Fort Myers Beach homes to get $6M FEMA aid for hurricane protection

FORT MYERS, Fla.—Good news is on the horizon for some Fort Myers Beach homeowners.

More than $6 million will be distributed to 25 single-family homes located in flood-prone areas just over two months before hurricane season. This funding will provide homeowners with the assistance they need to begin elevating their homes.

The process depends on when FEMA hands over the funds to the town, which is still in progress. This is a crucial first step for homeowners who have waited years for this opportunity.

"If there's money for that, let it happen. Let these people stay here, help them out. Put them on a program and help them out," said Mary Borman, a Fort Myers Beach homeowner.

Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton have been challenging for Fort Myers Beach residents.

"This was a house right here. It was a duplex, and one that my neighbors, and one of them, passed away in the storm in Ian, so that was super hard," said Borman.

The town announced that 25 of nearly 200 applicants are set to receive FEMA hazard mitigation funding to start elevating their homes.

"It was a large pool of people. Very strict specifications the home had to meet, structurally sound specifications that basically meant it was okay to be lifted in the air and elevated at the FEMA elevation point. So basically, down to 25, they met all of those measures, and they're luckily going to be able to receive the grant that they've been waiting on for three years now," said Abigail Eberhart.

Although Borman didn't apply for the funding, she understands the struggles of rebuilding after a major hurricane.

"The financial aspect is big for a lot of people," said Borman. "Especially the people who have the ranch houses on the ground they're leaving, they're getting tired of it. They're tired of every storm. They're like getting sludge and dirt and sand out of their houses constantly."

The town is asking for patience as they work to distribute the funds.

"We just ask that people be patient. You know, we are still getting information on how that funding will be distributed. We are here to help facilitate the funds with our contractor, and that should be momentarily, but just be patient with us while we figure out the details," said Eberhart.

If you are one of the 25 homeowners, you will soon receive letters in the mail about the next steps.