In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s widespread impact on Southwest Florida, the Florida SBDC at FGCU is ready to assist local businesses with disaster recovery efforts. The Florida SBDC at FGCU can provide technical assistance for applying for SBA Disaster Loans and Florida Emergency Bridge Loans. These loans are critical in helping businesses secure the immediate funding needed to recover and rebuild.
The SBDC Mobile Assistance Center will be at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall from Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20 to assist small businesses with quick Bridge and Disaster Loans. Please see the attached flyer for complete details.
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FEMA Assistance: If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene, apply for FEMA assistance to take care of your critical needs. FEMA may provide financial help to assist you with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). You may also qualify for help with childcare, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Help is available in many languages.
Don’t wait to apply for FEMA assistance and, if you do have insurance, do not wait to file an insurance claim for damage caused by the disaster.
If you have business losses, including property damage and economic losses, you may qualify for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Visit the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov to learn more and apply.
For recovery information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 or go online to www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm. Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem.
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CHARCOCARES: Free Hurricane Helene disaster cleanup assistance is available. Call 844-985-1386 for help with flood cleanup, tree and debris removal. Charlotte County will open two water and MRE distribution centers on Monday, Sept. 30, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or while supplies last.
The distribution centers are located at Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte in Macy’s Parking lot and at the Tringali Park Community Center, 3460 N Access Rd, Englewood.
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Three temporary drop-off locations for storm Debris are now open for residential drop-off only (no contractors or businesses:
*Mid-County Mini-Transfer & Recycling, 19765 Kenilworth Blvd., Port Charlotte
*West Charlotte Mini-Transfer & Recycling, 7070 Environmental Way, Englewood
9a.m. to gates closing are 4:45p.m. Monday - Saturday
and *Special Drop-off location at the Charlotte County Landfill, 29751 Zemel Rd. Punta Gorda 7a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday-Friday and 7a.m. -12:30p.m. Saturdays.
PROOF of county residency is required valid photo id and local address. PO Box address are not accepted, bring a utility bill or similar document aS proof of local residency along with photo id.
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Food and beverage workers needing financial assistance, Southern Smoke Foundation. Financial assistance is available nationwide and Gulf Coast funded relief for workers in Charlotte, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties.
Individuals may receive up to $1,000, and families may be eligible for up to $1,200. Southern Smoke provides a simple application process and outlines requirements for funding on its website, assigning all applicants with a case manager for support.
We have information on our social media if that’s an easier way to disseminate the resource. We know lots of restaurant staff are out of work right now.
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For safety tips about flooding and electrical safety, visit https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/news/what-to-do-to-prevent-electrical-hazards-if-your-house-is-flooded.stml.
Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem.
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CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2024) – Charlotte County has an online Self-Reporting Storm Damage system to help us collect damage assessments. Visit www.tinyurl.com/reportingdamage, enter your address, select the type of damage and add a photo. If possible, include high water marks when reporting damage.
Please follow all safety guidelines for flooded areas when taking photos, stay on higher ground, avoid contact with flood waters, and do not drive on flooded roads.
Reporting damage in this system gets the information to county departments quickly and eliminates the need to call it in. The information will help the county compile an extensive list of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Do understand that by self-reporting this information to the county, you are simply assisting the county with damage assessment information. You must still take whatever steps are necessary to report any damage to your insurance company or FEMA, etc.
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Tallahassee, FL - September 27, 2024 Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.
Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu.
If you need additional assistance with your business, please call the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925, open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or email ESF18@em.myflorida.com
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Verify State Contractor License with the Florida Department f Business & Professional Regulation myfloridalicense.com
Charlotte County Chamber member Building Contractors Link
Charlotte County Chamber member Water Damage Restoration Link
Charlotte County Chamber member Roofing Contractors Link
Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association reminds you to use a licensed contractor - for additional information visit https://www.cdbia.com/after-the-storm-assistance. You can also call them at the office at 941-625-0804.
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Est. 1925 - Now in our 99th Year
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Centrally located at 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Florida, we are a county-wide Chamber of Commerce serving the areas of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Babcock Ranch, Solona, Deep Creek, Charlotte Harbor, Harbor Heights, Murdock, El Jobean, West Port, Gulf Cove, South Gulf Cove, Placida, Englewood and surrounding communities. The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce represents the subtropical region surrounding pristine Charlotte Harbor to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The natural waterways of the Peace River, Lemon Bay, and the Myakka River have made this the destination of choice for new residents, vacationing visitors, and businesses seeking the vibrant and lucrative location for their many endeavors. Whether it’s the history and ambiance of “Olde Florida” or the vibrancy and resiliency of this economically thriving region, you have found, “Your Place to Be.”
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Referrals - Credibility - Community Involvement - Networking Opportunities - Newsletters - Membership Directory - Advertising Opportunities - Space for your Promotional Materials. There is much, much more.
You can participate at any level ... but always know that you are supporting the advocating agency for the businesses of Charlotte County with your membership investment.
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