The Fort Myers City Council convened on January 13, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding public assistance following hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as improvements in the community's flood insurance rating system.

During the meeting, Christy Matthews, the city's emergency manager, provided an overview of the public assistance grants related to the recent hurricanes. She clarified that these grants function as reimbursement programs, meaning the city must first incur expenses before receiving federal funds. For Hurricane Helene, the city anticipates a reimbursement of less than $1 million, while for Hurricane Milton, the expected reimbursement could reach approximately $3.5 million. Matthews noted that the city is on track to receive nearly $620,000 in the coming weeks, pending the completion of necessary agreements.

The council also discussed the ongoing efforts to track and manage public assistance grants from previous disasters, including Hurricane Ian. Matthews assured the council that the city is maintaining detailed documentation to ensure eligibility for reimbursements, despite the challenges posed by multiple disaster events.

In a separate update, Steve Eldon, the community development director, reported on the city's progress in the Community Rating System (CRS) for flood insurance. The city has improved its CRS score from a level 9 to a level 6, which translates to a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums for residents. Eldon highlighted the importance of community floodplain management activities and outlined plans to further enhance the city's score, aiming for a level 5 in the future. This improvement is significant as it not only reduces costs for residents but also reflects the city's commitment to effective flood management practices.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the next steps for both public assistance and flood management initiatives, emphasizing the city's dedication to supporting its residents in the aftermath of natural disasters and enhancing community resilience against future flooding events.