FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opens in St. Augustine

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla — FEMA and the State of Florida officially opened doors to a Disaster Recovery Center in St. Johns County Saturday morning.

The recovery center, located at 3111 Agricultural Center Dr in St. Augustine is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Residents of St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler counties who suffered damage or losses from Hurricane Ian are eligible to apply for assistance.

At the center, local residents and small business owners are connected with resources.

Disaster survivors can learn about their options when it comes to federal assistance, the appeals process and get updates on applications.

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Christopher Dillon has lived in St. Augustine for 25 years.

“I want money from FEMA, because I had two feet of water inside my house,” Dillon said.

This isn’t the first time his home has taken a hit.

“By Matthew, by Irma, by Floyd and by Ian,” Dillon said.

Dillon said the FEMA process has been excellent, and he’s wishing for the best this time around.

“I would hope that they give me enough money to knock the house down and to raise the house eight feet up off the ground,” Dillon said.

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If you’re looking for help through FEMA, you will need to bring a form of identification and proof of residency.

Gerald Kiltz is the FEMA DRC Task Force Lead for Branch 3.

“The purpose of this center is to provide pretty much a one-stop-shop for applicants that have been affected by the hurricane,” Kiltz said.

Through the Small Business Administration – there are 2 loans available.

One loan is up to $2 million for physical damage – so repairs and replacements of inventory.

There’s another loan of up to $2 million for economical injury – for their working capital.

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These are fixed loans up to 30 years. The interest rate is 3.04 percent.

Janel Finley is the Public Affairs Specialist with the US Small Business Administration, Office of Disaster Assistance FOC East.

“I encourage all businesses. I encourage residents, homeowners, renters, nonprofits, churches – all of them to apply with FEMA and then also put in an SBA application.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can click here to use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

Also Read: FEMA to Open Disaster Recovery Center in St. Johns County

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