In-Person Hurricane Recovery Assistance Available in Sarasota County: FEMA, SBA, Elevate Florida

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

 

Sarasota County

 

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center at 10 a.m. Monday, March 3, at 111 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Those visiting the center should enter via Ringling Boulevard.

The hours of operation for the center will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday moving forward.

According to the SBA, Business Recovery Centers are staffed by SBA, volunteer organizations, and business resource partners to assist businesses, homeowners, and renters with completing disaster loan applications, answering questions about the loan program, and directing business owners to available resource partners for specialized business counseling. Learn more about the SBA and Business Recovery Centers here.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is extending the physical damage loan deadline for disaster declarations affected by the 2024 federal funding lapse. The new deadline to apply is April 27, 2025.

Elevate Florida

Elevate Florida, a statewide residential mitigation program led by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, will hold program overview and application sessions in Sarasota County, March 4-6.

• 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 4 – Thursday, March 6.
• Colonial Oaks Park, 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd., Sarasota

Learn about eligibility requirements, types of projects available, and receive on-site assistance with your application. Educational presentations will be held at noon and 5 p.m. daily. To RSVP (not required), click here.

For more information about Elevate Florida visit the portal at fdem-resmit.my.site.com/Elevate or the State’s website at FloridaDisaster.org/ElevateFlorida or see the attached flyer.

For questions, technical support, or application assistance, call the contact center Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET at 877-353-8835 (877-ELEV8FL).

 

FEMA Mitigation Experts available

As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters.

This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

FEMA specialists will be available from March 3 – March 15 from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET, at Home Depot, 4111 Cattleman Road, Sarasota.

An insurance specialist will be present to answer National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) questions. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be on hand to provide updates on FEMA applications and answer questions.