Today, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at The Salvation Army Multi-Agency Resource Center in Pensacola to highlight new assistance for Floridians recovering from Hurricane Isaias and ongoing response and recovery efforts across Northwest Florida. The announcements included awarding the first two temporary shelter trailers to storm-impacted families and providing one-time financial assistance to first responders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who were personally affected by the storm while continuing to serve their communities.
"Thanks to our partnership with Emergency RV, we have started providing travel trailers to Floridians displaced by significant hurricane damage, so they have a safe place to live while they rebuild," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "We're also committed to helping the first responders whose homes were impacted by the storm and still showed up to serve their communities. With funding from the Florida Sheriffs Association, we are providing these first responders with $5,000 each to show our gratitude."
Through a partnership between Emergency RV and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, temporary shelter trailers are being provided to eligible residents displaced by significant damage from Hurricane Isaias. Emergency RV is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter to individuals and families affected by disasters. The program has received nearly 300 applications. Residents can apply at EmergencyRV.org .
The Governor also announced one-time $5,000 grants for eight first responders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who were personally affected by the storm while continuing to serve their communities. The assistance is being provided through a partnership between the Florida Disaster Fund and Volunteer Florida, in coordination with the Florida Sheriffs Association. The grants recognize the responders' service and provide additional support as they recover.
Florida has requested a Major Disaster Declaration that includes Public Assistance for 15 counties and Individual Assistance for eligible residents in eight counties. The state is awaiting a federal decision. If approved, the declaration would make additional federal recovery assistance available to eligible communities and residents. Recovery teams remain in the field assessing damage and gathering information about community needs.
