BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — The Jan. 9 storm that spawned several dangerous tornadoes caused significant damage, but not enough to get FEMA involved.
People affected by tornadoes across the Panhandle are still recovering.
“We had just woken up early and as I was picking my 6-year-old son out of his bedroom as the alarm went off, I heard the sound of a loud freight train approaching, then thunder and lightning, and I just saw the whip of a tornado. 'It went through my backyard,'' Bay County resident Jade Bieniak said.
“It's safe to drive on the roads now, but it's not gone yet. It's just because some people don't have insurance and can't even clean it up,” Bay County Commissioner Claire Pease said. .
The U.S. Small Business Administration is currently providing assistance to those affected.
“For homeowners, renters, businesses who may have maxed out their insurance, or people who may not have insurance or have maxed out their credit cards, we will We're here to provide federal funding in the form of low-interest loans that can be repaid. It will take 30 years to cover these repairs,” said Donica Farnham, a U.S. Small Business Administration spokeswoman.
Representatives will be in Bay and Jackson counties until April 16th. In Bay County, the Outreach Center is located at the Bay County Public Library and will be open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Jackson County Outreach Center is located in the Agriculture Center and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Once the initial application is complete, there is some homework to be done through an online portal that applicants will set up. This includes taking photos of the damaged property and uploading them to the system.” said Farnham.
Businesses and nonprofit organizations can receive up to $2 million in loans, homeowners whose property needs replacement or repair can receive up to $500,000, and personal property damage can receive up to $500,000. You can get a loan of $100,000.
“It’s tough when the prices of everything are going up and property taxes are going up. You need to hold on to as much cash as possible to cover your lifestyle in order to have access to loans and assistance opportunities. “It was a big deal,” Bieniak said.
The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers loans in Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Liberty, Walton and Washington counties. Click here for more information and how to apply for a loan in person or online.
