Florida Governor Opens Disaster Fund

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has announced that the state is activating Florida’s disaster fund to help residents who suffered property losses from Hurricane Isaac and Tropical Storm Debbie.

Earlier this week, Hurricane Isaac made its way through the Florida Keys and skirted along the state’s southwest coastline leaving behind double-digit rainfall inches through much of the state. As a result, many residents have seen some minor wind damage, although the overwhelming amount of losses has come from a storm surge and rain.

On Aug. 25, Scott declared a state of emergency in some portions of the state due to the impact of Hurricane Isaac.

Now he is calling on Florida’s Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides long-term assistance to communities affected by the storms, to begin making monies available to residents through its Neighbors to the Rescue program.

“While Hurricane Isaac was beating down on western portions of the Panhandle, I got to see, first-hand, the flooding damage the storm left behind in Palm Beach County,” said Scott in a statement, noting that some residents were still recovering from Tropical Storm Debbie. “Your assistance will give much needed help to our friends and neighbors.”

In addition to the Neighbors to the Rescue disaster fund, Scott is encouraging Floridians to donate to other relief organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Way.