FEMA

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says the agency tasked with helping communities recover from Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters would need Congress to provide additional funds.

Those affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for FEMA assistance to take care of critical needs.

Take photos and videos of structural and personal property damage before discarding items. It will be your evidence when you file claims with your insurance adjuster and/or federal agencies.

FEMA has announced an extension in its housing program from Hurricane Ian.

Residents can apply to the the Individuals and Households Program if they have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.

It's for cars that are inoperable or unsafe to drive. Those applying must prove the storm caused the damage.

The Disaster Recovery Center will open Saturday, Aug. 17 from 1 – 7 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library (16410 Rangeland Pkwy, Bradenton, FL., 34211). The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily after that.

The aid is available to residents and business owners in Sarasota and Manatee counties at DisasterAssistance.gov, or 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Only NFIP policy holders in Sanibel and the city of Fort Myers are in good standing. Others at risk of losing steep discounts. Lee County and Fort Myers Beach officials are hoping they can help calm fears those federal notices may bring.

Craig Fugate referred to Hurricane Ian's impact on Fort Myers. He said it's causing an affordable housing crisis and pricing people out of their communities.

Tens of thousands of federal flood insurance policy holders in Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and unincorporated Lee County will continue to get steep discounts on its premiums, the city of Cape Coral and Lee's government announced Friday.

The FEMA decision will impact a majority of federal flood insurance policy holders in Lee County.