More Fla. Counties Eligible for Disaster Assistance for Ivan Storm Damage

Federal disaster aid for Florida residents affected by Hurricane Ivan has been extended to include Brevard, Citrus, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Osceola, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced. Citrus and Lee counties had previously been designated for emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance Program.

Residents of those 22 counties who suffered uninsured damages from the storm are eligible to apply for federal aid that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing and home repairs as well as other disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

The 22 new counties bring to 38 the total number of Florida counties designated eligible for Individual Assistance as a result of Hurricane Ivan. Previously designated counties include Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton and Washington.

Affected individuals and business owners may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week through Dec. 31. Persons with speech- or hearing-impairment may call 1-800-462-7585.

Residents of counties designated eligible for aid as a result of Hurricanes Charley, Frances or Jeanne are eligible to reapply for assistance for damages caused by Ivan.