In the wake of Hurricane Isaias, the Freeport Merchants Association (FMA) released a statement directing residents and business owners to state and local recovery resources. The organization is encouraging anyone who sustained property damage or economic loss from the storm to submit official damage reports to help agencies coordinate relief efforts.
The FMA’s announcement highlighted the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program by the state’s Commerce Department. According to the release, the program offers short-term, interest-free loans of up to $100,000 for eligible small businesses and up to $150,000 for agricultural businesses. The FMA noted that these are loans, not grants, and must be repaid. The application deadline is November 25, 2026, or until program funds are exhausted.
In addition to promoting the state loan program, the merchants’ association is urging the public to support local businesses that were forced to close or sustained damage. The FMA has offered to help promote reopened businesses and is positioning itself as a source of guidance for owners navigating the recovery process. The group directed residents to Walton County Emergency Management for official updates and safety advisories.
