$2 Million Set Aside for First Responders to Recover From Hurricane Ian

PUNTA GORDA (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that $2 million from the Florida Disaster Fund would go towards helping first responders recover from Hurricane Ian.

The governor said there are first responders with flooded, damaged and destroyed homes.

“You may have a firefighter out there helping someone get out of their damaged home. That firefighter’s home may have been destroyed too,” DeSantis said. “A police officer is out there helping helping you with something that you have had to deal with. They may be suffering the same or more back at their place.”

The Florida Sheriff’s Association, Florida PBA, Florida Fraternal Order of Police and the Florida Professional Firefighters Association each received $500,000.

“And it’s tough when you’re having to go out there and serve the public, knowing that you’ve got a lot of issues that you have to deal with,” DeSantis said.

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said most of his staff suffered some kind of damage.

“And I have many who suffered great loss where they no longer have their houses, but still came to work,” Prummell said.

The Florida Disaster Fund has raised nearly $45 million in donations in about two weeks.

To contribute, visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.