TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $11.9 million to the Town of Fort Myers Beach through the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan. The award is the first through the program created during a Special Legislative Session earlier this year.

“By presenting Fort Myers Beach with this $11.9 million award just weeks after I signed this new program into law is a testament to our commitment to helping communities impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole recover as quickly as possible,” said Governor DeSantis. “Through this program, we look forward to connecting more communities with the resources they need to continue operations as they rebuild.”
Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan program helps support government operations that may have been impacted by hurricanes Ian or Nicole, bridging the gap while they await federal relief or recovery of local revenue.
“Thank you, Governor DeSantis and Senate President Passidomo for your unwavering dedication to helping us recover after Hurricane Ian devastated our community in Fort Myers Beach six months ago,” said Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers. “With this award, we will be able to continue keeping the lights on and keep people working as we work to recover.”