Now that the state of Florida has dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian for 1 month, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has released an update concerning the relief efforts and overall progress that has been made.
Perhaps the most impressive news out of the press release included the amount of money that has been raised for the Florida Disaster Fund since Ian made landfall. An incredible $50 million was raised in one month. The Florida Disaster Fund website includes resources such as a link to donate to the effort, different shelter options, mental health programs and internet access, individual FEMA assistance, and other resources.
It also includes resources from federal, state, the private sector, and faith-based organizations.
Moreover, First Lady Casey DeSantis alongside the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, and the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator Sara Newhouse have issued complementary mental health resources, such as 3 months of free online therapy using the code HurricaneIan at betterhelp.com/voucher.
In addition, residents of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties are eligible for FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance as well.
Also, with the midterm elections just days away, it was a priority for the DeSantis administration to ensure safe, properly operated elections, even just weeks after a major storm hit Florida’s shores. In doing so, Gov. DeSantis issued an executive order which extended the number of early voting days as well as provide additional early voting locations.
A week from today, Floridians will be able to evaluate Governor DeSantis and his response to Hurricane Ian, as well as his administration’s job as a whole.
