GOVERNOR SCOTT ANNOUNCES DISASTER FUND FOR FLORIDIANS IMPACTED BY TROPICAL STORMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2012
CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE- (850) 717-9282-media@eog.myflorida.com

West Palm Beach, FL – While the federal government begins its preliminary damage assessments, Governor Rick Scott announced the activation of Florida’s disaster fund to allow Floridians to help Floridians recover from two recent storms.

Today, Florida’s Foundation activated Florida’s disaster fund, Neighbors to the Rescue, to assist those who have been affected by tropical storms Debby and Isaac. Through Florida’s Foundation, long-term recovery organizations within the affected communities determine the needs and ensure the money goes where it’s needed most for long-term assistance.

“This morning, while Hurricane Isaac was beating down on western portions of the Panhandle, I got to see, first-hand, the flooding damage the storm left behind in Palm Beach County. We also have Floridians who are still recovering from Tropical Storm Debby,” said Governor Scott. “Your assistance will give much-needed help to our friends and neighbors in Florida who have sustained damages from these storms.”

In addition to the Neighbors to the Rescue disaster fund, Governor Scott encourages individuals to donate to established relief organizations of their choice. They may also consider volunteering with these organizations. Reputable relief and volunteer organizations that have been reviewed by the state may be found atwww.VolunteerFloridaDisaster.org. Volunteer Florida is a part of the Statewide Emergency Response Team and the lead agency for coordinating volunteers and donations.

The Neighbors to the Rescue Fund is managed by the nonprofit, Florida’s Foundation, under the guidance of a voluntary advisory council. Those wishing to assist with that fund may visit www.FloridasFoundation.org.

Concurrent with the activation, Comcast has committed to donating airtime for Public Service Announcements.

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The Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Volunteer Florida, was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; coordinates volunteers in a disaster; and inspires everyone from youths to seniors to people with disabilities to serve their communities. For more information, visit:www.volunteerflorida.org.

AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in service each year and administers President Obama’s national service initiative United We Serve.  Interested individuals can learn about available opportunities and apply online by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.