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In Hurricane Helene’s wake, feds could fall short on money to help businesses after Congress declined to add to storm relief funding

In Hurricane Helene’s wake, feds could fall short on money to help businesses after Congress declined to add to storm relief funding

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As Hurricane Helene bore down on Florida’s Panhandle on Thursday, lawmakers in Washington prepared to leave town without allocating additional money to help small businesses recover from major storms.

A bipartisan continuing resolution passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a 341-82 vote and the U.S. Senate by 78-18. A signature from President Joe Biden will keep federal agencies open through Dec. 20, providing funding to various federal programs, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

But among the vast array of federal storm recovery programs designed to help businesses regain their financial footing, the Small Business Administration received only $40 million for maintaining operations, not for additional money to fund disaster loan programs to help damaged small businesses get back on their feet.

The agency, in a statement late Thursday to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, said that while the SBA is not devoid of resources, its ability to fund loans after Hurricane Helene could quickly diminish. read more

Orlando Science Center plots adults-only Halloween event

Orlando Science Center plots adults-only Halloween event

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Orlando Science Center’s next adults-only event will have a Halloween theme. OSC After Dark is set for Oct. 26 – the Saturday before things get officially spooky on the calendar – at the Loch Haven Park museum.

Among the festivities will be a costume contest, creepy puppet crafting in The Hive: Makerspace, night-sky viewing, themed bingo, karaoke, trivia and interactive displays amide the science center’s Halloween makeover. There will be an open bar plus light bites.

The museum’s exhibits will be available — in a children-free environment for the night — to After Dark participants. It’s a 21-and-older event that runs from 8-11 p.m.

Costumes are encouraged, although face coverings should not obstruct the wearer’s vision, and they should be removable for ID checks.

Activities are included with general admission, which is $50. An early bird special of $40 runs through Sept. 30. Science center members and Young Professionals for OSC pay $35. Proceeds support the Science for All Fund, which helps more community members access the science center by tackling social, economic or cultural barriers. read more