Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that, in partnership with Senator Marco Rubio, insurance villages and disaster recovery centers will be opening next week in areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma. Local, state and federal partners will be in attendance to offer Floridians a wide array of relief assistance in one centralized location.

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, many citizens throughout Jacksonville are still facing hardships resulting from power outages. As JEA officials work to meet the needs of citizens who remain without power, Mayor Lenny Curry is seeking to bolster these efforts with offerings that address citizens’ immediate needs. Today, he announced additional support to citizens through the City’s customer service platforms.

The State of Emergency remains for the City of Jacksonville.

Today, Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. The application period is from today through Oct. 31, 2017.

Hurricane Irma has impacted Jacksonville residents in a variety of different ways. While the Legends Center and Southside Baptist Church continue to offer shelter to those without access to their homes, Mayor Lenny Curry is seeking to support citizens affected by widespread power outages. Through Sunday, the Prime Osborn Convention Center (1000 Water St. – 32204) is opening its doors to help people seeking to “cool off” a bit with air-conditioning and access to electricity and Internet. Persons will need to bring their own equipment (electronics, and charging cords).

Once your county receives an Individual Assistance designation, these FEMA Programs are available to those who are eligible. You are eligible if you are a disaster-impacted individual with expenses not covered by insurance.