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Escambia To Share In $100K In Tornado Relief; Scott Asks Obama For More Help
March 17, 2016
On Wednesday, Gov Rick Scott announced $100,000 for Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Charlotte Counties through the Florida Disaster Fund to aid in recovery efforts for those affected by severe storms and tornadoes in February. The Governor also issued a request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties after FEMA denied the state’s initial request for assistance with debris removal. Last month, Governor Scott saw firsthand the tornado damage in Pensacola and Century.
“The families and businesses affected by these tornadoes have made incredible efforts to rebuild and recover, and I am proud to announce that Volunteer Florida and local organizations have partnered to provide $100,000 for communities across Florida. Today, I am also requesting a Major Disaster Declaration to continue helping those affected by these storms, and we will do all we can to support them throughout the recovery process,” Scott said.
In his letter to President Obama, Scott said the Town of Century qualifies for special consideration under federal law due to its low-income population. An estimated 75 percent of Century residents with total or major damage did not have insurance. The town estimates $3.9 million in local damages.
Scott also said that a large number of mobile homes were impacted in Century that may not qualify for any portion of $2.1 million in state housing funds previously announced for Escambia County.
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Bryan W. Koon said, “We are thankful for the strong partnerships our state has to assist Floridians in times of disaster. The Florida Disaster Fund will play a vital role in helping the community to recover as we continue our efforts to secure a Major Disaster Declaration.”
Chester Spellman, Volunteer Florida CEO, said, “The recent tornadoes in the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast devastated homes and communities. Volunteer Florida is proud to play a role in helping our neighbors respond to this disaster by funding response activities including feeding, sheltering, and case work.”
$50,000 of the funding will be provided by Volunteer Florida and matched 100 percent by local organizations for a total investment of $100,000 to aid Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Charlotte Counties in recovery efforts.
Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward said, “This funding will help families develop long-term recovery plans and allow local organizations to leverage volunteer teams to provide reconstruction. We are grateful to Volunteer Florida and those who have selflessly donated to the Florida Disaster Fund.”
On February 15 the town of Century in the Florida Panhandle experienced significant damage from a tornado. A rural town of approximately 1,500 residents, 45 homes in Century were destroyed and 40 homes received major damage. On February 23, Escambia County was hit by another severe storm system that also impacted Santa Rosa and Charlotte Counties, where tornadoes and straight-line winds destroyed 45 homes and caused major damage to 49 homes.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scot tours tornado devastation in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
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8 Responses to “Escambia To Share In $100K In Tornado Relief; Scott Asks Obama For More Help”
Scott also said that a large number of mobile homes were impacted in Century that may not qualify for any portion of $2.1 million in state housing funds.
$50,000 of the funding will be provided by Volunteer Florida and matched 100 percent by local organizations for a total investment of $100,000 to aid Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Charlotte Counties in recovery efforts.
So what exactly did Gov. Scott do aside form pose for pose for some pictures?
Vacant abandoned properties that will not be rebuilt need to immediately be identified and a way made to DEMO them. They are linked to increasing crime. Please act swiftly and use these funds to get a handle on the situation. Charge code enforcement fees or make a way for owners to realize this and take care of it. Pass ordinances and make a plan.The whole town will suffer even more if people are allowed to stay in homes with no electricity or water. The rubble invites arson and pestilence. This is a chance for Century to move on this type of action. You can’t just hope and pray it will improve without using a means and a way. An empty lot is better than one full of debris and may sell.
If the FEMA is approved what will that do for homeowners anyway? And what is the C. A. T. Fund? I am reading this all trying to understand the process in what to do and what to expect in the future and for others right now. Correct my if I am wrong but from just Google info, it looks like if you have insurance file that first, then if you have other needs you have to apply for a loan. from SBA, that the SBA is federal money available as a loans then and only then can one apply for FEMA but this damage as a whole was not enough. Even then FEMA help may just be a loan. The SHIP and HOME funds aren’t for mobile homes. I don’t think the government is or will be in the business of restoring things like they were for individual homeowners, especially subpar housing that wouldn’t qualify for insurance before the storm. I just wish disaster preparedness program would explain things. I guess the emergency manager did but people weren’t ready to face the facts. I think this $100 K is not to be split for repairs but to counsel folks about their situation and help them to yes..Move On ..in some cases.
@sam
If you read your comment you may know what you meant to say but to the people reading it we have no idea what you are talking about. It doesn’t make any sense. So WHAT!!!!
Depending on the Feds is like hoping to win the lottery 10 times in a row.
They are power hungry and selfish and don’t give a damn about their serfs.
We need to change that line of thought in them.
1000,000 dollars doesn’t go too far, especially between 3 counties. It is smart of the governor to ask the federal government for help. Our state has a C. A. T. Fund. with billions of dollars in it for in state catastrophes. So now let’s see what Gov. Scott is really made of.
@ Sam
You can sure get the government involved in your financial life if you have a bunch of children you cannot afford, or, invade this country as an illegal, excuse me, “undocumented” citizen. Lots of potential voters out there.
it’s bad to lose everything, your house being the most important. it was obvious the government wasn’t going to get involved. a poor small town with very little tax base. people have to, and can get the paperwork on their houses and property. the county tax assessor and tax collector know for sure. if you don’t or can’t afford home owners insurance you are playing russian roulette. sooner or later you will pay.