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Ocala
Monday, April 29, 2024

Disaster Loan Outreach Center at Ocala Public Library ceasing operations on April 14 at 4 p.m.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at the Ocala Public Library will cease operations on Thursday, April 14 at 4 p.m. due to a steady decrease in activity.

The center was opened on Monday, April 4 at the Ocala Public Library (2720 E Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala) to provide assistance to businesses and residents who were affected by the EF-1 tornado on March 12.

Kem Fleming, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Field Operations Center East, said, “I encourage anyone who has not completed their disaster loan application to visit the center before the closing to meet with a customer service representative for one-on-one assistance.”

The center will be open on Wednesday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Thursday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Florida businesses and residents affected by the tornado may apply for low-interest disaster loans. SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman made the loans available in response to a letter dated March 24 from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA.

Businesses and residents in the declared area, which includes Marion County and adjacent counties (Alachua, Citrus, Lake, Levy, Putnam, Sumter, and Volusia), are able to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the SBA.

Customer service representatives are available at the DLOC to answer questions about the disaster loan program and to help individuals complete their applications. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all visitors at the center are encouraged to wear a face mask.

SBA’s North Florida District Director Jon “Malcolm” Richards said, “Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.”

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Loan assistance is available regardless of whether or not the business suffered any physical property damage.

According to SBA, loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace real estate that has been damaged or destroyed. Homeowners and renters are also eligible for loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property that was damaged or destroyed.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase, up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain, or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 2.94% for businesses, 1.875% for nonprofit organizations, and 1.438% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Anyone interested in a loan can apply online by visiting the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance web page. Applicants should apply under the SBA declaration #17379. Loan applications can also be downloaded by clicking here.

Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by contacting the SBA’s customer service center via phone: 1-800-659-2955 or email: DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Completed applications should be returned to the Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Ocala Public Library, or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Friday, May 27.

For more information, or for assistance, call 1-800-659–2955, Monday through Saturday (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).