DEO Activates Emergency Business Damage Assessment on Algal Blooms

07/18/2018

Upon a request from Florida Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has activated the Business Damage Assessment survey on FloridaDisaster.biz. This survey will help the state determine the best way to assist businesses impacted by the algal blooms in Lake Okeechobee. With the information given to the state by the survey, the state will be able to work with federal and state partners to identify solutions to help local businesses recovery quickly. DEO wants to encourage all of partners to share the survey with businesses in Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobbee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties.
 

"I had the pleasure of traveling to Glades, Hendry and Palm Beach counties this week and hearing from local leaders and business owners about the effect this situation is having on them," said Cissy Proctor, DEO executive director. "These courageous people are resilient and committed to working together to find solutions.
 

"We remain committed to assisting businesses recover quickly after any disaster. We know the faster businesses recover, the quicker families and communities are able to return to normal. With this survey, we can accurately identify the needs of businesses and provide resources and assistance. The survey can be taken at FloridaDisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments by selecting the “Lake Okeechobee Discharge/Algae Blooms” event. For additional assistance, please call 850-815-4925."