More than $7.3 million in disaster assistance has been approved so far for Suwannee County just a little over a month after Tropical Storm Debby made her presence known here.


FEMA has approved $4.4 million in grants to individuals through close of business Monday while the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $2.9 million in loans to individuals and businesses through close of business Sunday, according to Carl W. Sherrill, public affairs officer with the SBA.


These are the most current numbers available.


“These are funds that will be spent with contractors, furniture stores and building suppliers in the Suwannee area by those affected by Debby as they get their homes and businesses back,” Sherrill stated. “SBA has approved a little over $1 million in the last week in Suwannee County.”


There are still individuals and business owners that need assistance, Sherrill explained.


“SBA has issued a little over 1,000 disaster loan applications in Suwannee County; about 22 percent of those have been completed and returned,” said Sherrill.


The SBA funding can cover uncompensated losses and help business owners stay in business, but time is running out. Applications must be completed by Sept. 4. Applications can be completed from home at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or at the Recover Center at the Suwannee County Coliseum on 11th Street in Live Oak, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. There, homeowners and business owners can seek help and get their questions answered.