(PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.) — As hurricane season approaches and unexpected disasters remain a constant threat, Charlotte County community members gathered at the Family Services Center for a Disaster Recovery Seminar hosted by Endeavors, which was aimed at helping the community prepare, respond, and recover more effectively.
The seminar, held on Tuesday, April 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 21500 Gibralter Drive, brought together representatives from Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS), the Small Business Administration (SBA), FEMA, United Policyholders, and Endeavors to provide attendees with actionable approaches to disaster readiness and resilience.
Topics ranged from FEMA’s disaster assistance programs and SBA’s mitigation offerings to the legal and insurance issues that often follow a disaster. The event also highlighted local resources available to individuals and families during recovery.
“Disaster preparedness is not just about stocking supplies—it’s about understanding what help is available, who to call, and how to navigate recovery processes,” said disaster attorney Kevin Sarlo, of FRLS. “Seminars like this equip people with the knowledge to protect themselves, their homes, and their communities.”
Attendees learned about the often-overlooked aspects of disaster recovery, such as filing insurance claims, securing legal assistance for housing or employment issues, and accessing low-interest loans for rebuilding through the SBA.
For many residents, the seminar served as a timely reminder of the need to plan ahead. Organizers emphasized that building awareness and resilience before a disaster strikes can make all the difference in the aftermath.
“Being informed is one of the most powerful tools people can have when facing a crisis,” said Sarlo.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to connect directly with experts and local support providers.