• First Lady Casey DeSantis on Wednesday activated the Florida Disaster Fund in order better assist with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts 
• The fund, run in coordination with Volunteer Florida, partners with public, corporate, and non-governmental groups to raise funds to help regions of the state recover from natural disaster events
• As of this afternoon, Ian has come close to reaching Category 5 status, crossing southwest Florida with sustained winds of 155 miles per hour

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced on Wednesday the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support Florida’s communities impacted by Hurricane Ian.

The Florida Disaster Fund is a private fund created by the state to help regions in responding to and recovering from times of catastrophe or disaster. The Florida Disaster Fund supports emergency and recovery efforts in collaboration with public, corporate, and non-governmental groups.

“I am pleased to announce that Volunteer Florida has activated the Florida Disaster Fund so that people can donate directly to those affected by Hurricane Ian,” said Frist Lady DeSantis. “We greatly appreciate the kindness and generosity of organizations and individuals from across the country looking to support Floridians, thank you.”

As of the 2:00 P.M. National Hurricane Center advisory, Hurricane Ian is causing catastrophic storm surges, winds, and flooding in Florida. Ian is still a Category 4 storm but has inched closer to qualifying for Category 5 classification, coming just a single mile per hour short of the distinction this afternoon.

*RARE* first person view of storm surge. This camera is 6 feet off the ground on Estero Blvd in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Not sure how much longer it keeps working. You’ll see it live only on ⁦@weatherchannel⁩ #Ian pic.twitter.com/WwHtvgVxjY

— Mike Bettes (@mikebettes) September 28, 2022

Flood levels have reached approximately 6 feet in height, posing a deadly threat to those remaining in the area. National services are reporting cars completely submerged underwater and mobile homes being swept away by rushing waters.

Gov. Ron DeSantis reports that more than 200,000 people are currently without power in the Gulf Coast region, as of 2:00 P.M, also requesting a Major Disaster declaration from President Joe Biden for all 67 counties of the state.

As part of this request, DeSantis also sought that President Biden approves a FEMA federal cost share of 60 percent for 45 days to support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

This FEMA funding would support debris removal and emergency protective measures to help counties that will be directly impacted by Hurricane Ian.