Ian Victims Face Destroyed Buildings, No Jobs: ‘Craziest Nightmares’

FORT MYERS (FLV) – Take a walk in downtown Fort Myers and one cannot miss the buzz of business owners gutting their stores after floodwaters damaged many of the buildings.

“You don’t even expect this to happen in your wildest dreams and your craziest nightmares,” said Robby Podgorski.

Podgorski has worked non-stop to clean up after water flooded and destroyed his Green Cup Cafe businesses.

“The damage is as deep as I think it could go,” he said. “I don’t think it could have been any worse.”

It is a heartbreaking turn-of-events for a business owner who just spent thousands of dollars on new equipment before the storm. His home a block away from the cafe was also destroyed.

Florida’s Voice interviewed with Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle Wednesday. The department mobilized a mobile command unit shortly after the storm at Lakes Regional Library.

“As of yesterday, our agency helped coordinate that with dozens of other agencies and insurance companies. A lot of people still don’t have internet and they’re having trouble getting through on a phone line,” Eagle said. “So the good news is now you can just walk up and we’re going to be able to assist you in person.”

The department will help individuals who may need temporary unemployment assistance. A Disaster Recovery Center is also located at Lakes Regional Library where state agencies and other groups are on site to help survivors and provide businesses assistance.

“We’re also going to help you find a job and get back on your feet,” Eagle said.

The governor also activated an emergency short-term, zero-interest loan program to help businesses rebuild. The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program will make $50 million available for small businesses affected by the hurricane. The application deadline is Dec. 2, 2022.

“A lot of times it’s just to keep the payroll going. It might be a week or two and they don’t want to fire somebody,” Eagle said. “And then other times it’s cleaning up your store. I mean, this is all drywall damage and ripping up flooring and that’s not cheap.”

Business owners can also fill out the Business Damage Assessment Survey to self-report physical and economic damage.

“Businesses certainly need all the help they can get to make sure they’re up and running.”

Podgorski wants to reopen his cafe within a few months but said the financial aspect is the “scariest” part. He plans to tap into financial aid from the state, FEMA, partner with local organizations, and spread the word through GoFundMe. On top of the expenses to repair the drywall and replace all of the equipment and furniture, Podgorski has a $20,000 payroll each month to keep his employees on board.

“That’s our main concern right now because the worst part of a disaster after you survive it is the aftermath,” Podgorski said. “How does one live for two months without a home and without a job?”

Podgorski expressed gratitude for the dozens of strangers who showed up at his cafe to help clean up following the storm. It is an act of kindness he will not forget.

“I will never be able to thank the people for doing it because it was out of this world to see people come together like that,” Podgorski said. “Outside of losing everything I had, this might have been the best week of my life.”

Here is a list of multiple programs available to homes and businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian.