Article

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission shared these tips on post-Irma resources and donation information with NMMA and we are sharing them with the industry: 

Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program
Attention, small business owners! If your business was impacted by Hurricane Irma, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance through the Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program. The program provides short-term interest-free working capital loans intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer-term recovery resources. Applications will be accepted from qualified Florida small businesses under this program through Oct. 31, 2017.Go to www.floridadisasterloan.org for information on how to apply.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents whose jobs were affected by Hurricane Irma. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is accepting DUA applications until Oct. 16, 2017. For details on eligibility, go here.

FWC Emergency Assistance Fund
Launched by the nonprofit Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, all funds received will be distributed to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) employees and families impacted by the hurricane. FWC officers and specialists were among the first responders during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, working around the clock to rescue people from dangerous flood waters. Now, these heroes need our help as they deal with storm destruction to their own homes. Click here to donate

Red Cross Donations
Red Cross employees and volunteers have been working tirelessly to provide shelter, meals and comfort to displaced Floridians across the state. Please consider making a contribution today in support of the Red Cross and their continued efforts post-hurricane. Click here to donate

South Florida Donation Drives
For those in South Florida wishing to contribute, below are several members of the Keep Florida Fishing coalition that are accepting goods to deliver to the Florida Keys. Items including water, generators and toiletries are needed. Click the links below for details on drop-off locations/times and items needed for each donation drive.

Florida Sportsman Magazine Donation Drive
Crook and Crook Donation Drive
Bob Hewes Boats Donation Drive