Gov. DeSantis announces more than $7M in aid available to tornado victims

Reporter: Sydney Persing Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
Damage left behind after an EF2 tornado touched down in Iona on January 16, 2022. (Credit: WINK News)

Those who still are dealing with the impacts of January’s tornadoes can now get help from the state. Governor Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that more than $7.1 million worth of aid from federal funds is available.

If you believe you may be eligible, you may contact the CAA serving the county where you live to learn more about assistance programs.

Joyce Schelegal is one of the people who may benefit from the new tornado relief funds. She and her sister are out $100,000 because of the damage caused by the storms. She only needs nine words to describe how she feels about the new assistance. “It’s about time we get some help around here,” said Schelegal.

Governor DeSantis, along with the Department of Economic Opportunity, redirected millions of state dollars for tornado victims in Southwest Florida.

“Our home is going to be torn down. And we do not have money to replace it,” Schelegal said.

It is still not clear if they ever will. Eligibility for these state dollars will be determined on a case-by-case basis. There is up to $7.1 million in relief, yet some people won’t qualify for a penny. You have to apply to find out if you will be eligible.

“We have no idea about that. If we’re going to. We’re hopeful,” said Schelegal.

Ellie and Tony Costalas are hopeful too. They had just a little insurance. “Nowhere near enough. It’s going to take a big bite out of our savings,” said Ellie Costalas.

Ellie and her husband spoke next to the governor when he visited the tornado damage last month. They hadn’t heard about his announcement and all the money until WINK News told them when we spoke with them. The reason why, “We haven’t had TV or computers or anything since the storm, tornado hit us. So we’re kind of out of the loop,” said Costalas.

WINK News Reporter Sydney Persing gave the Costalas’ her phone to call the county. They expressed their interest, gave their information, and when the call ended, “Well, it feels like it’s a real thing. You know like you can count on it,” said Ellie Costalas.

Gov. DeSantis and the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced that the money would be available to those impacted in Lee and Charlotte counties. DEO has also sent people to the affected areas to help the people affected.

In addition to the more than $7 million in help, the governor and the Florida Department of Emergency Management have created an online portal where you can donate to help the people impacted and apply for assistance. You can donate or apply for assistance by clicking here or visiting FloridaDisaster.org/Assistance.

“Victims of these tornadoes in Southwest Florida deserve assistance to kickstart their recovery process,” said Governor Ron DeSantis in a news release about the aid package. “Despite the Biden Administration’s failure to help Floridians in need, I will continue working with state agencies to find ways that we can assist our residents who have been devastated by these tornadoes.”

Those impacted can also apply for help through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Money from those programs is distributed to local Community Action Agencies (CAA) by DEO.

Below is a list of available resources:
  • DEO is deploying team members to assist Charlotte and Lee County residents in their recovery efforts.
  • $1,610,686 in CSBG funding is available to assist eligible income-qualified households in Charlotte and Lee counties with attaining the skills, knowledge, and motivation necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. Services may include the following:
    • Emergency health
    • Food
    • Housing
    • Debris Removal
    • Repair electrical wiring or gas lines
    • Personal documentation (Driver’s License, ID Cards)
    • Medical Supplies
    • Day Care
    • Transportation Assistance
    • Housing Counseling
    • Financial Management Assistance
    • Nutrition Programs
    • Community Gardening Projects
    • Food Banks
    • Job Counseling
    • Placement and Training Services
    • Homeless Prevention Programs
  • $5,515,917 in the LIHEAP is available to assist income-qualified families in Charlotte and Lee County with home heating and cooling costs. Services may include the following:
    • Home heating and cooling costs
    • Utility relocation setup and deposits
    • Disaster-related temporary housing
    • HVAC Replacement
    • Generator Purchase
    • Electrical Power Cable Connection
For more information about the Community Services Block Grant Program, click here. Information about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is also available here. For additional information on resources available in both Charlotte and Lee Counties, click here.
FDLE has also appealed their request for aid from FEMA. FEMA has acknowledged that they have received the appeal and are processing it.

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