Gov. DeSantis announces $1M donation for hurricane recovery

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis is speaking in Sarasota on Thursday, just one week after Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Earlier on Thursday, the governor was joined by First Lady Casey DeSantis in Tampa to discuss Hope Florida— an organization that gives Floridians resources, skills, and opportunities to get back on their feet.

In less than a week, crews performed 4.2 million power restorations. Due to flooding from the storms, many search and rescue operations were also underway throughout the week.

DeSantis announced that as of Thursday, all school districts in the state are back in session. Through the Florida Disaster Fund, $100,000 will be each given to support organizations for Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota County schools.

Counties including Highlands, Polk, Pasco, Pinellas Sarasota, and Manatee counties will also receive money to go toward damage at the voting sites ahead of the election.

DeSantis and the First Lady are donating $1 million to the Florida Disaster Fund:

• $300,000 to organizations to help moms and children with immediate needs after disasters
• $250,000 to benefit organizations with hot meals and food (Operation BBQ Relief, Our Daily Bread in Bradenton, etc.)
• $250,000 to groups assisting foster kids and families
• $150,000 to organizations serving the elderly
• $50,000 to family initiatives

As help across the state continues, the governor offered the Hope Florida resource for residents 24/7. Navigators with the organization can help with FEMA assistance and other applications. On Wednesday, FEMA approved Florida’s request for temporary and transitional housing, such as hotels.

For more information on hurricane recovery, visit HopeFlorida.com to call 833-438-4673.

WFLA live streamed the press conferences in Tampa and Sarasota, which can be viewed in the video player above.

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