NAPLES, Fla — Naples is now home to a new FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), ready to help residents recover from Hurricane Milton. FOX 4 asked FEMA why it’s in Collier County when the areas hardest hit by the last two hurricanes are so far north of here.
Follow Community Correspondent Austin Schargorodski’s report here…

FEMA opens Naples Recovery Center to help people displaced by Hurricane Milton

A steady stream of people visited Thursday, meeting with FEMA and SBA agents to discuss their recovery needs. Sam Roberts said he came because the insulation and pipes under his home were flooded by storm surge just two years after he lost his home to Hurricane Ian.

“If I can’t pull it out because it’s waterlogged, it’s going to be unhealthy for me to stay there with the chance of black mold growing and things like that,” Roberts said.

Austin Schargorodski

Fortunately, Roberts said coming to the DRC was a crucial step forward. “FEMA will probably be enough to cover the insulation, which is what they gave me. But if it runs out, I might go to the SBA,” Roberts said.

While Naples saw some damage from the coastal surge, the bulk of Milton’s impact hit northern counties. FOX 4 asked FEMA spokesman Troy York why they opened the Naples center.

“A lot of folds in the counties north of here, say Charlotte County, for example, probably had to leave Charlotte County because of the destruction of their homes. With alternative residences being, you know, everybody needing them and so few to be had, they’ve had to move on — a lot going down that way,” York explained.

Austin Schargorodski

At this center, people can apply for disaster relief, get loan assistance, and access resources from FEMA and other agencies. York notes that many prefer face-to-face options over online.

“It’s easy for them to be guided by the person they’re talking to who has experience with these issues and can help them get to the right programs,” York said.

Austin Schargorodski

To speed up the process, York suggests bringing your ID, proof of residence and loss records. This center will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except Sunday, until further notice.