Southwest Florida homeowner challenges Elevate Florida funding decision

BONITA SPRINGS - Stephen O'Reilly, a 71-year-old homeowner, has been on a quest for answers after his application to the Elevate Florida program was not approved.

O'Reilly, who had to sell his motorcycles and dip into his savings, was left wondering why his application was refused.

On Monday, he received an email from a contractor on behalf of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The email clarified that his application was not denied but could not proceed due to funding limitations.

The Elevate Florida program, which received $400 million in funding this year, prioritizes applicants based on specific criteria. Despite having a competitive application, O'Reilly did not receive any funds.

O'Reilly and his neighbors in Lee County are among thousands who applied but were not accepted into the program. Out of over 1,800 applications submitted in Lee County, only six were awarded in Bonita Springs.

Even as he prepares to move back home in March, O'Reilly remains determined to seek answers from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Elevate Florida.