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.

Check out these frequently asked questions on restoration efforts following Hurricane Irma. 

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.

Duval County’s local emergency preparedness measures are always being improved and updated. This includes a significant change in the statewide approach to evacuation zones. In the past, evacuation zones have been primarily based on the category of the approaching storm. New scientific data that includes other factors, such as wave action, precipitation, and areas known to flood, has allowed us to better define evacuation zones for Duval County. Evacuation zones are based on a lettering system, with A,B,C,D,E, and F Zones.

In observance of Labor Day, the following city government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 4.