Speaking in Pensacola Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that his office has submitted a request to FEMA for a federal disaster declaration in eight counties significantly impacted by Hurricane Isaias. But, choosing not to wait, DeSantis announced two partnerships to help displaced families and first responders with hurricane recovery.
Standing in front of two travel trailers at the Salvation Army, Governor DeSantis announced a partnership between the state and the non-profit organization Emergency RV to provide travel trailers to families whose homes are too damaged to occupy.
“You can put this on your property while you’re rehabbing your home and that just gives a lot of people peace of mind,” he said. “They don’t have to commute in 20 minutes just to get back to their home and do work and then have to go to a trailer city somewhere or to a hotel somewhere. It’s ideal for most people. They like to have the ability to stay on their property.”
As of mid-day Monday, the state had received almost 300 applications across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
The governor awarded those travel trailers that were on display to two Escambia County families. One went to 74-year-old widow Debbie, who lives on a fixed income and has several serious health conditions, including cancer and diabetes.
“During the hurricane a large tree branch fell on her home causing the roof to collapse and splitting the structure in half,” he said.
Given her age, medical conditions and limited financial resources, DeSantis said the extensive damage has left her facing considerable hardship as she navigates the recovery process.
"So I’m happy to be able to say that today, we can provide the keys to this emergency RV and travel. So, here you go...."
The other travel trailer on site went to Escambia County residents Brittany and her husband Joshua, who have two young children and another on the way. Two trees fell on their mobile home collapsing the roof. Also, many of their belongings received significant damage from heavy rain and wind.
As the news conference wrapped up, DeSantis offered the hurricane survivors a chance to look inside their new temporary homes.
The governor explained that the awarding of the travel trailers is the state’s own, pro-active initiative and the result of lessons learned.
“You’re literally waiting months to be able to get a travel trailer through past storms going through the federal government,” he said. “This is not something you would get a week-and-a-half later. That’s just not normal. So this is good work by the division of emergency management/Emergency RV to get this, but to get this to where it’s most useful.”
Also on Monday, Hurricane Isaias first responders were acknowledged for their efforts to serve the public, despite their own challenges due to the storm. Jared Perdue is executive director for the state’s Division of Emergency Management.
“Many of these men and women received significant damage to their own homes and property and yet they continued showing up, answering emergency calls and putting the needs of their communities and others ahead of their own,” said Perdue. “Today is an important recognition of their service and sacrifice. These first responders spent countless hours helping others and now we have an opportunity to help get them back on their feet.”
“Today, we’re pleased to be able to identify eight first responders, who will receive individual grants in the amount of $5,000 each,” said DeSantis.
Three of the eight deputies, Daniel Davis, Joshua McGee and Jeffrey Gillespie, were on hand to receive their ceremonial checks.
Governor DeSantis said the money comes from a disaster fund established through Volunteer Florida. Other first responder groups will be considered for future awards.
The governor also spoke in Destin on Monday.
