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Associated PressSeptember 15, 2017

Confronted with back-to-back major hurricanes, the American Red Cross has received a huge outpouring of financial support — and a simultaneous barrage of criticism based on its struggles to respond to several past disasters. To date, combined donations to the Red Cross for hurricanes Harvey and Irma have topped $300 million. Former President Barack Obama […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 5, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott directed state offices to be closed in all 67 Florida counties this Friday in preparation for Hurricane Irma, his office announced Tuesday night. Scott also asked state employees to volunteer in the state’s emergency shelter mobilization efforts. “Our state workforce is filled with dedicated individuals who go above and beyond every day in service […]

Associated PressMay 21, 2017

Local officials are raising concerns about drug use at hurricane shelters, saying they aren’t equipped to care for addicts, unaccompanied minors and others with other medical needs. Nearly 16,000 people in nine counties from Indian River to Miami-Dade evacuated to shelters during Hurricane Matthew. Six evacuees seeking refuge at a Delray Beach high school during […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 10, 2016

The First Coast Relief Fund has half a million dollars to start, but the smart money says that it will have much more than that in the end. The fund begins with $500,000 in seed money from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, and is a collaboration between the United Way of Northeast Florida, the United Way of St. […]

Mitch PerryJune 28, 2016

As dozens of injured people were being sent to Orlando hospitals in the immediate aftermath of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting, thousands in Central Florida and throughout the state immediately went to give blood to those fighting for their lives. However, some survivors of the shooting were prohibited from donating blood to their friends who were shot because […]

Scott PowersJune 17, 2016

A family of 16 from Mexico reluctantly came to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium Thursday seeking burial help for their beloved son, slain in Pulse Sunday night. The family members were distraught, not knowing what they needed or how even to ask. They came to Orlando’s established-on-the-fly Orlando Family Assistance Center with just one request and, and before they […]

Tag: American Red Cross

For Red Cross, hurricanes bring both donations and criticism

Rick Scott: State offices closed Friday

Officials worry about drug overdoses at hurricane shelters

First Coast Relief Fund launched for Hurricane Matthew recovery

Alan Grayson pushes for repeal on limit on when gay, bisexual men can donate blood

Orlando Family Assistance Center working, shows ‘Orlando United’