Florida Disaster Fund Surpasses $50 Million

AVON PARK (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated the Florida Disaster Fund raising more than $50 million to help Hurricane Ian victims Tuesday.

The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster.

The governor has held several press conferences announcing different ways the administration would help disperse the money.

For example, $2 million from the Florida Disaster Fund will be distributed to teachers who were affected by Hurricane Ian. The governor said the donations will help each district’s teachers who are displaced or have other needs including home repair and transportation.

$2 Million From Disaster Fund Awarded to Teachers Affected by Ian

The money would be distributed through local education foundations in the six hardest hit counties: Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Collier, DeSoto and Hardee counties.

The governor also announced that $2 million from the fund would go towards helping first responders recover from Hurricane Ian. 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.”

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

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

Private sector entities across the state are pitching in to support the Fund in unique ways, including Adamec Harley-Davidson who is selling a Florida Hurricane Relief t-shirt, with 100% of proceeds going to the Florida Disaster Fund.

The First Lady announced earlier in October a partnership with Tervis to launch a new tumbler that would raise money for the Florida Disaster Fund.

Casey DeSantis Announces New Tumbler to Raise Money for Hurricane Relief

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Tervis to support the Florida Disaster Fund and help Floridians in need. This partnership is uniquely special because as Tervis rebuilds its own team in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, they’re also helping other Floridians recover – such kindness is what Florida is all about,” Casey DeSantis said.