First Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Awarded

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Department of Economic Opportunity has awarded the first Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan for agricultural producers to John P. Jordan Farm in Bascom, Florida.

The move comes following Hurricane Michael, and the loan was activated to provide relief to Florida farmers whose crops were damaged by the storm.

Commenting on the help, Gov. DeSantis noted that “Hurricane Michael decimated crops and left long-lasting impacts across Northwest Florida. Assisting farmers as they prepare for the upcoming growing season is a critical step in ensuring future resiliency for Floridians.”

In addition, Gov. DeSantis asserted that “this loan is part of the process to helping agricultural producers get back on their feet.”

The John P. Jordan farm has been serving the Bascom community in Florida since 2002.

The farm grows peanuts and cotton to be distributed through the sunshine state and Georgia, and it was affected by Hurricane Michael, which made landfall and destroyed homes and Florida farmers’ crops on October 10.

In response to the assistance, John and Cindy Jordan released a statement, detailing that they “are so grateful to Governor DeSantis for activating the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan for the upcoming growing season.”

They also extended a thank you to “the farmers and the community of Jackson County for advocating for this program,” adding that “this loan will help us restore our crops and create a more resilient farm land.”

With the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, the John P. Jordan Farm is given a short term, interest-free loan that is available to agricultural producers located in designated disaster areas that experienced physical and/or economic damaged as a result of Hurricane Michael.

Ken Lawson, the DEO Executive Director, informed that the Department is “ready to continue working with Governor DeSantis to help with ongoing recovery efforts in the Florida Panhandle.”