Department of Economic Opportunity Boss Tours Flood Damaged Businesses

June 3, 2014

The Executive Director of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Jesse Panuccio, joined State Representative Clay Ingram and County Commissioner Steven Barry on a tour of local areas impacted by the unprecedented April flooding.

After touring several flood-affected neighborhoods, the group visited three businesses located on Ashland Drive. The NWFL Machine Shop, Scale Reproductions, and Pollution Control Services, Inc. operate in more than 20,000 square feet of commercial space, filled with industrial equipment that was severely damaged or destroyed by the flooding.

“I want to thank Director Panuccio for taking the time to see firsthand what our community is dealing with in the aftermath of the recent floods,” said Rep. Clay Ingram. “DEO offers several programs to help small businesses after natural disasters, and we want to make sure our local business owners receive all of the funding that’s available to them.”

“The businesses we toured have a long way to go before they’re back and operating at full capacity, but local owners like Paul Leanza and Greg Carleton have the support of their community, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to help them get back on track,” Rep. Ingram continued.

“I appreciate the opportunity provided by Representative Ingram and local leaders to view firsthand the devastating effects of the spring flooding event in Escambia County,” said DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio. “The strength of local residents, business owners and community leaders is evident in the recovery process. DEO remains committed to the residents and businesses adversely affected and will work to provide all possible support and assistance.”

Pictured inset: (L-R) Greg Carleton, Paul Leanza, Rep. Clay Ingram, Director Jesse Panuccio and Commissioner Steven Barry tour a business on Ashland Avenue that was flooded. Pictured top: The tour continues. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Department of Economic Opportunity Boss Tours Flood Damaged Businesses”

  1. well on June 3rd, 2014 7:14 pm

    Yeah Jane and maybe 16 inches less rain would have helped also.

  2. Jane on June 3rd, 2014 4:25 am

    Maybe a better drainage system would be a good idea in the areas that were flooded.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News