Hi All,
Well, it has been just under a week since Irma rolled through the Suncoast of Florida. We received the brunt of the storm here in Sarasota between 9 and 11pm Saturday evening.
I am incredibly thankful to report that all family, friends and team members made it through the storm with minimal damage incurred. Our biggest loss was electricity/internet at both our house and our studio.
I hope that you and yours made it through the storm ok as well. Although we are frustrated and annoyed at the things we are now forced to do (cleanup, etc…) the best way to get through it, is to get to it – dig in, and do what you can to get things back to normal as soon as possible.
That being said, I wanted to share some links that were shared by the Sarasota Economic Development Corporation over the last few days:
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If Your Business Has Sustained Damage
Please visit Florida’s Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center. This is the primary portal for private sector preparation, damage assessments and recovery. Please fill out the damage assessment forms. This information helps to assess the damage and begin the recovery process. http://www.flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda
Federal Assistance from Irma Damage | SBA loans for businesses
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations. The loans can be used for loss and damages not fully covered by insurance.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 9, 2017. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 11, 2018.
A Disaster Recovery Center location will be set up in Sarasota County for applicants who need in-person assistance with either FEMA or SBA programs. More information will be announced.
Additional Information from Sarasota County and Our Partners
Locally, foundations have established funds to assist with Hurricane Irma disaster relief:
Shortages on blood and platelets if you can donate today. All types needed. The Suncoast Blood Bank is open.
Post-Storm
Go To: https://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/irma-stay-informed-recovery for more information and links to:
- Report Property Damage from Hurricane Irma
- Assistance Post-Storm
- Road Closures
- Power Outages
- Water Conservation Tips
- Price Gauging
- Choose a Licensed Contractor
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I wish you the very best for the remainder of the week and hope we will be back to our regular postings soon!
Kind Regards,
— Jim