STEINHATCHEE, FL (352today.com) – A day after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Steinhatchee, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arrived in the fishing village to tour the damage and speak with residents.

While there, he held a news conference at Roy’s Restaurant to deliver updates on Florida’s ongoing response to Hurricane Debby.

DeSantis announced $10 million for the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

“The State of Florida leads the nation in storm preparation and disaster response,” said DeSantis. “We will continue to work around the clock to restore power and provide services and resources to Floridians hit by Hurricane Debby.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to residents Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Steinhatchee. Courtesy: AP Photo/Christopher O’Meara
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, right, speaks to residents and members of the media Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Steinhatchee about recovery efforts after Hurricane Debby made landfall in the Big Bend area on Monday. Courtesy: AP Photo/Christopher O’Meara

The bridge loan program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Debby. Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses.

Florida small business owners in need of assistance have until September 30, 2024, to apply or until all available funds are expended.

Once Debby passed, the owner’s of Roy’s Restaurant went to their waterfront eatery to assess the damage and posted it to Facebook live. Posts during the height of the storm showed the exterior of the restaurant getting thrashed by wind-driven rain.

From Steinhatchee, the governor then joined First Lady Casey DeSantis at Taylor County Middle School in Perry to open a Business Resource Center and a Point of Distribution (POD) for the Big Bend Area.

The governor’s office says it’s a one-stop-shop for residents and businesses to get the help they need to get back on their feet.

“The Hope Bus is set up at Taylor County Middle School,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “We’ve mobilized Hope Florida to respond in the immediate aftermath of a storm. Residents impacted by Hurricane Debby can visit the Hope Bus to be connected with a Hope Navigator and immediate-need goods.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a box of emergency bottled water while surrounded by members of the National Guard at a point of distribution site in Taylor County where Hurricane Debby made landfall the day before.
Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a box of emergency bottled water while surrounded by members of the National Guard at a point of distribution site in Taylor County where Hurricane Debby made landfall the day before. Courtesy: Gov. Ron DeSantis

The Business Resource Center is open until 5 p.m. with Florida Commerce, CareerSource, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Florida Department of Children and Families also on site.