NMMA provides updated list of hurricane relief resources

The hurricane season has been devastating to many communities in the United States and Caribbean. NMMA is sharing the following resources for those in the marine industry who are looking for assistance or ways to help others.

• The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida SBDC Network are working to help businesses recover all across the state. DEO recently launched the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program to help these businesses get back on their feet. The bridge loan program supports businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma by providing short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. The program bridges the gap between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance. Applications for this program must be completed by Oct. 31, 2017; apply online at www.floridadisasterloan.org. For more information about the bridge loan, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at (850) 898-3489 or email Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org.
• The Florida Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Program is providing assistance to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a result of Hurricane Irma.
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and specialists were among the first responders during the storm, working around the clock to rescue people from dangerous flood waters. Now, those same people need help. The FWC is asking for donations to the FWC Emergency Assistance Fund, launched by the nonprofit Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. All funds received will be distributed to FWC employees and families impacted by the hurricane. Click here to donate.
• US Sailing has set up a set up a webpage http://www.ussailing.org/stormresources/ which contains storm resources and information.
• Shake-A-Leg Miami, a local non-profit organization that focuses on utilizing the marine environment to improve the health, education and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges, was badly damaged in Hurricane Irma. They have started a Go Fund Me to rebuild. Once $100k is raised a neighbor has committed to donating a grant of an extra $100k. To find out more or donate click here.
• Maverick Boat Group has teamed up with Yamaha, Power Pole and Ameratrail trailers to auction off a new Pathfinder 2200 TRS with 100 percent of the sales proceeds going to help those in the fishing community most impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The online auction is now live at www.mbg4relief.com and will run through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4.