The FEMA Recovery Center in Lake City is now open. It is located at 484 SW Commerce Drive, Suite 145 in the Westfield Shopping Center. The Center will be open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Representatives of FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state agencies will be on hand to allow residents to make applications for disaster assistance programs which includes grants, low interest loans, unemployment payments and other relief programs. Residents are urged to register in advance of visiting the DRC and can do so by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. You can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If phones are busy, attempt to call back a few minutes later or try after 6pm. Disaster recovery centers are open in the following counties: Columbia; Suwannee; Wakulla; Baker. For your convenience if you live in an area that has been declared a disaster area, you can receive help at any FEMA DRC.
Human Services Recovery Center will be opened at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. It will also be located in the Westfield Square Shopping Center, 426 SW Commerce Drive, Suite 101. Representatives of Catholic Charities, the American Red Cross and other community support agencies will be represented. Beginning Tuesday, the Human Services Center is also scheduled to be open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Tax Relief – After President Obama declared Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Franklin, Hernando, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee, Wakulla counties a federal disaster area, the Internal Revenue Service is able to postpone some deadlines and waive some penalties. Those who live in the devastated areas or have a business there may qualify for the tax relief. Call IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief.
The Columbia County Emergency Shelter remains open at Richardson Middle School. To report an issue connected to Tropical Storm Debby and her aftermath call our Citizens Hotline at 386-719-5730
