement now being discussed as well, new money is released to help stormwater and wastewater systems damaged in last fall’s hurricanes, plus proof that cars can fly in tornadoes and some helpful tips to share on this National Hurricane Preparedness Week. It’s all in our Disaster Management Digest.
A Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue Department team used boats to rescue homeowners and motorists from floodwaters, April 13, 2023. Courtesy, Broward S.O.
Disaster Declaration: The White House on Friday approved the state’s request for federal disaster aid for the historic flooding in Broward County caused by nearly 26 inches of rainfall on April 12-13. “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,” according to the disaster declaration. Federal funding will also be available to the state, local governments and non-profit groups to cover emergency work and repairs. The declaration also it can also be used to support “hazard mitigation measures statewide.”
The state estimated the flooding caused more than $100 million in damage to local governments, schools and the airport and major damage to 1,095 homes, with another 255 suffering minor damage. The economic crisis that resulted includes nearly 250 people temporarily or permanently laid off and some renters facing eviction. Florida’s Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie reminded local media that the average FEMA payout is about $4,000 with a maximum of about $37,000. “I think we need to start fielding expectations,” he told the Sun Sentinel, adding, “$37,000 is probably not going to make them whole.”
According to the Sun Sentinel, Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis is proposing the city give a supplemental $5,000 per household for major damage that the FEMA money may not cover. Details are expected to be released at tomorrow’s city commission meeting. The city also plans to apply for federal funding to help pay for a new city hall building that had 8 feet of water in the basement and now will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Residents and business owners can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.
Hurricane Ian Money: The Governor and DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton on Friday announced the award of $100 million in funding for local governments that operate a stormwater or wastewater management system that were impacted by Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole. Eligible counties included Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sarasota, and Volusia counties. A list of awarded projects can be found here.
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Hurricane Awareness: This past weekend’s horrific weather across Florida (including this tornado that tossed a car up in the air in Palm Beach County) is a reminder to be constantly diligent and prepared. So this National Hurricane Preparedness Week (April 30-May 6) is particularly timely. It’s important for homeowners and businesses to prepare for hurricane season which starts in exactly one month (June 1), including checking insurance coverages. We are happy to provide you once again with my Lisa’s Lucky 7 Hurricane Season Prep chart. It lists the 7 critical things we all need to do now to get ready for the storm season ahead. Please share this printable, fun flyer with your customers, colleagues, family, and friends to show you care.
Have a great week and call or email us if we can help you navigate Bill Watch or you have other questions. Of course, you are always welcome to stay with us in our home and walk the halls of the Florida Capitol with us on this last week of session!
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 5-1-23
