As we collectively face the impacts of Hurricane Idalia, it’s important to remain unified and informed. Below is an updated and detailed list of available resources to assist businesses and their employees in this challenging time.

Citrus County Hurricane Recovery Business Resources

Financial Assistance for Businesses:

1. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.

   – Available Funds: $20 million has been allocated to assist businesses impacted by the hurricane.

   – Eligibility: Florida-based small businesses

   – How to Apply: Visit https://www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to fill out the online application.

2. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans

   – Interest Rate: Loans at low-interest rates to cover property damage and economic injury.

   – Eligibility: Businesses and residents in Florida

   – How to Apply: Go to SBA’s secure application portal at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and apply under SBA declaration #18118.

   – **Support**: Guidance on how to fill out the application is available.

Career and Employment Assistance:

1. Careersource Citrus Levy Marion Mobile Career Center

– Location: Citrus County Chamber office, 915 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River

– Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the week, including Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.

– Services:

• Fee-free job search assistance
• Help filing for Reemployment Assistance (unemployment compensation)
• Assistance filing for SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program)

– Facilities: Equipped with computer workstations, internet access, and office equipment.

Data Collection & Assessment:

1. Business Damage Assessment Survey by FloridaCommerce & SERT

   – Purpose: The data collected will inform state recovery initiatives and expedite federal assistance.

   – How to Participate: Visit FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Idalia” from the dropdown menu.

Hotlines and Contact Information:

1. FloridaCommerce Private Sector Hotline

   – Purpose: For inquiries related to business recovery efforts and available aid.

   – Contact: 850-815-4925 (available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

   – Email for Further Inquiries: ESF18@em.myflorida.com

2. Citrus County Growth Management’s Building Division

   – Services: Providing property assessments, assisting with emergency repair permits.

   – Contact: Call 352-527-5310 for inquiries.

Storage & Logistics:

1. U-HAUL Free Storage

   – Offer: 30 days of free self-storage or U-Box container use for storing goods.

   – Eligibility: Available to anyone affected by Hurricane Idalia.

   – How to Access: Visit the U-Haul website at https://bit.ly/3Ehal49 to find a participating location near you.

Fee Waivers and Donations:

1. Visa Interchange Fee Waiver & Donation Matching

   – Fee Waiver: Interchange fees are waived for all donations made to the Florida Disaster Fund.

   – Donation Matching: Visa will match any employee donations made towards Florida disaster relief efforts.

Communication:

1. Comcast Xfinity WiFi Hotspots

   – Locations: 141,000 hotspots across Florida

   – How to Access: Visit Xfinity’s location map at https://xfinity.com/wifi to find a hotspot. Free for everyone, including non-Xfinity customers.

2. Verizon Fee Waiver

   – Waiver Period: August 30 – September 13

   – Services: All prepaid and postpaid domestic call/text/data fees will be waived for residents in the most impacted areas.

Local Regulations & Contractors:

1. Temporary 72-hour Permit Grace Period

   – What: Citrus County Growth Management allows emergency repairs without immediate permits.

   – How: Apply for the required permit within 72 hours of initiating the repair.

2. Florida Disaster Contractors Network

   – For Contractors: Register at DCNOnline.org to provide post-storm construction-related services.

   – For Homeowners: Use the same website to find licensed contractors in your area for repairs.

Insurance & Realty:

1. OIR Informational Memorandum

   – Details: Guidelines for insurance companies on disaster preparedness and response.

   – Document: Available online at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLOIR/bulletins/36d2bc8.

2. Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund

   – Eligibility: Realtors, their employees, and staff of local associations.

   – How to Apply: More information on the application process can be found online https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/08/florida-realtors-disaster-relief-fund-qa

Thank you for your attention to these resources. Together, we will overcome this challenging time and rebuild our community. Please watch our emails and Facebook page for continued updates and information.