FEMA

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Florida’s request for a disaster declaration stemming from tornadoes that touched down in Southwest Florida in January. The declaration opens the door for impacted residents and businesses to apply for SBA disaster loans.

Palm City Rep. Brian Mast says algae outbreaks should be treated by the federal government like responses to other natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

Scientists at Colorado State University say this could be another above average hurricane season with a forecasted 19 storms.

DeSantis noted that the tornadoes disproportionately impacted the homes of vulnerable seniors.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced more Hurricane Michael recovery assistance is coming to rural communities across the Panhandle on Thursday.

FEMA says its new rates better reflect the risk from more intense and frequent rain and floods. The increase could make housing unaffordable for some in the most flood-prone areas.

Three years after Hurricane Michael devastated Panama City, signs of recovery are evident. Both residents and Panama City mayor Greg Brudnicki are praising the improvements.

Risk Rating 2.0 is the first major change to the National Flood Insurance Program since the 1970s.

Risk Rating 2.0 is the first major change to the National Flood Insurance Program since the 1970s.

Risk Rating 2.0 is the first change to the way the National Flood Insurance Program calculates premiums since the 1970s and represents the biggest shift since the program was founded in the 1960s.

The updated Pinellas County maps are the result of a coastal flood risk study started in 2012 and under review since 2018.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell took over the agency in April, just before another above average hurricane season forecast and the start of another record wildfire season.