Most Power Restored After Storm

Article reposted with permission from The News Service of Florida.

The state Division of Emergency Management said Wednesday that electricity had been restored for most utility customers who lost power because of a tornado-filled storm system that swept across the state on Tuesday. The state also said it has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses damaged by the storm, which caused severe damage in some parts of the Panhandle. The state reported 87,000 homes, businesses and other utility customers had lost power as of mid-day Tuesday, and several hundred more outages were reported across Central Florida as the system moved over the state. It reported Wednesday that power had been restored to 82,000 customers. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order Tuesday declaring a state of emergency for 49 counties because of the weather. The order also activated the Florida National Guard. A news release Wednesday said teams from the Florida State Guard also were helping with issues such as damage assessments in Bay and Jackson counties, which got hit by tornadoes.