Federal Disaster Assistance Activated for Florida in Response to Hurricane Helene

USA — TNW News has confirmed that the state of Florida will receive federal disaster assistance as part of ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Helene, starting Wednesday.

In a move to expedite recovery, President Joe Biden has authorized FEMA to spearhead relief operations aimed at saving lives, protecting property, and maintaining public health in the face of Helene’s potential destruction, according to an official statement from FEMA.

Federal disaster aid will be available to state, tribal, and certain local governments, as well as private nonprofit organizations. This support will cover emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance and reimbursement for critical operations like evacuations and shelter management.

The counties eligible for this assistance are: Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla.

Additionally, federal funding will be allocated to emergency protective measures for the following counties: Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Escambia, Hamilton, Holmes, Marion, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Sumter, Union, Walton, and Washington.

As Hurricane Helene approaches, stay connected with TNW News for the latest updates on relief efforts and storm impact across Florida.